How to Handle a Heartbreaker

The McCauley Brothers #2

by Marie Harte

It’s lust-at-first-sight when Brody Singer first sees Abby Dunn. Abby looks a lot like a woman he once knew, one who died years ago. But Abby’s definitely different — shyer but sexier.

Abby’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.

Only Abby can write her own ending — will she choose her own happily-ever-after, or stay safe in her shell?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult, Humor

324 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Important:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was long time ago, I read the The Troublemaker Next Door. I remember I do not like it at all and shelved it under DNF. So when I read many good positive review on How to Handle a Heartbreaker, I decided to give it a chance.

To my surprise I do enjoy this book very much. It is meant to be light and funny. It would be good if it is shorten a bit. I found it too dragging with many unnecessary plot. Abby is suppose to be shy and sexy heroine. But she changes into wild and sexy heroine without explanation. I also think that the people reaction towards Abby is romance writer is OTT.

Aside of those that is lacking, the rest of the book is fine. Easy listening during long boring office hour.

4 stars

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 5 stars!

Triggers:
Cheating: no
Love triangle: no
Sex with om/ow: not at all - it's been approx 6 months for the hero (he has been wanting Abby for awhile) and it's been awhile for the heroine as well. There is another guy that shows interest in Abby in the very beginning, but nothing comes of it.

My review:

This was a pleasantly HOT surprise. I did enjoy the first book but it was PRETTY good and also a pleasant surprise. This book though is my favorite so far of the series - even though I am anxiously waiting to read the next two books in this series; especially Mike :)

We meet both Abby and Brody in the last book. Abby is a voluptuous quirky romance/erotica writer. She doesn't like anyone really knowing about it because she doesn't want them to think she is weird, like her ex boyfriend, the douche, Kevin, thought. She also has a low self esteem that she is working on because she isn't as "perfect" as her two roommates and best friends - Maddie and Vanessa. She has curves - which Brody loves :)

Brody is the "adopted" brother of the McClauley clan and named Flynn's "blonde twin". He has been lusting over Abby for quite awhile even to the extend that he stops "dating" because none of the other fish out there are Abby. Abby also resembles Mike's deceased wife, who Brody also adored and had strong feelings for. He realizes quickly though that his infatuation with Abby has nothing to do with his resemblance to Lea.

Both of these characters have pasts that make them weary of commitment and love and their relationship is just the cutest ever. Their banter was hilarious and did I say Hot?!?! Brody was equally a fantastic dirty talker and oh so sweet to Abby. Of course, Abby isn't shy when it comes to taking charge either.

There is a situation that happens towards the end where Brody pushes Abby away, but I understood and it didn't take him long to get his shit together and go after the woman he loves. I had a smile on my face for majority of this book and it felt good! :)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit.

That was my reaction when I finished this book. As my first read my Marie Harte, I didn’t exactly know what I was getting into. A couple of my trusted friends suggested I try this book but it wasn’t until now that I got a chance to read it.

Two things immediately jumped out of me while reading this book. The first is that it’s really, really funny. Many authors try hard to create that genuine rapport with all their characters. Their aim is to make them sound charming and fun-loving. However, some struggle to get it right. Harte, on the other hand, is a freaking genius at the craft. She hits every high note in the exact moment and even though there is joke after joke rolling throughout this entire book, it never feels strained at all. I’ve read a lot of books, but only a few authors can really make me laugh out loud like this book as done.

The second thing I absolutely adore and was a little shocked about at first is the sex. For one, I didn’t expect the level of intensity or passion between Brody and Abby for some reason. But it makes total sense. Abbi is a steamy romance writer and Brody is a total gentleman for wanting to help out in her research. It gets steamy really fast and you will never see my complain about this. Ever.

The sex scenes are so smoking I had to take a breather. Who knew that a charming, silly book like this one could also pack a hefty punch in the sex department? So far, Harte has packed everything I love about Contemporary Romances into this book.

But there is one more thing that sealed the deal for me. As you can guess, the series is centered around a family of brothers and their friends. You get the uncensored look into what goes on in their lives, including all the hazing, the fights and the teasing. Even between the girls there’s a ton of laughs to be mad. HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER is just one of those books that can take you out of real life and make you laugh. I’m actually kicking myself that I didn’t read this sooner. I loved it all.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars – Contemporary Romance

[Chumchum_88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I started reading the first book, I figured out most of the couples, so I've been interested in Brody's and Mike's stories, and mike has to wait. Brody on the other hand was ... WOW

- Loved Brody and Abby, their chemistry was off the charts, and how they made each other feel was heartwarming, not in arousing kind of way but in makes-me-feel-a-better-person kind of way

- I liked how Abby had a retort to everything, their banter was cute, and I loved the tongue lashing she gave her sister and family in Thanksgiving (Go Abby!!*cheers*)

- Loved how they were more comfortable in their relationship status than the previous couple, going from no status to almost relationship to boyfriend/girlfriend and their talk about after in the end of the book was cute

- Liked Seth, the old guy was funny and I felt sorry for Brody after the thing for Seth, and yeah Brody's biological family were shit but at least the brother is showing remorse but still ..

- Loved the bowling scene with Del and Mike, and of course I'm really liking Del, I hope she will have much more appearance in the next book

- Loved how Brody was proud of her as a writer and the library scene was awesome then her sister then her dad and mom, the fan base is increasing ^^

- I loved the heart to heart scene between the infamous McCauley twin, they made me cry too!!!

- I feel sorry about the parents I just hope they aren't going to end up where I'm thinking they will, I just hope there might be a turnover or something

Overall, *thumbs up*

[Paranormal Kiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

How to Handle a Heartbreaker is the second book in the McCauley Brothers series by Marie Harte. It is about Abby and Brody. They have been fighting their attraction towards one another ever since they met about six months prior. Abby is roommate and friend to Maddie, the heroine of the first book, The Trouble Maker Next Door, and Brody is friend/honorary brother to the McCauley brothers. Neither Abby nor Brody is looking for anything serious so they agree to keep things simple but of course things start to get more serious when they find themselves falling in love.

I enjoyed How to Handle a Heartbreaker. It was amusing and entertaining. Abby‘s a great heroine and I found her to be witty, charming and endearing. Her interactions and banter with Brody were a joy to read. Abby became quite adept at handling both Brody and his dog, Mutt. Brody was a good hero but there were times when I wanted to knock him upside the head. When he is greatly upset he retreats into himself and pushes everyone away. Which is understandable given his past but I still didn’t like the way he pushed Abby away when she genuinely tried to help.

How to Handle a Heartbreaker is well written with engaging characters and snappy dialog. I really enjoyed it until the end when it lost a little steam. I guess I didn’t feel that Brody did enough to show how much he cared. He made all the right moves but it didn’t move me or feel heartfelt. It seemed like he was doing and saying what he thought she wanted as opposed to speaking and acting from the heart. Actions speak louder than words and I wanted him to show her over time how he meant what he said. It was too quick a resolution/ending for me. But that’s just me, other readers may feel differently.

All in all How to Handle a Heartbreaker is quite good and I would recommend it to fans of contemporary romance.

*ARC received from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This book was fantastic... The gorgeous Brody and Abby are fantastic characters that were perfect for one another. And the always adorable and mischievous Colin again is such a great character. Mutt was also a great addition to the story and when Del was introduced I got so excited when I realised her role in this series!

Another fabulous book from Marie Harte that will make you want to read more!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I loved this one better. Marie Harte has the uncanny ability to write series that surround family so while the romance between the couple is always front and center the secondary characters add depth and provide everything from comic relief, to sage advice, to the requisite ass kicking when needed. I loved every minute of How To Handle A Heartbreaker; it was a little bit deeper and more serious than the first book in this series, but it still had enough humor and unabashed sexy times to round it out and make it an entertaining story.
Brody Singer is the “blond McCauley,” a boy who the family took in when he was a young boy and raised him as one of their own. He’s always been thankful for them but he’s always worried what they would think of him if they knew everything about his crazy, horrible past. Brody has some big time scars both physically and mentally and because of that he’s never allowed anyone to see all of him, he keeps so much of himself bottled up that even his best friend it “twin” Flynn doesn’t even know it all. When he meets Abby Dunn for the first time he can’t help but notice she’s a dead ringer for his oldest brother’s late wife whom he harbored a secret crush on but once he gets to know Abby he sees her for the person she is and he knows he must get to know her better no matter how much she protests.
Ever since she and her roommates moved in next door to Mike McCauley, Abby has enjoyed listening to their manly talk over their Friday night poker games. A romance writer, Abby uses bits and pieces of their conversations to make her work more authentic or so she thinks. While she likes all of the McCauley’s their friend and “other brother” Brody drives her just a wee bit crazy. He’s outrageous, a flirt, and a heartbreaker. He goes from woman to woman and never spends more than a few dates with any. She has no intentions on just being another notch on his bedpost but then one night of too much alcohol has Brody seeing Abby in a whole new light and when he discovers what she writes, he offers to help her with any research she’d like to do to make her work more authentic.
I really enjoyed the back and forth banter between these two because it is so obvious to everyone around them that they want each other. Oh they deny it and they continue to deny it even after they do finally start having sex because they don’t want to cause problems within their group if they stop seeing one another. I’ll admit they were very mature about the way they began their relationship but kind of lost that when things got tough. You know those skeletons in Brody’s closet? Yep, they come crawling out and he doesn’t handle things well, not in his own life and not with Abby. Abby’s got some issues of her own, but because of Brody’s acceptance of her writing and what she needs from him sexually she begins to understand that she has to be proud of who she is and what she does for a living. Abby has quite the metamorphosis during this story and it was really fascinating to watch. I love that Abby stands up to Brody and calls him on his bad behavior something no one has done to him in the past. The fact that she also calls his “family” on letting him get away with it is also pretty spectacular. The fact that they both realized getting their secrets out in the open helped them to see everything more clearly including each other.
How To Handle A Heartbreaker is another amazing book from author Marie Harte; it is emotional, witty, and so very, very sexy! This is a great series and I am so looking forward to what happens next!

[Veronika · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first book and loving it I couldn't wait to get my hands on How to Handle a Heartbreaker. The first chapters actually lived up to my expectations, but after that the story did not engage me anymore. I loved Abby and Brody but they were often aloof and I couldn't feel the connection between them.

I hated Brody's tantrums and most of the time I couldn't take seriously what the two characters were saying, it was just too cliché for my taste.

I will definitely read the rest of the series because I'm curious about Cam's and Mike's story, but I wish this book would have been better because it really had the potential!

I still love the McCauley brothers though!

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good installment of the McCauley series. It picks up almost immediately where the previous book left off and details Brody's romance with Abby.

I liked how flawed Brody was and learning about his past, though he used it to act like a complete idiot at times. Abby often wouldn't take his crap either, even though she would often hide what she did for a living from everyone that didn't know her well. I loved how the situation finally came to a head with her family!

This book gives us the pairings for the final two books of the series, and I'm quite surprised at Mike's intended! It will be interesting to see where that goes!

[starsaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual faces on a hot cover......unheard of!!
Very good book, great characters, and a storyline that was not sryupy sweet. I liked reading about the family, the brothers, the women and even the funny dog. Great writing and a series that I will continue to read. No cliffies here so that makes these books even better. The cover is fantastic and even has heads instead of truncated torsos, so that made me even happier!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! I fell hard for the McCauley’s in book one of this series, and was eager to get deeper into their lives with How to Handle a Heartbreaker (HTHAH).

Summary:
After a disastrous breakup with her ex, Abby Dunn can admit she’s been in hiding, of a sort. How can she proudly acknowledge her career as an erotic romance author when the insults and flaws her ex flung at her are never far from her mind? No, she can’t risk the looks of horror and possible rejection she’s sure to encounter. Brody Singer was taken with Abby at first sight. He couldn’t be sure if his fierce attraction was her resemblance to someone he once knew, though. It doesn’t take long for him to see that Abby is definitely different. She’s shier, but also sexier and Brody can’t help but want her. When he learns of Abby’s semi-secret profession, he determines to get closer to the sultry beauty to find what else she could be hiding. Abby wants nothing more than to give into the blond Adonis, but her past has taught her that her secret desires are too much for men to handle. Brody’s refuses to give up. He have Abby, even if it’s in the name of research. But will Brody let Abby have all of him when his past rears it’s ugly head and sends his life into a tailspin?

*************************
HTHAH was a great sequel to TTND, and only made me fall deeper in love with the series centered around the close-knit McCauley family. I was worried the storyline would too closely mirror book one’s, and while it did have a lot of similarities, it wasn’t the same. I felt I had a deeper connection with the emotions and conflicts in this book than I did with book one. Brody intrigued me from the beginning, what with him being the adopted McCauley brother. His acceptance into the family was due to heartbreaking circumstances, but there was no doubt he was a McCauley through and through. I loved Brody’s playful and mischievous personality, as well as his loyalty and love for the family. I was surprised at the depth of pain he hid, and his emotional baggage only made me love him more. Abby was even better than I thought after meeting her in book one. She had some self esteem issues, but I don’t feel they were overwhelming to the point of annoying. She could sometimes be shy and easily embarrassed, but she wasn’t a total pushover. I also loved that she had a witty comeback for almost everything. Together, Brody and Abby were deliciously steamy. They had an intense connection that was shown in their scintillating banter and almost too-hot-to-handle intimacies. It was fun reading about them together. In the end, I grew more invested in the McCauley family’s lives. Just as a few are settling down and finding love, others are lonely or losing touch with the love they found. Supporting cast was fun and interesting, urging me to read on. I’m especially looking forward to seeing what is happening between the McCauley parents and Mike’s story. Although, I’d like to see more of Del with the group. I’m still not in love with Vanessa but she was a little warmer in this book, and I think I can find something to like in her and Cam’s book. ♡

[Mateja · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*

[Monique Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first. Hot little Abby and U.B. go great together. Perfect ending but the mom and dad situation is making me sad. I hope it's not going as I think it is.

[K D · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love about a woman writing erotic romances who needs to do a little research on the down low. Abby's too good for him though, sweet, caring, suffering from low self esteem, and having both a snarky and kinky side.

[Gokce G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a great read this was. This series was definitely one of my best choices this year, I can't thank the author enough for this fun. Chemistry? Check. Likable and relatable characters? Check. Hot, kinky sex? Check. Adorable couple and well meaning intervening people? Check. Real friendship, troubled families and a love to envy? Check, check and check. What more can a gal ask for?

We already met Abby and Brody when the girls moved in next door to one of the McCauley brothers, and we knew that both of them had a thing for each other from the start. I was prepared to read a lovely story, one that was funny too, depending on the previous book, but man, this was so much more than that. For one, I can't believe how wonderful, and when I say that I also mean dreamy, Brody was. I wouldn't be exaggerating when I say he was close to perfect as a hero. He was considerate, loving, thoughtful, caring, and very very sweet when it came to Abby. Really, it's worrying how jealous I am of a fictional character. And Abby, well, she definitely fits the bill for my ideal heroine. She was a tiny bit clueless when it came to men and chemistry, but surprisingly that much forward when she wanted to be. And she does the work of my dreams and writes. Erotic romance. Yes, you can imagine how much Brody helped her in her research.
As wonderful and sympathetic they were as individuals, they were even more so as a couple. I loved the chemistry between them. Sparks were flying all over the place whenever they were in each other's vicinity, and when things escalated, the sex was just as steamy as I expected. They helped each other out in tough times, and though each tried to push the other away at some point, with the help of their family and friends, they wouldn't give up on each other. It was nice to see that although the couple makes everything better for one another in the end, the influence of their loved ones played a role as well. It made their story all the more real and sweet.

I would give this book an extra star and bump it to six if I could. Not only the romance was one I loved-Abby and Brody definitely are on the top of my list of favorite couples in fiction- the characters, the side plots, the brotherly banter, the difficult families, even that ugly big dog-let's face it, it's impossible not to love that dog- they all made this an excellent reading experience. I highly suggest this series to those who'd love to read sexy romance and fun characters. And those wouldn't mind being jealous of fictional women, because let me tell you, there will be moments when you'll curse these men and women for their perfect relationship but then quickly take it back because they're so adorable and lovable and funny.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a blast reading The Troublemaker Next Door the first novel in Marie Harte’s McCauley Brothers series and was delighted to get my hands on a copy of How To Handle a Heartbreaker. Ladies break out the hand fans because this tale is hot, touching and at times hilarious. The brothers are in rare form, we meet new characters and Brody Singer will melt your heart.

Brody is the only blonde-haired brother in the McCauley bunch and that is because he is adopted. Brody is fondly referred to as Flynn’s twin. He has had a thing for Matt’s neighbor since he met her and oddly enough, she is checking out him as well. Both have self-esteem issues but are drawn to each other. The tale that unfolds is sweet; shares delicious banter and will pull at your heartstrings. It is also hot and the pages sizzled. If they can survive their insecurities, and family meddling they may just find their slice of happy.

Abby was  hilarious and quite the surprise. She dresses like a librarian but beneath that wholesome façade is one wonton woman. Brody is easy going and cares deeply but previous wounds have kept him from getting to close. Watching him let go and grow was heartwarming. I adored the chemistry between them. He is all man, certainly not a poet and she hides behind the insecurities that bind her. I love when a couple brings out the best in each other and I found myself  lost in their story.

How to Handle a Heartbreaker is at its heart a romance, a sizzling hot, pull at your heart, give you the feels romance but it’s so much more than that. Harte wraps family, and friendship into the tale with little side stories, snark, hardship and conversation. The characters are all well developed and you cannot help but be drawn into their circle. Harte knows how to deliver  romance and she allowed this one to slowly build out of desire and become something genuine. I giggled aloud, wept, sighed and thoroughly enjoyed this couple. I closed the book with a huge smile and I cannot wait for Vanessa’s story;  Ruining Mr. Perfect.

If you are looking for hot romance, brothers, friends and family then grab a copy of How to Handle a Heartbreaker. All of the novels work as a standalone and feature one couple but I highly recommend reading them in order.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit.

That was my reaction when I finished this book. As my first read my Marie Harte, I didn’t exactly know what I was getting into. A couple of my trusted friends suggested I try this book but it wasn’t until now that I got a chance to read it.

Two things immediately jumped out of me while reading this book. The first is that it’s really, really funny. Many authors try hard to create that genuine rapport with all their characters. Their aim is to make them sound charming and fun-loving. However, some struggle to get it right. Harte, on the other hand, is a freaking genius at the craft. She hits every high note in the exact moment and even though there is joke after joke rolling throughout this entire book, it never feels strained at all. I’ve read a lot of books, but only a few authors can really make me laugh out loud like this book as done.

The second thing I absolutely adore and was a little shocked about at first is the sex. For one, I didn’t expect the level of intensity or passion between Brody and Abby for some reason. But it makes total sense. Abbi is a steamy romance writer and Brody is a total gentleman for wanting to help out in her research. It gets steamy really fast and you will never see my complain about this. Ever.

The sex scenes are so smoking I had to take a breather. Who knew that a charming, silly book like this one could also pack a hefty punch in the sex department? So far, Harte has packed everything I love about Contemporary Romances into this book.

But there is one more thing that sealed the deal for me. As you can guess, the series is centered around a family of brothers and their friends. You get the uncensored look into what goes on in their lives, including all the hazing, the fights and the teasing. Even between the girls there’s a ton of laughs to be mad. HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER is just one of those books that can take you out of real life and make you laugh. I’m actually kicking myself that I didn’t read this sooner. I loved it all.

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[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second fabulous story in the McCauley brothers series (standalone) tells of the romance between Abby and Brody. Brody is the unoffocial McCauley brother, having found a place with them at a young age when escaping an abusive family. He's had his eye on Abby, his brother's next door neighbour for a little while, and when the opportunity arises to help her with some book research for the erotic romances she writes, he doesn't have to think twice. Soon though their no-strings attached affair starts to feel like something more - can they both overcome past insecurities and give each other a chance to have something real?

I loved this story! The author has such a deft way of combining steamy love scenes with emotional moments that from the beginning you are hooked! Brody is an interesting man - on the outside a fun loving, friendly jokester and on the inside hiding the pain of his abusive childhood. He never lets anyone get too close until Abby starts to crack his tough shell and expose his heart. Abby too is a wonderful character - also fun and friendly, outspoken and direct when it comes to her friends but hiding her career as a romance writer from her family. She's never felt quite good enough - whether as a sister, a daughter, or a lover. Brody's attentions make her realize that she can really be herself with him, expressing her sexuality the way she's always wanted to. The chemistry between them is sizzling and the love scenes are smoking hot! Equally as interesting to me though is the dialogue and humour between the male siblings, the female friends and the overall dynamics of all the secondary characters involved.

This was a fun, entertaining, dialogue and character driven story with a great mix of sex, humour, and tension. Exactly what I'm looking for in a contemporary romance. 5 fantastic stars!

[Nancy❤The❤Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~5 SEXY HEARTS~~

Oh How I Love getting to read about Brody's story. When I was finished with The Troublemaker Next Door I wanted to dive into How to Handle a Heartbreaker so bad. I request an ARC but unfortunately got denied so I had to wait like everyone else until the release date. Maire Harte did not disappoint. The wait was well worth it.



Brody is the adopted McCauley brother but that doesn't mean he's treated any different. He's treated as blood. Brody is Flynn's best friend and brother. He has a deadbeat drunk dad, a mother that left him, and an older brother that abused him. If it wasn't for The McCauley's he probably turned out like his older brother. I love Brody's humor and his charm. He was so swoon-worthy. He and Abby made a cute couple. They even each other out.



Abby had her own personal demons. She was insecure mainly because of her ex. She was attracted to Brody but she didn't think she was good enough for him. So for the sole purpose of "research", Brody & Abby engage in a beneficial "relationship" for both. Abby for her books and Brody, well for his own pleasures. HAHAHA. It's a "win-win" situation right?



I love all the characters in this series. This was a fantastic book. Cameron's story is next and I'm so thrilled because I received an ARC. Yay to me!

[Sharon Redfern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book and Ms. Harte's McCauley Brothers Series.Coming from an abusive background, Brody Singer is a McCauley brother by love not birth. The big, blonde is a notorious player and has no intentions of committing to one woman. Abby Dunn is a smart and independent woman who writes spicy romance novels. No-one knows about her writing and she covers by moonlighting as a web designer.

Brody and Abby have been dancing around each other and finally give into temptation. They are hot together and pretty adventurous. The other bothers give them both a lot of lip but all with affection and it was pretty funny to read some of the insults that went both ways.

Both Brody and Amy have family issues but Brody's are way more hurtful and serious. His inability to get beyond his past impacts the present and his possible future with Abby. She has issues too, but basically had a fairly stable family. I liked how Ms. Harte dealt with Brody's feelings and how they made him the man he is. I also think she did a great job of writing about Abby's dealing with his problems. I love a book with people able to communicate in and out of the bedroom!

This was a great read and I can't wait to get the next book in the series!

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Handle a Heartbreaker, Marie Harte
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews.
This is book two in a new series by Marie Harte. Its a fun read, with some hot and spicy sex scenes. I liked Abby, she's very loyal to her friends but hiding from her family that she's a writer of some very steamy novels. She tells them she's a website designer – which she is but its the novels that really bring in the money.
Brody is a real hunk of a man, and its clear they both have feelings for each other..clear to everyone except them. Then Abby gets a bit tipsy at a party and Brody gets a real surprise!! So did I - that was a great scene. From there things heat up and all goes well until someone from Brody's past turns up...
Its an easy read, simple romance, family problems ( everyone has them) and one for lovers of light and sexy reads. Like book one its got some good humour in too, light parts that made me smile. I really need a bit more drama, a bit more action and depth but enjoyed it as a one off read.
Stars: three and a half, its better than OK but not deep enough for Good from me.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the McCauley series was m'such better than the first. Why? Abby. Abby was so much more likable than Maddie. That, and the writing was better.

The end of book 1 lead us to the conclusion that the second book would be about Brody and Abby. Brody is "the blond McCauley". Part of the family, but not by blood. I liked Brody's backstory. It was believable and realistic. And sad. Abby has issues of her own - she was in a relationship with a man who made her feel cheap and dirty becuase of her sexual preferences. So two broken people come together to find love.

There is a backstory in this book about the McCauley's parents, Bitsy and James. I'm curious to know how that turns out. But this book was much better than the first, and I'm excited to read Cam and Vanessa's story.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun one to read. I liked that Brody and Abby both had crushes on each other, but were fighting them. But when Abby let go, she really let go. It was fun to see Brody react to what he learned about Abby, to do what she secretly wished her dream man would. I loved watching both of them try to keep their relationship secret from the rest of the brood, how everyone knew what was going on and they all chimed in.

I hated when Brody's past came back to haunt him, how it threw his good life off. It's a good thing his family and Abby stood by him. Brody did a great job of making things up for Abby at the end.

[Karen Duvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 6 stars I would! Wow, what an incredible story. Absolutely LOVED the McCauley brothers, who are the most realistic men I've ever read. The romance was poignant and so very special. I needed to keep tissues handy by the end. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves a spicier version of Jennifer Crusie. Excellent! I must read them all. Sooooo hooked.

[Starr · Rating 2 out of 5]

When it takes me more than a week to get through a book, it's not really holding my interest, even though it's the audio version. This was a time filler, when I didn't have anything else downloaded for the trip to work. It wasn't bad, it was just slow. I liked the characters and their friendships but it was just...boring.

[Jenny Jo Weir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad really, I'm just over this type of insta-love book; bad boy goes good for her. It's a little overdone in my opinion and I need to step away from this series for a while. Maybe I'll come back to it at a later time and enjoy it more.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might even be better than the first one! Love the family dynamic.

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Synopsis: Brody has been part of the McCauley family since he was 5 years old. His father and brother weren't nice to him, so the McCauley's took him in. Brody also had a crush on his oldest brother's dead wife, and one of the neighbours who is renting the house next door to Mike looks a lot like her, so Brody's interest is first spiked by that, and then by Abby herself.
Abby is an erotic romance writer, who had an ex call her down for being not good enough, and for being too risqué in the bedroom. When she goes to a party one night, she reveals quite a bit more to Brody than she would have ever wished to, and they strike a deal: neither of them are interested in a relationship, but they are interested in each other, so Abby will use Brody for research on a new series that she wants to start, and they will both sex with no expectations.
Brody's real family is there to tease Brody and back him up, but Brody's biological family is making an appearance too, which just makes everything harder for Brody to deal with.

What I liked: how supportive Brody was of Abby. He was so proud of her for doing what she loved in writing romances. I liked the close knit family, and how they closed in when one of them was hurting, and were there to tease them every second of the day. Abby had her two friends, and they were very supportive as well, along with not letting Abby get away with anything. I liked Colin, the nephew, and the fact that everyone but Brody seemed to be able to control his dog was fairly amusing. Abby and Brody actually talked to each other, even if they didn't say everything they should have said. And Abby discovering that she was a strong woman who wasn't going to let someone "put her in the corner" was nice to see.

What I didn't like: holy crap! There was a LOT of comparing men to girls and calling them girly or "Nancy" if they showed any weakness or emotion. It got really, REALLY tiresome, and insulting, to be honest.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Well written and paced story with very likeable characters.
I have read and reviewed these books previously from the back of the book but they have all gone missing. Rereading this series is not a hardship as you are introduced to a very great group of characters you want to know more about. Even the parents are great and get some page time in the series.
This series is centred around a family of brothers, blood and heart, and their friends. You get a good feel for their background and what goes on between this close-knit family, including brotherly hazing, fist and verbal fights and the teasing.
Even the women have a close bond and there’s also laughs and carrying on to be had.
Brody is Flynn’s twin by love and heart not blood. He has been practically raised by the McCauley family. He is a bit of an enigma, charming, moody, hard and soft. As this book progresses you want to hit him upside the head but then hug him when the story of his childhood comes out.
Abby seems the quiet one of the three women but she has such an inner strength and finds her feet during this story to take over her life as she wants it. He ex gave her self-esteem issues but her way of handling it was superb.
Her standing up to Brody and not taking his crap was so well written.
Brody and Abby are just so right for each other. The banter was funny and I loved that Abby had a smart retort to everything. When she tore into her sister and family at Thanksgiving I was cheering her on.
The bowling scene with Del and Mike was funny and I'm really hoping Del comes into this somewhere. She is a keeper, not sure Mike is the right one for her but will see where this goes.
The scene between Flynn and Brody made me tear up. Loved it so much.