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The MacKade Brothers #3
The Heart of Devin MacKade
HE WAS THE ONLY MACKADE WHO MOVED SLOW
Sheriff Devin MacKade had always had his eye on Cassie Connor Dolin. Twelve years of trying to watch over her and her children. Twelve years of being the dependable friend, of seeing his beauty married to a beast. Twelve years of hell.
Now he was going to change, although he knew he'd have to be careful, move slow. But if Cassie came any closer, he might just toss her over his shoulder and carry her off! And he wasn't sure either of them was quite ready for that yet.
But soon....
The MacKade Brothers: Looking for trouble -- and always finding it. Now they're on a collision course with love.
Sheriff Devin MacKade had always had his eye on Cassie Connor Dolin. Twelve years of trying to watch over her and her children. Twelve years of being the dependable friend, of seeing his beauty married to a beast. Twelve years of hell.
Now he was going to change, although he knew he'd have to be careful, move slow. But if Cassie came any closer, he might just toss her over his shoulder and carry her off! And he wasn't sure either of them was quite ready for that yet.
But soon....
The MacKade Brothers: Looking for trouble -- and always finding it. Now they're on a collision course with love.
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1996
1779 people are currently reading
3386 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,342 books58.8k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
July 27, 2017
I loved this story!!! It's the most violent in the series which makes it the most exciting. I think the two little boys stole the show in this book and the one before it. Excellent!!!
July 9, 2012
Lovely Cassie Connor married the man she thought was the image of her dreams, but Joe was quick to anger and abusive. Cassie endured years of brutal beatings, hiding the truth and the bruises from her friend, Sheriff Devin MacKade and from all of the townspeople, too. However, when Joe took his anger out on their two kids, it was over. Joe was locked away in prison and Cassie mercifully granted a divorce.
So, Cassie and her kids started over, but their emotional scars took a long time to heal. Now that Cassie was single again, Devin wanted to let Cassie know how he felt about her, but she was still a little gun shy about any kind of relationship. Slowly, Devin started to wear her down. With patience, love and understanding, Cassie caught a glimpse of what life with Devin would be like.
Meanwhile, Joe was doing his best to be a model prisoner. His good behavior got him assigned to a prisoner road detail working just outside of Antietam. There, he bided his time, waiting for the moment when he could escape and go back to teach Cassie the lesson he thought she deserved.
Spousal and child abuse are tough subjects and I applaud Nora Roberts for handling these problems in the form of an inspiring and uplifting story. This is a testament to the strength and power of an enduring love, the kind that lasts for a lifetime.
So, Cassie and her kids started over, but their emotional scars took a long time to heal. Now that Cassie was single again, Devin wanted to let Cassie know how he felt about her, but she was still a little gun shy about any kind of relationship. Slowly, Devin started to wear her down. With patience, love and understanding, Cassie caught a glimpse of what life with Devin would be like.
Meanwhile, Joe was doing his best to be a model prisoner. His good behavior got him assigned to a prisoner road detail working just outside of Antietam. There, he bided his time, waiting for the moment when he could escape and go back to teach Cassie the lesson he thought she deserved.
Spousal and child abuse are tough subjects and I applaud Nora Roberts for handling these problems in the form of an inspiring and uplifting story. This is a testament to the strength and power of an enduring love, the kind that lasts for a lifetime.
October 1, 2020
O carte emotionanta! Despre trecerea peste abuzuri fizice, despre revenirea la viata...
Si despre iubire! O iubire pe care o ascunsese timp de 12 ani!!!
Recenzia mea completa o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Si despre iubire! O iubire pe care o ascunsese timp de 12 ani!!!
Recenzia mea completa o găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
August 7, 2020
Sheriff Devin MacKade has been a good friend Cassie Connor Dolin, but now she and her two cute kids (a girl and boy) are free from the violent thumb of her ex, and she seems to be healing he doesn't just want to be a dependable friend. Cassie and her kids have burrowed themselves into his heart, but with the scars of the past deep for Cassie and her oldest (son), Devin has a lot to prove if a family HEA is to occur.
I've read this some many times over the years, although this re-read is after quite a while and happily overall the book still retains its charms.
It's a romance book so you know what to expect at least in regards to the broad framework of the story. Like most of her books Nora Roberts creates a story with characters that draw you in. Moments of corniness exist, but it worked for me.
The kids in this are cute.
I despised Cassie's mother and douchebag of a abusive ex-husband.
Potential Triggers:
I've read this some many times over the years, although this re-read is after quite a while and happily overall the book still retains its charms.
It's a romance book so you know what to expect at least in regards to the broad framework of the story. Like most of her books Nora Roberts creates a story with characters that draw you in. Moments of corniness exist, but it worked for me.
The kids in this are cute.
I despised Cassie's mother and douchebag of a abusive ex-husband.
Potential Triggers:
January 6, 2018
Yes! I knew it! Since I read the first book, I knew Devin would end up with Cassie.
The third book in the series was different. I was getting used to women with a strong temper, but Cassie was like a sensitive butterfly. Until the end. It's impressive how love can change a person's attitude.
I hated Constance! Damn it. How can a woman be so stupid?! Or better said, how can a mother be so selfish and blind?
Connor... poor boy. I totally understood his confusion and actions. He had a hard childhood and he acted like it. But everything is fine when the story has a happy ending right?
The third book in the series was different. I was getting used to women with a strong temper, but Cassie was like a sensitive butterfly. Until the end. It's impressive how love can change a person's attitude.
I hated Constance! Damn it. How can a woman be so stupid?! Or better said, how can a mother be so selfish and blind?
Connor... poor boy. I totally understood his confusion and actions. He had a hard childhood and he acted like it. But everything is fine when the story has a happy ending right?
June 16, 2018
The third book in Nora Roberts' The MacKade Brothers series. Devin MacKade has been in love with Cassie for years. But before he could show his interest she married another. But her ex was abusive and Cassie finally got away and is getting on with her life and raising her children. She is working at Devin's brother's Bed and Breakfast. Devin is now the sheriff and his duty to watch out for Cassie is more his pleasure than work.
I have liked Nora Roberts for many years and when I found this one I was excited. Sure, it's an older book and a category romance but it had charm and I enjoyed it.
I have liked Nora Roberts for many years and when I found this one I was excited. Sure, it's an older book and a category romance but it had charm and I enjoyed it.
December 25, 2016
Soube muito bem ler este livrinho. Previsivel mas delicioso!
April 9, 2017
I've loved you for over twelve years, Cassandra. I loved you when you were married to another man, when you had his children. I loved you when I couldn't do anything to help you out of that hell you were living in. I love you now.
What a beautiful story.
Devin McKade has loved Cassie since the moment he saw her; when he was 21 and she was 17. However, to escape her family, she marries Joe.
For years Devin painfully sees the love of his life being tortured and suffering silently. Having another man's kids. But never complaining.
As we've seen in the previous books, after years of abuse- Cassie decides to speak against her asshole of a husband and gets him to jail.
In this book, its been two years since then. She's start living again, earning managing Rafe and Regan's inn, healing, and standing up against a tyrant conservative mother. Connor and Emily have started speaking and behaving like kids not under the shadow of fear.
It's at this time that Devin finally decides to make his move- and it makes up for a tender love story. They make each other experience many firsts in poignant bits.
Joe, the piece of shit husband is granted parole too- and that adds (not necessarily needed) spice to the book.
However Im happy that he showed up as justice was served and I'd have loved to pound him into minced meat.
The ghosts/haunted house added a lot to the story.
I love crazy in love OTT heroes. The yearning was heartfelt and he totally reminded me of one of my top favs, Kev Merripen. He was devoted to Cassie.
On the other hand it was wonderful to see Cassie emerge from the shadows of her tragic past, and find true love.
Beautiful to see the family healing. Good dose of angst and feels.
Unsafe by definition
4.5/5
What a beautiful story.
Devin McKade has loved Cassie since the moment he saw her; when he was 21 and she was 17. However, to escape her family, she marries Joe.
For years Devin painfully sees the love of his life being tortured and suffering silently. Having another man's kids. But never complaining.
As we've seen in the previous books, after years of abuse- Cassie decides to speak against her asshole of a husband and gets him to jail.
In this book, its been two years since then. She's start living again, earning managing Rafe and Regan's inn, healing, and standing up against a tyrant conservative mother. Connor and Emily have started speaking and behaving like kids not under the shadow of fear.
It's at this time that Devin finally decides to make his move- and it makes up for a tender love story. They make each other experience many firsts in poignant bits.
Joe, the piece of shit husband is granted parole too- and that adds (not necessarily needed) spice to the book.
However Im happy that he showed up as justice was served and I'd have loved to pound him into minced meat.
The ghosts/haunted house added a lot to the story.
I love crazy in love OTT heroes. The yearning was heartfelt and he totally reminded me of one of my top favs, Kev Merripen. He was devoted to Cassie.
On the other hand it was wonderful to see Cassie emerge from the shadows of her tragic past, and find true love.
Beautiful to see the family healing. Good dose of angst and feels.
Unsafe by definition
4.5/5
August 26, 2011
Sigh *** What will I do once I finish this series? Only one more book, *sniff. I just don't want it to end, I'm having such a great time with it.
Again I wasn't disappointed by this series. This book was everything I wanted it to be. I had been wanting to read about Devin and Cassie since I started this series, so you guys can imagine I was exhilarated once I got my hands on this book.
Devin MacKade is the town's Sheriff, former bad boy who nobody ever thought would make something important of his life. Nobody gave a penny for the MacKade brothers but they just prove everyone wrong.
Then there's Cassie: divorced a year ago from an abusive husband and trying to make life better for her and her lovely children.
Devin always had a crush on her, so once he believes Cassie is ready he makes his move. Will lovely and delicate Cassie give him a chance?
This was a great story, it was fascinating to see how their relationship evolves sometimes little by little while others very fast. Seriously this story was great and the ending was just a piece of art, LOL, loved it! But most than anything I just love the way everybody gets along with everybody. We read about this amazing family and how they will do anything to help the other. The MacKade are just wonderful and definitely worth your time. And I still wanna highlight the fact that you will fall badly in love with every single character of this series because they are so very different from each other. You will never mix up one with the other because each is so unique.
A must read series IMHO, short but meaningful stories that will give you a marvelous time. This series was definitely a surprise for me so I wanna share it with everybody, only please let me know if any of you gets to read it and your thought about it. I don't think I can pick a fav between the 3 books I read so far, I loved them all but they are all very different, which is what I adore the most about this series.
Again I wasn't disappointed by this series. This book was everything I wanted it to be. I had been wanting to read about Devin and Cassie since I started this series, so you guys can imagine I was exhilarated once I got my hands on this book.
Devin MacKade is the town's Sheriff, former bad boy who nobody ever thought would make something important of his life. Nobody gave a penny for the MacKade brothers but they just prove everyone wrong.
Then there's Cassie: divorced a year ago from an abusive husband and trying to make life better for her and her lovely children.
Devin always had a crush on her, so once he believes Cassie is ready he makes his move. Will lovely and delicate Cassie give him a chance?
This was a great story, it was fascinating to see how their relationship evolves sometimes little by little while others very fast. Seriously this story was great and the ending was just a piece of art, LOL, loved it! But most than anything I just love the way everybody gets along with everybody. We read about this amazing family and how they will do anything to help the other. The MacKade are just wonderful and definitely worth your time. And I still wanna highlight the fact that you will fall badly in love with every single character of this series because they are so very different from each other. You will never mix up one with the other because each is so unique.
A must read series IMHO, short but meaningful stories that will give you a marvelous time. This series was definitely a surprise for me so I wanna share it with everybody, only please let me know if any of you gets to read it and your thought about it. I don't think I can pick a fav between the 3 books I read so far, I loved them all but they are all very different, which is what I adore the most about this series.
June 12, 2016
3 -3.5 HEAVENLY DEVIN-LY STARS!
Ok so this the third book in the series and this was 'the one' I'd been waiting for!
Sheriff Devin MacKade has been in love with Cassie Dolan for twelve years and seen the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her husband. Now though, she is divorced, her husband is behind bars and he is ready to make his move. He knows he's got to tread carefully with her and her young children but it's time. But can Cassie overcome her fears and shame over her past and allow Devin into her family and her heart.
Easy to listen to and i enjoyed it. Funny in parts with the paranormal story continuing.
Ok so this the third book in the series and this was 'the one' I'd been waiting for!
Sheriff Devin MacKade has been in love with Cassie Dolan for twelve years and seen the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her husband. Now though, she is divorced, her husband is behind bars and he is ready to make his move. He knows he's got to tread carefully with her and her young children but it's time. But can Cassie overcome her fears and shame over her past and allow Devin into her family and her heart.
Easy to listen to and i enjoyed it. Funny in parts with the paranormal story continuing.
June 24, 2014
I had high(er) hopes for this one than the others in the series—after all, Devin can't really afford to be a rage-monkey with Cassie what with her history of being in an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, not so much. Well, he's not really a rage-monkey and he's never abusive. But I expected . . . gentler from him than we get. The plotting is more or less what you'd expect and I'm glad to have a wrap up, finally, to the Joe Dolan plotline, but I just wanted more.
January 12, 2019
It's been a decade or two since I last read a book by Nora Roberts, and unfortunately this one did not impress. It could that the grating male narrator's reading has a negative impact on my overall opinion of the book. It could also be that the plot and dialogue seem a bit dated. Sheriff Devin Mackade waited 12 years to declare his love for traumatised single mum Cassie Dolan, who is just starting to pick up her life again with her 2 kids following the arrest and incarceration of her abusive husband. Twelve years of waiting patiently on the sideline watching the woman he loves marrying and being bashed and disrespected by someone else. He's decided Cassie has had enough time to heal and his patience has come to an end. So he literally bullies her into submission, not physically but emotionally, this poor, vulnerable woman who has had her self-esteem pulverised, and who does not have the fortitude to say no to anyone. Instead of giving her the time to process his declaration, he turns petulant and angry that she wants him to wait some more. So she gives in to him because of his insistence, not because of her readiness . That made for uncomfortable reading, their first time together. Poorly tackled, given the extent of her trauma. The kids were well written. I like that his relationship with them is as important to him as his relationship with their mother. I cheered when Cassie's deplorable mother got her comeuppance. Just enough with the tantrums though, Dev!
July 22, 2016
I picked up The Heart of Devin MacKade because I was interested to see his heroine, Cassie Dolin, who is introduced in the first book as a victim of domestic violence, get her HEA. Cassie married Joe Dolin young and stupidly. Joe is pretty much a good for nothing, who drinks too much, gets fired from even the most menial of jobs, and knocks his wife around for anything and everything. In the first MacKade book, The Return of Rafe MacKade, Cassie finally presses charges against Joe for battery and begins divorce precedings. In The Heart of Devin MacKade, it's a year later. Cassie is now the operator of Barlow House, the B&B that Rafe was renovating. She lives there with her two small children, Connor and Emma. She's been adored by all of the MacKade brothers all of her life. But Devin MacKade, the town sherriff has had a special place in his heart for her forever. But Devin doesn't want to make any moves that will scare Cassie. She's been victimized and treated horribly, and she's just getting her life together. But he's so in love with her he can't see straight, and she doesn't even know it. One day, after Devin does Cassie a favor, she reaches up and kisses him. Just a quick kiss, like one she'd give any of his brothers for helping her. But that kiss turns into something more, and now Cassie is seeing Devin in a new way, a romantic way. Is she ready to spread her wings and give love another chance?
Oh man do I love this book! First, Devin just about my favorite hero type - the caregiver. He's strong and tough and patient as all get out. He's willing to wait and pine rather than rush this sweet damaged woman he adores into something that would scare her. So steadfastly, he visits, he helps her, he loves her children (and they love him) and soon, one impulsive kiss has her looking at him in a different way. Devin is just about all charm. He's thoughtful and kind, but has an impressive temper. His needs and wants battle constantly with his wish to do the right thing. And while his concious prevails, it's finally Cassie who pushes him to make a move. There's little I love more than romances where one character has been in love with another forever. And this story is so poignant and lovely. Nora doesn't rush Cassie into bouncing back immediately from the domestic violence she's experienced. She makes her grow slowly and tentatively. And watching her realize how lucky she is to have Devin is just a lovely, lovely way to spend an afternoon. Final grade: A
Oh man do I love this book! First, Devin just about my favorite hero type - the caregiver. He's strong and tough and patient as all get out. He's willing to wait and pine rather than rush this sweet damaged woman he adores into something that would scare her. So steadfastly, he visits, he helps her, he loves her children (and they love him) and soon, one impulsive kiss has her looking at him in a different way. Devin is just about all charm. He's thoughtful and kind, but has an impressive temper. His needs and wants battle constantly with his wish to do the right thing. And while his concious prevails, it's finally Cassie who pushes him to make a move. There's little I love more than romances where one character has been in love with another forever. And this story is so poignant and lovely. Nora doesn't rush Cassie into bouncing back immediately from the domestic violence she's experienced. She makes her grow slowly and tentatively. And watching her realize how lucky she is to have Devin is just a lovely, lovely way to spend an afternoon. Final grade: A
March 30, 2022
The Heart of Devin MacKade
4 Stars
Devin Mackade has been in love with Cassie Dolin ever since he can remember, but the timing has never been right for them. Now that her abusive husband is behind bars and Cassie is discovering her inner strength, the opportunity for the romance that alluded them is finally presented. Can Devin and Cassie overcome their reticence to be together?
Devin is the most patient and caring of the MacKade brothers, and Cassie is a sweetheart. While it is impossible not to root for their well-deserved happiness, their romance falls short precisely due to the nature of their characters. Devin is far too self-possessed and accommodating in his interactions with Cassie, and she is too timid and apprehensive around him. Consequently, it is difficult to suspend disbelief and accept Devin's eventual demands for more and Cassie's sudden willingness to fight for what she wants.
The minor suspense plot does ratchet up the tension and the inclusion of more details concerning the ghosts is intriguing.
In sum, a heartwarming romance, but my preference is for heroines with more backbone and heroes with more daring. Shane's book is next and it will be interesting to meet the heroine who can put an end to his womanizing ways.
4 Stars
Devin Mackade has been in love with Cassie Dolin ever since he can remember, but the timing has never been right for them. Now that her abusive husband is behind bars and Cassie is discovering her inner strength, the opportunity for the romance that alluded them is finally presented. Can Devin and Cassie overcome their reticence to be together?
Devin is the most patient and caring of the MacKade brothers, and Cassie is a sweetheart. While it is impossible not to root for their well-deserved happiness, their romance falls short precisely due to the nature of their characters. Devin is far too self-possessed and accommodating in his interactions with Cassie, and she is too timid and apprehensive around him. Consequently, it is difficult to suspend disbelief and accept Devin's eventual demands for more and Cassie's sudden willingness to fight for what she wants.
The minor suspense plot does ratchet up the tension and the inclusion of more details concerning the ghosts is intriguing.
In sum, a heartwarming romance, but my preference is for heroines with more backbone and heroes with more daring. Shane's book is next and it will be interesting to meet the heroine who can put an end to his womanizing ways.
July 25, 2011
It was good, but not great. My biggest issue with the book was I am not inspired to try another Nora Roberts, unfortunately. The hero and heroine (and kiddos) were all a bit too perfect.
September 27, 2019
Sabía que este libro iba a ser mí favorito de la saga desde el principio, Devin es lo más tierno que hay *.* Una historia dura (por todo el pasado y las cicatrices de Cassie) con partes muy sufridas pero con un final de lo más bonito.
June 2, 2023
THE HEART OF DEVIN MACKADE always gives me all the feels because it deals with so many deeply emotional topics. We first meet Cassie in THE RETURN OF RAFE MACKADE and we see the toll that her abusive marriage is taking on her. Through the series we see her divorce her husband and finally start to find peace in her life. But nothing is easy for Cassie - she's dealing with the trauma of her marriage as well as caring for her two young children. She's always known she could rely on Devin as a friend and as a Sheriff but she's only just discovering she can rely on him as a man too.
Devin is your dedicated protector hero and it's been killing him inside to watch Cassie get abused and not be able to do anything. He might be Sheriff but the law has tied his hands when it comes to Cassie since she won't ask for help. Now, a year after her divorce, Devin is ready to show Cassie how he feels but he also doesn't want to scare her away. Devin is cautious, devoted, and gentle but I also loved the moments when Cassie would surprise him and the wilder side of Devin would come out.
It was also great to see the couples from the previous books and to see how they've grown and changed.
Content Warning: Cassie was in an physically abusive marriage; references to abuse, rape, and suicidal thoughts
Devin is your dedicated protector hero and it's been killing him inside to watch Cassie get abused and not be able to do anything. He might be Sheriff but the law has tied his hands when it comes to Cassie since she won't ask for help. Now, a year after her divorce, Devin is ready to show Cassie how he feels but he also doesn't want to scare her away. Devin is cautious, devoted, and gentle but I also loved the moments when Cassie would surprise him and the wilder side of Devin would come out.
It was also great to see the couples from the previous books and to see how they've grown and changed.
Content Warning: Cassie was in an physically abusive marriage; references to abuse, rape, and suicidal thoughts
February 25, 2014
I'm officially in love with Nora Roberts. I think I'll soon add a shelf solely to her books, after I finished at least ten of them. So far, four! Haha.
Anyway, why this book received five stars? Because Devin and Cassie's relationship is the one that elevate from one level to another through the whole series. I can read their innocent banter in Rafe's and the way Devin showed his affection in Jared's. That's why this book is very deep to me.
I liked the way Nora Roberts put the words together in a simple yet heavy way. I loved how Connor starts trusting Devin and how his friendship with Bryan is getting stronger by day. I can see a future heroes in Con and Bry. :)
Overall I enjoyed this book. Loved it, my favorite, five stars indeed. Can't wait to dig in Shane's love story! :)
Anyway, why this book received five stars? Because Devin and Cassie's relationship is the one that elevate from one level to another through the whole series. I can read their innocent banter in Rafe's and the way Devin showed his affection in Jared's. That's why this book is very deep to me.
I liked the way Nora Roberts put the words together in a simple yet heavy way. I loved how Connor starts trusting Devin and how his friendship with Bryan is getting stronger by day. I can see a future heroes in Con and Bry. :)
Overall I enjoyed this book. Loved it, my favorite, five stars indeed. Can't wait to dig in Shane's love story! :)
November 13, 2011
Devin Mackade you are a gem!
September 24, 2016
The most steadfast and patient of the four MacKade brothers, I've been waiting for Devin & Cassie's story since the first book. The finale with the kids was very touching.
June 27, 2022
The Heart of Devin MacKade was an excellent read featuring a romance between the town sheriff and the woman he's secretly loved for most of his life.
Devin MacKade has always been the most law-abiding of his brothers, so it was natural for him to become sheriff of their small hometown. Devin had his future all laid out and he thought it would include Cassie Connor, the woman he's loved forever, but she married another man. Now twelve years later, Cassie is divorced and Devin is still carrying around a torch for her. Devin knows exactly what he wants but the question is, does Cassie want the same thing?
The MacKade brothers have always been considered the bad boys of their town but Devin straightened up quicker than the rest of them did. Devin is an absolute sweetheart and he's my favorite of the MacKade brothers. Devin is great at his job and it's clear he cares about the people of his town. Cassie has just recently escaped an abusive marriage and is working on finding herself after twelve years of hell. She's very cautious about admitting she wants something and is slow to stand up for herself, which given her history is understandable. I loved seeing Cassie become more confident as the book goes on and finally realizing it's ok to do things for herself.
Devin has loved Cassie since high school but by the time he worked up the courage to tell her, she was already involved with the man who is now her ex-husband. Cassie never realized Devin ever felt anything for her beyond friendship and I enjoyed her surprise when he finally lets her know how he feels. I loved that Devin didn't rush Cassie after he admitted his feelings for her and instead let her set the pace of their relationship. There are a lot of road blocks to the pair's happily ever after but I enjoyed how they worked through them together.
Overall The Heart of Devin MacKade was an excellent book and I'm looking forward to picking up the final book in the series, The Fall of Shane MacKade, soon.
Devin MacKade has always been the most law-abiding of his brothers, so it was natural for him to become sheriff of their small hometown. Devin had his future all laid out and he thought it would include Cassie Connor, the woman he's loved forever, but she married another man. Now twelve years later, Cassie is divorced and Devin is still carrying around a torch for her. Devin knows exactly what he wants but the question is, does Cassie want the same thing?
The MacKade brothers have always been considered the bad boys of their town but Devin straightened up quicker than the rest of them did. Devin is an absolute sweetheart and he's my favorite of the MacKade brothers. Devin is great at his job and it's clear he cares about the people of his town. Cassie has just recently escaped an abusive marriage and is working on finding herself after twelve years of hell. She's very cautious about admitting she wants something and is slow to stand up for herself, which given her history is understandable. I loved seeing Cassie become more confident as the book goes on and finally realizing it's ok to do things for herself.
Devin has loved Cassie since high school but by the time he worked up the courage to tell her, she was already involved with the man who is now her ex-husband. Cassie never realized Devin ever felt anything for her beyond friendship and I enjoyed her surprise when he finally lets her know how he feels. I loved that Devin didn't rush Cassie after he admitted his feelings for her and instead let her set the pace of their relationship. There are a lot of road blocks to the pair's happily ever after but I enjoyed how they worked through them together.
Overall The Heart of Devin MacKade was an excellent book and I'm looking forward to picking up the final book in the series, The Fall of Shane MacKade, soon.
May 26, 2021
2.5 stars.
I’m really sorry Nora but it’s gonna have to be 2 and a half stars. Very dated. Very unlikeable spineless heroine.
I’m really sorry Nora but it’s gonna have to be 2 and a half stars. Very dated. Very unlikeable spineless heroine.
July 6, 2023
I'm predictable; I KNEW this one would get to me! 🤡🤡🤡 4.5 stars, but I'll label it 5 on here just because it's so up-my-alley in terms of tropes.
Cassie's trauma and the lingering threat of Joe, Devin's pining (TWELVE YEARS!!!), and the ANGST was just... excellent. 😩🤌🏻 Such a perfect recipe for me.
I've already been enjoying the small town setting and large cast of characters, Nora Roberts always writes that SO well and this series is no exception. The kids are adorable and interesting characters of their own. But most importantly, I love both Devin (Undoubtedly the best MacKade, by a long shot. Yes, I know this 100% even though I haven't read Shanes book yet LOL) and Cassie, and the fact that both of them have such good reasons behind all their choices. I never felt frustrated with either of them, which is always so refreshing. And the flashbacks to the Civil War in this book made so much more sense, tied into the story so much better than the previous two books.
I don't really see myself giving the first two books a re-read, but I'm sure I'll come back to this one someday. Now onto Shane lol... 😬
Cassie's trauma and the lingering threat of Joe, Devin's pining (TWELVE YEARS!!!), and the ANGST was just... excellent. 😩🤌🏻 Such a perfect recipe for me.
I've already been enjoying the small town setting and large cast of characters, Nora Roberts always writes that SO well and this series is no exception. The kids are adorable and interesting characters of their own. But most importantly, I love both Devin (Undoubtedly the best MacKade, by a long shot. Yes, I know this 100% even though I haven't read Shanes book yet LOL) and Cassie, and the fact that both of them have such good reasons behind all their choices. I never felt frustrated with either of them, which is always so refreshing. And the flashbacks to the Civil War in this book made so much more sense, tied into the story so much better than the previous two books.
I don't really see myself giving the first two books a re-read, but I'm sure I'll come back to this one someday. Now onto Shane lol... 😬
September 4, 2012
The Heart of Devin MacKade, OR, Romantic Protagonist and Domestic Abuse & Rape Survivor Cassie Dolan Goes From One Frying Pan to Another, Sexier Frying Pan.
I can't even call her a romantic heroine because I did not give two shits about her, she just happened to be one of the lead characters. It's great that you and Devin can finally bone after like 15 years of him creepily pining for you, but maybe you should spend some time examining what you want, what you really really want, and not just be like "oh this hot sheriff dude says he loves me and looks like he will be a good dad, sounds good."
Also, Devin, when you say stuff like "I've waited 12 years, I can wait a few nights longer" and then a couple chapters later say "I've waited long enough" and write your resignation letter because you have to leave town because Cassie said she needed time to deal with what you dumped on her, you are being dumb and a jerk. BLERGH.
I can't even call her a romantic heroine because I did not give two shits about her, she just happened to be one of the lead characters. It's great that you and Devin can finally bone after like 15 years of him creepily pining for you, but maybe you should spend some time examining what you want, what you really really want, and not just be like "oh this hot sheriff dude says he loves me and looks like he will be a good dad, sounds good."
Also, Devin, when you say stuff like "I've waited 12 years, I can wait a few nights longer" and then a couple chapters later say "I've waited long enough" and write your resignation letter because you have to leave town because Cassie said she needed time to deal with what you dumped on her, you are being dumb and a jerk. BLERGH.
August 4, 2011
I loved this story of Devin MacKade, town sheriff, and Cassie Dolin, a woman he's loved for twelve years and who was married to a man that physically and emotionally abused her. Devin is a patient and thoughtful man who fell in love with Cassie's children and helped them heal from their experience living in an abusive environment. Cassie's transformation was realistic and Devin's limitations on his patience was understandable but long overdue. His sensitivity endeared him to me and has him be a standout from his brothers. The climax of the story was exciting and the final scene was a definite tear jerker. This is my favorite of the series.
December 24, 2011
I really enjoyed this, the hero Devin who is also the Sheriff has been in love with the heroine for years, he had to see her marry a bad guy who beat her and couldn't do anything because she never complained but now Cassie is finally free, re-constructing her life for herself and her children.
She never had any support and went from a terrible home to a bad marriage and had no support to get out of it, but she is trying to change.
Devin finally makes his move but Cassie is shy, it is good to see her re-gain her confidence and even discover her sexuality. Cassie's kids too were affected and there is that to deal with as well.
She never had any support and went from a terrible home to a bad marriage and had no support to get out of it, but she is trying to change.
Devin finally makes his move but Cassie is shy, it is good to see her re-gain her confidence and even discover her sexuality. Cassie's kids too were affected and there is that to deal with as well.
December 3, 2012
Another good installment of this series. Good triumphs over evil, and hot guy finally gets a chance at the girl he's pined over for more than a decade.
It was a cute story, and I loved Devin's interactions with the kids, but I swear that man has more mood swings than a menopausal woman! That was the only thing that irked me. He was sweet and patient one day and then furious and throwing in the towel the next.
But overall....a sweet story. And a good lead up to Shane's story!
It was a cute story, and I loved Devin's interactions with the kids, but I swear that man has more mood swings than a menopausal woman! That was the only thing that irked me. He was sweet and patient one day and then furious and throwing in the towel the next.
But overall....a sweet story. And a good lead up to Shane's story!
January 18, 2014
o 4º livrinho para o desafio doce...
Mais um livro que tinha lido em ebook manhoso e que não me lembrava de como a história era linda...
Simplesmente amei este 3º livro, é difícil não amar o Devin e gostar muito Cassie... Adorei mesmo!!!
E agora vou-me atirar ao último da série... Do irmão mais novo... ^_^
Mais um livro que tinha lido em ebook manhoso e que não me lembrava de como a história era linda...
Simplesmente amei este 3º livro, é difícil não amar o Devin e gostar muito Cassie... Adorei mesmo!!!
E agora vou-me atirar ao último da série... Do irmão mais novo... ^_^
August 21, 2021
Re-Read.
Most intense story in this series coz' of the lunatic ex-husband. Poor Cassie and her kids to put up with that monster for over a decade. But of course, Devin the Sheriff to the rescue.
He'd be a wonderful father IRL.
Most intense story in this series coz' of the lunatic ex-husband. Poor Cassie and her kids to put up with that monster for over a decade. But of course, Devin the Sheriff to the rescue.
He'd be a wonderful father IRL.
July 9, 2015
Me gustó mucho pero fue muy corto. Unas paginas más no habrían venido mal y sobre todo un epílogo.
Espero saber más de Cass y Devin en el siguiente libro.
Espero saber más de Cass y Devin en el siguiente libro.
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