Is it the walk of shame when he’s been gone nearly three days?
Kait Nolan
Mixed Up with a Marine
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Braxton Whitmore needs a change. After leaving the Marines, he’s free to build a new life. But is he gonna be a baker? Really? When his buddy inherits a decrepit bar and proposes they partner up to turn it into a bakery, Brax figures why not? Until his ex comes walking in.
Mia Whitmore has built a new life for herself, far from the heartbreak and secrets that tore her marriage apart. The last thing she expects is for her estranged husband to be business partners with her latest client. Or for Brax to think they’re already divorced.
As they’re forced into proximity on the renovation, truths come to light, and Brax and Mia get a second chance. But when past secrets become present danger, Brax puts everything on the line to protect the woman who’s always held his heart.
Point of view:
3rd Person. Alternating between Brax & Mia’s perspectives
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This is book 1 in Nolan’s Bad Boy Bakers series. There’s a prequel novella, Rescued by a Bad Boy, that gives background on Brax & Mia. While not necessary to enjoy this story, I’d definitely recommend it. Also, fans of Nolan’s other series will recognize secondary characters, but those new to her work won’t be lost without that background.
I’m an unabashed fan of Nolan’s writing and this story is exactly why. So many emotions, angst but not without reason, chemistry, and a little bit of suspense.
This is a fantastic second chance, forced proximity romance where two people who are trying to get on with their lives. I don’t enjoy “big misunderstanding” tropes – but as always, Nolan writes it in a believable way that makes me truly believe what these characters went through. Brax & Mia made mistakes that young make, but mostly they were victims of circumstances completely outside of their control. I found myself in tears several times aching for both of them and what they lost.
Such a great couple and emotional story. I love their path and lovely HEA. I’m also totally ready for Holt & Kayla’s story, Wrapped up with a Ranger.
Narration:
Anyone who has followed me for more than five seconds knows how much I love Amy McFadden’s narrations. Paired with Ryan West made this a perfect listen. West’s deep voice is swoon worthy. Both are a fantastic fit for Nolan’s writing: all the personalities, emotions, humor, suspense, and romance. They’re also great paired together and I’m looking forward to more of them through this series.
Content Warning (spoilers):
Mentions of suicide, rape, pregnancy loss, infertility.
About the author:
Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin’, and can wield a ‘Bless your heart’ like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world’s most perfect food. When she’s not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.
You can connect with Kait Nolan here:
About the narrators:
From Amy McFadden’s website: I live in Michigan and even in the dead of winter I love to laugh so much that I never have to do situps. Truthfully, I probably wouldn’t do situps anyway, but hey, laughter is the best medicine, so I must be SUPER healthy, right?
I’m an actress now, and I used to be a 2nd grade teacher. I loved that part of my life, but after doing it for a bunch of years, I was ready to move on to the next version of me. They’re not really very different versions-teachers and actresses both reach out and engage people through stories. I’m NOT a morning person, but waking up to tell stories makes mornings better-than-tolerable.
I love books and the Muppets and smart people and kind people (not necessarily in that order) and sleeping and chocolate and coffee and writers and learning and Oreo cookies and a bunch of other stuff-but I’m starting to make myself gag on all this love.
I hate a bunch of stuff, too, but who cares about that junk? It’s probably the same stuff you hate, so I won’t bore you. Except I REALLY hate listening to people eat bananas.
You can connect with Amy McFadden here:
My Favorite Quotes
She didn’t know if she’d ever get this again and she’d be damned if she let go first. – Mixed Up with a Marine by @kaitnolan #Audiobook narrated by @amymcnarrator & #RyanWest #SmallTown #Romance #BadBoyBakers #SecondChance
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This wasn’t a continuation of what they’d been before. It was truly a chance to build something new between who they were now. – Mixed Up with a Marine by @kaitnolan #Audiobook narrated by @amymcnarrator & #RyanWest #SmallTown #Romance #BadBoyBakers #SecondChance
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Is it the walk of shame when he’s been gone nearly three days? – Mixed Up with a Marine by @kaitnolan #Audiobook narrated by @amymcnarrator & #RyanWest #SmallTown #Romance #BadBoyBakers #SecondChance
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I don’t want to ever let you go again. – Mixed Up with a Marine by @kaitnolan #Audiobook narrated by @amymcnarrator & #RyanWest #SmallTown #Romance #BadBoyBakers #SecondChance
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Rellim Reads 