LauraJ’s review of The Watson Brothers by Lori Foster
Contemporary romance single author anthology re-released by Kensington 1 Sep 08

I love Lori Foster’s novella stories. I haven’t read too many of her full length novels, but I have several on my tbr shelf. She’s just one of those authors I can go to if I want a good quick read. I know I’m going to get a fun, hot story every time. This book is a Wal-Mart reprint of novellas featuring Sam, Gil, and Pete Watson [Ed.: couldn’t find the book on Wal-Mart’s site, oddly enough]. All three stories can be found in the earlier anthologies: Bad Boys on Board (Sam), Bad Boys to Go (Gil) and Bad Boys in Black Tie (Pete). I have to say while I do have all three anthologies on my tbr shelf, I’m glad to have all three brothers in one book.

Story 1: “My House, My Rules”

In the first story, Sam is undercover to catch a mugger targeting drunks but has his cover almost blown when Ariel, thinking she is “saving” Sam gets involved in his bust. Sam has had eyes for Ariel for a long time but has kept a hands off policy for two reasons, she’s too young and she is his brother Pete’s ex-girlfriend. Ariel has made up her mind that it’s Sam she wants, now she has to convince him.

This was probably my favorite of the three stories as I tend to like the alpha male heroes. Sam is defiantly an alpha male and one who has met his match with the feisty, determined Ariel. I loved their interaction, Sam determined to convince Ariel that she can’t handle a man like him, Ariel determined to show him exactly what she can handle.

Grade: A

Summary:

Tough, rugged cop Sam Watson has a reputation for being a hero on the job and delivering mind-blowing pleasure in the bedroom. But the only woman who drives him over the edge is the one who’s completely wrong for him – the sweetly sexy and extremely determined Ariel. When Ariel’s headstrong ways nearly wreck one of Sam’s string operations – ruining her alluring dress in the process – Sam offers her a ride to his place to clean up. But once there, Ariel seems to have her own agenda, and Sam decides it’s time to show the lady that if she wants to play games of seduction, he’ll be calling the shots, turning her every fantasy into a night of unimagined bliss.

Read an excerpt.

Story 2: “Bringing Up Baby”

The second story has middle brother Gil finding out that he has a daughter he knew nothing about, the result of a fling while on a business trip. The mother of the daughter has died and the woman raising her has decided that Gil needs to know so that he can help her protect the little girl. Anabel has raised Nicole since her birth because the mother and Anabel’s friend and roommate had no real interest in doing so. When Nicole’s maternal grandparents want to take custody of Nicole, Anabel goes to Gil with a proposition to keep Nicole in both of their lives.

This was probably the least of my favorite stories. I’m one of those readers that can take or leave kids in a story. As long as they add to the story and not distract I don’t mind them being there. Nicole is a central character in this story and it was a nice change since most stories I have read seem to add them for no real reason other than for the cute factor. The only problem I had with Nicole was that I thought she acted a little for her age. Anabel and Gil are both very likeable and compliment each other well and I enjoyed their story, but it didn’t grab me like Sam and Pete’s story did.

Grade: B

Summary:

Gil Watson has always been the responsible one, running the family business and keeping his brothers out of trouble. Of course there was that one wild night on a business trip… the one that resulted in a daughter he never knew he had. By the time Gil finds out about her, the little girl’s mother is already gone. Gil is determined to do the right thing, even if it means a marriage of convenience with the woman who’s been raising his baby. Anabel Truman is sarcastic, free-spirited, and totally wrong for him. But the sensations she rouses in him feel totally right – stirrings that have nothing to do with being good and everything to do with being very, very naughty. Once Gil gets unbuttoned, there’s no going back.

Read an excerpt.

Story 3: “Good With His Hands”

The final story is about Sam and Gil’s youngest brother Pete. He’s had the hots for his best friend and co-worker for sometime, but not wanting to ruin that friendship he’s kept a hands off policy until now and well Cassidy just doesn‘t seem interested in him for anything other than friendship. Cassidy has secretly lusted after Pete. He’s everything she doesn’t think she wants in a man, but still wants him anyway. She wants a man who is settled in life and Pete and his carefree attitude don’t fit that description. When Cassidy rejects Pete again he decides it’s time to go for it and take their friendship to a new level.

This story takes place five years after the first two. Pete spent the first two stories tormenting his brothers about their love lives and now he finally match. Sam and Gil of course return to payback Pete for teasing in the earlier stories and we are able to catch up with their HEA. I liked him for his fun loving, laid back attitude. He was the perfect hero to lighten up the goal-oriented, Cassidy. She needed to have Pete help her see that it was important to set goals that are what she wants, not what she thinks her parents want.

Grade: B+

Summary:

As next-door neighbors and best friends, Pete Watson and Cassidy McClannahan have a “no sex” relationship. “No sex” equals continuing friendship. “Ohmygodyes” sex equals big problems and probably some serious dish throwing. It may be a rigid rule, but it works. Until Pete decides he wants to push the line. If sensible Cassidy won’t take his hints, he’s ready to transform himself into the perfect “black tie” guy he thinks she wants. And once she’s in his arms, he’ll show her just what else that black tie can do…

Read an excerpt.

I am so glad to have all three stories in one book. You can really see the family dynamics of the Watson family much better. The three brothers are all so different, but it’s a family that laughs together, harasses each other, protects one another, and, most of all, loves each other.

Ms. Foster has several other books re-issued this way and more to come and you can bet I will be picking those up too.

Overall Grade: B+