KEITH (The Hartwell Brothers Book 1)

This is the first book in The Hartwell Brothers series. The love story of Matthias Sr. and Alice Hartwell, grandparents to the four Hartwell brothers, is briefly incorporated into Keith and Veronica's story, adding history and deepening the reader's connection to the Hartwell family.Well-known even beyond their home state of Massachusettes, the Hartwell family represents old money, power, and influence, but the privilege that accompanies it is taught to be valued as a gift, not a right. The Hartwell Foundation that Matthias Sr. once ran with his father before handing over the reigns to another generation is considered the family's heritage; giving back to the community is something the entire family is committed to.Keith Hartwell, fashion photographer, is in high demand. Although he could easily have a career in front of the camera, he loves what he does and it shows in his work. Two years ago he got a big contract in Milan and his career has since skyrocketed. With a big heart, he is one of the most laid back photographers in the industry and the models adore him. He casually floats from one woman to another, never breaking hearts nor exposing his own.Veronica Chesire, twenty-five, teaches pre-algebra at a magnet school. A tall woman, her beauty and full curves give her a retro Hollywood look. She is funny, smart, and definitely not a pushover. Her last date was over a year ago; he had made the mistake of getting too handsy. The oldest of seven abandoned and adopted children, her complicated family situation impacts her deeply. Gratitude, guilt, duty, and responsibility keep her living at home with her parents and prevent her from allowing herself to experience happiness.Veronica takes a catering job during the summer to help pay for her siblings' expenses. While working at an event for the Hartwell Foundation, she feels her heart flutter uncharacteristically at the sight of a certain man that she soon recognizes as a Hartwell brother.While beautiful women offer themselves to Keith routinely, Veronica's eyes call to him from across the room like no other. But when it comes to love, he doesn't recognize it because he hasn't experienced it before. He bottles up his feelings and behaves horribly in spite of his otherwise big heart. In his confusion, he acts out by rejecting the notion rather than admitting to himself how he feels. It becomes difficult to like Keith. But for the love he has for his family and the guilt that temporarily consumes him, it would be impossible to forgive him.Keith and Veronica's is a refreshingly different kind of love story. Neither acts upon their feelings, which causes unnecessary confusion and complications. The story shows how guilt can trigger unexpected and uncharacteristic reactions, and as awful as someone behaves, foregiveness is possible if there is love. It is nice to see that although they come from different backgrounds, both value their family and both feel comfortable enough to confide in and seek advice from their grandparents. The end comes with a HFN, but it can be deduced that more will be discovered about the couple's ever after in the remaining books of the series.This story is an unexpected and emotional journey. It is nicely written, with a handful of proofing errors. The POV alternates between Keith and Veronica, with the addition of a chapter each from Matthias Sr. and Alice. The plot is nicely developed. The addition of the peek into Matthias Sr. and Alice's love story adds depth. The characters are very well-developed, but Keith's character is slightly lacking. His relationship history is vague. One of his longest didn't seem to be exclusive, and the length is never given. In addition, there aren't many clues as to his age. He inherited money a few years ago and his career took off two years ago. I place him anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five, but roughly thirty is my best guess. Hopefully a future installment will clarify his age. I rate this book four stars.I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Well, what do we have here? Keith - the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, grade A dirty talker and panty melter wants to help his brother realize he can’t go through with an arranged marriage by introducing him to the woman the us perfect for him. Not for his brother, for himself.Veronica - chaste, refreshingly honest, and pin up girl gorgeous finds herself in quite a predicament not knowing the extent of everyone’s feelings including her own.You will enjoy reading how these two get together - and it isn’t by way of butterflies and unicorns. I look forward to the rest of the series.

I've been reading through your book list and loved all except the third in last series and didn't finish it or start the next I went to this series and love this 1 one

Enjoyed this very much

I was very confused when I first started reading the Hartwell brother between the father Sr and the son Jr, it took a while before I realized that they were two different people but after that the story’s plots were interesting and I just had to keep reading to see what happened.

I have mixed feelings about this book. Not sure exactly what was missing for me. While the storyline was ok it was a little slow at times. It was decent but not knock my socks off.

I liked this book and the writing style. It sounded like real people, most of the time. I sure didn't understand the beginning and ending scenes and that's the only reason I don't give this book 5 stars.

I am,as always astounded by the words that just seem to flow from such a brilliant mind! Veronica is a 25 year old woman who lives to help out her parents and not to become her mom. Keith is a rich guy who just wants the best for his brother! They meet at a summer job she has taken and sparks fly. I can't wait for Matt to meet his forever love.

An excellent start to this new series of books about the Hartwell family. Although Matthias is mentioned a lot in this novel the main story is about Keith and Veronica . Keith is a very well known and very much in demand fashion photographer of course he’s a total player . When his brother Matthias announces that he’s getting married to Nikolett who happens to be a total b***h ,Keith is annoyed especially when he discovers the reason why he’s entering into this union , he realises that he must do something to stop it . Veronica is a teacher who hasn’t had a conventional up bringing , her mother Holly as she put it ,had a revolving door on her bedroom and as soon as she has a child she’d abandon the child In the care of her parents and then disappear . Although brought up by their devoted grandparents all the children called them mum and dad they had a good loving upbringing . To help her grandparents financially Veronica would work throughout the summer holidays as well as a waitress with a catering company that’s when she meets Matthias and Keith at a function and it’s true to say her world is turned upside down . I thoroughly enjoyed this story Veronica is strong and sassy but with a vulnerable side , Keith well what can I say ,obviously a gorgeous specimen of man but hellishly annoying in his attitude ,but at least he realised he had to change to get the woman he’s fallen for . Matthias although his story is next I really like his character from the beginning can’t wait to see how his story will play out . 😍😉

Great start to what I’m hoping is going to be another awesome series by this author.Sometimes, you think you’re helping when actually you are only making things worse. That is so true of Keith Hartwell’s best intended plan for his oldest brother Matthias.In an attempt to save his brother, Matt from the most disastrous marriage possible, he inadvertently messes things up for himself. Sure, he manages to pull his brother away from the beastly Nikoletta and her evil, power hungry clutches - but achieving his goal means sacrificing the affection he feels for the vision of perfection he has come to love… Veronica Cheshire.Desperate to save his brother from certain misery, he knows his brother deserves better than Nikoletta, the She-Demon. So better is what he pushes Matt’s way.The problem is… he has strong feelings for Veronica, although he refuses to admit it. Instead he tortures himself by introducing Matt and Veronica, painfully watching them grow closer and closer. Whilst he’s happy for Matt, and loves that he can finally see him smile… the anguish and jealousy he feels whenever he sees Veronica is palpable. Of course he does the only thing a jealous man in his position can - he treats her badly and potentially damages their friendship. Better that, than cause a rift in his family, right?Unbeknownst to Keith, he is not alone in his wanting. And all the time that Keith is pushing Matt and Veronica together, she is struggling with her own feelings for Keith. Eventually, when things start getting intimate between Matt and Veronica she realises that this isn’t what she wants.Cue a story full of fractured relationships, misunderstandings and huge misgivings that threaten to ruin everything for seemingly everybody.There are moments in this book where you just want to scream at the main characters and tell them to just be honest with each other about how they feel, instead of pussyfooting around the issues. Keith, as much as I absolutely adore him, he makes massive mistakes in how he deals with discovering Veronica’s little secret. However, I also think that Veronica doesn’t help the situation. If she had gone about things differently and confronted Keith about her feelings for him in a different way, things might not have had to go quite so terribly wrong.This being said, I do really love them as a couple - and I am sincerely hoping that as the other Hartwell Brothers stories develop, we might see more of them.What this story lacks is a good epilogue. I do like the steps back in time, but the one at the end of this book felt a little disappointing because I wanted more Keith and Veronica.Anyway… good start to the series. Really hoping we get to keep hearing about their relationship throughout the rest of the series, as I know they aren’t done yet.

This book centres on Keith and Veronica, two polar opposites that meet through a charity function. Keith is a guest and Veronica, a schoolteacher, is working for the catering company as a summer job. Keith’s older brother Matt has made a deal with the devil as far as Keith is concerned. He has agreed to marry the obnoxious and toxic daughter of an investor, to help their families foundation out of financial trouble. When Keith first encounters Veronica, he realises that she’s the type of woman his brother should be with and decides to play Cupid. The only problem with his plan is that Cupid’s arrow has already hit him, hard. He cannot take his mind off Veronica. This is a well written and engaging story with believable characters. An excellent start to the series.

Loved this book. Very intense left me wanting more. Could stop reading the book.would reccomend these books love M.S.Parkers books.

Wow this one left me breathless and with my emotions tied in knots!Beautifully written story which flowed effortlessly!Loved it!Highly recommended