Destined for Love

Love in Bloom, Volume 5 (The Bradens, Book 2)

By: Melissa Foster

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Rex Braden is wealthy, hard-working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over 40 years, moves back into town.

After ditching a horrific relationship - and her veterinary practice in the process - Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is...until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life.

Despite the angry family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, and attitudes follow. Fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love stirs a surge of passion too strong for either to deny - and the rebel in each of them rears its powerful head. Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained. Rex and Jade are about to find out if true love really can conquer all.

©2014 Melissa Foster (P)2014 Melissa Foster

Stories of the Bradens are not to be missed

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4


Rex Braden knows that managing a ranch, while occupying much of his time, is not everything. He thinks he wants more, just defining that ‘more’ isn’t the easiest part of the decision. That is, until he runs into Jade, recently home after some drastic life events. Her family’s land borders the Braden’s property line, and the unexpected meeting with Rex due to an injured horse makes being home just a little more interesting.

But a family feud between the Bradens and Johnsons, over a reason that no-one can even remember, could be the monkey wrench in Rex’s plans, before he even gets a chance to make one. When you add in Jade’s ex who can’t take no for an answer, Rex’s horse Hope, who like all of the Bradens has her own way of thinking about things (perhaps not as the family would wish), the families and their own bluster as the ‘existence of the feud’ is more relevant than the actual reasons, or overcoming them…..

Rex and Jade are wonderful together, and their path to a romance, with or without family intervention, is perfectly paced and keeps listeners engaged Fast-paced dialogue, demonstrable connections and a wonderful horsey inset that adds humor and a sense of reality for anyone who has ever known a horse, the story just flies along.

Narration for this story is provided again by B.J. Harrison, who presents the characters, story and adds emotional context without getting in the way with overacting or dramatic vocal alterations to present unique voices for each character. The care in delivery, the staggered pacing and subtle tone changes that help provide character distinction and emotional impact are there. What I am finding is that I believe this book would have benefited from an additional narrative voice to provide contrast and auditory variance.

While each of these books work as a stand-alone title, the people, writing and stories of the Bradens are not to be missed.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

A Braden and a Johnson together? Wow.

This Braden book focuses on the relationship between Jade Johnson and Rex Braden. Their families are like the Hatfield and McCoys so they have avoided each other most of their lives while living on ranches next to each other. They have much to deal with as they realize they are meant for each other and must maneuver around an argument between their fathers they know nothing about. Melissa Foster's writing is praiseworthy. She weaves an intriguing and emotional story. The reading by BJ Harrison was flawless. His inflection and voices contributed to a positive audio experience. I highly recommend this audio book.

Family Feud

This is a Hatfields vs McCoys type story. We have two feuding families and no one knows why except for the two fathers and neither will discuss it. And don't you dare embarrass the family by going against their feud. But that is exactly what Rex and Jade do. They can't help themselves.

These two have been in love with each other since they were teenagers. But neither one of them would go against their fathers. Fast forward 15 years ... Now they can't help themselves and nothing is going to stop them from loving each other.

When the confrontation occurs between the two families, what will happen? Will Jade and Rex be able to be together? Will the feud be resolved?

I love BJ Harrison's version of Rex. He's a rough cowboy with a chip on his shoulder most days, but he also has a sensitive side that most people don't get to see. I can' wait for more Bradens and to see what happens with Jade and Rex.

Modern time Romeo and Juliet

If you could sum up Destined for Love in three words, what would they be?

Loyalty, Sinful, and Romance

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rex Braden. He is the embodiment of a Cowboy.

Have you listened to any of B.J. Harrison’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my 2ND book by B.J. Harrison. I absolutely love to hear his take on character voices. He really makes the listener believe there are different people narrating.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hearts divided

Feuding Families

Destined For Love is super sweet, super hot small town country romance. The forbidden aspect was a feud between two families that had gone on way too long and needed a bit of shaking up.
Jade Johnson and Rex Braden know they shouldn’t be attracted to each other. But when the attraction is just too strong to resist, it might be the only thing that will force them to reevaluate the long standing field between their families.
Both Jade and Rex gave in way too much to what their fathers thought it wanted. I quite often wanted to shake them and tell them to grow up.
What could have been a fairly blah story was brought up a notch in audiobook by really good narration!
-3.5 Stars-

Rex and Jade

These Braden men are going to be the end of me. Each time I meet a new one, I swear he is my favorite, and this one is no exception! Rex is somewhat of broody cowboy. Always interested in Jade Johnson, the daughter of his father's nemesis has left him lonely. Not that he doesn't attract women, because all that Braden goodness absolutely does. Now that Jade is back in town though, his feelings are rekindled. When she ends up in a precarious situation, he comes to her aid, and our love story begins. It is a little of Romeo and Juliet, a little of second chances to find their love and a beautiful story. Jade is an amazing woman. I love her horse whispering and her ability to calm the animals. It shows just how compassionate and loving she is. Rex is all we want in a man. Slightly mysterious, loyal til the end, this man won my heart. Plus we get to see others we have met and loved as well. It's an easy listen and has left me wanting to have more of this incredibly interesting family.

BJ Harrison continues his narration of the series and I really enjoy his voice. He has an effortless feel to his performance and just lets us lose ourselves in the story. Each voice easy to distinguish and his story telling is spot on. Another wonderful portrayal of the Bradens.

Love can overcome anything

Even a family feud can’t keep these two destined love birds from being together. Rex and Jade have so many things stacked against them but because of their destined love each challenge they are faced with results in them coming closer together.
Give this audiobook a listen this holiday season and you’ll be destined to fall in love with their love story too!!

Family feud no match for true love

Rex and Jade's families have been feuding for years but that can't stop the feelings that they have for one another once Jade returns to town. This is yet another well written book by Melissa Foster. That was expertly narrated and easy to listen to on the car rides to work. Can't wait for the next one!

Another 5 star Audio by Melissa Foster

Where does Destined for Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Wow I forgot how great Destined for Love was. I read it so long ago and I'm so glad I listened to BJ Harrison read me this fantastic book. This on was my favorite at the time, I mean all of the books are fantastic but Rex and Jade was my fave for the longest time. I just love how he was willing to give up his family for the love of his life. I mean not many families are close let alone as close as the Braden's family. So thank you Melissa Foster for writing such amazing books that show amazing families. Thank you for finding BJ Harrison to read your stories, he does a fantastic job. I can't think of any other word to describe how great of a narrator he is. To have him reading as Rex OMFG words will not do him justice. I can not think of a word that is good enough to describe how fantastic he is at reading your stories. So kudos to you or who ever found him. If it wasn't you, the person deserves a big pat on the back and a big time bonus for finding him. So thank you thank you! I can't say enough about Rex and Jades story or about the audio version of it. Oh and to get a glimpse of the others...:) It is a 5 (*****) plus star read. I so Loved it. I'm sure I will be listening to it again. Now I'm off to see about getting my ears on another one of your fabtastic audio books. thanks!!!!

What other book might you compare Destined for Love to and why?

It doesn't compare to any other book. BJ makes each one unique in its own right. Anything he might read is a must listen to. He could read me the phone book and I would listen and not turn it off.

Have you listened to any of B.J. Harrison’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

BJ Harrison is a fantastic narrator. I have listen to him read 5 books now and I don't think anyone else can do as good of a job at telling Melissa Fosters stories. He does a fantastic job reading all of the Braden's and all the others in those books. Thank you BJ I love your voice!!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes this was a book that I had to listen to in one sitting, I didn't want to get out of my car while listening. I had to put my headphones on and continue until it was over. I now need more....

Any additional comments?

A fantastic audio book. Keep up the fantastic job BJ and Melissa!!!!

Love Story with a Twist

I love Rex and Jade. They have so much passion and heat and there is so much angst in all the things that should keep/tear them apart but they can't keep away from each other. I loved listening to this while I was working, at the gym, and doing homework to keep my mind happy and swooning while I was doing intense work, both physical and mental.