REVIEW: The Forbidden Brother by Joanne Rock

The Forbidden Brother by Joanne Rock is the seventh story in her McNeill Magnates series, a broad family based set of Western themed romances. While each romance in this series is a standalone, there are some story arcs that continue from one book to the next, introducing subplots to entice the reader to want to pick up more of the stories.

Jillian Ross is in remission from breast cancer and finding her feet again. She’s got an adventurous job scouting movie locations, and the perfect place for an upcoming western would be Cody McNeill’s ranch – except he isn’t interested in meeting with anyone, or having anything filmed on his land. When Jillian runs into Cody at a bar, she mistakes him for his twin brother Carson whom she’d planned to approach in Cody’s stead, and when they share a steamy night together it soon comes out who she really is (and that she mistook Cody for his twin!). Despite their complicated start, Jillian and Cody do actually like each other, and can’t deny the attraction between them, even with their opposing agendas.

Some of Cody’s siblings are interested in helping Jillian and figuring out if she can use some of their land for the film. It means she gets to stick around, and this means more interactions with Cody, who helps her cross off some items on her bucket list of living life to the fullest in celebration of regaining her health. When Jillian becomes pregnant, an event that is almost miraculous for her having understood the chances of pregnancy from her cancer treatments would be slim, Cody is willing to do whatever he can to support Jillian and the baby. Jillian doesn’t want to be another obligation on Cody’s plate. Can Cody convince her that his feelings for her are genuine and that they could be a happy family together?

I enjoyed this romance! It was lovely to see Jillian regaining her self confidence and Cody showing her that she is an attractive and desirable woman despite her physical scars. Once he finds out what she’s been through, he becomes more protective and he is determined to do everything he can to help her with the unexpected pregnancy. The two of them have great chemistry and their love scenes are sensual and passionate. Though Jillian doesn’t plan to stick around for too long, everything changes with her pregnancy and the prospect of staying with the McNeills and becoming part of their family is definitely appealing. While Cody is still hesitant to have any filming occur on his land, they are able to work out a compromise involving his family that works for them both.

Because this is part of a long running series, there are some siblings who have already gotten their happy endings and others still figuring things out. Cody’s half sister Scarlet has an unresolved relationship with a Hollywood actor (who will be acting in the movie for which Jillian is scouting locations). Cody’s father and his stepmother are having some problems and at the end of the story, these two subplots have moved along but are unresolved. Cody and Jillian get their happy ending, but fans of the McNeills will be happy to know there are more stories to come! I’m looking forward to reading more about this interesting and likable family!
 

Book Info:

Publication: July 1, 2018 | Harlequin | The McNeill Magnates #7

One night of passion, mistaken identity… and unmistakable consequences!
Jillian Ross craves adventure. And she gets it when her new career as a film scout leads her to the ranch owned by the wealthy Wyoming McNeills. Giving in to temptation with the playboy McNeill causes havoc–since it’s actually his reclusive twin, Cody, she’s fallen for! Now she’s pregnant–and still can’t get enough of her reluctant rancher. Is this adventure just beginning?