REVIEW: Wrapped In You by Jules Bennett

In Wrapped In You by Jules Bennett, Sophie Allen, a real estate agent, approaches the Monroe brothers with a deal from the town to purchase their deceased sister’s property. Sophie had been friends with Chelsea, Braxton, Liam, and Zach since childhood. She attempts to convince them that selling would be for the best, but is surprised when Zach, the brother she always had feelings for, adamantly refuses.

Zach hadn’t had it easy in life; his childhood was awful until the Monroe’s adopted him. Then he made a drunken bet with Liam, causing an accident that resulted in both Liam and Sophie getting injured and him winding up in jail. He’s never forgiven himself for what happened, closing himself off from both his brothers and Sophie. While Sophie and Braxton try to break down his walls, Liam still harbors anger towards him, which causes them to fight often. Chelsea was the sibling he was closest to, so he was determined to see her dream of building a spa for women come true.

Zach wants to be with Sophie, he always has, but he feels like she deserves better. Sophie is determined to prove him otherwise. She never blamed him for the accident and all she lost. She even tried to visit him while he was in prison, although he refused to see her.

Knowing Zach had never forgiven himself for her handicap still sent an ache through her that she feared would never go away. Sophie actually hurt for him.

She uses Zach’s determination to see the spa through as a way to work him and break down his walls. While doing so, she gets to see a softer, caring side to him that he hides from everyone else. She just can’t figure out why he refuses to forgive himself and allow himself to find happiness.

Even Brock, an abused teenager Zach found hiding on Chelsea’s property, didn’t understand why Zach was refusing to allow himself to be happy.

“Then why do you think you can’t give her what she needs? I figure if she loves you, then that’s all she needs. Right? I know your childhood wasn’t much different than mine, but I’m not giving up on finding happiness. I don’t think you should either.”
Zach listened to each word of advice given by a kid half his age and wondered how the hell this boy who’d only come into his life only days ago could put Zach’s entire messed-up, warped life into perspective so easily.

There were a few “I want to be with you but I can’t be with you” moments in the book which can frustrate some readers, but I didn’t mind it too much. With all the pain Zach was harboring, it was understandable.

This book is about guilt, forgiveness, and healing. It’s worth giving it a read, and I’m looking forward to reading about the other Monroe brothers.

Book Info:

 March 29, 2016 | Zebra | The Monroes #1

The Monroe brothers found a home in Haven, Georgia, thanks to the big-hearted couple who adopted them all. Now, grieving their late sister, these three very different men will come together to honor her memory. And with the help of some unforgettable women, each will find the chance to build a whole new future…

Zach Monroe has made mistakes–big ones. The worst left the girl he loved injured, and his own brother barely speaking to him. It was a night Zach won’t let himself forget, even when the girl in question–perfect, polished Sophie Allen–walks back into his life. A realtor, Sophie’s brought an offer for their sister’s dilapidated Civil War era property. But Zach’s determined to renovate the rambling old place himself–though he longs to rebuild Sophie’s trust in him…

A business deal isn’t how Sophie wanted to approach Zach after all this time, but he won’t let anyone get personal. She can’t deny that the accident changed her life in irreparable ways. But watching gruff, quiet Zach beat himself up year after year hurts too. The wounded boy she once adored needed love, and the man is no different. Now Sophie will need every bit of her resolve to convince Zach to let love heal them both…