Cover Image: Handle with Care

Handle with Care

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Member Reviews

Love these characters, super cute storyline, I’d love to read about the other characters too. I love a story where you want to be in their circle of friends — doesn’t hurt that all the guys are hot and built! Brother and sister duo meets guy who seems open to the package deal but there is so much baggage on both sides. Will it work out? Read to find out!

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I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 3rd book of the series. It was far more laid back than the others but it brought such a sweet story line.
Evan was definitely the guy. Caring, sexy and charming. He met Kenzie and her wild friends while helping moving out her best friend. Add in Kenzie's younger brother who stole his phone and Evan's life would never be the same. It was a great read and I enjoyed the story.

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I received this from Netgalley for an honest review. I gave this book a 2/5 stars. I had a feeling I would either love this one or hate it and sadly I just didn't like it. I felt as though the love interest was boring and just not my favorite and that the main character was kind of annoying at times. Overall I didn't care for either of them.

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I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. This was just a wonderful book to read and it was just easy to lose yourself in the story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

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I really tried to like this book. I really did. I had quite a few issues with this one.
It was suuuuuuper long and for no reason, because it was loaded with so much filler content that didn’t push the story forward or aid in character development.
Some of the side characters were alright, but most were unbearably over the top. To the point wehete they weren’t at all funny, just annoying.

Okay, some positives. The hero was a really great guy who took care of those he loved. I liked seeing a softer side to a lead male character.
The heroine was alright, though there was nothing that really had me connecting to her.
And that’s what it boils down to, I just didn’t feel the connection between them, therefore I just didn’t care one way or the other about the story.

I strongly dislike writing negative reviews, but I can’t say I liked something when I didn’t.

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2.5 Stars / 1 Steam Fan

I went into this hoping that it would be better than the other book that I read in the series, well I was wrong! Once again I had the feeling that I needed to read the first book in the series to understand some of the dynamics but at the same time the lack of focus on Evan and Kenzie really threw me out of the story. I never felt connected to either characters and just wanted the story to be over.

This specific video review will be included in the September 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

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I've read the previous books in this series and have enjoyed them all. I was excited to finally read the accountant cousin's HEA. Like the other books, the author's writing chops shine through. The dialogue is witty and the characters' personalities are clearly defined. Yet, this one just didn't click for me and is my least favorite of the bunch. It began with a slow start for me and while good, didn't blow me away.

If you're the sort of reader who likes to finish out a series, reading this one is a no-brainer. If not, I'd recommend reading the Kindle sample first. If you like it, you'll probably like the book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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HANDLE WITH CARE by Marie Harte is a wonderful contemporary romance! Great read for a stay at home afternoon. Marie Harte is definitely an author I look forward to reading. You can always count on a good story!

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Handle With Care finished the Veteran's Movers series well. Marie Harte's superb character profiles are what make this series come alive. handle with care could stand alone, but the secondary characters that people the series are so interesting and engaging, that most readers will find themselves going back for the rest of the books. It's a solid gentle romance with a predictable happily ever after, but sometimes that is exactly what I'm looking for in a romance.
3.5
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

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Love, loved, loved this book. I'm enjoyed all the books in this series, but this might be my favorite. Kenzie and her "family" are a hoot and Evan almost seems to good to be true. While Evan seemed to fall in love with Kenzie quickly, it was just his way and seemed natural. I loved how he included Kenzie's brother in his life/love. This side characters brought fun and laughter to this sexy romance.

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I've seen this author's name around -- book stores, libraries -- and managed to grab a copy from NetGalley. However, I didn't quite figure I was coming mid-way into a series with characters already established, despite saying it's a standalone.

It was so jam packed at the beginning, I actually ditched this to read another romance and a non-fiction book. I reluctantly picked back up on this one as I waited over the weekend to get a "real" book at the library after the weekend slump, but once I got to Chapter 4 (yup, I ditched this book ~Chapter 2 'cuz it was that weird and painful), I managed to finally get through the learning hump and finally finish this book.

Here's what contributed to this being a just ok read for me:

I suspect all the characters by this author are meant to be quirky and neurotic. I could see this being a bit annoying for some readers. This author also loves layering on the dialogue. There were plenty of times where I skipped over lines or wanted to skip because the patter was getting to be too much. And speaking of "too much," I felt this story could've been shorter than it was. The conflict was stretched out and I would've liked to see things more tightened up.

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I loved Evan and Kenzie!Great characters and story line.Love the family ties that ties this series together,Cousins and friends working together,helping out when needed made a very enjoyable book.I loved how Evan got Kenzie and her brother to trust him and let him into their hearts.Looking foward to the next book I hope Ms.Harte writes is about Smith.

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HANDLE WITH CARE is the third book in Marie Harte’s “Veteran Movers” series. Kenzie Sykes and Evan Griffith have both lost people they loved, and they both know the importance of family. The differences in their families, and the relationships they had with past loves, are critical in understanding the hurdles they face in their romance. After the death of their parents, Kenzie has been the mother-figure in her baby brother’s life. After having a man she loved and trusted suddenly walk out on her, Kenzie is more than a little cautious about entering another serious romantic relationship. For Evan, his family was a big support system when the woman he was with passed away from an illness. The physical attraction between Kenzie and Evan is obvious from the start but sorting through the assorted emotional baggage proves difficult at times.

I love Marie Harte’s heroes and her stories. There’s a lot of emotional heavy lifting that the two main characters must do in order to find their happily ever after, but they’re both strong enough to fight for it. Although there is a lot of drama in HANDLE WITH CARE, it’s also filled with Marie Harte’s usual fun, well-written sexy scenes, and strong friendships. Kenzie has a lot in common with the heroine in Marie Harte’s previous book SMOOTH MOVES, because of their tight relationships with their younger brothers. As much as I find Kenzie frustrating because of the way she treats her relationship with Evan, I totally empathize with her because of what led to her overdeveloped sense of caution. Because she felt like her ex didn’t give any warning signs before he left, it left Kenzie doubting herself more than anything else. It’s the self-doubt that left the biggest scar on her psyche. Evan, like many Marie Harte heroes, is such a sweetie. Evan tries to give Kenzie space and build their relationship at a pace she can handle. His thoughtfulness and other attractive qualities blow Kenzie’s mind, and almost make the relationship implode. It takes a little advice and subtle maneuvering by friends and family, but Kenzie eventually realizes she’s in love with Evan and decides what she should do about it.

HANDLE WITH CARE has dynamite storytelling and a swoon- worthy hero. I love the relationships built between all the many characters in this story and the way they add to it. Evan is the perfect guy-next-door who’s sweet, sexy, and head-over-heels for this heroine. I’m eager to read Smith’s story. I can’t wait to read Marie Harte’s next book!

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I liked this! It wasn’t completely original and I felt like I always knew what was coming next, but that is not to say I didn’t enjoy it in more of a guilty pleasure fashion. The characters were sweet, a little over the top, but cute.

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Handle With Care is the third book in the Veteran's Movers series.
So far we've had Cash and Reid's books. This is Evan's book. The former Marine/ CPA/silent partner and mover for Veterans on the Go has meet his match. He's instantly attracted to Kenzie when he meets her during a move. Little does he know the punk kid who "steals" his phone is going to change his life.
Kenzie is just trying to keep her head above water and do the best she can for her brother Daniel. But keeping him out of trouble send like a full time job. And she's definitely gun shy about men after having her heart trampled. Yet fighting her attraction for the sexy mover is proving to be a challenge

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Handle with Care is a complete standalone in this series. The story was funny, had good banter, and a sweet ending. I wasn't a fan of the writing style and the main character unfortunately was very unlikeable. There was also much rambling and unnecessary details that felt like fluff. Overall, not bad. I'm giving it three chilli peppers of hotness.

I received a free ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion. All thoughts are my own.

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3.75 stars--HANDLE WITH CARE is the third instalment in Marie Harte’s contemporary, adult VETERAN MOVERS erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Vets on the Go!-a moving company established to help former servicemen. This is thirty-one years olds former Marine and CPA Evan Griffith, and graphic designer Kenzie Sykes’ storyline. HANDLE WITH CARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an on-going plot line throughout.

Told from several third person perspectives including Evan, Kenzie and Daniel HANDLE WITH CARE follows the building relationship and romance between thirty-one years olds former Marine and CPA Evan Griffith, and graphic designer Kenzie Sykes. Vets on the Go’s latest job found Evan Griffith walking into a ‘fight’ between friends that caught Evan unaware. Meeting thirty-one year old Kenzie Syke’s stirred something deep within our story line hero, something Evan long thought buried and gone. When Kenzie’s younger brother pulled a fast one on Evan Griffith, Evan would take his revenge by asking out our story line heroine. What ensues is the slow building romance between Kenzie and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Kenzie is unable to let go of the past.

Kenzie Sykes has known love and lost when her fiancé walked away without a backward glance. Having raised her younger brother Kenzie’s first priority is Daniel, and a relationship with Evan is about to push all of her boundaries. Evan Griffith also knew love and the grief of losing someone close, and was willing to give love another chance but convincing Kenzie that he was not her ex-fiance meant the whole package including caring for her younger brother as well. A sensitive hero Evan struggles with Kenzie’s up and down, back and forth emotional turmoil.

The relationship between Kenzie and Evan is one of immediate attraction but Evan’s first impression of Kenzie came with mixed emotions believing the woman was all kinds of crazy. Hoping to convince Kenzie to give him a chance Evan begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, while fast becoming a big brother to Daniel as well. A former soccer star, Evan will take Daniel under his wing in an effort to help Daniel with his love of the game. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary characters including Cash Griffith and Jordan Fleming (Smooth Moves #2), Reid Griffith and Naomi (The Whole Package #1); Evan’s mother Jane Griffith; Vets on the Go employees-Smith Ramsey, Hector, Lafayette, and Finley; Kenzie’s brother Daniel, and her two besties Lila, Rachel and Will. There is something developing between Lila and Hector-here’s hoping the author brings their relationship to the forefront. The back and forth banter between characters is energetic and fast paced-there is definite camaraderie between family and friends.

HANDLE WITH CARE is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and love; a story of revelations and acceptance. The premise is fast paced, engaging and lively; the romance is seductive; the characters are spirited and fun. HANDLE WITH CARE is an entertaining and inviting addition to Harte’s Veteran Movers.


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HANDLE WITH CARE is the third story in the Veteran Movers series, and this one delivers the solid, good story that I expected and more. Evan is what I see as a “real man” in romances – he’s not always smooth, he’s not afraid to show emotions, he fumbles, he’s occasionally clueless – and I loved all of that about him. He’s real and that makes him relatable for me.

Kenzie has had responsibility for her younger brother since their parents’ deaths. She’s been burned badly by the “perfect” man, the man who walked when she put her brother, Daniel, first. Now she’s scared to trust her judgment on any male, so, for now, she’s not looking – until her brother brings them together in a most unusual way.

I was definitely more on Evan’s side of the story in this romance. I liked Kenzie, yet she was so quick to judge Evan, to not believe in what was right in front of her, and because of her reactions to or actions toward Evan, it took me a long while to warm up to her. We get another great crew of Kenzie’s friends in this story – and maybe we’ll see them again in the future. There is definitely an emotional feel to HANDLE WITH CARE, just not in an obvious in your face way. I had fun with this one, as I have with this entire series. If you love a good romance with some tempers flaring, some real emotions showing, and a couple that belongs together but have to risk being hurt before that can happen – then you’ll enjoy this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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This was a fun and lighthearted read . I was happy that Evan got his story he deserved it, I wasn't crazy about Kenzie.She was ok.Evan was definitely the guy, sweet and sexy.This was a slow burn romance.,the interaction between them was natural.

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Evan Griffith finds himself taken by a teenage conman and confronted by a woman wielding a knife – and promptly falls head over heels for her. Kenzie Sykes doesn’t have time for romance, but Evan’s not asking… until he is, and she finds herself saying yes.

This contemporary romance is an emotionally ‘real’ romance with strong, likeable characters that draws readers in and refuses to let go. Evan and Kenzie have lots of chemistry but both characters have a few reservations about romance, Kenzie more than Evan since she is doing her best to raise her teenage brother, keep him out of jail and juggling her career. The relationship is full of emotions and real life events that really speak to the readers while the story also provides quite a few chuckles as Evan tries his best to fit in with Kenzie’s family and friends.

The plot is steady paced and all of the characters just seem to say ‘come on in’ and join us in our life which ensures that readers really want to get to know them all and of course they want to know everything about Kenzie and Evan’s romance. The story is a delightfully charming and heartwarming read that can really get caught up in.

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