Cover Image: Handle with Care

Handle with Care

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Evan and his cousin owns a moving business called Vets On The Go and only veterans were hired. The last two weeks he had actually been moving furniture instead of his normal desk job. Evan was a CPA he quit his high paying eight hour week job to work with the moving company and he had side jobs doing accountant work. The reason he was moving furniture is his cousin Cash broke his arm fighting off a gang and the company had been started so Cash would have a job he could work after leaving the service life. Evan had willingly stepped in to cover cash until his arm was healed about another six weeks, sooner if Cash has his way. At first he considered being out from being a desk a blessing. Sure he was sore, but he considered the physical exertion to be just the thing he needed to kick start his new life. No one had mentioned what to do when a client got in a free for all in the middle of the living room. Evan had been hired to move Rachel’s things not get into her private life. Than an avenging angel stormed through the front door . She made everything around her pale in comparison.Evan found it difficult to breath. The sight of the woman frizzled him. Than a teenage boy came up to Evan and told him the avenging angel was actually crazy. The girl was Kenzie the teenage boy was her brother Daniel who she had been raising since she was eighteen and he was two. Kenzie had to figure out how to make him stop acting like a butt and turn him back into a responsible teenager he had once been. Kenzie had a graphic design business- Sykes Design that Lila and Rachel worked with her. Daniel had messed with Evan’s phone than left it on his truck. Daniel knew how kenzie acted when she liked a guy and she liked the moving guy. Kenzie hadn’t looked at anyone like that since her broken engagement from Bryce over a year ago. Not until Evan. Daniel’s only family was Kenzi. Kenzi felt that the way Evan made her feel certainly qualified as difficult, perplexing, and chaotic. She didn't need that right now.
I loved reading this book. I loved Evan and Kenzie together and how they interacted. I loved that Evan wanted to take care of those he cared about and was the peacemaker of his family and friends. I loved that Evan told Kenzi first that he loved her not expecting her to say it back, he just wanted her to know. I loved Daniel and felt he really added to this book and loved to see him grow as the book went on. I also loved the relationship Evan was forming with Smith. I loved the plot and the pace. I advise you to read the first two books of this series for a smoother and more knowledgeable read. I loved Kenzie’s friends Rachel and Lili and how they loved Kenzie and Daniel. I also loved hector and Lili together. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Evan is ex military working for his family's moving company. He meets Kenzie and her brother Daniel while on a job. Kenzie is trying to keep her brother from ending up in jail and recovering from a broken heart courtesy of her ex boyfriend. This is a good read when you want something light with a little angst. I like this story but want to read about the cousin Smith.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

3.5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

It had been a long while since having read this author with remembering right away why I liked reading her when I started this one. This one has Evan and Kenzie with quirky way they meet. After that you are eager to see what happens next. This also has others that will entertain you in the story but am sadden I missed the first two where some have their story. This family business seems to give us readers lots of entertainment. The look into this world was a good escape for a minute and am glad I read this author again.

Was this review helpful?

I truly enjoyed this one! It picks up a couple of weeks later after the events of the previous book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, as the author provides enough information to fill in the blanks, but it's a much more enjoyable experience when you know the full background on the characters.
Taking a break from his long-hour and stressing work as an accountant on a high.end firm, Evan is determined to play a bigger part on the Vet movers company.
One of his first gigs put him on the path of Kenzie and her little brother Daniel. Evan and Kenzie are instantly attracted to each other, but they both have to navigate scars from the past, family dynamics and a few other things.
I enjoyed the new additions on this book with Kenzie's over the top friends that really complemented the Vets on the Go! characters. I liked that the story was more focused on Kenzie, her brother, her friends and Evan, with only a few appearances of the others. I gave a nice twist and originality to the series. I also enjoyed Evan navigating the relationship with Smith and working hard to make that happen.
Kenzie and Evan are actually two nice people that are trying and failing and trying again and I enjoyed that while a little over the top, Kenzie's struggle felt real. I liked that the story focused on how taking care of her little brother has her positioning her relationships in a different way and it's a beautfiul things.
A great read!

Was this review helpful?

Out of the three books in the series, so far, this third book was my favorite. Handle with Care was amusing, quirky, sexy, and emotional, and contained charming characters, an engaging storyline, and a heartfelt romance. This book is not so much about an alpha hero saving a damsel in distress but rather a book full of friends, family, healing, and love with characters that are down-to-earth and relatable and a believable, realistic storyline.

Evan has his hands full at the moving company he co-owns with his two cousins, Reid and Cash, as he fills in for one while out injured, along with trying to start his accounting business and taking care of his ailing mother. Romance was the last thing on his mind and definitely not what he was looking for when his moving assignment took him to Kenzie’s doorstep. Knocked head over heels, he gets more than he bargained for with Kenzie, her younger brother and their quirky set of friends. His eyes and heart are opened to new possibilities of family, friends, and love.

Kenzie was a crazy mess! Her parents passed away when she was finishing high school, leaving her with the responsibility of raising her baby brother. She did the best she could to build a life for them, starting her own graphic design business and working from home so she would always be available to Daniel when he needed her. Her previous relationship ended abruptly when her fiancée left without warning or reason so she and Daniel are still reeling emotionally and she is heartbroken, skeptical, unsure of herself, and gun shy regarding new relationships. However, there is something about Evan that urges her to throw caution to the wind. But he seems too good to be true and can she really open herself, and Daniel, up to that kind of heartache again? With her crazy group of friends as back-up, what could possibly go wrong?

I loved Evan and Kenzie as a couple and enjoyed their developing relationship and Evan’s interaction with Daniel. Aside from being with her, Evan had a separate bond with Daniel, letting him know he mattered and he was there for him and I enjoyed seeing Daniel mature through that brotherly connection. I also loved the prank that Daniel played on Evan with his phone – completely hilarious!

Since Evan was not really an ‘alpha-type’ hero in the story, I did scrunch my nose at a few of his clingy moments, but that really just helped his character become more real. He was just a guy who was devoted to his family, loyal to his friends, and all-around nice and helpful. I struggled a bit more with Kenzie’s character. Though overall, I did like her, she grew on me more as the story progressed, but she was a bit whinier and indecisive where Evan was concerned and in certain situations, that bugged me. However, Harte adding her quirky friends into the mix helped me enjoy her character more.

Harte also gives the reader a bit more insight into Smith’s character and I was really intrigued by him. There was a huge awe moment with him and a little girl that lets you glimpse an entirely different side of him than the gruff, spiteful, bad-tempered guy he portrays himself as. I enjoyed his interactions with Evan and was glad to see that Evan stepped up to the plate and just put the truth out there to him that everyone has been dancing around from previous books. I am looking forward to Smith’s story to see how all the family drama concludes.

Overall, this book was a fun addition to the series.

Was this review helpful?

3.5☆
I enjoyed revisiting Vets on the Go!

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Daniel
The humor
Part of a series: Veteran Movers
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading the next book in this series...Smith?

Was this review helpful?

When Evan Griffith quits his accounting job to work full time with his cousin’s in the moving business he’s part owner in, he meets Kenzie Sykes. He’s immediately attracted but her protective little brother tries to throw him off by painting her crazy. Unfortunately for Daniel, Evan isn’t thrown off by that and gently starts pursuing the reluctant Kenzie.

Handle with Care is a little different than the first two novels in the series. Although it continues the underlying story of the Griffith family and the mysterious Smith who looks and acts exactly like Evan’s cousin. Evan is not quite as alpha as his two cousin’s who starred in the first two books in the series. Which was great! It paints a more accurate picture of men coming in all shapes, sizes, and demeanors. Evan is sensitive, gentle, and a little eager to please. It was interesting to hear his inner thoughts on how his personality sometimes scares off the ladies. I thought his insecurities were really attractive!

I think I might have found this story a little lackluster if it hadn’t been for both Evan and Kenzie’s amazing friends and family. Lila and Hector’s romance, her little brother Daniel’s mischievousness and need for a male role model, and even Smith’s introduction into the family helped hold my interest. I hope we get a spin-off series of some sort because I want to learn more about these other characters lives and interests! If I had to guess, though, I think Smith’s novel will be the last, as he is the only remaining Griffith whose story has gone untold to date.

If you like real romances about normal people and great stories about how families come in all shapes and sizes, then this series should be on your radar. The movers are all ex-Vets and create their own family, but each couple’s story has unfolded with a unique angle on what and how their version of family has enriched their lives. I like that angle a lot! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!

Was this review helpful?

Handle With Care by Marie Harte
Veteran Movers #3

A company that employs military veterans who move people sounds like a wonderful team to join when one leaves for civilian life. A team to work with and that will support you. That is what was created with Vets on the Go – a business Evan Griffith is a partner in with other family members.

When on a job he is warned about a woman that is “crazy” by a teen in the neighborhood...and shortly thereafter he sees her entangled in a trio of women crying and carrying on and then a BIT later...wielding a knife. What is he to think? And...when his phone rings he wonders who changed the ringtone?

The woman with the knife is Kenzie Sykes and the teen with the warning her much younger brother. The women in the frenzy were roommates and long time friends. Add into this mix the men that Evan moves with, a few teenagers and people they both encounter through work and there is a lot that can happen. Both seem to have backstories that make it difficult to trust and that doesn’t help either.

As I began reading I thought, “Not a book for me.” A few pages later I was a bit more into the story but still felt the topic perhaps not my favorite. By the end of the book I felt it was a solid story in what is a series of easy to read contemporary romances that are...not for me. That said, I do see this appealing to readers who want to have a HEA with a feel-good element and not much challenge for the male and female lead.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars
Handle With Care is the third title in the Veteran Movers series. Although you could read this title as a standalone, I would recommend reading the previous titles in the series, as there is quite a cast of characters and it will make it easier to keep up with who is who. Handle With Care is a fun, steamy and enjoyable contemporary romance with strong themes of family and friendship.
Evan Griffiths is a former marine, CPA and part owner of a moving company with his cousins. He’s a protector by nature, loyal, kind, caring and sweet.
Kenzie Sykes is a complicated heroine. She’s was orphaned as a young adult and left with raising her baby brother. She’s kind of neurotic and fairly insecure.
Both this hero and heroine are vulnerable and a little bit damaged from events from their pasts.
I loved the side characters in this title. Daniel, Lila and Rachel are quirky and fun. The bond Daniel and Evan shares is special.
Smith captivated my attention and I’m quite looking forward to his story.

Was this review helpful?

I've been anxious to read Evan Griffith's story since the moment he was introduced in the series. He's a cousin to Reid and Cash Griffith who have already had their books. If you read Cash's book, then you would find out that there was finally a secret that came out about a particular character. In Evan's book, it goes further with that specific character. Readers will also get to find out more about the sexy accountant, Evan and who wins over his heart.
Evan is a sweetheart because of many reasons, but let's say that he won me over for taking care of his mother and also being there for his fiancee that passed away due to cancer. He has a kind heart for everyone, so he deserved a HEA. He ends up meeting Kenzie, who has her heartbreak in this book. She recently was left by her fiance who couldn't take taking care of her and her little brother. Kenzie comes with her little brother Daniel who she has been taking care of for a while, but she would do anything for him. She's hesitant to let anyone into her life because of what happened to her in the previous relationship. Evan wants to prove how much he cares about her and her brother, but it will take some time.
I loved these characters together, but Kenzie did drive me crazy about how she handled certain things in the book. I loved Evan, though, in this story, you already know my reasons. He also wins me over how he dealt with another character. That character will most likely be getting his book, which I've been waiting for, and I'm also anxious to find out about other secondary characters.
I'm enjoying this series now by Marie Harte. I may not have enjoyed the first book, but the last two have won me over, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I love how Marie Harte incorporates Military Veterans getting their HEA. I also love how she writes each character and who they fall for in their books. If you are looking for a contemporary romance story that involves military veterans getting their own love stories, then this series is for you.

Story Rating: 4 stars
Steaminess Rating: 3 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Veteran Movers Series, but each book can be read as a standalone.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Strangers-to-Lovers; Slow Burn
Hero: Accountant; Business Partner with is Cousins (Moving Company); U.S. Marine Veteran; Lost his Fiancée to cancer
Heroine: Graphic Designer; Guardian to her Brother; Hurt from previous relationship

Was this review helpful?

Great characters and a really cute romance.. Even though this is a series Veteran Movers Series, the books can be read as a stand alone with some common characters.
Thanks Source Books, Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC of Handle With Care.

Was this review helpful?

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Evan Griffith is helping out his cousins moving business while one of them heals. He is trying to get through a job when he runs into a teen who snatches his cell phone, and then the boy's sister. Evan is struck speechless by this woman.

Kenzie Sykes has her hands full. Her little brother Daniel is continually getting into trouble. Having raised him since she was eighteen years old has been difficult, but she couldn't be happier with him. Meanwhile, her ex has left her and Kenzie is sure that as long as she puts Daniel first, romance will forever be on the back burner.

As it turns out, Kenzie needs Evan's help. He is an accountant and she is having trouble with her taxes. Determined to fight their attraction, they make a deal. Not only do they both fail miserably at avoiding their growing feelings, Evan touches Daniel's life.

I am in love with the Griffiths. their women and their extended family. Having read the first two books in this series, The Whole Package and Smooth Moves, I was eager for Evan's story. As much as I loved the first two books, this one hit me more. I was so rooting for the vulnerable Daniel. Of course, I knew Evan and Kenzie would end up together, and I loved their journey.

Not only do we have the romance and family ties, but the camaraderie of all the movers was terrific! Even more so, Kenzie's best friends Lila and Rachel were a hoot as well. Kudos to Marie Harte for penning a fun, sexy series with bigger-than-life heroes and the perfect women to match them up with. I really hope Smith gets a book of his own. He definitely deserves one.

Many thanks to Zebra, NetGalley and Inkslinger PR for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Working with his cousins’ at their moving business brings Evan into contact with all kinds of interesting people.

None as interesting as Kenzie, her brother and her two crazy best friends. Highly attracted to each other at first meeting, they are unable to stay away from each other. Evan is pretty put together and knows what he wants. He has recovered from the death of his fiancé. Kenzie is a bit of a mess. She as raised her brother since he was a toddler and runs her own business to support them. Having had both her and her brother’s heart broken when her fiancé just up and leaves them has her gun shy to bring Evan into her brother’s life.

Evan is persistent though and helps her realize that he loves them both and will be there for them.

Evan isn’t as rough around the edges as his cousins and doesn’t carry the emotional family baggage they do. Kenzie is as crazy as her two best friends and they make an interesting trio

Was this review helpful?

Handle with Care is the third book in the Veterans Movers series (Vets on the Go!) and I loved re-connecting with this large group of characters, as well as meeting some new ones that brought additional love and laughs to this very enjoyable series. I was looking forward to Evan's story and it was a heartwarming one -- if anyone has ever "looked after" or become a caregiver for a parent, you'll find that you'll love Evan even more after reading this book. At times, though, I wanted to shake some sense into both Evan and Kenzie, but then again, that's what made me keep reading so that's a good thing! Rachel, Lila, Will, Daniel -- all the supporting characters in all these books make the plot more interesting and intriguing. It makes me wonder whose book is next?! Another thoroughly enjoyable read from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Handle With Care is the third book in the Veteran Movers series Marie Harte and is currently scheduled for release on August 27 2019. While each of her books can be enjoyed as a stand alone, some of the character connections and personalities shine more for returning readers- so I highly recommend reading as a series.

Evan Griffith has done a lot in his life: a stint in the Marine Corps, life as an overworked CPA, investing in his family-owned moving company. But none of that holds a candle to helping people move. On an unforgettable job, he’s involved in a female-on-female brawl, taken by a teenage conman, and falls in love at first sight with a woman holding a knife. Yeah, his life has gone down the rabbit hole for sure. Kenzie Sykes is doing her best to raise her brother, keep him out of jail, and deal with a broken heart that still hasn’t healed. So of course the sexiest man she’s ever seen has to catch her on an off day. She doesn’t have time for romance. He’s not asking. Until he is, and she finds herself saying yes. Both of them have loved and lost before, but if there’s one thing Evan knows, it’s that Semper Fidelis is more than a motto, and that real men love hard, and honest men love true.

Handle With Care is a contemporary romance that, as I expect from Harte, touches on real problems and heartbreak that our main characters need to work through. Evan has been through a lot, and he is still working towards finding balance in his life. Kenzie is still dealing with trust issue, money issues, and trying to keep her brother in check. I like that neither were looking for love- but despite their fears and fighting against it they both fell hard. I do think that at times I had to agree with Kenzie in that Evan was just too perfect- even his fears and missteps were endearing. I did empathize with Kenzie's fears and doubts- and might have reacted the same to her situation, maybe. The panic when things are just going too well, waiting for things to suddenly go wrong again, is something very relatable. I really enjoyed hearing about and seeing characters from the previous books, and seeing the continuing story of Smith finding his place. I really cannot wait to see where this all goes from here.

Handle With Care is another winner from Harte. While not my favorite of her books, I still loved it and look forward to reading more!

Was this review helpful?

A very lovely and interesting story from Marie. I love Evan's character. Love the way how the story goes. what a great writer!

Was this review helpful?

4.25⭐
Handle with Care is the third in Marie Harte's Veteran Movers series and focuses on Cash and Reid's cousin Evan. Who has finally quit his full time job as an accountant to join Vets on the Go! And on one of his jobs he encounters a slightly surreal situation. That involves the stunningly beautiful knife-wielding Kenzie, her brother Daniel and two best friends Lila and Rachel. And this is when Evan's pursuit of Kenzie begins, and I very much enjoyed it. As the pair were perfect for each other they just wouldn't admit it. And with plenty of chemistry a bit of push/pull and some well meaning family interference. I was easily entertained throughout. And with a fabulous cast of supporting characters, who at times admittedly did keep this story moving forward HANDLE WITH CARE has easily become my favourite of the series so far; and I would happily recommend it to others.

Was this review helpful?

Another great addition to the Veteran Movers series. I love getting to revisit these characters and see everyone get their own HEA. Evan was a great hero and watching him fall for Kenzie hard and fast made for great reading. Can’t wait for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

3 1/2 Star Review.....

Handle with Care is the third book in Marie Harte’s Veteran Movers series and follows the rocky road to romance of Evan and Kenzie. Both are damaged souls and carry the pain and scars of previous relationships or life events. Fun, sweet and with just enough angst to make it real, this story is not exhilarating or edge of your seat exciting, but it holds its own and keeps the reader engaged throughout. I enjoyed the character portrayals (plenty of friends and family are present) and the storyline was believable. Overall this is a somewhat laid-back story, and while it can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order to ensure an understanding of the myriad of characters roles and the series timeline. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

Was this review helpful?

Handled with Care by Marie Harte, I had a lot of trouble getting into this book. Loved the characters but I kept falling asleep through the book. It just didn't have enough going on.

Was this review helpful?