You've heard how "things get better with age" - like a good wine or a single malt - well, I think that wee phrase so applies to the Cedar Tree series - in both the books and the characters!!!
Upper Hand is Clint and Beth's story and what a wee corker it is!!!
When we were first introduced to Clint I thought he was just gonna be a nice guy with a hellish case of constant foot in mouth but I was fairly off base with that assumption... Sure, he did have a habit of saying what sprang to mind without considering how it sounded or was likely to be construed but it was usually with good intentions and no malice. He's really a sweetheart (in is own 'foot in gob' fashion) who supports Beth through everything thrown at her - his relationship with her grandson was fab and brought out another side of him. Freya had me laughing often with his comments and thoughts, his character is really quite funny!
and so to Beth. Now here's the thing.... Beth isn't up there as one of my favourite Cedar Tree gals - I wasn't totally enamored with her but she did grow on me as the book progressed and I got to understand why she often acted the way she did at times ...
I just felt she was too hard on Clint, she blew a tad too hot and cold at points for me - don't get me wrong yeah, she had a helluva lot going on and had had a hard time in her past but occasionally I found myself thinking "hell woman, the guy cares for you and is doing his best, cut him some slack why don't you" and I hate to admit that I did think Clint should have cut his losses and given up on her when it looked like he'd finally had enough of her p*ssiness and attitude... but in the end I was glad he hadn't throw the towel in!
As ever with the series, the story was gripping, packed with mystery, action and intrigue and the heat level was once again turned up to full blast - damn, Clint & Beth were hot in the bedroom!
One of my favourite things about Freya's books is that the characters aren't all successful, wealthy, smokin' hot, perfect young things - I like that they've got issues, hangups, history and life experience. In Upper Hand we got caught up with the Cedar Tree gang and got to see them in action, doing what they do best - I love how they are there for each other and nothing is ever too much trouble, they are a real family (even though it is one of choice and not blood). We met Jed, Clint's brother and found out why their relationship was as bad as it was - that was something I wasn't entirely expecting, thought I had kinda guessed part of the reason...
All in all, even though our main lady didn't completely win me over, I loved Upper Hand and it was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to read Malachi's book and find out just who his love interest is going to be!!
Upper Hand gets a solid 4.5* from me. xx
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Top reviews from other countries
JoanneT
as much as I love this series and how much older the main characters ...
Reviewed in Canada on January 23, 2016
KMD.
From foot in mouth to perfect fit
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2015
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The Troubles of Children
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2021
Debs
Another brilliant book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2015
Debs
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2015
If you are after a book/series whose characters are perfect 20 somethings then this/these are probably not for you.
If however you want books that contain more mature H/h that have flaws like most of us then these are BRILLIANT!
Like all of Freya Barker's Cedar Tree Series Clint and Beth's story is full of emotions. It will have you groaning in frustration, smiling in happiness, laughing out loud with the humor, holding your breath at the suspense, getting hot under the collar (well maybe a little more south than that!) and most of all falling in LOVE with yet more of the amazing Cedar Tree family.
Clint and Beth's story starts with Clint in hospital. Beth hasn't left his bedside since he was injured. It's a true case of not realising what is in front of you till it is almost no longer there! Just because she realises that Clint has come to mean something to her doesn't mean life is plain sailing for them.
Clint is one sexy, strong, honorable man who has a way of planting his foot firmly into his mouth more often than not when it comes to Beth and the other women of Cedar Tree.
Beth is a super strong, tell it like it is,no nonsense lady who has been hurt before, finds it hard to let anyone in and is used to only relying on herself!
They are so well suited....both hard headed, both have baggage but underneath all that they both have a soft side.
I loved them!
There are lots of twists and turns in this book just as I've come to expect with Freya's books and that along with the depth of story is what has made her easily one of my favourite discovered authors of this year!
Upper Hand is #5 in The Cedar Tree Series and although like some other series, to get the full depth of all the characters and storylines you are best to read the whole series, it is 100% readable as a STANDALONE.
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