Black Roses: The Mitchell Sisters Book Three (The Mitchell Family Series)

Okay Deep Breath here. So the first book in this series was stressful, heartbreaking and a total roller coaster of emotions. Skylar's book was way milder and I also enjoyed it. Piper's book OMG this Author has a no holds bar approach to her writing.I read some of the lesser reviews and I truly feel the readers missed the point.Piper was a child 15 years old maybe 16 when the most horrific thing happened to her. I'm sorry but I can understand her behavior and phobia of men. That girl is one strong young lady. She did what she had to do to protect her sanity and her heart especially since the Police couldn't help with her situation since she waited 4 months to report. How the hell is someone to report something when they have no clue what the hell happened.Piper and Mason were meant to be, to heal each other from their past guilt. OMG when I heard Mason's story I was devastated for him and his POS of an ex-girlfriend although not as bad as Karen in Baylor's book she was still a witch. For some of you readers this book like the others may have some serious triggers. But it was soooooooo good. I loved Mason and his little girl Hailey. I totally felt so bad for him. But in the end he got it all and I loved it.

Black Roses is the third and final novel in the Mitchell Family/Sisters stories, this one featuring the youngest daughter Piper. Piper is the wanderer, the world traveler, and we finally find out WHY. She meets her match, emotionally and romantically, with Mason Lawrence, who just happens to be close friends with both her sisters and their husbands. Both MC's have tragic pasts that continue to influence their present lives: it's how they allow those tragedies to affect them that guides the story. I vacillated between a four or a five star rating, simply because Ms. Christy's editing is a just a little too sloppy at times, and her phrasing can be awkward. Interspliced with the past and present angst, was a whole lot of humor - the perfect balance. The number one thing that won me over was her fantastic "secondary" characters: Mason's daughter Hailey (what a little sweetheart!), Piper's oldest sister Baylor, her husband Gavin and their children, as well as her other sister Skylar, husband Griffin and their son Aaron all making frequent appearances. Fabulous Finish!!

I thought Skyler's story was emotional but is nothing compared to Piper's story. Piper's story gutted me. After being away from home for years, Piper finally comes back due to a stupid promise she made Skyler regarding her wedding. She meets Mason and is very apprehensive about being around him. Mason is drawn to Piper against his better judgement. Turns out they both have tragic pasts that end up bringing them closer together. Mason is so good to Piper, even when she infuriates him. They end up helping each other heal and the ending of this book is the final piece of closure for Piper. I just didn't want their story to end.

I personally don't agree with the author about not reading in order. If you don't start with the first book, you won't get the full emotional bond of the sisters and other characters. With that being said, Pipers story was a great way to end the Mitchell sisters' story.

There is no wonder this book has not less than 3 stars. Not only the first book I've read by this author but my first in the series too. It is a standalone and definitely a powerful book. The time and research the writer had to do to put out this story is not lost on me. Piper is 21 and come back home after avoiding it for 4 years because her older sister is getting married. She defines herself as homeless but her sisters really don't know why, when they were so close growing up, pulled away and left. Mason is a single dad of an almost 2 year old daughter, Hailey, and plays pro ball for the Giants. He isn't the main quarterback but hopes his dreams will unfold around the next corner. He couldn't be closer to the truth but his dreams are a lot more complicated than he realizes. I loved him as a Hero he comes across as a country boy to me he is charming and laid back but there is also a side to him that is forthright. These two clash as they are both strangely attracted to the other the only problem is Mason has no trouble being open. It is Piper who is suspicious and insulting, stereotyping his character to fit his well formed body. I laughed out loud reading the scene when Mason shows up at her sisters house and the two lock horns. Not only does she challenge him in the Boston Marathon but she insults his car and manhood in the process. I loved her even though she is mean and won't cut Mason any slack you know there is more to her than has been revealed. I think Mason sensed it from the beginning this tough outer shell Piper has up and it slowly becomes clearer to him. The two begin to realize they have similar pain under the surface. While Mason has nightmares of skeletons from his past Piper refuses to acknowledge hers. It is a long painful journey that takes 80% of the book to be all the way revealed and believe me when I say you will figure out parts before she finally opens up but the author peels a layer at a time and you get more surprises as you read. Each stepping stone this couple takes is so consuming. I hate angst but at each hurdle you understand why she hesitates. Mason is the type of man we all need in our lives. He is sweet, kind, strong, faithful and while so many authors like to create that manwhore this man stole my heart in his actions and conviction. Literally crying and feeling the same pain that Piper had buried for so many years. They weren't alone because I needed some tissues myself. A beautiful story from start to finish. A word of warning though the pain is real and felt and the author is graphic. It is not an easy thing to witness your heroine dealing with the pain Piper did but Mason more than makes up for it and at books end it offers new love and hope along with inner peace and love. Hailey will also steal your heart like father like daughter as does pipers family. I will definitely be reading more books in this series and author. A must read for anyone who believes that the best things in life are unexpected but always come when we need them most.

Well I can't wait to read Charlie's story next. I haven't read the other Mitchell girl's stories, as I was looking for a single dad romance and came across this book. It didn't disappoint. I thought it touched on real experiences without seeming like convenient plot devices. I think trauma isn't always written well, and in this case, it was. There wasn't just a single moment or chapter where everything was fixed. It was a journey just like healing is in real life.The enemies thing was a little lackluster. I would have liked to see more banter to really feel that tension. All in all though, it was a good read. The characters were cute and had definite chemistry. It's not spicy if that's what you're looking for

I didn't know what to make of Piper at first. I guessed from reading the previous book that she had suffered some trauma involving men that explained why she was so against love and relationships, but the more I got to know her the more I understood why she acted this way.Her story absolutely gutted me. No 16 year old deserves to go through what she did. I cried during several scenes in this book.Mason blew me away with his compassion, unwavering support and his complete understanding that she had trauma and he would need to be patient with her. I really liked that he was a single Dad and completely devoted to Hailey, his daughter.Piper fought every step of the way with Mason, but seeing her change and become more open as the story progressed was beautiful.I loved this series and sad to see it ended, but what a perfect ending for these sisters.

I loved this series of books and especially this one. The last line was a perfect end and, a great coincidence.

Absolutely loved his book, and just as good as (maybe better than?) the first in this series. Ok so you defo can’t listen to audio on speaker (50%) with your kids in earshot! It actually makes me blush a little, the stories are engaging intriguing and make me thirsty for more! So glad there is a third book in this series, a fantastic read and an awesome audio book to turn ironing into something erotic (while the kids are at school!)

From start to finish the main characters, Piper and Mason keep you captivated and enthralled. I could not put it down I need to read the series.Thank you Samantha truly impressive author looking forward to reading more from you.

Two damaged souls with enough emotional baggage to resink the Titanic. They connect but are scared. This is their story. Good book but very emotional. Hankies needed nearby as you read it.