BRANDED is the story of Deacon, oldest brother of the Cavanaugh ranching family. He and his siblings grew up on the vast Triple C cattle ranch in Texas; but the family split up and separated after the senseless abduction and murder of their younger sister, Cass. There is bad blood between the brothers and their father due to Cass's death and a mysterious secret that tore the family apart. Deacon is now a successful businessman, who has been trying for years to buy up land around the Triple C in an attempt to gain control of the ranch. His plan is to destroy the ranch and his father's legacy. Now the brothers have all returned, and gathered for the funeral of their father and the distribution of his assets and the ranch.

Mackenzie Byrd grew up close to the Cavanaugh family, first as the best friend of Cass, and now as the forewoman of the ranch. In her youth, she harbored a crush on Deacon, who was oblivious to her childish fantasies. Now he's back; and Mac is no longer a child, but a grown and very alluring woman. Their attraction is intense, and increasingly difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, Mac and Deacon are at odds over the Triple C. The ranch Deacon wants to destroy is not only the lifelong passion of Mac, but the major livelihood of River Black, Texas. Another secret comes to light after the death of their father, in the form of a bastard brother they never knew about; a brother who has been left a full share of the ranch along with the legitimate brothers.

BRANDED is the first book of the new Cavanaugh Brothers series by Laura Wright, in her first foray into the contemporary cowboy romance. All the major players are introduced in this book, including illegitimate brother Blue; and several of the impending romantic interests. Setting up all their backgrounds and current lives makes for a crowded tale; which takes a bit away from Mac and Deacon's individual story. There are a number of side stories going on in BRANDED, and a good deal of background preparation for each brother's upcoming book. Fortunately for the reader, Mac and Deacon's shared past helps keep their current budding relationship from feeling too rushed. There are a couple of mysteries to be solved and some undiscovered family secrets; storylines which will arc into the next books of the series.

There is not a great deal of action sequences taking place in BRANDED. The story is firmly based in the family's drama; their dynamics and secrets. For fans of Laura Wright and sprawling modern family sagas, this story and the Cavanaugh Brothers series will certainly fit that reader's tastes and needs. Although there is a lot going on in BRANDED, which is necessary to lay the series groundwork; the next books look to be more streamlined and self-contained as each brother gets his own story, and more family secrets are revealed. BRANDED is an entertaining story, and the Cavanaugh Brothers series looks to be an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by - Rachel Williams