The Feud: A Blackburn Novel

Written by Sawyer Bennett

Narrated by Sean Masters and Kit Swann

As the oldest of his siblings, Ethan Blackburn bears the weight of responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Blackburn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. Serious, gruff and solely focused on the success of the family business, Ethan isn’t one to mince words or waste time on anything that doesn’t further his interests. But when his meticulous world is upended by a shadowed secret brought into the light, Ethan is sent into a tailspin.

Marcie DeLeon just navigated her way through a bitter divorce, now intent on reimagining her life as a single career woman. She’s not looking to revisit the burden of a relationship anytime soon but when Ethan turns to her for help, she can’t help but lend a sympathetic ear to the handsome and broody man.

Ethan and Marcie are strangers who find a common thread to weave them together, creating a bond neither were seeking but both are loathe to walk away from. When Ethan faces a high-stakes battle against his family’s bitter enemy, he knows without a doubt there is nothing he won’t do to win the fight. Ready to give of himself completely, Ethan prepares to face-off with his foe hoping that no matter what the outcome, Marcie will be by his side in the end.

The Feud is a friends to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Big Dog Books, LLC
• Release date: Jun 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798882247330

Sawyer Bennett

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs. If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Reviews for The Feud

[Bette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow, what an amazing start to a new series by one of my favorite authors, Sawyer Bennett, and she shows off another side of her brilliant and creative mind. “Bluegrass Empires” a series of standalone novels set in Kentucky’s horse country and bourbon distilleries, dropping us in the middle of two feuding families, the Blackthorn’s and the Mardraggon’s and a bloodline feud that goes back centuries. This first book is Ethan Blackthorn’s story, he is the eldest son and runs Blackthorn Farms, the largest Saddlebred breeding and training facility in Kentucky. He is a no nonsense man whose main focus is his family business and does not have time for romantic relationships, other than flings. Then his world is turned upside down, he learns he has a nine-year-old daughter, Sylvie, from a one-night-stand with the daughter of their family’s enemy. Sylvie’s mother was running wineries in France and only came to the US when her mom was diagnosed with cancer and her mother left instructions that she was to live with her father after her death, she did not want her parents to bring her up. Ethan was never told that he had a daughter and the Mardraggons already corrupted Sylvie’s mind which made it more of a challenge for him and the Blackthorns. Marcie DeLeon is newly single after a failed marriage and bitter divorce, but she is not ready for another relationship, besides her job as a school principal keeps her busy enough. Ethan and his siblings went to public school, so his daughter Sylvie will too, and he explained Sylvie’s situation to Marcie on her first day. Marcie was very understanding and even learned some French to make Sylvie feel welcomed and Sylvie took to her right away. When the situation gets more tense between Ethan and Sylvie, he turns to Marcie for some help and advice. The two clicked and it was the start of something new for both of them. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story captivated my attention from start to end and it was great to watch both relationships growth, Ethan and his daughters, as well as his relationship with Marcie. As always, the writing, plot and world building are phenomenal, as are the character growth and development. The drama is non-stop, both relationship and with the Mardraggon’s, angst and emotions run high, there are some surprising twists and a slow burn romance. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

??? And for the audiobook narration, Sean Masters and Kit Swann are versatile and superbly talented voice artists and they did an amazing job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them, giving each a voice that was fitting and was believable in every role. Their portrayal of the characters was spot on, with Swann nailing it as both Marcie and Sylvie, with Marcie’s accent perfectly southern and Sylvie’s perfectly French, and she showcased all traits of the character’s personality, too. Masters was just as amazing as Ethan, also showcasing all sides of his personality, from his southern gentlemen to his no nonsense attitude. Both were fabulous performing the roles of all the secondary characters too. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture all the characters’ emotions and have you feeling each one. Swann and Masters are entertaining storyteller and their performance elevates this already fantastic story to another level. Thank you for another wonderful listen.