Jessica Being the smart girl came easy to me, math and science were my bread and butter. But when it comes to social events or boys, count me out. Between biting my nails and stuttering anytime a boy talked to me, it was awkward. Luckily I had my bestie Abby to get through High School with. Jayden though, he was different. He made me feel calm and safe, even if he was the kid everyone was scared of. The bad guy who always had a lighter in his hand, and rocked a leather jacket. Ten years later, I find myself tied in a knot of emotions. I’m now the lead detective of the Narcotics Department in San Francisco, chasing down a long line of drug overdoses. There’s a supplier out there somewhere who’s responsible for all these deaths. But, that’s not what has me a mess, no. This weekend is the Reunion. It’s been so long since I’ve seen anyone except Abby from school and I’m not sure if I’m ready to face them. Especially Jayden. My first love, the one that no man has held a candle to since. Jayden I enjoyed the fact that no one bothered me in High School, everyone left me alone and I steered clear of all of them. Until Jess fell into my world. I watched her dark hair bounce as she tripped, spilling her books all over the floor. The look on her face, broke my heart. The guy who doesn’t care for anyone. I never thought I’d find someone to love, not after the way I was raised. I gave her every ounce of myself, all the way through graduation. She left me behind though, making a life for herself. When I spot her again, all these years later, looking as divine as ever. I realize there is only one thing for me to do now. I’ll make her mine. My life has been so empty without her. She’s a big time Narcotics Detective now, and our paths have looped together in more than one way. Now I know what I must do.
The original flame that brought me to life after so many dark nights, will be at my side, no matter the cost. However, when Jessica drops the biggest bomb on me, I’m not sure what to do next. Will a past mistake end things for real or will I be able to hold on to the life I’ve wanted for so long.
MF with FF Second Chance Dark Romance The one that got away FMC Narcotics Detective Suddenly New Father (not FMCs)
TW Fentanyl ODs (baby momma and at the morgue/crime scenes) Drug Dealer Bullying Flashback Heartbreak Morgue
Man oh man I just loved seeing Jess and Jay's story! This was the perfect end to this series !! I loved seeing Abby and Kris again to! This world is definitely one of my favorites with some of my all time favorite authors 5 stars easy!!!
I really liked this story and seeing the other perspective from its companion book Damaged Goods. It was also a great way to round out this series, and with that I cannot believe we’re to the end of the Brighton Reunion series.
This story is mf, with some ff and is about past lovers finding each other again. Seeing whether they can be together or not.
Jessica is the main female character. She is best friends with Abigail. She is also police officer in drug crime. She has been on the case for the high amount of od’s in the area. She is tasked with finding the father of one of the victims children, who happens to be her past love from high school.
Jayden is the one male main character. He was the one who protected protected Jessica when they were together in high school. But when they were graduating wouldn’t go with her. Breaking her and his heart with that decision. 10 years later he’s been selling drugs. Which brings Jessica back to him, in ways he didn’t expect.
This story is about is about secrets, confidence, second chances, forgiveness, and romance. There’s a good deal of spice. It is a happily ever after. There is also a good amount of overlap with the companion story. It was a quick easy read though and very enjoyable.
I can’t believe we’ve finally reached the end of this series. The last book picks back up with Jessica and Jayden who we met in MK Robert’s Damaged Goods. This story gives us more of the history between Jess and Jay, what they’ve been up to since high school, and where their careers have taken them. (One legal and the other not so legal) Their career differences is the major plot line of the story besides their deep desire to be together again. There is some overlapping with this story but we get the mindset of Jess and Jay with what is going on with themselves and Abby & Kris the other couple. Original Flame is a fast paced story that gives us plenty of heat and wraps it all up in a somewhat neat bow surrounding the Brighton High School Ten Year Reunion. I still have questions but the characters voice themselves how they don’t have everything worked out they just know they want to be together. This is a second chance romance with a why choose relationship between the two female friends.
This is the last book in the Brighton High School Reunion and it is honestly sad that this has come to an end, but what a wonderful story to end on.
Original flame is the story of Jessica and Jayden. He broke her heart 10 years ago when he wouldn’t come with her when she left. She became the lead detective in a narcotics department and well he became a narcotics dealer. What happens when her recent cases tie back to Jayden and what can they really become once they reconnect. To top it off he breaks her again as she finds out in their time part he was with someone that bullied her.
Can these two overcome everything they are being dealt with to finally get their hea.
Whitnay Edes did not disappoint in the final chapter of BHR and she brought together a lovely end to the roller coaster of emotions throughout each book. Whitnay has delved into the heartache and emotions that these both experienced in the past and future and brings the right amount of spice.
Whitney truly outdid herself in wrapping up the series! Jess and Jayden, former high school sweethearts, once believed that their love would extend into college life, well she did. Regrettably, that wasn't the case. The passing years saw them take different paths, with one choosing a career in law enforcement while the other got entangled in the world of illegal activities.
Destiny intervened, orchestrating an unexpected reunion that instantly reignited the old flames. The intense attraction, along with the dormant feelings, surged back to life.
As they confront their shared history—battling past bullies, navigating the revelation of a concealed child, and grappling with the complexities of their opposing sides of the law. The clash between legality and criminality serves as the backdrop as we follow their journey towards a hard-earned and well-deserved happy ending.
Settle in grab on tight and prepare yourself for one wild ride because Original Flame is truly a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word . Man was hooked from the very first page until the very last . And all the emotions I felt while reading I certainly was not prepared for . One second I was just completely speechless, the next I was yelling outta pure frustration, then my heart felt like it was being crushed but I couldn’t stop myself from rooting so freaking hard . Jess and Jaydons journey is a must read for anyone who is a fan of high school sweethearts to stranger to lovers romances . It’s extremely emotional , it’s filled with angst , witty banter , drama , secrets , obstacles, love , passion , twists and turns, unexpected surprises, family , friendships, tragedy, second chances , great world building and so much more
This is the twin book of “Damaged Goods” by MK Robert, where we followed Abi and Kris who featured heavily in that story alongside the couple here Jayden and Jess. As we know from that story both Abi and Jess and Kris and Jayden are best friends. We follow the same events but this time from m Jayden and Jess’ point of view. We left the story with a major decision in Jess’ hands as she reconnects with Jayden and discovers all his secrets. Love how Jess a police detective is willing to see the various shades of grey. Both Jess and Abi are now successful in their own right and more than able to put their former bullies in their place now. This is such a good story, so different to the usual plot, I loved it.
We're at the end of the reunion with Jessica's and jaydens story. We met them in settling the score as their best friends are Abby and Kris. So we got to see some of the same moments from their point of view. Ten years ago they were both left heartbroken. Jessica went off with Abby to become a narcotics detective, while jayden stayed behind and in the shadows doing things he knew he shouldn't. When they met again at the club they knew they couldn't just stay away from each other anymore, but could past transgressions be forgiven? Could what jayden does come between them? This couple is a rollercoaster of emotions and tensions, as well as a bi awakening for Jessica with Abby. I loved their dynamics and this was a fantastic second chance romance.
This book was the perfect way to round out the Brighton High School Reunion series. I loved the side by side story between this book and Damaged Goods. The change in POV was cool.
Jayden and Jessica were meant to be. They were in love (and Jess's mom is the best!!). Jayden always felt he needed to let Jess go, and he did, ripping their hearts out in the process.
Now they are back for the reunion. Secrets may be revealed and those secrets can have dire consequences. Can love overcome the past? The present? Into the future?
Abby and Kris make some appearances in this book as well, Abby her new feisty self.
I really enjoyed the HEA and the special scenes. I'm so glad I was on this adventure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sadly to say🥹this os the final book of the Brighton high school reunion series🥹 This series has had its up and downs but have always ended with the HEA that each character has fought for. We finally see Jess and Jayden’s story from how they went to highschool sweethearts to strangers to lovers!! I LOVE that the author continued Abby and Jessica’s thing (iykyk) 😏😏😍 instead of sidestepping them. I was so happy that Jayden finally got his HEA after all the things he had to go through. Jessica finally got her man and gained and amazing relationship 💖🥹 💖🥹❤️🩹And Jayden finally got to meet Marie❤️🩹💖🥹 I’m truly sadden that this series must end but its been a wild ride and hope to see what ALL the authors have in store!
This was literally the perfect ending to the entire reunion series. I mean i could totally read more but it is what it is.
The final book was all about Jess and Jayden who we got to meet in Abby and Kris’ story. Just ya know a narcotics detective and the dealer LOL. They literally have their second chance at love. After having to break Jess’ heart at the end of high school, Jayden has still never missed the most important moments of her life. I think that’s what I love most and that they found a way to be happy given both their jobs. I mean if that’s what you can call a job for Jayden 😂
Still I’m so sad that it’s all over and it was definitely a wild ride but best 12 weeks ever reading the entire series.
What a story to end the Brighton High Reunion series.
Glad to see how things went for Jess and Jayden after reading Damaged Goods. Highly recommend reading the 2 one after the other. I loved that they reflected each other and we got to see everyone’s POV and what went down between these 4 characters between both books. It was everything! Things I wanted to know in Abby and Kris story got answered in Jess and Jayden’s.
I also loved the little engagement spin in the epilogue of Jess and Jayden’s story. 🩷
Overall a great story of second chances and redemption. HEA guaranteed. So happy these characters got the ending they deserved. 🥹
Original Flame is the twelfth and final book of the Brighton High School Reunion series and is rotten by Whitnay Edes.
💜 high school sweethearts 💜 troubled past 💜 second chances 💜 mystery 💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
Jessica and Abigail were best friends in high school. Jessica was there for Abby because she was always bullied by Becky. When Jayden noticed her, Jess was over the moon. But, he decided not to continue their relationship after high school and now she’s a narcotics detective in San Francisco. She’s never forgot him. Has he forgotten her? Well, their ten year reunion is coming up. Will he be there? Will he remember her?
This was a good second chance romance story. It also has some mystery in it as well, which I enjoyed. Watching the push pull of their feelings and how they tried to reason through everything, including their feelings, pulled me in. This was a fun book and series to read.
In Original Flame, we see Jessica and Jay's POV of the story of "Damaged Goods". Original adds layers by showing off the complex history of Jessica and Jay's relationship. The emotions Jessica and Jay feel throughout the story heightens the intensity of the underlying story. The story is fast paced, but nothing felt rushed and Jessica and Jay felt fully realized. Also, Jessica as a detective and Jay being a dealer adds new dimension to the story Kris and Abby's story didn't have. I enjoyed the end of the Brighton High School Reunion series and I'm sad to see it end, but "Original Flame" was a great story to end the series on.
Jessica and Jayden, 'take two' kinda. They both played a major roll in Abby and Kris's story, now we get to see it from the other couple's side.
In many ways, we knew what would happen in the long run, but to see the 'behind the scenes' was great. So much love, hurt, heart, betrayal, secrets.
This is the last book of the series. I am so sad about that, but also feel blessed to have been able to read every one of them and see many of Brighton's students getting some kind of HEA. Sadly, some don't, but life isn't perfect.
Wonderful series, if you haven't read any yet, start with book one, you won't regret a minute!
Jessica left Brighton and Jayden the love of her life ten years ago. Now she’s a police detective and works with her best friend Abby who’s the head of the city morgue. They decided to go to the high school ten year reunion. Jess sees Jayden and they both still feel the same, but there are major obstacles to overcome before or if they can be together. Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing book. Love the dynamic between Jess and Jayden. Great supporting characters. Amazing twists and turns. Love the spice
What a great ending to the Brighton High School Reunion. This book is Jess and Jaydens book. I was looking forward to reading this book after reading Damaged Goods. This book had both characters POV which I loved reading about..
Glad these two got a second chance for thier Happliy Ever After. I am sad that this Brighton High School Reunion is over. I will be reading all books again In The future.
Recap of Jayden, Kris, Abby and Jessica night. Abby and Jessica realize that if as they love Kris and Jayden they still want each as well. They are also in tough spot realizes who is behind the drug OD especially Becky. Then there is the secret Becky was keeping from Jayden and how that changes his lifestyle. They all had to make adjustments but I loved how important their friendships were Jayden and Kris, Abby and Jessica. Great ending to this series.
Go find your own tall, dark, leather jacket wearing fool!
I LOVED Jess and Jayden's story! It was the perfect ending to this series. They had that high school love that made everything seem brighter. My favorite was seeing the same bits and pieces from Damaged Goods, but from another angle. I loved seeing the quick flashes from the other couples in this series. Oh and that ending..... 🔥🔥🔥.
I loved reading Jessica's story after getting pieces of her from Damaged Goods which was about Abby. Jessica and Jaydens story was well written and my favorite type of high school love story. Jessica followed her dreams, made something of herself to be proud of while walking away from the love of her life. Her strong willed character made reading this book fun. The friendship between her and Abby was hot also.
Check TW and CW before diving in. The Brighton high reunion series has it all. This one in particular gave us friends to lovers which I’m beginning to appreciate. Jayden and Jessica have tough times in high school but are there for each other. Unfortunately they drift apart until this reunion. Boy was their reunion hot!!
This was the answe to my prayers! I definitely wanted to know where Jay and Jess landed and this was perfect! It was a perfect story with all the yumminess of their counterparts story and so much cuteness for their relationship and family. I was scared it wouldn’t look good for either of them but Whitney make sure she gave us a great story with even a better ending.
Jessica and Jayden I did not see that ending coming. Jessica is such an interesting women and I loved seeing her open up about herself after her night with Abby. Jayden is the one who stole her heart and then basically kicked her to the curb. Will they get their happily ever after or will the secrets that come out ruin any chance of that.
This was an amazing book that hooked me from the very beginning and there was no putting it down no matter what. It moves along at a sped that is perfect for this story, not too fast nor too slow. It has interesting characters that you cannot help but love and you cant wait to see what they do. This is a book that needs to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
This book was the completion of the Brighton high series! I loved this book because it just showed that 2 people who are total opposites can be together and be lovers! Jessie and Jayden are two strong individuals who were dealt life at its best and worst when they had to walk away from each other to get together again after so long.
This was the best ending to this series! I loved getting to read Jess and Jay’s story from their POV. Their whole story was so emotional, from their high school years to adult years, while they had separate lives they both always knew something was missing, I loved being able to see their life together unfold and turn into something so beautiful even if it was a rocky road.
In Damaged Goods we got Abbie and Kris’s story, now we get Jay and Jess’s perspective. I liked that they both had a “big” love for each other and had never settled with anyone else. The Brighton series as a whole was great. The school had horrific bullying but 10 years later everyone seems to have ended up where they belonged which is super sweet.
Wonderful closing to the series! I love Jess and Abby's friendship, and how their guys support them as well as seeing this side of the perspective matching Damaged Goods. Tons of action, suspense, and steam in this story. This fast paced, second chance romance was a great read and I really enjoyed it!
I’m here we get the other side of Jayden, Jessica, Abby and Kris. This story focuses on Jayden and Jessica. A narcotics detective and a drug dealer… how can that work? It does but with some work on both parties involved as well as their friends.
Loved how this book wrapped up the reunion series! Jessica and Jayden may be on opposite ends of the track, but you can't help who you love. A fantastic read! I loved how this entire series was a middle finger to high school bullies! I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.