TABH has been one of my most anticipated novels this Spring. I fell in love with Raven and these bad boys of Brayshaw in BOBH and never looked back. I didn't think I could love them harder....but I was wrong! M Brandy has done it again - she completely reeled me in from the first page, and I held my breath the rest of the way. This book is everything - lust, passion, betrayal, power plays, family drama, and twists and turns every other page. Get your detective glasses on and grab a notepad because you don't want to miss anything!
Raven Carver is a force to be reckoned with. She is a queen. She has proven her strength and determination and gained respect and loyalty of those around her she doesn't even realize are there. This girl is my idol. Her independence and self-sacrifice in this book may bring you to tears at times, and have you standing up and cheering for her in the next moment. Her character development is jaw-dropping. Although she is still the feisty and reactionary girl she was before - she proceeds with more caution this time around. She is smart and calulating, and every move she makes has a purpose.
These boys...oh where do I start?!?! Maddoc - Big Man....I sighed and swooned over this guy like no other. He is a powerhouse - he is bigger than LIFE in this book and no one, NO ONE is going to get in his way of what he wants, and that's his girl. His passion for Raven is everything. It is raw and real, and his possessive nature kicked up a notch every time they were together. He has a fight in him that is unique to his character - he's fearless, confident, dominating, yet knows just when to give Raven the little bit of slack she needs on their tethered rope.
Royce & Raven's relationship took up right where they left off. Royce is the "little boy" of the group who still hides behind his humor and sexual innuendos but deep down just wants love and attention. As hard as Raven is - she is the perfect sidekick for Royce. She calls him on his BS, yet is a gentle hand and calming force with him when needed. I absolutely love these two when they have their moments together!
If I could choose one of these boys to have for myself, it would be Captain. This guy is not only charming and compassionate, but he's level-headed, stoic and the takes on the responsible role of the three of them. He's a care-taker - making breakfast and driving them everywhere, yet he will throw down at the drop of a hat when those closest to him need him. I wanted to jump right into the pages of the book and into his arms when he busts out his brass knuckles and baseball bat. Sigh....this guy is sexy, smart, and a badass! Slam Dunk! He can throw me over his shoulders any day of the week!
This book is so much more than a young adult romance between Raven and Maddoc. These characters have pulled me into their chaos and I never want to let go - I feel like I am right there at their parties, in their houses, watching them play basketball (dear LORD!) and can FEEL their passion and emotions. You don't just read this book - you live and breathe every page of it. You will have some questions answered, yet more will pop up as their story continues. Villains appear and surprising alliances are formed/rebuilt. These boys and Raven are woven deep into my mind, heart and soul and I just want MORE of them!!! I can't wait for their story to continue. Well done once again M Brandy!