I never planned on getting out of prison. I did what I did to keep my brother safe, and I could live with that.
But now I'm out, and I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Everything is too loud, too busy, too overwhelming. And for a man who's used to every decision being made for him...well, let's just say I'm on the verge of doing something stupid to get sent back.
Until she walks in, that is.
She's dangerous, with her pink hair, sunny personality, and a body that makes me all too aware that I haven't been with a woman in eighteen years. But a woman like that, made of pure sunshine, should stay far away from a scarred, broken man like me.
Only she doesn't agree. And soon, I find myself spending way too much time with her. Feeding her. Laughing with her. Worrying about her.
But she can't be mine.
Because a man like me doesn't deserve a dream like her.
Yeah, yeah, I know the background premise is not realistic, but I don't always need realistic in my fiction. I love these Brash brothers. They are so ridiculous. I've loved every one of their stories. I couldn't wait for John's, and I was not disappointed. I don't know how I will make it until Maverick's and Ransom's books come out. Though I have to say I was surprised that it seems Cadence will be paired with Maverick. When we met her in the previous books, I thought she was a little older and gonna end up paired with Ransom to be honest. So, yeah that threw me a little. Either way I'm sure it will be good.
My only gripe, for the author, throughout this whole series is this: for the love of God, you gave us these over the top, sexy as sin, sweet as pie men....can we PLEASE get more than ONE schmexy time scene in each book. You're killing me. All the buildup, the slow burn. There needs to be more than one good dickin' to put out that fire!! That's all I got to say on that. 🤷♀️🤣
This was a fun installment in the series but just an okay romance.
I'm loving this series for the brotherly support and love and this has that in spades. We keep getting more time with all the characters, including my favorite Jonas... and Ransom, who is quickly becoming another favorite.
John is a great character. I cannot even imagine coming out of prison after almost 2 decades and trying to figure out my life. Abby is a pretty good character, but she didn't work for me as well.
While I love John's journey in being part of this family, the romance just wasn't great for me. This is strangers to friends to lovers. I mostly believed the friendship, but the step to lovers just didn't feel real.
I'm not sure I can pinpoint exactly why I wasn't feeling it... but there are definitely lots of points where I didn't understand their uncertainties and pulling away.
The author definitely has some repetitiveness in this series... including multiple conversations of "they're adults... treat them like adults" and "I'm not good enough for my potential partner" and "I love this person but I'm not going to tell them for some strange reason".
But... the relationships among the brothers are pure gold and I adore this series for that. So, even with an okay romance, I still enjoyed the crap out of this story.
Ok so I am obsessed with the Brash brothers entire series. I just love the entire crew and their found/made family. I await every new release impatiently because I can’t get enough. I was hesitant when John popped into the picture because of how he treated Colton in the past, not because of the jail thing just his general treatment of my favorite overgrown guy. But, I absolutely loved John so much. His character arc was hard earned. I however have never liked Abby’s character since she was introduced a few books back. Like Jonas said she is annoying. She was hard to connect with for me. She was so cringey throughout this series. Like the stuff she would say is so rude and offensive and just plain wrong. Becca and Cara were hard for me to connect with as well but Abby…man she was difficult to accept. I’m not really sure I even like her now.
This story had the best supporting crew as always with the Brash brothers. I wish we got to see more of John and Colts relationship though. That was something that shocked me that there was bare minimum of. This was a long book and the first 75% really dragged for me. It was such an angsty back and forth with no real forward momentum. The way Abby continued to switch up her view on John’s past until even when they finally and I mean finally decided to get together…it was upsetting. It felt very judgmental and after they formed a bond even it felt unstable af. I am not a fan of slow burns, just personal preference and let me tell you this is the absolute slowest burn I’ve ever read in my 44 years. Literally, they don’t even kiss until after the last like 13 % and you get 1 spicy scene and it’s literally the last 8 minutes of the book. I was in slow burn H * L L.
This was also the first book were I felt like I even saw Maverick, like we heard his name a few times before but he never felt like he was there ya know, and now we were finally seeing him as the next book is his story. I liked him and I’m very much looking forward to his book.
At the end of the day John is redeemed, he has a huge character arc and Abby suddenly decides at the vey last minute she will accept him as he is, past and all. She is a hard character to like though, for me at least. But I also begged Jenna to take her out of the series since she was introduced because her vibe gave me the ick. John is a big ole softy like the rest of the Brash brothers though and I was mad he got a book at first because that just means it delayed me even further from getting Ransoms story but I ended up adoring John. Now bring on Maverick and Cady! I can’t wait to see the mess she has herself in and how Mavericks gonna fix it all. And her grandma might be exactly what this zesty group needs.
This one got me good! I’ve read all of the Brash Brothers books so far and I feel like this one being longer just made the story even better. I adore the other books and other boys (and I have the next on preorder!) but the other books felt kind of short, maybe a little rushed? This one felt perfect, there was enough background and build up, it was a nice slow burn - but not unbearably slow like some books. I honestly wasn’t as excited for this one as I had been for the others, purely because I felt like we didn’t really know John and he wasn’t one of the core 9, but honestly it was *chefs kiss*, and I’m so pleased I read it anyways because I was honestly debating skipping it and waiting for Maverick. For anyone debating reading this who may be thinking the same as I was, READ IT!! It’s definitely worth it.
John, Colton’s brother, is out of prison and Abby, Maya’s assistant is his new best friend. Her big personality with no filters and his frankly sensitive nature are a match made in heaven. Slower than I would have liked. The middle dragged. They both liked the other one but were afraid to talk about it. Lots of views of the rest of the Brash brothers.
Unbelievably amazing! I had high expectations for this book since the other 7 were so darn good. This book did not disappoint. I laughed out loud so many times my husband wants to read this book now! Love Abby, love the growth in her character and love the family that is created throughout this entire series. Phenomenal story and series. These are all a must read.
I was really excited for this book and although the series was taken off of kindle unlimited, I still purchased it. I wish I hadn’t. The book started out strong with you being able to see things from John’s perspective which was helpful. However by the 84% of the book, why is Abby still “unsure”? Why do we have to suffer through a whole book of uncertainty. Like another reader stated, I didn’t even care if they got together in the end. Also, what did Abby think that prison was like? A summer camp?? She kept making these judgy comments about John’s time in prison while asking for more information, only to say “why are you telling me this?”, like she wasn’t the one who asked to know. I would’ve appreciated her trying to do some research on prison life and culture so he could better understand him instead of demanding to know what he did and making him relive that for her satisfaction.
I should not have binge read these books. I read Jonas, Kade, Micah and John in 3 days and I think that was a mistake. Although I can't say that spacing my reads out would have made me like Micah or John's books any better.
I do really like John as a character and while I liked Abby in the beginning that went downhill fast. She's just irritating in a plethora of ways and reading from her perspective was not enjoyable. Ultimately I did enjoy the plot of this book and seeing characters I liked from the other books. I just don't think this book really needed to be as long as it was. I liked that the relationship between the main characters took time to develop but so many things felt so repetitive it became kind of a chore to read after a while. Also the whole strip club experience was weird and Abby made the sex scene super awkward which is quite the accomplishment.
All in all I'm not sorry I read these books but I am really unsure if I am going to read more of them. Although I am tempted to get Maverick's book now that I've met Cady and I'd kind of like to read Ransom's book as well.
Side note: The descriptions of the bodies and body types of the characters through these books gets old really fast. All the men are heavily muscled, over 6 foot, totally intimidating and exceptionally hot. The women are all slightly different versions of curvy or having "extra weight". There is nothing wrong with either of those things except how often they are mentioned. It gets quite repetitive and irritating to read after a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WOW I loved John's book Being an ex-con isn't easy. So much runs thru your head. Doubts, insecurity, guilt and so many discissions that you for 18 years never had to deal with. It was laid out for you. Coming into a situation like the Brash Brothers is enough to spin anyone's head. John had a special bond with Abby from the moment they met. She's no holds bar and tells it like it is. So the first encounter with Abby when she blurts out what happened to you and kept running her mouth he knew she was special. LOL! Abby just coming out of a six year relationship was so leery of men in general. But she felt safe and comfortable with John. They calmed each other. There were funny laugh out loud moments, tense moments and tender moments that will melt your heart. I so loved how all the Brash brothers rallied around John. It just filled my heart. I loved how John interacted with Mia OMG so goooood. I had a bit of trepidation when John's Parole Officer came to visit. I was literally holding my breath. Turns out he's a pretty good guy. You will really enjoy his book. Actually you'll enjoy all the books in this series. I so can't wait for Maverick's book. I want to see how he and Cadence play out. I almost thought John would hire her so Maverick wouldn't be her boss. The last chapter of John's book seriously sets the tone for Mav and Cady. Can't wait.
The book was great, as are all the Brash Brothers books, but John’s epilogue was the sweetest I’ve read in a longtime. The book itself ended on a frustrating cliffhanger. I mean, unless you’re completely oblivious, Cady and Maverick are the next Brash couple. But Jenna Myles gives us just a taste…a little teaspoon full of what’s to come. I cannot wait for July for Maverick to come out.
About John: it’s slow burn grump/sunshine, written in dual POV. The spice is limited (within the last fifty pages,) which normally might put me off, but it works so well in this instance. And the dialog? Abby is nuts and I identify with her strongly. The way she thinks, her reactions, even the way she talks reminds me of myself. John is the epitome of the phrase “still waters run deep.” I didn’t expect him to be so deep.
Five stars overall for plot, five hearts for romance for sure. Half a gun for violence. There’s only a minimum amount on page, and of that it’s more inferred than actual. One of five flames for spice. There’s a great deal of talk about spice, but other than some kisses and heated looks, it’s not until the last couple of chapters that John and Abby FINALLY consummate their relationship.
And just in case I’m not being clear: I strongly recommend this book.
So far, out of all the Brash Brother stories, I think that I love this one the most.
You couldn't get a better 'messing up life - to - making things right' story if you tried, and this one was a real humdinger of a story.
With John and Abby being such opposites, I just knew that, if they could open up to each other, then they could work things out, as I met, and married, my own total opposite, and we had almost 35 wonderful years together!
John was, so very much, a part of the Brash Brothers, even if it did take him far too long to realise it, and I was so glad to read his and Abby's story - plus the bonus scene that Jenna wrote and, boy, was that so cuuuute! Lol
I'm very much ready to go on to Book Nine now: 'Maverick'. I really want to see how he's going to get around Candace Hayes' No Fraternising With The Boss rule, and look forward to a book full of belly laughs, and crying jags, just like I've had with every single one of the other Brash Brother books I've read so far.
So, once I've finished this next book, I'll catch you on the flip side, and let you know if Maverick's story lives up to the others!
I just love John and Abby's story! John was a rough, tough guy and Abby was a quiet loner until she got with the family but she still felt like a outsider till she met John. Abby senses something in John and sticks to his side,John doesn't except handouts and he finds hard to be his brothers and Abby,but they finally wear him down,he almost losses Abby over hateful words and misunderstandings but he sees his mistakes and fixes them with Abby.This story made laugh and smile,it was serious in spots and giggles in others.This story is understanding in places,makes you feel their pain,their happiness. They don't let themselves give up till they find a solution that brings fulfillment to everyone that's involved! Please read this story,you can feel John's pain and happiness where he finally feels fulfillment in his life and happiness with Abby! You can feel Abby's up and down of not being wanted by the men in her life before Johnny and she almost gave up but she knew that her and Johnny deserved second chances!
I loved getting the grisly joker/John’s story. So happy he and colt cleared the air and are back to their brotherly self. And that John learned to accept the help, love and family that is the brash brothers and crew. He needed people in his corner. And I live ransom and how he views everyone that “helped” to get them to where they are. Jonas is hilarious with his cooking lessons but honestly he is still one of my faves. His honesty allowed John to have someone to talk to without judgement. Abby is hilarious. She has no filter and word vomits all her thoughts when nervous. But John adores her I’m even when she is ridiculous cause she is blunt and honest. Loved that wasn’t any crazy drama with the ex or his old crew. He went through enough in his life. They are so cute together and truly balance the other out. I can’t wait for maverick and ransoms stories.
Another great book. John had things he needed to work through
I've read interconnected series before and never encountered where the same scenes are covered from different characters' points of view over several books. It makes me feel like I'm waiting to get back to the current situation that was in one of the other books before moving a little more forward in time. An example is where the heated exchange between John and Abby occurred at the end of one book, and it didn't happen in John and Abby's story until quite a while in.
I really enjoyed John and Abby's story. John had so much to work through, and he and Abby just fit so well right from the start. I liked how he came back to himself and grew in confidence in relation to Abby.
Of course, we have Maverick and Ransom to go. Unfortunately, I've caught up with the published books and now need to wait, which will be difficult.
Jenna really threw a curve ball with Big John. I wasn't sure how we could fall in love with Joker, the ex-con. But from the moment we meet the real John, he is so endearing. He is a natural protector, which must run in the family because Colt has been the Brash protector since the beginning. I loved how he naturally started taking care of the family by just cooking for them.
John's quiet, still manner was a magnet for Abby's outgoing, talkative, bright energy, and I am here for it. Sometimes, the best loves are friendships that develop into more. But this slow burn was almost torturing to read. There were so many times I just wanted to slap some sense into both of them.
I appreciated Jenna going back in the storyline and showing us John's POV as "an outsider" in a lot of the situations he witnessed. I can't wait for Maverick and Ransom's stories!
John and Abby DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Their story was so well done. The author said he was a longer story because she wanted to make sure we could get his reactions to parts of the story we already knew about from previous novels. The detail and character development is top notch. He’s stoic and grumpy. She’s a ball of sunshine and sass. I loved them both! (And saw a lot of me and my husband in them!)
So, why only 4⭐️s you ask? This will sum it up: “You said it yourself. A lot of our problems come from not talking.”
Why? Why do people refuse to talk to each other??? You claim to be best friends and yet when it comes to something important, you lock it down. Ugh! Also, I felt like this was the slow burn book. Wasn’t prepared for that at all. I personally would’ve liked more spicy from these two, but once it delivered it was worth it! 😉
I’m super sad now - I have to wait for the last 2 books in this series, but already have them preordered!
John is finally released from prison and has to figure out not only how the world works on the outside, but also how to do so with oodles of money and a woman living across the hall who he really likes but isn't sure he should be with.
I really enjoyed John's story. It's so different from all the others in the series. One, because he didn't know he was rich, and two, because he didn't work for it, but rather it was invested for him as a sort of thank you for killing someone for them. Yeah, it's questionable, but it works in the Brash world.
The only issue I have with it, is that everything happened too fast. If John had been released from prison earlier in the series and then a few novels later we'd had his love story, I would have gotten that. Now it just felt like he was getting over his guilt too quickly.
But that isn't reason enough not to really enjoy another instalment in the series.
This book is over 100 pages longer than the longest book in the series prior. Not looking forward to it. Gonna have probably 75% inner monologing of wishy washy characters whining about not being good enough and not going there wah wah wah
“I’m afraid if I keep talking, you’ll walk out of here and never speak to me again.” “Is it that bad?” “Yes,” he says, no emotion in his voice. “Maybe I need to know that side of you?” “Why? You’ll never meet that guy, Abby. Not ever.” 2 paragraphs later “Why are you telling me this, John?” BECAUSE YOU ASKED HIM TO!!!! this author has serious issues with consistencies in her books and throughout the series
"And when you have minions, you can decide if you want to change any of that.” I stare at him blankly. The room is dead silent. Finally, Kade asks in the saddest voice I’ve ever heard. “You’ve never seen Despicable Me?”
The word minions existed LONG before the movie. Like it's even supposedly in the Bible lol
I have been looking forward to John’s book through all the rest of this series and it absolutely did not disappoint! I couldn’t get enough of John and Abby’s story! Love them!
I love how it went back and you got to get to know John more and see his and Abby’s friendship develop from the start. They were both exactly what the other needed. I wasn’t sure after Zach’s book if I liked Abby very much but I ended up loving her! She is funny and the sunshine to John’s grumpy- which I couldn’t get enough of! I already loved John but seeing him come out of his shell and become part of the brash family was beautiful!
This is emotional and funny, full of sweet moments with a little tension thrown in. It is definitely a slow burn but it just made them falling so much sweeter! And that end, I can’t wait for Maverick and Cady’s story!
So first came across this series via Instagram and I was curious -and I quickly got hooked.
I’ve spent some time reflecting on what exactly is it about this series that I like- and I think what it comes down to for me is the characters - something that was really reinforced in this book.
The whole billionaire brother element aside, I found it realistic. The worries and concerns John had after being released from prison and acclimating back into freedom seemed believable. And the way in which his and Abby’s friendship - and then relationship - developed seemed authentic. I found this book developed Abby’s character from when she was first introduced a few books ago, was enjoyable - I could see the growth in her, and her actual self shining through.
I enjoyed it. Like the other books, these are quick and mindless(yet enjoyable) reads.
Cady and John's Love Tryst! 4.6*****/5 Spoiler Alert!
John, Colton 's older imprisoned brother, recently paroled and still healing from his facial slashing in prison, was finding it hard to blend into the rowdy Brash Bros. He showed Jonas, and Abby how to cook, created a delicious Christmas dinner for them, stayed bonded to Mia, and pondered for a long while they suggestion of opening his own restaurant. Pink-headed Abby, Maya's betrayed and divorced , newly moved to Chicago, assistant bonded with John. Together they tested boundary setting, and declared their love for each other, while he employed recent parolees to help them acclimate to the outside world as his P.Off.- Louis suggested. Great quotes and life mantras found sprinkled throughout the novel. Cady and Maverick's saga next! A very good read!
12/25/24- 01/01/25 COVID-19 HNewYr25
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The first half of John's book takes place simultaneously with Jonas' and Nick's.. We get a view of some of the same situations, just from an "outsider's" point of view.
I liked John right from the start. Quiet, stoic, broody.. He's struggling to adapt to life outside of prison. One would think that the money and family would make the transition easier.. To John, though, the choices and the chaos are overwhelming. He's struggling to find direction for his life.
Abby is loud and doesn't always think before she word vomits all over people. I kind of love her. She just worms her way under John's skin by being unabashedly herself. She has some self-esteem issues that are the result of her ex boyfriend (a cheating douche canoe).. But she's exactly what John needs to help him adjust to the outside world.
I had this feeling I was going to love John’s story as much as Colton’s, and I was right.
Much for the same reasons. John is kind and protective and after his life, just wants a person with no expectations. And that’s exactly what Abby is.
They’re both in a transitional part of their life, which causes them to understand each other. Neither has expectations of the other and their friendship just worked.
I also LOVE a good friends to lovers situation. Mostly because the pining is amazing. Some of my absolute favorite books are friends to lovers. (You will never convince me that The Love Hypothesis isn’t friends to lovers.) Colt and Evie were the same slow burn from friendship to more.
I just… loved this installment. More than Colt and Evie? Well probably not because Colt and Mia are freaking adorable. But John and Mia are a freaking close second.
John has spent the last 18 years in prison after killing a man to protect his younger brother. Now, he’s out and a millionaire thanks to the success of Colton. He doesn’t feel like he deserves this second chance and all his options and choices are too much to bear. Enter: Abby. A spunky ray of sunshine who pops into John’s life and makes things a little clearer. Will John realize he deserves a second chance?
Do I condone murder? No. But John went into a situation expecting a fight not to kill someone. I think the author did a good job of articulating that struggle - that someone can do a horrible thing but not be a horrible person. John is a lovable little grump. I wish this was spicier though so 4.25/5
I love this series!! The heavy topics and the care that they are given is just sooo good. I can go from laughing to ugly crying - the way that Jenna writes her stories just hits all the spots for me. I love how not only the men are found family - but the women that join them become their own girl squad - family within a family.
John's story was a bit beefier than the others but I was so glad that we got to see the events through John's eyes. Watching him find his place in the family and the world again hit me all in the feels.
John's grumpy is 100% balanced by Abby's sunshine - "She's sunshine and light. I'm shadows and darkness."
While I am excited and cannot wait to read the last 2 books in this series - I don't want it to end.
I haven't written a book review for a good few years now but I had to leave one for this book. I stumbled upon an ad for this series on TikTok (thank you algorithm...) and decided to grab her books from her website. I devoured each and every one with Micah and Holly being my favorite story from the group so far, with Jonas being a close second.
BUT LET ME TELL YOU...I laid in bed all day since it was hot as hades here in VA this past Sunday and read the entire thing. At one part I actually shed a few tears. I loved John's journey to adjusting to life outside of prison. Abby was cracking me up with her word vomiting and her mental commentary.
Cannot wait for Maverick and Ransome's books. Already have Maverick's book pre-ordered!
John's story is a super slow burn, but it's so worth it.
The character growth is spectacular for John and Abby. I didn't know if I'd like Abby, but after getting inside her head, I freaking LOVE her now! John's relationship with his family is exactly what I hoped for.
While Nick's book overlaps this one, it's missing a lot of the family. John's story ties everything in well. You see something from everyone in it. The ladies steal the show a couple of times, too.
It's a sweet, slow-burn with just enough spice, and it's the best found-family vibe I've ever read.
Each Brash Brother gets better and better! When first introduced to John, I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to win or not - but that as I go to know him in the earlier books and you can’t help but cheer for the large, scary, underdog. This story has far less drama than the previous ones and less spice too - but you’re so into what is happening you are just waiting for the HEA! IMO this one should not be read as a stand-alone. There is too much back-character development to really understand the relationships between the brothers. That said, it is written well and the pieces are there for the reader if they do choose to read John out of order.