The Hardest Part

Brookside #2

by Dyan Layne

It’s the waiting. That’s the hardest part.

But which is harder?

Waiting for someone you’ve never had.

Or waiting for someone to return to you.

Jake is waiting.

Billy is waiting.

Emily is waiting, too.

But this ain’t no love triangle.

In Brookside, no one has to choose.

Genres: Polyamorous

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2025

About the author

Dyan Layne is a nurse boss by day and the writer of edgy sensual tales by night—and on weekends. She's never without her Kindle, and can usually be found tapping away at her keyboard with a hot latte and a cold Dasani Lime--and sometimes champagne. She can't sing a note, but often answers in song because isn't there a song for just about everything? Born and raised a Chicago girl, she currently lives in Tampa, Florida, and is the mother of four handsome sons and a beautiful daughter, who are all grown up now, but can still make her crazy--and she loves it that way! Because normal is just so boring.

Reviews

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

As that early 80's song so aptly stated, 'the waiting is the hardest part', and in the town of Brookside, Wyoming, waiting for love is just part of life for the descendants of this strange, very private community. Things aren't always as they seem on first, second or the third glance around, but if you're looking for an unconventional kind of romance- you just found one!

The Hardest Part is the second book in Dyan Layne's intriguing and super spicy, 'why choose' Brookside series. It's good to be back again. Yeeehaw, there's a ton of hot cowboys here, so saddle up and get ready to ride! There's steamy twists, turns and suspense, with memorable characters and a mysterious who dunnit thread that will send a shiver down your spine.

This book focuses on Billy and older brother Jake, who always knew their lives would be forever entwined with Emily's, as it was meant to be. Their longing, angst, and absolute love could be felt through the pages as they waited and prepared for their future to truly begin. It wasn't always easy but waiting made it all the sweeter(and hotter)when the time came for them to unite in perfect triad harmony.

More is better when it comes to Brookside's familial connections- it's really quite fascinating. I loved learning, along with Jake, the historical details of how this town came to be in his deep dive back in time. Interesting and very revealing when the present parallels the past this way. 

Dyan Layne has created intriguing, connected storylines and wonderfully unique characters, so to enhance your experience, consider reading the first book. Enough said- this place and it's many free spirited inhabitants are waiting, so head on over to the ranch and see for yourself what makes Brookside such a different little town.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to read and honestly review.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hardest Part takes readers back to Brookside, a unique community where triad relationships are the foundation of their way of life. This book follows Jake, Emily, and Billy—three people who have always known they belong together but must navigate the traditions of their town before they can officially unite.
I really enjoyed the dual timeline, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of Brookside and how its founding principles still shape the present. The blend of past and present added depth to the story, making it more than just a romance. The chemistry between the main trio is undeniable, and the book delivers plenty of spice while keeping the emotional stakes high.
While this novel stands on its own, it does weave in elements of intrigue from the first book, so reading the series in order is ideal. Overall, The Hardest Part is an engaging, steamy read that fans of unconventional romance will love. Looking forward to seeing what’s next in Brookside! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Brookside and the wonderful magic of 3 ❤️❤️❤️
Emily, Billy, and Jake are the triad that this book is mostly about, although they interact with the characters from the Third Son.
This trio is so in love, and have been most of their lives, and they know that they are meant to be together, but must be patient and wait for the coming of age.
Dyan has once again created memorable characters who the readers love to love. She extraordinarily writes with the balance of plot, conversation and narration like no one else. You feel the emotion and love flow off the pages through her words. Enjoyed the music playlist so much also!
Another amazing well written story 💕

[Heather Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everything that comes in threes is perfect.”

I’ve missed Brookside, and The Hardest Part was like coming home to a comforting, warm, familiar hug. In The Third Son, told through the eyes of Arien, Kellan, and Tanner, Dyan Layne introduced us to these beautiful broken characters and swept us away with action, suspense, crazy heat and healing hearts. The Hardest Part is no different, only this time, we get to see the action through the eyes of Emily, Jake, and Billy- who are immersed in a story of their own.

Friends since birth, these three were always meant to be, having grown up in Brookside and familiar with the ways and beliefs of the town. But that said, there is always suspense and heartbreak that keeps you stocked in tissues and chocolate. In tandem with their story, we’re gifted with the beautiful backstory of Brookside. The love, devotion, patience, and perseverance that brought the town and its people to come to be is lovely in its own right, but definitely adds even more heart to a charming story.

As we follow their story, Emily, Billy, and Jake are tested throughout- promises made and strength to stay true. But when the heartbreak follows, can they hold each other up and make it to their happily ever after? I hesitate to say more because of spoilers, so I’ll just say this- Dyan does not disappoint in this second installment. Definitely read The Third Son first, as you will get the most out of The Hardest Part with that background information. Highly recommend!

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this author writes is I’m reading it! Returning to Brookside was everything I had hoped it would be, the anticipation for Emily, Jake and Billy was so strong and their story did not disappoint. I really enjoyed learning more about the past of Brookside as well as some things being wrapped up from the first book in the series. I have mentioned this before, I am not a third person POV reader but this author writes with such perfection I will read every word she writes. Automatic one click and must read.

[Harry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just bcoz too much is repeated

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Why Choose romance that is UTTERLY REMARKABLE!!!!

From the start I was completely enthralled and enraptured with Jake, Emily and Billy’s tantalizing, alluring and touching story.
I was already a great fan of Brookside but I must say this book had me falling even deeper.
Everyone of these characters will have you smitten, enticed and emotionally connecting to them in one way or another.
Their story is intense, interesting and deeply passionate.
Getting lost in this throuples story was deliciously delightful and sexy as all howdy❤️‍🔥
The spice is iron HOT and it brands you.
The emotional ride is heartfelt and it will grip you like a lasso tightening your heart.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy escaping in a story that will have your heart galloping and give you all those sinful fantasies you savour😉

[Lee Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thia book was phenomenal. It picked up seamlessly from The Third Son but gave you a history and insight into how Brookside came to be. I love how Dyan writes so that you feel what her characters feel. You honestly relate to all of them. I have to say I have some special love for Billy. It is a great read, and I feel you will get the whole experience if you read The Third Son first. Best read for 2025 for me so far.

[Bookslover09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The inside story of Brookside was nothing short of captivating. I devoured it in record time, utterly engrossed! My heart swelled with affection for the characters, especially Jake. Dyan's exquisite writing drew me in completely, making it impossible not to fall head over heels for the tale. It was a truly unforgettable experience! And I will never get tired of them. Well done, Dyan ❤️

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Tropes/Trigger Warnings: Small Town/ Western/ Family drama/ age gap
Coupling Type: MFM
Characters: MFC: Emily MMC: Jake, Billy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Favorite Quote/scene: Everything that comes in threes is perfect.
Over all thoughts on book and/or author: I'll forever read anything Dyan writes. She is such an amazing story teller. Her books always have the perfect amount of plot to stream ratio. In this book we follow the story of another Brookside trio where waiting is The Hardest Part. It over laps with The Third Son so definitely read that one first.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

Brookside is a different series, there's no doubt about that, but in The Hardest Part, Dyan Layne took the mysteries, the world in which it takes place, and the characters to the next level. Billy, Emily & Jake exceeded all my expectations with their unique love story, I loved reading the events of The Third Son from a different perspective and learning much more about the origins of this peculiar town, plus that ending and the introduction to new characters left me dying to read the next book.

One of the things I enjoyed most about The Hardest Part was that, when the book begins, we already know that Billy, Em & Jake are together and are going to have their happy ending, BUT the story shows us everything they go through to be able to reach that goal.

Billy was my favorite character, I loved reading how easy it is for him to show Emily how much he loves her, knowing a little more about that connection they always shared , I loved his love for animals and that sad moment he lived because of it broke my heart for him, but I think what I enjoyed most about this character was getting to know that sweet, innocent and tender side of his personality that is shown with his concern for his mother, his feelings of guilt after breaking the rules and all the nice gestures he has towards Emily and his brother.

Jake is the more serious of the two Gantry boys, a lover of the history and tradition of his community, an intelligent, reserved boy, who respects the rules and who, for that reason, seems to be the one who has the hardest time at the beginning of the book. Jake is a character who goes through a lot of complex feelings throughout his story and I loved reading a change in the way he relates to Emily, even before their time together finally arrives. I also LOVED that Dyan Layne showed us more about Brookside's origins through Jake and his determination to preserve his ancestors' journals, and that Emily & Billy supported him in his goal.

Emily is a lovely girl, with a bold side that makes her say what she thinks, feels and wants at all times, but she can also be sensitive, sweet and understanding. One of the things I loved most about her plot was reading a little more about her friendship with Arien, her relationship with Tanner & Kellan, and all the things that were going through her head when the author showed us some of the events of The Third Son from her POV.

Something I definitely didn't expect was that ending, and although I'm almost sure I know where the loose ends the author left go, I'm very nervous and excited for the next book in this series.

🐎Billy: 5/5
🐎Jake: 5/5
🐎Emily: 5/5
🐎Plot: 5/5
🐎Love story: 5/5
🐎Secondary characters: 5/5
🐎Universe: 5/5
🐎Cover: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Brookside es una serie diferente, de eso no hay duda, pero en The Hardest Part, Dyan Layne llevo los misterios, el mundo en el que se desarrolla y los personajes al siguiente nivel. Billy, Emily & Jake superaron todas mis expectativas con su historia de amor tan única, me encantó leer acontecimientos de The Third Son desde una perspectiva diferente y conocer mucho más sobre los orígenes de éste pueblo tan peculiar, además de que ese final y la introducción a nuevos personajes me dejaron muriendo por leer el siguiente libro.

Una de las cosas que más disfruté de The Hardest Part fue que, cuando el libro comienza, ya sabemos que Billy, Em & Jake están juntos y van a tener su final feliz, PERO la historia nos enseña todo lo que pasan para poder llegar a ese objetivo.

Billy fue mi personaje favorito, me encantó leer lo fácil que es para él demostrarle a Emily lo mucho que la ama, saber un poco más de esa conexión que siempre ha compartido con ella, amé su amor por los animales y ese momento triste que vivió debido a ello me rompió mucho el corazón por él, pero creo que lo que más disfruté de este personaje fue conocer ese lado dulce, inocente y tierno de su personalidad que se demuestra con su preocupación por su mamá, sus sentimientos de culpa después de romper las reglas y todos los gestos bonitos que tiene hacia Emily y su hermano.

Jake es el mas serio de los dos chicos Gantry, un amante de la historia y tradición de su comunidad, un chico inteligente, reservado, que respeta las reglas y que por esa razón parece ser el que más mal la pasa al inicio del libro. Jake es un personaje que pasa por muchos sentimientos complejos a lo largo de su historia y me encantó leer un cambio en la manera en la que se relaciona con Emily, incluso antes de que por fin llegue el tiempo de poder estar juntos. También AMÉ que Dyan Layne nos enseñara más de los orígenes de Brookside a través de Jake y su determinación por preservar los diarios de sus ancestros, y que Emily & Billy lo apoyaran en su objetivo.

Emily es una chica encantadora, con un lado atrevido que la hace decir lo que piensa, siente y quiere en todo momento, pero que también puede ser sensible, dulce y comprensiva. Una de las cosas que más amé de su trama fue leer un poco más de su amistad con Arien, su relación con Tanner & Kellan, y todas las cosas que pasaban por su cabeza cuando la autora nos mostraba alguno de los acontecimientos de The Third Son.

Algo que definitivamente no esperaba era ese final, y aunque estoy casi segura de que sé por donde van los cabos sueltos que la autora dejó, estoy muy nerviosa y emocionada por el siguiente libro en esta serie.

🐎Billy: 5/5
🐎Jake: 5/5
🐎Emily: 5/5
🐎Trama: 5/5
🐎Historia de amor: 5/5
🐎Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🐎Universo: 5/5
🐎Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hardest Part is one of those books that feel like a warm hug when you need it  most! Low angst, steaming hot chemistry and all the warm and fuzzy feelings.

Althought they're technically stand-alones, I'd recommend reading The Hardest Past directly after The Third Son because they happen over the same timeline (mostly) and the second book almost reads as a companion book to the first.

As someone who loves history enough that I've spend a few years studying it at uni, I really enjoyed the historical parts of this book and the glimpse into Brookside's past. It explained a lot and made a lot of things make sense.

Getting over-invested in side characters is one of my main reading pattern so The Hardest Part was perfect for me since it covered and answered all the questions that The Third Son brought when it came to Emily, Jake and Billy!

Their relationship is given but the development of it in this book was interesting, realistic and engaging. The sweet to steamy balance was well-written, the steamy scenes working with the storyline rather than interrupting it.
If I had one complaint it would be that Jake got less "page time" with Emily that Billy did. Older, mysterious and quiet is my type!

I can't wait to see who the next book will follow (Kim? Pretty please?) and if the mystery falling man will make a return!

Summary
Rating 4⭐
Spice 3.5 🌶️
*Triad/ why choose
*Family and community
* Grief and recovery
* Historical
* Small town
* So much love!

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dyan Layne’s The Hardest Part (Brookside Book 2) is a romance set in a mountain town that consists of a pocket of people whose Native American ancestors believed that the number three made a perfect triune in a marriage of either two sisters and one husband or two men and one wife or even two men and one woman. Interspersed between the pages, glimpses are given of the original settlers through the journals Kane finds, which fills in the historical background of ancestorial families that traveled west by wagons heading to California but settled in a beautiful valley that became the sustaining community of Brookside. The Hardest Part brings 3x’s The Spice and Heat within a love story that intertwines between Emily, 17, turning 18, Kane, age 23, and his younger brother, Billy, who is 17 and can’t marry until age 18. The “waiting comes in as Kane has to wait for Emily to turn 18 for him to give an actual PDA of kissing and loving on her. Billy, who enjoyed all the PDA privileges since age 15, has to abstain from Emily turning 18 until he likewise turns 18, when they plan to have their wedding. An unusual community with different family dynamics but contains all the elements found in small towns in the USA, with romance, wanting to be loved, working outside of the home, pursuing one’s passions, and interactions between families and friends. Dyan Lane books are hot and spicy, so be careful not to get burnt when you read this book, as it has no cheating and guaranteed HEA.

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dyan Layne takes us back to Brookside, and while you could read this as a standalone novel, you really should read The Third Son before The Hardest Part. Not only do I highly recommend both books, but you'll read some MAJOR spoilers for the first book in this one.

Brookside isn't your typical town and they don't do things there like they do in the "outside" world. "Everything that comes in threes is perfect" and our threesome in this book is Emily and brothers Jake and Billy. Brookside has it's own set of rules which results in a lot of waiting for this triad to be complete, and waiting is the hardest part.

While it's definitely a different world, I loved heading back to Brookside and seeing more of all of the throuples there. Emily is lucky that she doesn't have to choose between Jake and Billy, because how could she? I loved both of these brothers and I loved how much they adore their girl. As with all of this author's books, this one is HOT and romantic too.

This story also gives a little more of the history of Brookside and we get to see where and how it all began. This second book runs along the same timeline as the first book in the series, and while I had forgotten a few parts of the story, it all came rushing back to me and broke my heart all over again. Now, I can't wait to see what comes next in this world.

[Jens_Book_Cubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hardest Part is the second book in the Brookside series. It is a contemporary, MFM, small town, cowboy romance that is told in third person POV and hits you with all the feels.

Jake, Billy, and Emily were born for each other, but they must follow the rules in order to be together. Their story is heartbreaking, heartwarming, surprising, intriguing, and so, so much more. The chemistry between the boys and Emily is palpable and when they all finally come together it is electric.

I loved so many things about this book and the series. I loved the idea that all things three are perfect and that each book is about a throuple. I also loved the dual timeline in this story that gave us a peek at the history of Brookside. I was deeply intrigued by the Shoshone lore and the additions that the author made to make it her own. I without a doubt adore that the stories in this series are intertwined, so we never have to say goodbye.

I am positively addicted to this series. I honestly cannot get enough of it! The amazing writing, pace, plot, and flow, the unique and intriguing storyline, the phenomenal characters, character development, relationship development, and world building. I absolutely loved it all!

The surprising epilogue left me super excited to see what comes next in Brookside. I am crazy in love with this series and would highly recommend it.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven’t read the first book this book will have spoilers. Their time line intertwines.
I enjoyed Emily, Jake and Billy. There’s part that gives you a storyline from the past. At times it got a bit confusing and I wasn’t sure if it was the past or present and how it was thrown to the past. But you get to see how Brookside came to be and their rules.
Emily, Jake and Billy have known each other since they were young. They are all from Brookside. They know the rules that others about. They know about not having to choose and how it’s the most natural thing to be a trio and be married.
I sort of felt bad for Billy because once Emily turns eighteen they have to wait but he and Jake know she’s the one for them. Jake has waited for his turn to be with Emily and now it’s his chance until they can all three be married and happy together.
In this book we meet Arien through Emily’s eyes. Tanner and Kellan are Emily’s cousins. We see their story through Emily and everything that goes down.
I really enjoyed Emily, Jake and Billy love story. How theirs one relationship already established because they are close in age but the other not yet and we get to watch that one unfold. We also get ti see how they are all together and how much all three yearn to be together and form a family. I can’t wait for the next book.
Must read!

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Brookside where everything Three is perfect.
Emily, Jake and Billy have grown up together but have always known they were meant for each other. As they approach adulthood they are impatient to finally become the unit they know is their destiny but the rules that govern the potential marriage have to be kept to, no matter how hard it is.
This is a fabulous guide through the turmoil they endure, while we revisit old friends from a previous story, along side visits to the past, telling how the first of this unique community settles in Brookside hundreds of years before. Throw into the mix tragedy, an unsolved crime and plenty of heat between our three while they wait to become one, this story will keep you captured until the last page.
Dyan has a unique style, her characters are always so complex and impossible to not to fall in love with. You can read this as a standalone but I would highly recommend you read The Third Son, the first in this series, it will make some things in this book make a little more sense. Either way you really need this book on your library, if this will be your 1st book from Dyan I can guarantee you will want more.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for this books was probably The Hardest Part.

Yes, I've been waiting a long time to say that, lmao.

Anyway...

I want to thank Dyan and Foreward PR & Marketing for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I've been staring at my screen for the past 5 minutes thinking about what I should say about this book without spoiling it.

Spoiler alert. Nothing.

This book is so intertwined with The Third Son, but this time around you could see all the events from other POVs.

I felt so bad for the guys throughout this book. Jake had to watch from the sidelines until Emily came of age. Billy had to step back as soon as she came of age.

I'm not sure what's worse; missing something you never had or missing something you've always had.

But I felt for Emily as well. I can only imagine how horrible it must feel to not touch one, while being able to touch the other. She does love them both tremendously. Must be hard.

Thank you Dyan, for once again casualy including my favourite thing ever. You guessed it, fisting. Love you.

I did absolutely love Jake, Billy and Emily and I'm so freaking excited to see what's next in this unique world.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everything that comes in threes is perfect.”

DAMN!! This story had me in a chokehold from beginning to end. It was incredibly emotional and filled with such passion, heartache, longing and an undeniable love between three amazing characters. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride that I never wanted to end.

Billy, Jake and Emily have a bond like no other that only grows stronger as they grow into their relationship together. But the three of them have some little hurdles to overcome before they get their happy ending together. The intense longing, heartache and passion just poured off the pages and had my heart aching for the three of them.

I loved hearing more of the history of Brookside and why they believed in the theory of threes. It was very interesting and quite a creative backstory.

I absolutely loved this story. It was everything I could have hoped for, plus so much more. There was also some suspense and danger woven in that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. But overall, the amount of love that seeped out the pages was incredibly beautiful.

[Melinda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dyan Layne has once again introduced us into her world. A world where love truly does conquer everything. She does so in a way that allows us to understand, accept, and immerse ourselves in a world where individuals can truly be the person he/she is deep within.

And for Emily, Billy, and Jake, it’s always been the goal of them being a family. It’s right, it’s their choice, their way. They live by the creed of three. They’ve followed their laws, they’re traditions, all in the quest for true loves and a HEA. They’ve followed each other’s lead and followed their hearts. Their faith, their guiding light. In good times and bad, they find their strength in their unique unit.

Layne introduced us to Brookside. Though unconventional by some standards, one has to appreciate the values, the loyalty, the reverence these residents uphold. When you think about it, it’s what we strive for, just a bit differently.

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Brookside, and this one was unique in many ways. Please read Third Son first if you haven’t already. This picks up where that leaves off and answers many questions. I really enjoyed the triad love story for Emily, Jake, and Billy. They were a very passionate group, and I was overly invested in them after the first book, so getting to read their HEA was perfection. I was happy to have characters from the first book woven into their story, making appearances that felt authentic. This is more than anything a community and large family, and that feeling is pervasive in these stories. Brookside takes care of its own. One really interesting thing is the historical novel aspect here where the founding of the community is also woven within this romance. I like that we learned a lot more about how this group of people came to live by the principles they do. Now I can’t wait once again to spend time with the next group!

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dyan Layne one of my unicorn authors is back with the second book in the Brookside Series and I was hooked from the very first page to the last.

Brookside is a very special community were love relationships are perfect in threes. Jake, Emily and Billy belong together but there are certain rules they need to follow and sometimes waiting to finally be together is the greatest test of all. Their love story story is tested in many ways, through lost and sacrifice this trio becomes stronger and so deserving of each other. Their intimate moments were full of passion, love and devotion.

This story interacts with the time line of the first book in the series "The Third Son" so I recommend reading that story as well so you can have the full picture of the plot. I really loved that in this book Dyan gave us the story of how the Brookside town was form.

[Camille (bookish.cami) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dyan Layne really has a way with keeping me captivated in every story she writes. This was a highly anticipated read for me! This is Jake, Emily, and Billy book they have grown up to know that they will be a traid. This couple is in love with each other, and I was here for every moment of it, this story also has its moments in Dyan fashion that will have you wondering how they will come together to get through the hardships they face.
I have been waiting for this book since Dyan mention it, I am obsessed with Brookside Books!
I love the dynamic of this books and how they follow how its ok to love more than one person and although some of the lifestyle how they choose to live maybe confusing to some I enjoy how these books have so much emotion and love. Things truly do come better in threes!
This was such a fantastic read! Highly recommended.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dyan Layne takes her readers deeper into her Brookside community where trouples rule and number three dictates everyone's fate!

Brothers Jake and Billy Gantry were ready to continue the triad legacy of their founding fathers with the girl they had always loved, Emily. This story leaned more into this group anticipating their life as a threesome and the longing leading up to embarking on it. Ms. Layne easily wove the past history of this tradition into her present for a story steeped in the history of Brookside and its frisky inhabitants.

The story of Jake, Billy and Emily was full of undeniable chemistry and the physical tension that came with it. All the parties involved were emotionally vested in each other. This author adeptly showed her trouple's individual connections to each other as well as their group dynamic for some steamy moments as well as some genuine loving ones.

Dyan Layne's relationships are highly complex and emotional. Her insight into her characters minds and hearts is thoughtful and nonjudgmental. Dyan Layne makes love look easy in The Hardest Part!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*This work was not concluded requiring reading the upcoming book in this series.*

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited to return to Brookside. I loved book 1, The Third Son, and couldn’t wait for more. The Hardest Part was the perfect continuation of the series

This is Emily, Billy and Jake’s book. Set in the same time frame as book 1, I enjoyed reading the story from different POVs. They have known for ever that they would be part of a triad, as that is the Brookside thing. But they have also been in love before they knew that was what it was. Now they are entering a difficult time where Emily turns 18 and they continue planning their wedding.

Entwined with the chapters of the book is the original history of the community, as Jake reads his ancestor’s journals. I really enjoyed this concept. It resulted in two stories in one.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to Brookside we go… this time with the history of the community and the families who founded it. I loved this aspect of the book- getting to know the who and why and where of Brookside. THP uses the same current timeline as book 1, and it’s wonderful to read Emily, Billy, and Jake’s story in greater depth. I found myself wanting more detail than we saw of them, but having the history sprinkled in made it so worthwhile. Jake’s patience is saint worthy but it’s Billy’s grit I admire the most… There are many more characters in Brookside we need to learn about and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Brookside. And what a welcome it was! With Dyan Layne, you always get an exceptional story with just the right amount of steam. Emily, Jake, and Billy brought all the emotion, heartache, and spice! If you think you know their story, think again! I loved being back in Brookside, reminiscing with familiar characters, and getting acquainted with new ones. I also LOVED learning a bit about the origins of Brookside and seeing how their vision and destiny gave way to generations of family and friends who continue to carry on the traditions. My only complaint is that the story ended, and I had to return to the real world. Til next time Brookside ;)

[Book Surfing Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The return to Brookside Wyoming was inevitable, and just like coming home we come back to Emily, Jake , and Billy. This small town settled by Levi Gantry isn’t like any other town. Brookside lives by their own set of rules, brothers share a wife, sisters share a husband, even cousins sometimes. Brothers, Jake and Billy Gantry have an unconditional love for Emily Keough and waiting to marry her until they all came of age is torture. Are rules made to be broken? Maybe, but it could also cause ramifications if those rules are not followed.

I’m not one to go all in for a ‘why choose trope’ but Dyan’s Brookside series hits differently. While reading her second book in the Brookside series, The Hardest Part you just understand these characters and their way of life in this small town. It’s what they know and love about where they live. That’s what I love about this author, she has the ability to express the greatest love stories through her characters and when it comes to this book the love between these three supersedes all the rest. Everything that comes in threes is perfect ♥️.

[BeerMe_BookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardest part by @dyan.layne.author is out now and we DEVOURED IT 🙌🏻 it was good to go back to brookside ! These character and stories are so captivating, intriguing , hot and mix in the taboo of it and we couldn’t get enough!!! Emily,Billy and Jake were hot as hell but also so damn caring and just fit together so well ! Their traditions might not be norm and definitely tested them to the max but the bond they have and the trust they put into the journey to their forever was beautiful 🖤 it was also cool to see other sides of the story for some of our other favs ! Dyan never fails to capture us with her words and this was no different!! We can’t wait for more !!!!

[Kat Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back in Brookside. I loved the way Dyan gave us the history while reading it play out with Emily, Jake and Billy. Even though I had read The Third Son, I found myself being surprised when things happened! The Third Son introduced us to the way of life in Brookside. The Hardest Part gives us the backstory and cemented their ways as we followed Emily, Jake and Billy's relationship. I'm already looking forward to going back because we know not every Brookside relationship is perfect even though they follow the ways. 😉