Problem Child

Foster Bro Code #4

by D.J. Jamison

I'm the problem child...

I'm the youngest foster brother. The one with the most potential.

My brothers have plans for me. Plans that involve going to college and leaving my family and job at our auto shop behind.

Plans that definitely don't include getting involved with a big, sexy ex-con like Flynn Donovan.

He's older than me. Bigger than me. And the man looks hard all over. But I know he's soft inside. Soft for me. If I can just get him to admit it.

I'm adrift at Thurston College, and when Flynn offers a big, strong shoulder to lean on, I seize the lifeline.

There's a spark between us, but Flynn resists it. I'm too young, too innocent, too much a "little brother" for him. At least, I think those are the reasons until he confesses the real one.

Flynn's got secrets. Guilt about his past and fears about the future. Worries that make my problems look like, well, child's play.

But I'm not a child anymore, and it's time to step up.

I want to be strong for Flynn. To fight for the right to love him, to keep him, to care for him the way he deserves. And if I can fight for him, then maybe I can also learn to fight for myself.

Because I've got my own plans, and my brothers aren't going to like them...

Problem Child is Book 4 of Foster Bro Code. Trigger warning for references to abuse, criminal activity, and death. Some violence on-page, mostly as a result of Bailey pool-hustling the wrong men.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Found Family, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, College

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2026

About the author

DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.

DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany

Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany

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Reviews

[D.J. Jamison]

Dear readers,

I can't thank you enough for taking this journey with me. Foster Bro Code has been such a special series. I love exploring the themes of loyalty that surpasses bio relations, of lost boys making a pact to always be brothers to one another, for making a family of unconditional love and support, even with all the normal conflict of living and working together.

The guys in the Foster Bro series aren't perfect. How could they be? Holden is a control freak by necessity with his history of abuse and touch-aversion. Axel acts out because he fears abandonment, and deep down that fear never goes away, it just eases with time and trust. Gray has to rebuild trust with his brothers for running away after their foster dad found out he was gay--and he's secretly afraid of letting them down again. And Bailey, sweet, young, better-adjusted Bailey, has had to carry the burden of their hopes and expectations while living in the shadow of their trauma his whole life.

Flynn brought a dimension to Problem Child that explored regret and guilt. Even when acting to help his brother, ostensibly doing the right thing, the fallout was huge. And he has to live with that. Has to live with the ways that prison changed him and shaped him. Has to wonder if he can ever be worthy of someone good and untarnished, like Bailey.

This is a story of the heart for me. As the last book of the Foster Bro Code, I sincerely hope I did it and the whole family justice.

I look forward to continuing to explore Riverton and the Redemption Road ex-cons who are also trying to rebuild their lives like Flynn. This won't be the last we see of the foster bros. I'm not ready to totally let them go.

XoXo
DJ

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great end to the series!

The action was non-stop, the tension was so good, and the relationship between Bailey and Flynn was adorable once they finally got together.

The found family is so strong in this series, which I love. I also really liked the plot point with Bailey and university not being the right fit for him. It feels kind of rare to see that option shown in books with characters in that age group!

I also really liked the intros to the spin-off series' too. Thirsty U sounds like it's going to be really fun, but I'm most excited for the Redemption Road series so we can find out more about Knight and hopefully the rest of the guys too!

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review   

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite, but still better than the last two books. 2.75 - 3⭐

I did expect more for an ex-con romance. Flynn seemed like a hot, forbidden choice for Bailey, the youngest brother, but I don't know, I didn't like these guys getting such mundane, mushy, forgettable love stories. Most of the time it felt like my grandma would be telling me this story, completely rose-tinted and sappy but, you know, with some cock on top.

Not really my first choice, but I survived.

🟣 Ex-con / the youngest brother (college student)
🟢 Age gap 19/28
🟡 Size difference
🔵 Bisexual / gay
🟠 Found family
🌶️ I liked them together, would've liked more sex on-page, especially with the size difference in place; first times; oral, rimming, penetrative; both vers

So, basically, Bailey is the youngest foster brother who's an exceptional mechanic, but Holden makes sure Bailey gets an opportunity to go to college, which doesn't suit Bailey at all, so he bails after 1 semester, moves back home and gets a different certificate, so he gets some kind of education, at least.

While I didn't necessarily agree with that at all, I mean Holden did put his savings up for this college and got Bailey a scholarship, so I thought it was quite tragic Bailey didn't get that degree, but then again I also thought his love story with Flynn, the ex-con who's working in the car shop, would be happening after Bailey's college.

He seemed way too young at 19 to be dealing with all the home issues and then a love interest who's out on parole, and on top of it all, let's make him completely monogamous and serious about Flynn, like for forever. At 19.

They did look and sound very promising together, though, and they should've gotten a better story for sure.



Right? Yeah.

“Food first. Yes, I’m taking care of you. Not because you’re a child. Because you’re my man.”
“Well, in that case, hand- feed me if that’s what you like. Pamper me like a prince. As long as I get to be your man.”
I laughed and shifted to take the seat beside him. “I bring you Zacos, my prince.”
“A very good start,” Bailey said with an approving nod.
I unpacked the bag, doling out Zacos like offerings. “How else may I please your royal highness?”
“I decree that you shall kiss me whenever I want. Take off your shirt upon my command. And never stop looking at me like I’m the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen.”



I just didn't see it. How can you make these two so boring? How? But I guess they still were a good couple, I just wish we could've gotten the more playful, sexier version of them in the story, I think they were too serious and too set in that forever love they kept talking about. It wasn't really believable. I liked Flynn's version better, of just letting Bailey go out there a little bit, finish college and then maybe try things out.

The book is too long, nothing really happens besides some interactions with the other brothers and their partners and the storytelling really just begs for something more, I mean, it's so... musty. Musty and dusty.

I am interested in Knight, one of the guys from the ex-con group that's getting that second chance, he's Flynn's friend and he's paired up with Aidan, Flynn's little brother who's a med student. I really liked both of them and I honestly hope the author puts more imagination into the Redemption Road series.

[Lily Loves 📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This series has been hit or miss for me. I loved Holden’s book and liked Axel’s but I couldn’t finish Gray’s. I still adored this family and their bond. I was excited for Bailey’s story but I felt a bit bored.

I loved Bailey and Flynn together, they were sweet and a perfect match. I didn’t like how everyone thought they were owed an explanation of why Flynn was in jail. They accepted him as a co-worker but were upset he didn’t tell them what he was in jail for. That was his business and they made him feel bad for not telling them.

I also thought the issue with Snake was a bit uneventful. I thought the other books had better conflicts. I did love meeting the other men in the Redemption group and I’m looking forward to their stories.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey and Flynn were a sweet couple, even with all of Flynn's baggage. The conflicts were resolved quickly and mostly served to bond the group even more. It was a nice end to the series and I'm looking forward to the Redemption Road books.

[Crisana]

DNF 58% I liked the previous books but couldn't connect with this one at all. The MCs get together quite quickly and then I just lost interest to be honest.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. While Holden's book is still holding the prize as my favorite in the series, I really like both Bailey and Flynn and their story was a cute ending to the series. I don't love age gaps and power imbalance, so I was worried it would sour the story for me, but D.J. managed to set the characters in a way where at no point was Flynn's age or baggage or Bailey's position as "technically one of the owners" skewing things in favor of one or the other. I really appreciate that.

[Drew H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book to end a really solid series!

This is my first series of DJ's that I've read all the way through, and each book was a solid time. I really liked Flynn in this book, he proved a good counterweight for Bailey as he grows out of his rebellion to feel joy phase. I was expecting their age gap to be more of a factor but they had enough obstacles to deal with, so it's whatever that that one was brushed over. I also really liked the Snake subplot There were a few things about Bailey that did irk me. First was the way the tension between him and Holden, I think it went on just a bit too long given that it was also set up in all three of the previous books. And maybe this is too much to ask for in my 19 year old MC in what is otherwise a fully grown adult series, but I was expecting him to be more stubborn in his attitude to school, from the tagline in the blurb of "I've got my own plans, and my brothers aren't going to like them..." Respectfully girl no you don't, and that's okay because again you're a baby, but because that made him sound like he was going to already have a strong idea of what he wanted, I wasn't expecting him to be so wishy-washy in practice.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed being able to see this series through to the end, and props to DJ for writing the backdoor pilot for two separate spinoff series, that's strength, that's power, that's confidence, and I can't wait.

Thank you to Neon Rainbow Reviews for an ARC of this title in exchange for a fair review.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝚆𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚟𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚖𝚎. 𝙽𝚘𝚠, 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎?"

"𝙺𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚢𝚘𝚞."

I was so happy to finally be able to read Bailey's book! As the youngest, Bailey is used to being babied by his older brothers, especially Holden who is more like a father figure. All Holden does is bring up how proud he is that Bailey is going to go off to college to make something of himself. It's not easy when you know that the life you want isn't what your family hoped for you. Thankfully, Bailey is wise beyond his years, even if he still gets into shuffles over pool hustling.

Flynn was such a softie and I loved how sweet he was with Bailey when they finally gave into their feelings for one another. I honestly thought Flynn was going to push back harder, but he surprised me. I guess his feelings for Bailey were more serious than I thought and that it wasn't just Bailey pining away in that garage. It was important to Bailey to be treated like an adult who knew his own mind and I liked how Flynn respected that boundary and made sure to try and be a real partner, not just a caretaker.

"𝚈𝚎𝚜, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚍. 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚗."

These two were honestly just so sweet and it was such a joy reading about them, though this book does hit on some darker points at times. We are introduced to a new group of men through Flynn and his parole program and I am excited that they are slated to be the MCs of this authors next series! Based off who the MCs are for book 1, I am thinking we will still be seeing plenty of Bailey and Flynn in the future!

[rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I'm so sad ( ˶>˶˶<˶) I both loved that finale so much, it was such a perfect end for the series, and am also heartbroken that it's over. I downloaded this the second I woke up on release day at around 5:30 am and spent the entire day doing nothing but reading it. These characters are just so important to me, I love them so much, and I'm so glad at the closure I feel after having gotten to read about all of their love stories. I kind of want to buy the physical copies of Control Freak and Problem Child, I loved those best, even though Outcast will always have a special place in my heart. I don't know even know where to start; I loved Bailey and Flynn's relationship, I loved how unique of a character Bailey was to other characters I've read before, I loved how Flynn adored and protected him, I just loved everyone. There was a part near the end where Axel, being Axel, had to of course make everything all about him, but it's okay, he's just an idiot and we love him anyway ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)

What a treasure this series has been, what fun, and I've already gotten glimpses of other couples that will hopefully have their own books, and I cannot wait ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ ) For now, though my heart yearns for the Foster Bros again, and that bonus story had me tearing up at how wonderful the boyfriends are, I'm also beyond happy that their stories have come to such a beautiful, emotional close (*꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ)♡

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review

I have enjoyed the Foster Bro Code series, and it is always bittersweet when a series end.

The books have been a bit of a rollercoaster, and I have liked some books a bit more than others.

I was looking forward to baby Bailey's story, and whilst I really did like it, to me I felt like it dragged a little bit?

There was plenty going on, but at the same time it didn't. I like Bailey and Flynn together. I love the brothers.

The "drama" of this installment though, with Snake just fell flat. There was a lot of hype and build up, and then when it came to a head, it just... well, it just was.

I enjoyed seeing all the brothers and their partners, where their lives were at. And the puppers. All the puppers!

I look forward to what DJ Jamison brings us in the future.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bailey & Flynn!!! This story was the perfect ending to the Foster bro Code series. What a wonderful, supportive family DJ Jamison had given us with this series.I loved how in all the books, all the brothers play a big role in them & we see parts of their lives still. Bailey really grew up alot in this book & fought for what he wanted & I love that for him. Flynn was the absolute sweetest & proved how loyal he was. He deserved his HEA with Bailey. As sad as i am to see this series come to an end, I am extremely excited for the Redemption Road series.

[Anne in VA]

Slow and not grabbing me. There's a trigger warning for on-page "violence" and it's because a guy hits a car with a bat. Kinda ridiculous a trigger warning is needed for that LOL. If that's the most exciting thing that happens, I'm out. Time of death: 16%

[Ishika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in love with this series. Each and every character means the world to me. I'm so happy that I found it and could read all the books. Had an amazing time. I'm excited for the upcoming books❤

[MeadowsLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The youngest foster brother finally gets his HEA with Flynn Donovan — a rugged ex-con with a soft heart beneath his tough, giant exterior. This is a sweet, steamy, found-family romance with plenty of emotional depth, swoony romance and heat.

Bailey heads to college, trying to carve out his own path (reluctantly) away from the family auto shop, towards Holden’s plans for him. He’s young, kinda wild, and pretty sure the college life isn’t for him. He wants to be brave enough to get his guy AND tell his brothers what he really wants for his life. Flynn is trying to start over after 7 years in prison protecting someone he loves. He’s afraid he isn’t good enough: for Bailey, as an employee or a brother.

This read was a great series finale and lucky for us, DJ says we’re going to be seeing our fave bros in her next series featuring Flynn’s (and Matteo’s) fellow ex-cons!

Highly recommend!

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end an amazing series. This book was so good, I read it in one sitting. It was great seeing Bailey get his HEA. I'm really excited for the next 2 series mentioned at the end, and I'm really glad this won't be the last we see of these brothers.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Some drama and angst but overall a sweet love story between Flynn and Bailey!

Found family for the win and love how everyone supports each other even if they don't exactly agree with them

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Problem Child by D. J. Jamison is the 4th book in her Foster Bro Code series. I suggest that you read the others first in order to understand this found family, how they came to be, and the backstories of other important characters in this book. This is the story of the youngest brother and how he is trying to please his family but knows that what he wants isn’t what they want, and how he falls in love with an ex-con who is now working for them who doesn’t think he’s good enough for him. Bailey Steele is the youngest brother in a group of foster brothers that have formed a family. Their foster father fell apart after his wife died and was somewhat abusive to them but he did leave them Forrester Bros Body Shop to them where Holden, the oldest, and Gray work while their other brother, Axel, runs the adjacent junk yard. Each of them has found their partner and are very happy. Bailey worked at the body shop as he was growing up and knew it was where he wanted to be, but Holden had raised enough money for him to go to college so he could be more than they could be, especially since he was smart. He was attending Thurston College which was 2 hours from Riverton where they lived. The only problem was that he was struggling with the courses to become an engineer and hated it, especially since he didn’t seem to fit in, and he knew that being a mechanic was what he wanted to do but he couldn’t disappoint Holden, so he kept halfheartedly persevering. Flynn Donovan had been incarcerated for 7 years after an incident involving his brother, Aiden. He learned what it was like in prison and it changed him, as it would anyone, but he knew he never wanted to go back and would do whatever it took to stay out. He was part of Redemption Road, a group founded by his former cellmate, that gave second chances to ex-cons as they came out of prison. He first got a job with Axel at the junk yard and when Bailey went to college he went to the body shop, got certified as a mechanic, and took his place. He wasn’t as talented as Bailey but he worked hard and had hopes that he would be hired full time once his parole has ended. Bailey has always been attracted to Flynn but at 19 he’s only seen as the little brother. Flynn is also attracted to him but being 28 thinks he is too old for him, and he carries the guilt of what he did to land in prison with him constantly and doesn’t think he’s good enough for him. Aiden attends college at Thurston and is studying to be a doctor and when Flynn went to see him Bailey saw them coming out of the coffee shop. They decide to have coffee and Bailey tells him how out of place he feels and that he’s not on the right path and lonely. When he returns to Riverton, he goes to the pool hall and hustles 2 guys who then get in a fight with him. Luckily Flynn was there and stops it. He takes him back to his apartment where their feelings for each other finally come to a head and they kiss. Flynn tries to stop Bailey by telling him why he went to prison but Bailey sees what really happened and likes him even more. As time goes on they become closer and have some steamy love scenes and then declare that what they have is real and that they want to be together. They keep it from his brothers for a while, but it does come out after he gets picked up by the police after a drag race. He has time to think before Holden and Flynn come for him and he finally tells Holden how he feels about school and what he wants to do. Flynn also proves his loyalty to Bailey and the family when he stops someone from breaking into the junk yard at the cost of everything coming out that could turn them against him. But Holden and the rest of the brothers see Flynn for who he is and that he is part of their family which makes him very happy. He and Bailey declare their love for each other and their found family and all of them know that they are connected by love. I really enjoyed this book as I did the others in the series. This is a group of brothers who love each other and are bound by their pasts. Bailey has always been teased about being the youngest and he knows what he wants which is Flynn and to be with his brothers and work at the shop, but he doesn’t want to disappoint Holden and all he did for him so he sticks out college. Flynn is bound to his past and thinks that he isn’t good enough for Bailey and has to be constantly told that that past is behind him and that he is good and worthy. It takes a while for him to finally believe this, but he knows he loves Bailey and his job and wants to keep both of them. The brothers are very important in the story as are the members of Redemption Road and there is some suspense when the junk yard is broken in to, but it just helps Flynn’s case that he is a good person. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories involving found family, a young man who has to figure out what he wants in life, an ex-con trying to prove himself, and how they fall in love and find what they really want together.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great series, I loved all the brothers, they were definitely a found family that will always be there for each other and those they have each found to love and share their lives. Bailey’s choice is Flynn, an ex-con who started working at the garage earlier in the year, before Bailey left for college. A connection is there, but Bailey knows he will need to leave in September, and Flynn isn’t picking up on signals for more. It has been brother Holden’s dream for Bailey to go to college and get a degree to “make something of his life” beyond the garage, but the garage is what he loves and where he longs to be. If given a choice, he would be back home with his brothers and Flynn, doing what he loves and trying to capture Flynn’s attention and heart. But for now, school is where he is, and an effort must be made. That doesn’t stop him from taking advantage of the times Flynn comes to town to visit his own brother, giving him a chance to vent, and build the connection. As the semester progresses, Bailey is more sure this isn’t what he wants, but how can he tell Holden, the brothers have made sacrifices for him, and he feels he would be letting them down if he followed his heart back to the garage and Flynn.

Flynn is attracted to Bailey, but thinks he is too young, the brothers wouldn’t approve, and Flynn has his own guilt and self-doubts about being a good person due to the crime he committed. He doesn’t feel he has much to offer Bailey, other than his heart, so he resists as long as he can. But Bailey is persistent, he knows what he wants, and he goes after Flynn, breaking down his walls. Both are concerned about hiding the relationship, but continue to do so until an event thrusts things into the open, and more secrets are revealed.

The connection between Bailey and Flynn is real. Bailey is sure of what he wants, Flynn is harder to convince, but his desire for Bailey, and the love he has for him finally outweighs his concerns about the consequences when everything comes to light. He will do everything he can to protect Bailey, to love him, and to be there for a lifetime, ready to stand up to the brothers to fight for his man. Holden, Axel and Grey have grown to respect Flynn, to value his honesty, his loyalty, and his work ethic, and after time to reflect, they are okay with his past, too, paving the way for an open relationship with Bailey as decisions are made moving forward.

The love and caring between the brothers, and the way each one’s partner is embraced into the family as the new connections are made, has the family enriched and strengthened with each new addition. Each of the brothers is a unique and interesting individual in his own right, each affected in their own way by trauma from their years in foster care, but the extended family they’ve built as each brother finds their person grows more supportive and tight-knit, with a wider net of protection and caring. Each person knows the others will have their back, creating a supportive environment within the family and a united front to the outside. With the stories of each brother finding their partner, this series is now complete, but I look forward to the spin-offs coming soon, especially the story of Flynn’s brother Aiden and ex-con, Knight. I hope there will also be a story for Ghost, he is quite an enigma but I would expect his story to be a really good one.

If you like stories about members of a close knit found family, men who have endured things in their past but have come through able to build loving relationships with their partners and move forward, this series would be a great read for you. There are things about each brother that speak to the reader, creating a connection with them as you immerse yourself in their tale, charting their highs and lows, knowing there will be a HEA waiting at the end and a feeling of satisfaction as you read the last page. I highly recommend the books, and hope you find them as engaging and fulfilling as I did, with a smile on your face and an appreciation for a story well told.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st person, past tense, dual PoV
Bailey Steele (19/20), mechanic at Forrester Bros Auto Shop / first year mechanical engineering student at Thurston University
Flynn Donovan (28), mechanic at Forrester Bros Auto Shop

This, the series wrap up, was fine, but didn't resonate as much as the rest of the series with me. It felt a little like, "well, I guess it's Bailey's turn now" but I enjoyed the author's writing and the characters are ones you can easily root for so I enjoyed the story for what it was. It didn't stand alone as well as the other books (we get a big rehash of the climax of the previous book, which would impact enjoyment of it if you read them out of order), and the couple spends a lot of time apart. I think a few scenes of them working together over the summer and getting close before Bailey leaves for university and then Bailey relying on Flynn for support while he struggled with balancing his own needs and the expectations of his family before things transitioned to a more physical relationship would have gone a long way to better establishing them as a couple.

As it is, I didn't find Bailey to be a very engaging character and the author didn't do him any favours in having his story essentially be the launching off point for several other books. I know there will be many who love this kind of crossover fun, but it detracts from the story for me. There were so many secondary characters introduced - other university students and the whole Redemption Road crew that Bailey kind of got overshadowed. I loved how close he is with his family and his talent in working on cars at the auto shop. I also loved that he tried university, reflected on what he wanted for his life, and made the changes he needed to to live a happy and fulfilling life, but I just needed more. Thankfully we have some sense of who he is from the previous books.

Flynn, I really liked, but the work he was putting in to turn his life around and the angst of him wrestling with being good enough for Bails felt underdeveloped as it took a backseat to sexy times with his hot boyfriend much too quickly for me. I have to admit that I'm not much of a fan of age-gaps this young anyway and nothing that was portrayed changed my mind. Yeah, they were super sweet together, but it's hard to really sell anything more than puppy love for a 19-year-old experiencing his first relationship.

The whole Snake conflict was poorly developed and didn't make any real sense - what on Earth could he possibly need so badly from the junkyard that he was in deep with some guys and had to go to such lengths? A flux capacitor? It felt like a way to force Flynn to reveal the nature of his conviction in the most dramatic fashion possible and I hated the reaction he received. Being mad he didn't come clean sooner is a wild stance to have when you knew he was a convicted felon all along, it's not like he kept that fact a secret. People generally don't serve seven years for stealing a candy bar, y'know, (though I am also of the firm opinion that he shouldn't have served even a day for what he did do).

Anyway, I liked the story, but it didn't thrill me and while I'd still recommend it and the series overall it it wasn't a favourite.

I am looking forward to the Redemption Road books.

[Demian Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

It’s always a bittersweet feeling when you reach the end of a series, but Bailey and Flynn were so sweet together that it felt like a really good place to leave this series and its characters. I’m really going to miss them, though…

Problem child is the fourth book in the Foster Bro Code series, and I would recommend reading it in order. But you will not have too much of a problem if you don’t, just spoilers for previous books. 😉

But let’s get back to Bailey an Flynn.
I really love that their relationship develops from friendship and trust rather than instant attraction…although there was a bit of that from the beginning too. 😁
Their dynamic is so sweet! 🥹 Bailey being persistent but without overstepping…much. And Flynn’s hesitation, that came from his insecurity being an ex-con rather than some unnecessary drama, was a breath of fresh air.
They matched perfectly and I loved how supportive of each other they are. But what I really enjoyed is the emotional arcs for both Bailey and Flynn.

Bailey’s struggle with family expectations (especially Holden’s) and the pressure to follow a path that does not quite fit him was something that I feel is relatable for a lot of people. It felt really honest in showing that college is not the right choice for everyone. While it can be for most (me included), I am really happy for, and a little envious of, people who figure out early in life what they what to be “when they grow up”.
Also, Flynn’s redemption arc is, in my opinion, handled thoughtfully. It allowed space for his past and trauma but without letting it completely define him. It’s tricky to find that balance, but I feel that it was very much achieved here. I loved his caretaker nature and the way he always wants what’s best for his loved ones, be that his brother or Bailey. My heart ached for him and all he’s been through. 🥺

All in all, it’s easy to believe Bailey and Flynn are a couple that’s built to last.

Also one of the things I immensely enjoyed in this series is the found family this brothers created. ❤️ I loved how that only grew more and more in each book. The brothers, and their love and protectiveness for each other, and their loved ones, really warms my heart and soul.

The book does touch some darker themes, but it still feels really hopeful…and did I mentioned how sweet it is? 😁 There’s also a setup for future stories…well, a new spin-off series to be exact, and I can’t wait for the first book!

I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.

[lemonysnickety · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s like each book in this series has me going “no, wait, now this one is my favorite” 🥰

I always appreciate so hard that the main characters in Jamison’s books always have their own journeys/arcs independent of the romance plot line. The romance is important, but it doesn’t consume the characters—they are still whole people even when they’re not making out in cars or getting frustrated that love doesn’t magically make a massive d*ck fit just because the characters want it to (it’s a good thing Flynn is patient, because if the choice was all Bailey’s, he’d have put himself in the hospital trying to defy physics lol)
ALSO that we don’t do miscommunication trope or pointless-3rd-act-breakup trope.

Bailey is a cinnamon roll who wants to be badass. and he is (in his own way), but ultimately he deeply loves his family—which makes his journey to self-actualization so difficult. The pressure of not wanting to disappoint your family is *heavy*, and he’s got the additional familial/financial circumstances on top of that, too. I absolutely relate to Holden wanting the best success for his younger brother, but couldn’t help rooting for Bailey to ditch school lol he’s just as passionate as his brothers though and even though he’s younger, his book fits right in with the others in this series

Initially I wasn’t sure if I’d like Flynn—I didn’t dislike him in the previous books, I just didn’t know if I’d like reading from his POV or if I’d genuinely be rooting for him and Bailey. He got me, though—earnest characters get me, especially when they learn to love/believe in/forgive themselves through found family loving them. And I definitely didn’t expect to relate so hard to how much he wants acceptance and love while simultaneously telling himself he doesn’t deserve it. He also knows how to take care of other people without getting bossy, which I appreciate personally but also really works here because Bailey already has an overbearing father-figure lol

Flynn and Bailey are absolutely the right fit for each other; the right balance of wholesomeness spice and character development/plot; these were the exact vibes I needed right now but I know I’ll love it just as much on a reread.


I received an ARC from the author, I am voluntarily rating&reviewing, this has not impacted my review in any way (except for timing ofc)

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Problem Child by D.J. Jamison
Length: 319 pages
Source: Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews
Publication date: January 28, 2026

4 ⭐⁣

WHAT TO EXPECT
🧑🏼‍🔧 MM small-town romance
🧑🏼‍🔧 Found/foster bro family
🧑🏼‍🔧 Boss’ baby brother
🧑🏼‍🔧 College student x ex-con
🧑🏼‍🔧 Secret romance
🧑🏼‍🔧 Mechanic x mechanic
🧑🏼‍🔧 Age gap

AUTHOR'S BLURB
I'm the problem child...

I'm the youngest foster brother. The one with the most potential.

My brothers have plans for me. Plans that involve going to college and leaving my family and job at our auto shop behind.

Plans that definitely don't include getting involved with a big, sexy ex-con like Flynn Donovan.

He's older than me. Bigger than me. And the man looks hard all over. But I know he's soft inside. Soft for me. If I can just get him to admit it.

I'm adrift at Thurston College, and when Flynn offers a big, strong shoulder to lean on, I seize the lifeline.

There's a spark between us, but Flynn resists it. I'm too young, too innocent, too much a "little brother" for him. At least, I think those are the reasons until he confesses the real one.

Flynn's got secrets. Guilt about his past and fears about the future. Worries that make my problems look like, well, child's play.

But I'm not a child anymore, and it's time to step up.

I want to be strong for Flynn. To fight for the right to love him, to keep him, to care for him the way he deserves. And if I can fight for him, then maybe I can also learn to fight for myself.

Because I've got my own plans, and my brothers aren't going to like them...

MY THOUGHTS
D.J. Jamison is 100% a comfort-read author for me. Even when there’s angst or conflict, you never have to doubt that the HEA is coming. Flynn’s poor opinion of himself breaks my heart, and I really enjoy how Bailey lifts him up and refuses Flynn’s self-recriminations. He knows exactly what he wants and fights for their future despite being so much younger. These two men are perfect for each other, and as always, the found-family vibes are spot on.

–A🩷

Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and D.J. Jamison for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.

[DeniReadsMostlyMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the fourth and final book in DJ Jamison’s Foster Bro Code series. It’s bittersweet to be at the end, but I’m so happy we get to see Bailey and Flynn’s story! This age-gap romance is really touching. The found family vibes are strong in this one!

Flynn is 28 years old and an ex-con. He’s working at Forrester Bros Auto Shop and dealing with the guilt of the cause that landed him in prison. Flynn is huge in size, but he’s actually gentler than he has to present himself at times. He has a good heart and is protective of those he cares about.

Bailey is 19 years old, the youngest brother at Forrester Bros Auto Shop, and a newly established college student. He feels out of place at school, but is trying his best, because of how hard Holden and his other foster brothers worked to get him there. Bailey is a mechanic at heart and loves solving technical problems.

Bailey has had a crush on Flynn for a while. Flynn struggles with feelings of unworthiness, so he initially resists the pull between Flynn and himself. Bailey is persistent though, and goes after what he wants. I appreciate that Bailey and Flynn can lean on one another in this story. They confide in one another and their connection only intensifies. I also appreciate the care and concern with which both MCs show each other. Both men treat each other with respect and admiration. Their relationship and chemistry is really sweet. (Flynn isn’t the worst thing he’s done, though it takes a while for him to learn that). Their HEA is well deserved and hard-earned.

It’s lovely seeing the other brothers in this series and their beaus. It’s interesting seeing Matteo and the other Redemption Road members. (I’m intrigued by Ghost). It was great seeing Aiden, Flynn’s brother in this story as well. (Side note: I adored seeing all of the foster brothers bring Flynn into the fold).

Jamison sets up a new series (or two) in this book. So we will have plenty of fantastic stories to read from her in the future. In the meantime, check this one out when it releases on January 28th.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s finally Bailey’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to his story and to see if he finally gets his chance with Flynn. Bailey loves his brothers. He knows the sacrifices they have made for each other and especially for him. So there is not much he wouldn’t do for them. Even if that means going to college when he very much doesn’t want to and leaving the guy he has a major crush on behind. But he doesn’t want to disappoint his brothers and Flynn has yet to give in to Bailey’s flirting. But college is turning out exactly how Bailey thought it would but there is an upside… things are changing between him and Flynn. And the more they spend time together and open up to one another, the harder Bailey falls. Flynn has been working hard in the Redemption Program to turn his life around after spending the last seven years in prison. He doesn’t want to do anything jeopardize it. And falling for the boss’s youngest brother is definitely not a good idea. But he can only resist Bailey for so long. Flynn knows Bailey deserves better but even when he does to push Bailey away, Bailey won’t let him go. Not without a fight. It makes him realize just how much he cares for Bailey and that fighting for him is worth everything. I loved these two! They were perfect for one another. These two have been through a lot in their lives, very different things, but still things that really tested who they were. Flynn is always so hard on himself and I loved that Bailey could be the one to reassure him that him and his brothers care about him and have his back. And that Bailey wasn’t letting him go. And for Bailey, Flynn never treated him like a kid and was there to listen to what he wanted. I loved that their foundation was friends and how they were able to eventually let themselves be more than that. Such a satisfying way to end this particular series! But I can’t wait to get the stories we got a small peek of. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these guys at all!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

I was looking forward to this story as it's always been clear that Bailey was in a tough position with his brothers. His pool hustling tended to get him in trouble, and his brothers wanted him to get the chances they never got in life. Flynn was a good guy all around, who felt he had nothing to offer anyone. Once we got to know his past and what happened, I was glad that he had been able to protect his brother, even when it cost him so much. Getting the job at Forrester Bros Auto Shop was a gift in Flynn's mind and he was determined to prove his worth.

I was glad that Bailey and Flynn got to know each other better while Bailey taught Flynn as much as he could about being a mechanic. The ensuing distance was good for them both in different ways. Flynn was able to build relationships with Bailey's brothers and prove both to them and himself that he could do the work. Meanwhile, Bailey got a chance to see the world outside of his small town. Nevertheless, the conflict within Bailey to do what his brothers wanted versus the things that made him happy was tough and led to some bad, impulsive choices. Thankfully, none of the consequences were too bad in the end, but seeing Bailey learn from those mistakes was great to see. I loved that Bailey finally found his footing and made good choices and stood his ground on what he wanted. I was glad that Flynn made sure to tell Bailey everything before they started seeing each other, even if he did it badly. I was glad that Bailey went back and got the answers he needed.

I loved that Flynn did his best to protect the brothers' business and Bailey, even when it could have cost him everything he was working towards. I loved that Holden, Axel, and Gray trusted Flynn by the end and accepted him as one of their own. Flynn's brother was awesome and super cute, so I can't wait to read his story when it comes out.

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a pretty good idea of who had turned Bailey's head in the prior books in this series, but it was wonderful watching him and Flynn fall head over heels in love first-hand. I've always loved a redemption arc, and for an ex-con like Flynn who didn't think he deserved happiness, it was especially sweet. Bailey was persistent but not pushy about his pursuit of the man, and I enjoyed seeing him convince Flynn to give them a chance. The two had a strong friendship after months of working at the auto shop together that served as a foundation for their romantic chemistry to build. Bailey was struggling with wanting to live up to his brother's hopes and dreams for him when they didn't align with his own passions. Flynn served as a sounding board for Bailey as he was working through what he wanted, and in turn Bailey became the person Flynn could talk to about anything, including the trauma behind the reason he went to prison. It made me so happy to see the two of them cozied up and exploring their attraction, and it didn't take long for me to be certain theirs was a forever kind of love. Their biggest tests were telling Bailey's protective older brothers about their relationship and facing unwanted reminders from Flynn's prison time, and I was really satisfied with the resolution to each plot thread. The Foster bros have such big hearts, and I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up a bit seeing them all around the Thanksgiving table together enjoying life. Life has not always been fair to these men, but each of them is a testament to how your past doesn't have to define your future if you don't let it. I can't wait to see this universe expand with the Redemption Road series next!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Control Freak, I became so incredibly obsessed with the Bailey–Flynn pairing that I felt almost physical pain when the book ended and I didn’t get to see any more of them. And then I had to wait for the next book, which was actually their story.

Well then.
Bailey and Flynn exceeded every single one of my expectations.

Because Bails, a 19-year-old college student, is trying to hold his ground at university so he won’t disappoint Holden, gets into trouble here and there, and in the meantime tries to figure out how to just be Flynn’s friend. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying this: he fails miserably.

And then there’s Flynn, who, because of his past, tries to push Bailey away with the classic “I’m not good enough for you.”

Me, meanwhile: Really, dude? Please, tell me more. Because I genuinely couldn’t imagine a more perfect man for Bails than you.

The story isn’t only about the attraction between the two of them, but also about Flynn’s past, his brother, and a bit about his stepfather, and about how hard he’s trying to stay out of trouble after prison.
We also read about what it’s like when someone gets a second chance after prison and messes it up, tries to drag others down with them into their own downfall—but fails, because behind the other person there are people who form an incredible support system and truly believe in second chances.

The story is sweet, kind, full of action and spice—and you know what else it has? A worried (sometimes overly worried) Holden 🤭 I absolutely love him 😂💖

I’m sure you know this isn’t an exaggeration when I say: this book was fantastic. But honestly, that’s no surprise, because DJ Jamison always—and I really mean always—creates something perfect.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I expected it to be, absolutely fantastic!

Our bratty baby boy didn’t disappoint us with his beautiful self and all the growing pains that came with being so young in a household full of grown men who wanted the best for their baby bro. But their best for him wasn’t aligning with the best for himself. He wanted different things than the ones his big brothers wanted. He wanted to do what made his heart happy and unfortunately for him, it wasn’t going to college.

Something else that made him happy was Flynn but he thought he couldn’t have him. Flynn was off limits to him not only because of his past, but because of his brothers’ overprotective tendencies.

Flynn knew he was too good for Bailey. He was adamant about not tainting his life with his baggage and reputation. After all, what business did Bailey have being interested in an ex con like him?

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get Bailey out of his head and Bailey wouldn’t make it easy on him. On the contrary, he made it harder by not stepping away when he found out Flynn’s truth.

Being a stubborn brat was just part of his nature and he wanted Flynn in spite of his past. He knew Flynn was a good man and he wouldn’t hold his past against him.

I loved how much Flynn cared about Bailey. Even though he felt like he didn’t deserve him, he was willing to protect him from everything and everyone. Even from himself.

This book made me love this series even more. The Foster brothers have such a beautiful strong bond. They really would go to war with the devil himself to protect each other.

I’m sad the series is over but so excited for the redemption series. I can’t wait for Seb’s story🥰

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our 4th Foster Bros is ready to get out and into the world. His brothers, who have been his rock, have set him up to succeed. They have all found love and are settled into this life. But sometimes the expectations of others and dreams set out with the best of intentions dampen one's light. Our Problem Child, Bailey, has a wild streak like his brothers, but it tends to include more punches, blood, and headaches. But away at college, he can focus on becoming an engineer, right? Well, his heart is at home, with his brothers, with the shop, and with an ex-con named Flynn. Flynn came into the picture through the Redemption Road program. He's nice and kind, maybe a little rough at the edges but prison often does that. But overall he is a very good man with one aspect of his life that feels like a constant spotlight. But this is not one-sided pining by Bailey; Flynn has noticed Bailey, too, and likes what he has seen in this young man. But Flynn does not feel worthy of any good outside of this job. His past is a dark shadow on his ability to exist in the real world, and when we finally learn of his crime, we can see why, but the guilt he harbors is misplaced. He wants to be worthy and wants to be enough; he wants to build a life with this found family, but doesn't think he can have Bailey do so. But Bailey being Bailey, he won't accept that and it takes one kiss to know he wants forever with this older man who has lived an entire lifetime beyond what Bailey has experienced. DJ gives us some some bro banter as well as introduces us to some new friends who will keep the party going in a new series. This story is a perfect bookend for this series but I cannot wait for the spin-off!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.