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The Dillon Sisters #1
Love Me To Death
A thrilling romance that will leave you so twisted, you won't know which way is up.
I’m driven by obsession for a man who’s turning out to be dark, dangerous, and downright depraved.
It all started with an auction. I couldn’t help myself. There was no way I was going to allow another woman to win a date with the broody firefighter who fascinated me from the beginning. I paid a ridiculous amount of money that I couldn’t afford for one night with him, but when my instincts took over, there was no going back.
Brand Vitale might look like a hero to the rest of the world but looks can be deceiving. He’s no typical hero. But then again, I’m no fairy tale princess.
Even if I did lose a shoe.
Brand barged into my life, took me by the hand, and led me straight into a world of secrets, rival mafia families, and murder.
I didn’t just follow him.
I jumped.
And it turns out, my obsession is nothing compared his burning desire to make me his.
Because with a passion this deep, you have no option but to love ... straight to death.
I’m driven by obsession for a man who’s turning out to be dark, dangerous, and downright depraved.
It all started with an auction. I couldn’t help myself. There was no way I was going to allow another woman to win a date with the broody firefighter who fascinated me from the beginning. I paid a ridiculous amount of money that I couldn’t afford for one night with him, but when my instincts took over, there was no going back.
Brand Vitale might look like a hero to the rest of the world but looks can be deceiving. He’s no typical hero. But then again, I’m no fairy tale princess.
Even if I did lose a shoe.
Brand barged into my life, took me by the hand, and led me straight into a world of secrets, rival mafia families, and murder.
I didn’t just follow him.
I jumped.
And it turns out, my obsession is nothing compared his burning desire to make me his.
Because with a passion this deep, you have no option but to love ... straight to death.
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2021
1234 people are currently reading
2595 people want to read
About the author
Brynne Asher
31 books4,120 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Brynne Asher. Writer of romance. Lover of caffeine and cocktails.
Brynne lives in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and her perfect dog. When she isn't creating pretend people and drama, she's running her kids around and doing laundry. Brynne thrives on skincare and online shopping while being fabulous in her favorite ratty pajamas.
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Brynne lives in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and her perfect dog. When she isn't creating pretend people and drama, she's running her kids around and doing laundry. Brynne thrives on skincare and online shopping while being fabulous in her favorite ratty pajamas.
Sign up for Brynne's newsletter, it's a spam-free zone: http://eepurl.com/gFVMUP
Follow Brynne on the Freakybook: https://www.facebook.com/brynneashera...
Join Brynne's author group, where humans are nice and cows are cool: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Brynn...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
April 27, 2021
-ˏ͛⑅ ᴛᴡᴏ ½ sᴛᴀʀs ⑅ˏ͛-
*× ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ○*
I - hmmm . . . 😐✨
Deathly as a whole had a lot of. . . what-the-fuckery going on. I liked this book, but in less of a "wow this is really great" and in more of a "WTF is happening right now" kind of way. Essentially, this is the love story between two extremely stalkerish people, and I guess, in a way, that's a beautiful thing ❤︎ I mean who doesn't want to find love with a firefighter//future mafia don//potential wife murderer?
Our leading man Brand - short for Brando, cause he be sexy like that - is a real mans man. He fight fires with his chiseled abs, has 24/7 surveillance in his house, and basically forces his way into the heroines life. Which, okay sure, if a hot fire fighter just randomly decided he was going to date me i'd be down, but like in regard to Brand, HE POSSIBLY MURDERED HIS WIFE. As in, he's the only suspect! Never fear though, for Aria, that's not a deal breaker. In fact, it's probably even better because that way he doesn't have ANY baggage. Plus, he didn't even love his recently deceased wife, sooooo 🤷♀️ If anything, it's almost like fate that his wife conveniently died six months ago.
When Brand's not evading the cops for the "possible murder" of his wife, our lovable MCs are having sex all over his giant ass house. I'm gonna be honest, I skimmed this part. But just know, they had a TON of hot sex all over his millionaire house. He's got a state of the art gym, y'all. If that doesn't help you ignore the looming question of whether or not he killed his wife, well then I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL. OH, and I forgot to mention this, but Aria our heroine? Yeah, she's a board certified psychologist.
That's okay though, she uses that Harvard degree to let us know that the reason she finds Brand so irresistible is because of, get this, all the dopamine that occurs whenever he so much as breathes in her direction. I'm so freaking happy that she's putting her degree to such good use 😌✨ Where can I find a therapist as amazing as Aria? And you know it was at this point I was going to throw in the metaphorical towel. But then I said to myself, "well did Brand really kill his wife?" I just had to know. SOOOO, I jumped ahead, and well. . .
NEGATIVE, NOPE, NO HE DID NOT! You wanna know who really killed Brando's wife? I'll give you hint. . . it wasn't the nonexistent maid in the library with a candlestick. It was. . .
A-R-I-A, our resident board certified doctor. That's right, ARIA DID IT. Which. . . ummm. what the actual fuck. No seriously, what?
I - I don't really understand myself, but I'll be kind and attempt to explain. See, good ole Brandy's wife hated him. Like, HATTTTTTED him. They were forced to marry because of mafia-shit and ultimately they just couldn't make it work. So, Brady's wife, being Brady's wife (yeah i can't remember her name) decided to make his life a living hell. Think slept with men right in front of him, and trashed his house multiple times. BUT, Bradley being Bradley, rose above that petty BS and ignored her. Well, that just about made her snap. Thus, she decides to call upon Aurora for some grade A therapy. Argentine, being Argentine, realizes something isn't right. Long story short, she realizes that Braydon's wife is slowly poisoning him and decides to confront her all by herself??? Sounds legit. Well, one thing leads to another and Amelia drowns that bitch. what a time to be alive. Now in the ensuing months after the murder she becomes obsessed andhorny stalkerish over Bran. AND PLOT-TWIST, he becomes just as obsessed *cough* more like horny-as-fuck *cough* as well.
It ends, as all great love stories do, with April getting kidnapped and almost sold into a human trafficking ring. Luckily, Brad was there to save the day. Oh and he kills her father, and she's actually grateful, unlike some people.
*× ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ ○*
In conclusion, you wish you had a love like Brock and Augusta, YOU FUCKING WISH.
Okay, but to be serious for just a sec, this book wasn't a bad book. In fact, it was highly entertaining. I had a. . . fun-ish time reading DEATHLY. When I wasn't shaking my head in confusion or frustration dare I say I liked it? What killed this book for me was the E-X-T-R-E-M-E body betraying syndrome happening, like EXTREME. The insta-love/lust happened sooooo fast that my head was spinning. AND, because the plot-twist comes at like 70% Aria (yes i know her name ;) and to some extent Brand's reactions to one another just. . . don't make sense without context. Like we have this grown ass pyshcologist just letting this dude go full caveman on her with no complaints. Aria takes one look at Brando and I swear to God she's like -
Which again, without context is a bit head scratching. I know he's a sexy fire-fighter but JESUS, the man stalked you to your house, ran an invasive background check on you, and forced you to go on a date with him, oh and then showed up at your house when you blocked his number. . . yeah. And to all of that crazy Aria's response is -
IDK, I'm just not the best at handling zero-to-one hundred attraction. On top of that there was, as I lovingly call it, random-mafia-shit. WhY wAs He iN ThE mAFiA?? I thought he was a fire-fighter. Personally, I always think it's a bit weird when the aforementioned mafia shit is on the periphery, it just makes things even more random. Like he's not in the mafia but he's in the mafia.
ANYWHO, basically I actually sorta do recommend DEATHLY. I think a lot of you guys will really like it. And TBH, I'm 100% going to read Briar's (Aria's sister) book. I want to know who this Alexander Thornton is. Does he to just announce to Briar that they're dating? Or plottwist did she murder HIS father? Who knows! I guess I'll find out on April 27th!
➽ ᴀ ʙʀᴇɪғ ᴘsᴀ - take this review with a grain of salt. this is less an angry 2 stars, so much as it's a i'm confused by what i read 2 stars. it seems most of the people who read this book loved it, which, great for them. anywho, have fun watching me attempt to keep this review short.
➽ sᴏɴɢ ʀᴇᴄ ♫ - Somebody's Watching Me (ROCKWELL) ✨(◕▿◕✿)
*× ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ○*
I - hmmm . . . 😐✨
Deathly as a whole had a lot of. . . what-the-fuckery going on. I liked this book, but in less of a "wow this is really great" and in more of a "WTF is happening right now" kind of way. Essentially, this is the love story between two extremely stalkerish people, and I guess, in a way, that's a beautiful thing ❤︎ I mean who doesn't want to find love with a firefighter//future mafia don//potential wife murderer?
umm, sign me the fuck up ✨✋
give me that paid account McDreamy.
Our leading man Brand - short for Brando, cause he be sexy like that - is a real mans man. He fight fires with his chiseled abs, has 24/7 surveillance in his house, and basically forces his way into the heroines life. Which, okay sure, if a hot fire fighter just randomly decided he was going to date me i'd be down, but like in regard to Brand, HE POSSIBLY MURDERED HIS WIFE. As in, he's the only suspect! Never fear though, for Aria, that's not a deal breaker. In fact, it's probably even better because that way he doesn't have ANY baggage. Plus, he didn't even love his recently deceased wife, sooooo 🤷♀️ If anything, it's almost like fate that his wife conveniently died six months ago.
*dreamily sighs* Their love was obviously #MeantToBe.
When Brand's not evading the cops for the "possible murder" of his wife, our lovable MCs are having sex all over his giant ass house. I'm gonna be honest, I skimmed this part. But just know, they had a TON of hot sex all over his millionaire house. He's got a state of the art gym, y'all. If that doesn't help you ignore the looming question of whether or not he killed his wife, well then I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL. OH, and I forgot to mention this, but Aria our heroine? Yeah, she's a board certified psychologist.
y-i-k-e-s 🙊
That's okay though, she uses that Harvard degree to let us know that the reason she finds Brand so irresistible is because of, get this, all the dopamine that occurs whenever he so much as breathes in her direction. I'm so freaking happy that she's putting her degree to such good use 😌✨ Where can I find a therapist as amazing as Aria? And you know it was at this point I was going to throw in the metaphorical towel. But then I said to myself, "well did Brand really kill his wife?" I just had to know. SOOOO, I jumped ahead, and well. . .
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
NEGATIVE, NOPE, NO HE DID NOT! You wanna know who really killed Brando's wife? I'll give you hint. . . it wasn't the nonexistent maid in the library with a candlestick. It was. . .
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
✦ sᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ✦
A-R-I-A, our resident board certified doctor. That's right, ARIA DID IT. Which. . . ummm. what the actual fuck. No seriously, what?
I - I don't really understand myself, but I'll be kind and attempt to explain. See, good ole Brandy's wife hated him. Like, HATTTTTTED him. They were forced to marry because of mafia-shit and ultimately they just couldn't make it work. So, Brady's wife, being Brady's wife (yeah i can't remember her name) decided to make his life a living hell. Think slept with men right in front of him, and trashed his house multiple times. BUT, Bradley being Bradley, rose above that petty BS and ignored her. Well, that just about made her snap. Thus, she decides to call upon Aurora for some grade A therapy. Argentine, being Argentine, realizes something isn't right. Long story short, she realizes that Braydon's wife is slowly poisoning him and decides to confront her all by herself??? Sounds legit. Well, one thing leads to another and Amelia drowns that bitch. what a time to be alive. Now in the ensuing months after the murder she becomes obsessed and
*wipes tears* 🥲
It ends, as all great love stories do, with April getting kidnapped and almost sold into a human trafficking ring. Luckily, Brad was there to save the day. Oh and he kills her father, and she's actually grateful, unlike some people.
*× ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ ○*
In conclusion, you wish you had a love like Brock and Augusta, YOU FUCKING WISH.
i can feel the jealousy from here
Okay, but to be serious for just a sec, this book wasn't a bad book. In fact, it was highly entertaining. I had a. . . fun-ish time reading DEATHLY. When I wasn't shaking my head in confusion or frustration dare I say I liked it? What killed this book for me was the E-X-T-R-E-M-E body betraying syndrome happening, like EXTREME. The insta-love/lust happened sooooo fast that my head was spinning. AND, because the plot-twist comes at like 70% Aria (yes i know her name ;) and to some extent Brand's reactions to one another just. . . don't make sense without context. Like we have this grown ass pyshcologist just letting this dude go full caveman on her with no complaints. Aria takes one look at Brando and I swear to God she's like -
Which again, without context is a bit head scratching. I know he's a sexy fire-fighter but JESUS, the man stalked you to your house, ran an invasive background check on you, and forced you to go on a date with him, oh and then showed up at your house when you blocked his number. . . yeah. And to all of that crazy Aria's response is -
IDK, I'm just not the best at handling zero-to-one hundred attraction. On top of that there was, as I lovingly call it, random-mafia-shit. WhY wAs He iN ThE mAFiA?? I thought he was a fire-fighter. Personally, I always think it's a bit weird when the aforementioned mafia shit is on the periphery, it just makes things even more random. Like he's not in the mafia but he's in the mafia.
ANYWHO, basically I actually sorta do recommend DEATHLY. I think a lot of you guys will really like it. And TBH, I'm 100% going to read Briar's (Aria's sister) book. I want to know who this Alexander Thornton is. Does he to just announce to Briar that they're dating? Or plottwist did she murder HIS father? Who knows! I guess I'll find out on April 27th!
➽ ᴇᴅɪᴛ (4/24) - i don't know how i forgot to mention this, but somehow i did, SO let me rectify that situation. Allegra as we all known has a degree from Harvard, but did you guys know that she almost qualified for the Olympics?
she's so fast that she can out swim a shark, i just know it ✨🥲
In conclusion, Alexa is so much more talented than the rest of us mere mortals that not only does she have the highest IQ that Harvard has ever seen, and NOT ONLY does she have the sex appeal of 20 Victoria Secret Angels, BUT SHE CAN ALSO OUT SWIM MICHAEL PHELPS. The real question is, what can't Allison do? The answer, NOTHING. There is nothing Alfalfa can't do.
March 18, 2024
This made me so grumpy
**** edited to remove mention of the narration in light of recent allegations. I stand with victims.
I can’t roll my eyes harder at this book. She’s a perfectly perfect Harvard grad PhD who threw the Olympic trials in swimming and disowned her rich family and he’s obscenely rich but a fireman, a bad mafia man but also a hero. They are both ridiculously hot. 😒
This reminds me a lot of Breathe by Kristen Ashley except the heroine isn’t a bonehead, she’s dumb, don’t get me wrong, but she’s not quite as dim as Faye. This continues my least favourite trend of giving fmcs advanced degrees and then making them behave like morons. You can’t just slap a degree on characters for us to believe you when you say they are brilliant, you actually have to write them smart too, authors! 😏
The hero though, wow, he is way too big of an asshole who does not care about her boundaries and seems to really hate women. I am just not into J/P bulldozers, 2024 is the year of the golden retriever hero for me.
But mostly this book is sex, it happens quickly and the plot takes a back seat to the kinky dom/sub style scenes. If you’re interested in a stalker possessive asshole who bullies a completely unrealistic, perfect woman into sex over and over, then go ahead and try this.
But mostly I hated this hero, like hated him. And the twist at the end was all kinds of what the fuck. This author’s Killers series seems to be the only one I can tolerate. The rest are just not great.
**** edited to remove mention of the narration in light of recent allegations. I stand with victims.
I can’t roll my eyes harder at this book. She’s a perfectly perfect Harvard grad PhD who threw the Olympic trials in swimming and disowned her rich family and he’s obscenely rich but a fireman, a bad mafia man but also a hero. They are both ridiculously hot. 😒
This reminds me a lot of Breathe by Kristen Ashley except the heroine isn’t a bonehead, she’s dumb, don’t get me wrong, but she’s not quite as dim as Faye. This continues my least favourite trend of giving fmcs advanced degrees and then making them behave like morons. You can’t just slap a degree on characters for us to believe you when you say they are brilliant, you actually have to write them smart too, authors! 😏
The hero though, wow, he is way too big of an asshole who does not care about her boundaries and seems to really hate women. I am just not into J/P bulldozers, 2024 is the year of the golden retriever hero for me.
But mostly this book is sex, it happens quickly and the plot takes a back seat to the kinky dom/sub style scenes. If you’re interested in a stalker possessive asshole who bullies a completely unrealistic, perfect woman into sex over and over, then go ahead and try this.
But mostly I hated this hero, like hated him. And the twist at the end was all kinds of what the fuck. This author’s Killers series seems to be the only one I can tolerate. The rest are just not great.
April 22, 2021
3 Bravery Over Beauty Stars ⭐
Admittedly I was completely sucked in by this stunning cover and the air of mystery surrounding the storyline. And to be fair, Deathly grabbed me initially but it quickly went south.
Consequences can be life changing. I fear I’ve tickled the beast.
Deathly commences with Dr Aria Dillon doing something completely out of the ordinary. She leads a regimented life and has no time for fun. So agreeing to attend a charity auction featuring firemen and puppies was charming. And with no intentions of participating, Aria goes home with both.
He’s dangerous. And still, he’s a hero.
The man excites every part of me for reasons that are very, very wrong.
Brando Vitale is unimpressed at being a participant in an auction. Unfortunately his surliness isn't much of a deterrent and he seems to be in demand. The only consolation for this circus is a woman he doesn't realise he wants. To bad he has no time for distractions.
A date resulting from the auction forces Brand and Aria to spend time together. Since neither a keen, it's surprising when they discover they kind of suit in a mismatched kind of way. However it's not a simple courtship as its more hassle being together than apart.
I guess I'm talking in riddles but discussing two very complicated individuals is hard. So much baggage to unload, prickly personalities and danger lurking in the background, it's fucking messy. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the originality of the story and the twists. I just didn't love Brand or Aria. The whole getup fell flat for me even though the plot was completely insane.
Admittedly I was completely sucked in by this stunning cover and the air of mystery surrounding the storyline. And to be fair, Deathly grabbed me initially but it quickly went south.
Consequences can be life changing. I fear I’ve tickled the beast.
Deathly commences with Dr Aria Dillon doing something completely out of the ordinary. She leads a regimented life and has no time for fun. So agreeing to attend a charity auction featuring firemen and puppies was charming. And with no intentions of participating, Aria goes home with both.
He’s dangerous. And still, he’s a hero.
The man excites every part of me for reasons that are very, very wrong.
Brando Vitale is unimpressed at being a participant in an auction. Unfortunately his surliness isn't much of a deterrent and he seems to be in demand. The only consolation for this circus is a woman he doesn't realise he wants. To bad he has no time for distractions.
A date resulting from the auction forces Brand and Aria to spend time together. Since neither a keen, it's surprising when they discover they kind of suit in a mismatched kind of way. However it's not a simple courtship as its more hassle being together than apart.
I guess I'm talking in riddles but discussing two very complicated individuals is hard. So much baggage to unload, prickly personalities and danger lurking in the background, it's fucking messy. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the originality of the story and the twists. I just didn't love Brand or Aria. The whole getup fell flat for me even though the plot was completely insane.
May 20, 2021
I don't think this author can write something I will hate. I love them every single fucking time. Even when she is trying something new.....maybe even more when she is trying something new.
This is definitely not Brynne Asher's normal lane, and it did not phase her at all. You can feel it in her writing that this is something she was wanting to do for a long time and just hadn't pulled the trigger. Everything flowed so well. The suspense/mystery mixed with the smut perfectly.
And when she hits you with the mack truck in this book you will sit back and think; fuck how did I not see that coming, but also there was no way I could have seen it coming.
Now, let's talk about our hot AF, Italian, extremely broody, alpha hero for a minute.
Why is a grumpy asshole alpha so fucking hot and tempting. Seriously, what is wrong with us.
Aria is a mess and you can see it from the first page. She has some shit going on and her childhood was awful. She also gets herself into more of a mess when she goes head to head with some bitch at an auction to win a dog (that she doesn't have time for) and a date with a hot fireman (that she really doesn't need). Said auction gets a little (a lot) out of hand, but she wins in the end.
Quick little story: This part of the book is 100% believable to me... I have done this.... I once bought a teeth whitening from a dentist office for a $1000 at a charity auction..... This was stupid for 2 reasons.....
1. It only actually cost $99.
2. I had to drive 2 hours away to do it for all 3 sessions.
What can I say, I was hammered and in the moment. Let's just say my husband has never taken me to another auction.
Okay, back to this book. Definitely don't read a bunch of spoilers, you need to kinda go in blind and you won't regret it. This is not a crazy dark or extreme book. It is perfect when you are in the mood for a little bit of antihero alphahole and some mystery in your life!!
Please note, if you need sleep to survive the day DO NOT start this book in the evening, because you won't go to bed, it hooks you from the start!!
Make sure you continue on to Briar's book - these two fucking intertwined this duet perfectly. You forget they are written by 2 different authors. Check out my review for Damaged by Layla Frost.
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely not Brynne Asher's normal lane, and it did not phase her at all. You can feel it in her writing that this is something she was wanting to do for a long time and just hadn't pulled the trigger. Everything flowed so well. The suspense/mystery mixed with the smut perfectly.
And when she hits you with the mack truck in this book you will sit back and think; fuck how did I not see that coming, but also there was no way I could have seen it coming.
Now, let's talk about our hot AF, Italian, extremely broody, alpha hero for a minute.
“Aria Dillon, you’re a shit doctor if you can’t check your messages. I’ve got your damn dog and I’m not happy about it. I have a shift at the station in—” I check my watch “—exactly forty minutes. The dog is coming with me because I refuse to leave him in my house alone. He’s a needy son-of-a-bitch which means I’m the worst person you should leave him with. I don’t do high maintenance. I’ll be at Station Six on the west side. If your ass isn’t there to claim him in the next twenty-four hours, I’ll take him to the pound myself.”
Why is a grumpy asshole alpha so fucking hot and tempting. Seriously, what is wrong with us.
Aria is a mess and you can see it from the first page. She has some shit going on and her childhood was awful. She also gets herself into more of a mess when she goes head to head with some bitch at an auction to win a dog (that she doesn't have time for) and a date with a hot fireman (that she really doesn't need). Said auction gets a little (a lot) out of hand, but she wins in the end.
Quick little story: This part of the book is 100% believable to me... I have done this.... I once bought a teeth whitening from a dentist office for a $1000 at a charity auction..... This was stupid for 2 reasons.....
1. It only actually cost $99.
2. I had to drive 2 hours away to do it for all 3 sessions.
What can I say, I was hammered and in the moment. Let's just say my husband has never taken me to another auction.
Okay, back to this book. Definitely don't read a bunch of spoilers, you need to kinda go in blind and you won't regret it. This is not a crazy dark or extreme book. It is perfect when you are in the mood for a little bit of antihero alphahole and some mystery in your life!!
Please note, if you need sleep to survive the day DO NOT start this book in the evening, because you won't go to bed, it hooks you from the start!!
Make sure you continue on to Briar's book - these two fucking intertwined this duet perfectly. You forget they are written by 2 different authors. Check out my review for Damaged by Layla Frost.
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ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2025
2024 Reread
Gah. I STILL loved it! Can’t believe it’s been 3.5 years since I read this. I’d forgotten how OTT JP and obsessed Brand is 😮💨, and over protective too!
Even though I’ve already read this, I still found myself surprised at a few things (probably because I had forgotten them lol)
And the epilogue? Sweet, spice, and everything nice 🥵🔥.
I still need to read Aria’s sister Briar’s book. I just know it’s gonna be aaaaangsty 😅.
Overall, I still loved it ❤️.
2021 review: 6 + STARS-My review will NOT be able to do this book justice…
Because it’s seriously one of the best books of my 2021!!! And I can’t even explain why… since it’s such a mind blown of a twist I. DID. NOT. SEE. COMING!!!! I can’t even spoil it because ITS👏🏻SOOOO👏🏻GOOOOOOOOD! 🤯🤯🤯🤯
The book starts off a little on the slow side. We get Aria’s perspective. She’s had a dry spell for a while and she decides to try something new; she’s going to an auction, a charity auction, where she can bet on a fireman and a puppy. At the auction, she gets approached by Brand, the H, who’s extremely handsome and built; he’s holding a puppy, a cute cuddly puppy that makes a connection to Aria. They have a very terse conversation and he quickly lets her know that he’s not there because he wants to be there. Of course, having a grumpy man that’s this hot tell you this means that you are wanting to find out more information LOL so when the time to bid on him comes, Aria bids a LOT… And wins.
But all of this is just surface level stuff. Brand is a fireman/paramedic with mafia connections and Aria is a psychologist who is very close to her sister. She tells him that he’s off the hook when it comes to taking her out on a date, and instead of agreeing with her, he decides that he’s going to take her out, even if she doesn’t want to. And this is where it all begins…
The chemistry is OFF THE CHAIN💦😅!!! I mean, it takes a little while for them to have smex, but it doesn’t deter him from… um… pleasing her without the d 😉. She keeps trying to stay away from him… but now he’s intrigued… his interest is piqued… and he WANTS HER… and DAMN… she ends up giving in EVERY. TIME🔥🥵💦. She can try to say no, but he’s very… um… PERSUASIVE 😈🤤. Their connection is intense! Being in the same room causes them to have this visceral connection that’s soul deep… and I👏🏻WAS👏🏻HERE👏🏻FOR👏🏻IT!
I needed to read this sooner… but it’s never too late to read greatness. Gahhhh!
We have a j/p H who’s overprotective and becomes obsessed with the h ASAP, who also stalks her and watches her through his home cameras, who likes biting/neck grabbing 🥰🥵🔥, who edges her because he’s so in tuned with her body and eventually refuses to wear cond@ms because she’s the only one for him, who’s super alpha when it matters 😉🤤😅 is all about her pleasure… even having her watch them before they’re intimate… and who’s super SWOOOOONY🥰🥰🥰because she is IT for him… Gahhhh. I WANT BRAND!
The twists… the turns… the chemistry… the truths… the TWIST had me buying this book as soon as I finished 👏🏻.
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-suicidal thoughts
-dark themes (on the light side though)
Gah. I STILL loved it! Can’t believe it’s been 3.5 years since I read this. I’d forgotten how OTT JP and obsessed Brand is 😮💨, and over protective too!
Even though I’ve already read this, I still found myself surprised at a few things (probably because I had forgotten them lol)
And the epilogue? Sweet, spice, and everything nice 🥵🔥.
I still need to read Aria’s sister Briar’s book. I just know it’s gonna be aaaaangsty 😅.
Overall, I still loved it ❤️.
2021 review: 6 + STARS-My review will NOT be able to do this book justice…
Because it’s seriously one of the best books of my 2021!!! And I can’t even explain why… since it’s such a mind blown of a twist I. DID. NOT. SEE. COMING!!!! I can’t even spoil it because ITS👏🏻SOOOO👏🏻GOOOOOOOOD! 🤯🤯🤯🤯
The book starts off a little on the slow side. We get Aria’s perspective. She’s had a dry spell for a while and she decides to try something new; she’s going to an auction, a charity auction, where she can bet on a fireman and a puppy. At the auction, she gets approached by Brand, the H, who’s extremely handsome and built; he’s holding a puppy, a cute cuddly puppy that makes a connection to Aria. They have a very terse conversation and he quickly lets her know that he’s not there because he wants to be there. Of course, having a grumpy man that’s this hot tell you this means that you are wanting to find out more information LOL so when the time to bid on him comes, Aria bids a LOT… And wins.
But all of this is just surface level stuff. Brand is a fireman/paramedic with mafia connections and Aria is a psychologist who is very close to her sister. She tells him that he’s off the hook when it comes to taking her out on a date, and instead of agreeing with her, he decides that he’s going to take her out, even if she doesn’t want to. And this is where it all begins…
The chemistry is OFF THE CHAIN💦😅!!! I mean, it takes a little while for them to have smex, but it doesn’t deter him from… um… pleasing her without the d 😉. She keeps trying to stay away from him… but now he’s intrigued… his interest is piqued… and he WANTS HER… and DAMN… she ends up giving in EVERY. TIME🔥🥵💦. She can try to say no, but he’s very… um… PERSUASIVE 😈🤤. Their connection is intense! Being in the same room causes them to have this visceral connection that’s soul deep… and I👏🏻WAS👏🏻HERE👏🏻FOR👏🏻IT!
I needed to read this sooner… but it’s never too late to read greatness. Gahhhh!
We have a j/p H who’s overprotective and becomes obsessed with the h ASAP, who also stalks her and watches her through his home cameras, who likes biting/neck grabbing 🥰🥵🔥, who edges her because he’s so in tuned with her body and eventually refuses to wear cond@ms because she’s the only one for him, who’s super alpha when it matters 😉🤤😅 is all about her pleasure… even having her watch them before they’re intimate… and who’s super SWOOOOONY🥰🥰🥰because she is IT for him… Gahhhh. I WANT BRAND!
The twists… the turns… the chemistry… the truths… the TWIST had me buying this book as soon as I finished 👏🏻.
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-suicidal thoughts
-dark themes (on the light side though)
April 11, 2021
You had me at broody. I don't know what it is about a broody, grumpy, standoffish hero that gets me but I LOVE them. I do believe Brand is my new favorite brooder! Probably because he has some of my other favorite characteristics as well. He's very intimidating, goes after what he wants, doesn't give a crap, and he completely dominates. That alone made this book a must read for me.
Dr. Aria Dillion was another fascinating part of this book. She had so many nuances with her character. I never knew how she was going to react to a situation. She was complex and I liked her.
But you get so much more with this book. The storyline was completely enthralling. Once you start it, you won't want to put it down. There were a few twist that I was not expecting, so I highly recommend going in blind. I had no idea what this book was about and it was fun to discover everything on my own.
This was an awesome read and one I'll want to re-read again.
Dr. Aria Dillion was another fascinating part of this book. She had so many nuances with her character. I never knew how she was going to react to a situation. She was complex and I liked her.
But you get so much more with this book. The storyline was completely enthralling. Once you start it, you won't want to put it down. There were a few twist that I was not expecting, so I highly recommend going in blind. I had no idea what this book was about and it was fun to discover everything on my own.
This was an awesome read and one I'll want to re-read again.
April 11, 2021
Holy heck this was AMAZING!!!! Definitely worth all the stars and more! I went into this book completely blind. No blurb, no teasers, nothing. Wow! I didn’t have a clue what I was going to get and it was awesome!
This hero and heroine stole my heart and then my breath as their story played out. I was captivated at every turn of the page and could not stop reading once I started. I love that it appears to be intertwined with Layla Frost’s Damaged, the story of the other Dillion sister. While this is a complete stand alone, I’m still anxious and excited to get the next book.
This hero and heroine stole my heart and then my breath as their story played out. I was captivated at every turn of the page and could not stop reading once I started. I love that it appears to be intertwined with Layla Frost’s Damaged, the story of the other Dillion sister. While this is a complete stand alone, I’m still anxious and excited to get the next book.
April 20, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Deathly is an intriguing read that follows Aria, a workaholic psychologist, and Brand, a standoffish firefighter with some interesting family ties. The story does get a little dark but without going too far into the shadows. Just enough to keep the book suspenseful and have me captivated.
I really loved getting to know Brand and Aria and they were both very interesting characters. We had a lot to learn about them both and having to dig into their characters made this a really fun read. I have lots that I want to say about them but I won't because I think this book is best if you go in a little blind. But just know it is definitely worth the read and the book will keep you intrigued on every page.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Deathly is an intriguing read that follows Aria, a workaholic psychologist, and Brand, a standoffish firefighter with some interesting family ties. The story does get a little dark but without going too far into the shadows. Just enough to keep the book suspenseful and have me captivated.
I really loved getting to know Brand and Aria and they were both very interesting characters. We had a lot to learn about them both and having to dig into their characters made this a really fun read. I have lots that I want to say about them but I won't because I think this book is best if you go in a little blind. But just know it is definitely worth the read and the book will keep you intrigued on every page.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2023
Reread Oct 17th, 2023
5 stars
5 Stars
Loved this book! After being in an even bigger book slump than I was in last year, I'm surprised that one finally caught my interest and entertained me this much. Then again, I've pretty much loved every one of this author's books, so it really shouldn't be that surprising.
I wouldn't say the book was necessarily perfect imo. There were a couple things that I wish had been fleshed out more such as backstories, characters, and even some scenes, because it felt like a lot of the important stuff that lead up to how the characters are now, or the predicament they're in currently, didn't have as big of an impact because so many things were glossed over.
Or, for example, one thing that I wish had more leading up to was the twists. While I actually loved the twists and they kept the story moving, at the same time, some just felt like they came out of nowhere and I wish there were a bit more hints leading up to it to have kept me guessing. It wasn't too bad necessarily, I'm really just nitpicking, but it's something that stood out to me.
Besides all that though, I really did enjoy pretty much everything else about this book, and it's been awhile where I actually wanted the book to be longer because I was enjoying it so much, and really just didn't want it to end, so despite some of my critiques, this is definitely a 5 star book for me because of how interested in it I was. The hero was hot, I liked the heroine, loved the plot, and I'm dying for the sister's story. But really, what made this story for me was definitely the hero because 🔥👌, his go-getter, stalkerish ways made me fall for him pretty much the first meeting, so ya, I'm obsessed. Now I just wish the second book will come sooner😍
*ARC Provided In Exchange For A Honest Review*
5 stars
5 Stars
Loved this book! After being in an even bigger book slump than I was in last year, I'm surprised that one finally caught my interest and entertained me this much. Then again, I've pretty much loved every one of this author's books, so it really shouldn't be that surprising.
I wouldn't say the book was necessarily perfect imo. There were a couple things that I wish had been fleshed out more such as backstories, characters, and even some scenes, because it felt like a lot of the important stuff that lead up to how the characters are now, or the predicament they're in currently, didn't have as big of an impact because so many things were glossed over.
Or, for example, one thing that I wish had more leading up to was the twists. While I actually loved the twists and they kept the story moving, at the same time, some just felt like they came out of nowhere and I wish there were a bit more hints leading up to it to have kept me guessing. It wasn't too bad necessarily, I'm really just nitpicking, but it's something that stood out to me.
Besides all that though, I really did enjoy pretty much everything else about this book, and it's been awhile where I actually wanted the book to be longer because I was enjoying it so much, and really just didn't want it to end, so despite some of my critiques, this is definitely a 5 star book for me because of how interested in it I was. The hero was hot, I liked the heroine, loved the plot, and I'm dying for the sister's story. But really, what made this story for me was definitely the hero because 🔥👌, his go-getter, stalkerish ways made me fall for him pretty much the first meeting, so ya, I'm obsessed. Now I just wish the second book will come sooner😍
*ARC Provided In Exchange For A Honest Review*
April 13, 2021
Crisp and engaging writing, a dangerously seductive plot, deeply complex characters, an obsessively powerful love story, and an epic twist, make for a highly recommended read in Brynne Asher’s Deathly.
April 19, 2021
What in the dark intense twistiness did I just read???? This is not your average Brynne Asher read. But dang was I all in!!!
Enter Brando Gian Vitale Jr., the official King of Brynne’s Alphas. And our heroine Aria. These characters have some deep seeded issues and they may not just be who you think you are. You will question if you should be rooting for these two or warning them away from each other.
This half of the Dillion sisters duet bitch slapped me and took names. Can’t wait to read Briar’s story by Layla Frost.
~Melanie💜
Enter Brando Gian Vitale Jr., the official King of Brynne’s Alphas. And our heroine Aria. These characters have some deep seeded issues and they may not just be who you think you are. You will question if you should be rooting for these two or warning them away from each other.
This half of the Dillion sisters duet bitch slapped me and took names. Can’t wait to read Briar’s story by Layla Frost.
~Melanie💜
April 20, 2021
This book was just...wow. If you like suspense, mystery, romance, drama, amazing writing, complex characters, whiplash from things coming at you that you NEVER expected, then please do yourself a huge favor and read this right now!
It’s no secret that I love this author and her writing - every book draws me into that world so deeply - but this one was different. It’s a little dark, very twisty, super steamy and will leave you wanting more! I cannot wait to read Layla Frost’s Damaged because Briar has me completely intrigued, as well.
For fear of spoilers, I’ll leave it at that. This one is definitely going on the “read again” list!
It’s no secret that I love this author and her writing - every book draws me into that world so deeply - but this one was different. It’s a little dark, very twisty, super steamy and will leave you wanting more! I cannot wait to read Layla Frost’s Damaged because Briar has me completely intrigued, as well.
For fear of spoilers, I’ll leave it at that. This one is definitely going on the “read again” list!
April 21, 2021
Whew. That was a wild wild ride and I was a happy passenger! Secrets. Obsession. Possession. Fiery heat. Alpha. All the things that bring this dark story to light. Brand and Aria are each other’s perfect match. Their love story was dark magic and one heck of a roller coaster! AND. I. WAS. HERE. FOR. IT! I was a mix of couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and ever wanting it to end! Brynne has always been one of my top favorites. I love alll her books and have re read them so many times BUT Deathly is by far my top favorite now! Don’t walk, skip or hop. R U N and one click this one!
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April 11, 2021
OH MY GOD!! THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! (YES, ALL CAPS IS NECESSARY, AS WELL AS DOUBLE EXCLAMATION POINTS)
Wow. What a book. I couldn't put it down, and that's saying something because I like my sleep, a lot. I literally passed out while reading this.
At first I was just in love with the writing, the pace, the characters, and then...BOOM. The story. Damn, it got me. What a freaking ride. So, so, so good. Like, really good.
5 stars and TOP spot on my Best Reads of 2021 shelf. It's going to be really hard to top this. Seriously. So good.
Wow. What a book. I couldn't put it down, and that's saying something because I like my sleep, a lot. I literally passed out while reading this.
At first I was just in love with the writing, the pace, the characters, and then...BOOM. The story. Damn, it got me. What a freaking ride. So, so, so good. Like, really good.
5 stars and TOP spot on my Best Reads of 2021 shelf. It's going to be really hard to top this. Seriously. So good.
April 26, 2021
5 Million ‘ You Got Under My Skin ‘ Stars
Intense! Passionate! Mind gripping! Poetic! Twisted! Surprising!… I could endlessly adjectify this heart thumping love story, and still be without words, with how much it shocked me in its brilliancy. Deathly is so masterfully orchestrated that it sucks you right in and knocks you completely out when we least expect!
Much like Jon Snow, we know NOTHING! LOL! Yep, and that’s the best state to be in, just go in as blind as possible and enjoy the wild ride that is Brandon and Aria’s mind f@ck of dark fairytale, a mafia style one that is. *winks*
Warped in a way that is impossible to let go so soon, this, that is now one of my top favorite reads EVER, and this Dillon sisters’ addiction is real! Ms. Asher really showed us in this exquisite tale that the world certainly isn’t just black and white, but all the riches woes of gray, with a dash of red, or should I say scarlett?! That’s right, better read it to experience every single mind tantalizing second of it! 😉 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“The real you is more of a fantasy than anything I could dream.”
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
Intense! Passionate! Mind gripping! Poetic! Twisted! Surprising!… I could endlessly adjectify this heart thumping love story, and still be without words, with how much it shocked me in its brilliancy. Deathly is so masterfully orchestrated that it sucks you right in and knocks you completely out when we least expect!
Much like Jon Snow, we know NOTHING! LOL! Yep, and that’s the best state to be in, just go in as blind as possible and enjoy the wild ride that is Brandon and Aria’s mind f@ck of dark fairytale, a mafia style one that is. *winks*
Warped in a way that is impossible to let go so soon, this, that is now one of my top favorite reads EVER, and this Dillon sisters’ addiction is real! Ms. Asher really showed us in this exquisite tale that the world certainly isn’t just black and white, but all the riches woes of gray, with a dash of red, or should I say scarlett?! That’s right, better read it to experience every single mind tantalizing second of it! 😉 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“The real you is more of a fantasy than anything I could dream.”
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
Read
February 22, 2021*I have a policy of not rating beta reads but I will give a mini-review
I loved it and legit it’s my fave Brynne Asher book to date. I finished it practically in one night because I didn’t want to stop. Without going into potential spoiler territory, I’ll say go in blind, you won’t regret it. Ms. Asher dunked the reader into deep waters but i didn’t realize how fucked up it was until I was completely submerged. It was a little different, a little dark and a real page turner.
September 12, 2021
Perfect for lovers of the Jealous/possessive trope. He’s that and more. Be assured that all bases are covered on that front.
I really enjoyed that the obstacles to their HEA come from issues OUTSIDE of their relationship as opposed to the common push/pull trope WITHIN their relationship; they know they’re attracted to each other and the author offers no lazy misunderstandings or miscommunication plot devices. There are secrets and evasions but its all part of the bigger picture and not just a means to keep them apart or to provide a source of angst.
The blurb is clear on the obsession part but otherwise vague and hardly prepared me for what was to come.
My initial impression of the book was: chicklit or fluffy romance with a quirky heroine, a hot fireman, an auction for charity and a cute puppy that would bring them together.
I couldn’t connect with her at first. Then her POV got heavier, darker.
Something deeper than anxiety was simmering and that’s what kept me reading. I started feeling there was MORE.
The H is an unapologetically arrogant alpha. He never wavers from this. Never apologises. Apart from his obsession with her as a sexual partner, I couldn’t get a grip on him until later into their story.
It’s not a thriller masterpiece; too many points not elaborated on; too many inconsistencies; issues that a few proof reads would’ve taken care of. Some things fell by the wayside never to be addressed again, and other things seemed to appear out of nowhere. But their story captured my attention enough to want to know more.
Spoilers are my jam.
My book buddies hate me for that. But even with spoilers, the twist caught me off guard. Wow.
All in all I love the premise and wonder how authors like Sandra Brown and Nora Roberts would execute it….
NTS: neaten this review
I really enjoyed that the obstacles to their HEA come from issues OUTSIDE of their relationship as opposed to the common push/pull trope WITHIN their relationship; they know they’re attracted to each other and the author offers no lazy misunderstandings or miscommunication plot devices. There are secrets and evasions but its all part of the bigger picture and not just a means to keep them apart or to provide a source of angst.
The blurb is clear on the obsession part but otherwise vague and hardly prepared me for what was to come.
My initial impression of the book was: chicklit or fluffy romance with a quirky heroine, a hot fireman, an auction for charity and a cute puppy that would bring them together.
I couldn’t connect with her at first. Then her POV got heavier, darker.
Something deeper than anxiety was simmering and that’s what kept me reading. I started feeling there was MORE.
The H is an unapologetically arrogant alpha. He never wavers from this. Never apologises. Apart from his obsession with her as a sexual partner, I couldn’t get a grip on him until later into their story.
It’s not a thriller masterpiece; too many points not elaborated on; too many inconsistencies; issues that a few proof reads would’ve taken care of. Some things fell by the wayside never to be addressed again, and other things seemed to appear out of nowhere. But their story captured my attention enough to want to know more.
Spoilers are my jam.
My book buddies hate me for that. But even with spoilers, the twist caught me off guard. Wow.
All in all I love the premise and wonder how authors like Sandra Brown and Nora Roberts would execute it….
NTS: neaten this review
April 20, 2021
Trust. Loyalty. Love.
What a unexpected treat!! Not at all what I’m used to from this author but just goes to show you that a superb storyteller can write anything.
Aria is so stand-offish she doesn’t have time for a relationship. Brand had to grown me. I really wanted to smack him at first.
“I won’t let you regret it. I promise. Choose me,
“You’re cool as a cucumber on the outside, but this,” “shows me how you really feel. Any emotion from you makes me h***. Your heart races for me, and I like to feel it.”
Super suspenseful and spicy with a shocking twist that came out of left field.
I can’t wait for Briar’s book.
What a unexpected treat!! Not at all what I’m used to from this author but just goes to show you that a superb storyteller can write anything.
Aria is so stand-offish she doesn’t have time for a relationship. Brand had to grown me. I really wanted to smack him at first.
“I won’t let you regret it. I promise. Choose me,
“You’re cool as a cucumber on the outside, but this,” “shows me how you really feel. Any emotion from you makes me h***. Your heart races for me, and I like to feel it.”
Super suspenseful and spicy with a shocking twist that came out of left field.
I can’t wait for Briar’s book.
April 20, 2021
This book blew me away! The twists and drops were breathtaking and completely unpredictable. Aria is such a complex person and trying to figure her out is next to impossible. Brand is a mystery himself. Dark. Brooding, hot and possessive, some of my favorite alpha characteristics.
The story starts off simple enough, but once the plot twists start coming, they do. not. stop.
Highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait for book two!
The story starts off simple enough, but once the plot twists start coming, they do. not. stop.
Highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait for book two!
December 28, 2021
3.5 stars
if it were a song:
LWYMMD by Taylor Swift
LOCO by ITZY
the characters here were so contrary, and the plot twist was literally WTF. i dont even know how a WTF could be literal, but thats how much of a hotmess clusterfuck (clusterfuck of hotmess?) this book is—though in the best kind of way cause i really enjoyed the heck out of this crazy ride. in fact, i dont think im opposed to re-reading it in the future.
i dont think their love was believable or made sense, mostly cause it just sorta automatically *there*. i suppose when youre two people slightly demented and equally obsessive, irrationality is your default rational. in any case, i was invested in their romance and the mystery. i did guess the murder plot twist, but i didnt know about the ‘secret room’ one.
as i was saying, these people were contrary. the h was a Harvard graduate, but her decision making skills alluded to her having no more than -2 brain cells. shes a psychologist who advises people against something, yet she be the one doing the thing. the H made decisions that didnt fit his character or what he’d initially shared he wanted.
im thinking if you favor Colleen Hoover, Aly Martinez, or Kristen Ashley, this book would be right up your alley. CH & AM for the suspense and WTF-ness, and KA for the romance and alpha H service. though this book takes alpha to a whole new level of *uber*. so if you wanna see two psychos stalk, creep on, and have plenty of sex with each other, tis the book.
if it were a song:
LWYMMD by Taylor Swift
LOCO by ITZY
the characters here were so contrary, and the plot twist was literally WTF. i dont even know how a WTF could be literal, but thats how much of a hotmess clusterfuck (clusterfuck of hotmess?) this book is—though in the best kind of way cause i really enjoyed the heck out of this crazy ride. in fact, i dont think im opposed to re-reading it in the future.
so the story is of our h who is a psychologist and our firefighter of a H who is currently under investigation for allegedly drowning his wife in his own pool. the H & h meet because of a cat, but later on its revealed that theyre linked because of something far less cute and far more morbid than cats. right off the bat, you can sense that the h is hiding something.
tip/advice: read my besties review for details and spoilers and for shits and giggles cause i promise it’ll give you the best quality shot of endorphins: SEE HERE. i dont think mine has any spoilers, but if you catch on to the subtlety and put two n two together, you might accidentally spoil yourself something?? idk just watch yourself.
i dont think their love was believable or made sense, mostly cause it just sorta automatically *there*. i suppose when youre two people slightly demented and equally obsessive, irrationality is your default rational. in any case, i was invested in their romance and the mystery. i did guess the murder plot twist, but i didnt know about the ‘secret room’ one.
as i was saying, these people were contrary. the h was a Harvard graduate, but her decision making skills alluded to her having no more than -2 brain cells. shes a psychologist who advises people against something, yet she be the one doing the thing. the H made decisions that didnt fit his character or what he’d initially shared he wanted.
im thinking if you favor Colleen Hoover, Aly Martinez, or Kristen Ashley, this book would be right up your alley. CH & AM for the suspense and WTF-ness, and KA for the romance and alpha H service. though this book takes alpha to a whole new level of *uber*. so if you wanna see two psychos stalk, creep on, and have plenty of sex with each other, tis the book.
April 13, 2021
Ok, so I totally just had my mind blown. I think this is some of Brynne's best work to date, and that's saying something because she is already a brilliant storyteller. These character's are so complex and Brando is I think the most Alpha hero she has ever written.
This book has everything you could want, great characters, romance, suspense, and lots of twists and turns. Trust me when I say, just go in blind and sit back and enjoy the ride! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars!
This book has everything you could want, great characters, romance, suspense, and lots of twists and turns. Trust me when I say, just go in blind and sit back and enjoy the ride! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars!
April 21, 2021
Well fuck me! That didn't go where I was thinking at all! I loved this story! ❤
Brynne always has a way to keep you hooked and this book blew me away. I was not expecting what happened at all!
YOU ARE NOT READY!
Aria and Brand are perfect and I absolutely 💯 am in love! This is my jam and I am overjoyed! Top 10 read for the year for sure!
Brynne always has a way to keep you hooked and this book blew me away. I was not expecting what happened at all!
YOU ARE NOT READY!
Aria and Brand are perfect and I absolutely 💯 am in love! This is my jam and I am overjoyed! Top 10 read for the year for sure!
April 11, 2021
Hang on, I'm still processing...
Okay! I knew I was going to be getting something different from BA with Deathly-- something a little dark, a little twisted, a little....more. But, I did NOT see that coming.
Deathly is as beautiful a love story as it is gritty suspense. There are so many complicated layers, and peeling back each one was both riveting and satisfying.
Kudos to BA for stepping outside of her norm. Like everything else she does, it was *chef's kiss.*
Okay! I knew I was going to be getting something different from BA with Deathly-- something a little dark, a little twisted, a little....more. But, I did NOT see that coming.
Deathly is as beautiful a love story as it is gritty suspense. There are so many complicated layers, and peeling back each one was both riveting and satisfying.
Kudos to BA for stepping outside of her norm. Like everything else she does, it was *chef's kiss.*
April 10, 2021
Ok. I’m not ok. But I’m actually ok. I know. This makes no sense.
This book literally punched me in the face. Like....KAPOW!!!!! I thought things were going one way but nope. I was wrong. Totally and completely wrong.
So. Many. Secrets.
It’s twisted, sexy and so beyond anything Brynne Asher has written before.
Go into this book blind. Just pick it up and start reading. You’ll get hooked and won’t be able to put it down.
I’m officially obsessed with this world. I need more!
This book literally punched me in the face. Like....KAPOW!!!!! I thought things were going one way but nope. I was wrong. Totally and completely wrong.
So. Many. Secrets.
It’s twisted, sexy and so beyond anything Brynne Asher has written before.
Go into this book blind. Just pick it up and start reading. You’ll get hooked and won’t be able to put it down.
I’m officially obsessed with this world. I need more!
April 17, 2021
Wooooooooowwwwww….holy sh*t...this was one wild ride. I don’t even know that the term “sh*t got real” even remotely describes this book...wooooowwwww. I am not even sure what to say besides, Brynne Asher you rocked this book, it was unbelievable. With a Brynne Asher book, you always get lots of wtf, and wait, say what now, did I just read that right (reads again), yup I totally did. Seriously, this was no exception, what a wild ride. What started out as a bid on a dog, and a date with a firefighter at an auction for an animal shelter, ended up being so much more. I was close to skipping to the end to get all the answers I was looking for, but *sigh* I waited like the adult I am. I just couldn’t read it fast enough, and lost a lot of sleep reading it. #TotallyWorthIt. Brand is dominant and bossy, and Aria not only loves it, but needs it. I think he gives new meaning to OTT dominant alpha, you know what I’m sayin. Like he is alpha of the alpha’s, and yes he is exactly like that. Throw in that he is a dirty talker, that cooks...I know, right, the total package.
Safe read, with more twist than a dark maze in an even darker fairy tale. You will be up late reading this dark suspense, lose a lot of sleep, and it will be sooooo worth it. And it starts out with all the fun pretty early in the book, and just continues throughout, until the end. I’m pretty sure I had a lot of curse words coming out of my mouth, especially since they were all typed in my book highlights too. And since I pretty much highlighted the whole book, it took me a while to get through them all. A fantastic read, with an equally great epilogue and hea. Book crack at its most addicting.
Safe read, with more twist than a dark maze in an even darker fairy tale. You will be up late reading this dark suspense, lose a lot of sleep, and it will be sooooo worth it. And it starts out with all the fun pretty early in the book, and just continues throughout, until the end. I’m pretty sure I had a lot of curse words coming out of my mouth, especially since they were all typed in my book highlights too. And since I pretty much highlighted the whole book, it took me a while to get through them all. A fantastic read, with an equally great epilogue and hea. Book crack at its most addicting.
April 26, 2021
2.5 Stars.
Initially, the cover, blurb and, people’s reviews are what drew me to this book. What started fantastic went downhill in about ten to twenty percent of the book. I wanted to give the book a chance, and I like the original storyline and figured it would pick up, which it did at sixty-nine percent. So here goes my unpopular opinion.
Aria lives a mundane life and goes outside her comfort zone to attend an auction for a dog and a date with a firefighter. Now comes in broody Brando Vitale Aka Brand. After a brief interaction with the firefighter and the dog. Aria decides to bid on them and let the bidding wars begin. It was cute and with angst. The courtship was not an easy one, and it was fast. At fifteen percent, I already saw red flags as to what his ‘family business “ is. Here is where I get picky.
The book is not labeled as mafia, so that I will go easy on that part. However, the book is heavy on the organized crime aspect of his family and their enemies. The author did not sell me on this aspect of the book. There were some promising aspects to it. But I wasn’t sold. In all honesty, this is probably more of a me problem. I have high standards with Italian organized crime.
The plot was underdeveloped for the most part. And I didn't have a connection to the main characters. The plot twist; without giving it away, it was bizarre. Brand goes against what he was working for. Then there is Aria's sister, Briar. Briar is a big part of Aria’s life and part of her story, yet the side character presence was lacking, especially with series of events that went south. Where was she? It was hardly discussed. On the other hand, it gives you an intro Briar book.
Don't let my review discourage you from reading Deathly. It could be your five-star read. It just wasn't for me.
Initially, the cover, blurb and, people’s reviews are what drew me to this book. What started fantastic went downhill in about ten to twenty percent of the book. I wanted to give the book a chance, and I like the original storyline and figured it would pick up, which it did at sixty-nine percent. So here goes my unpopular opinion.
Aria lives a mundane life and goes outside her comfort zone to attend an auction for a dog and a date with a firefighter. Now comes in broody Brando Vitale Aka Brand. After a brief interaction with the firefighter and the dog. Aria decides to bid on them and let the bidding wars begin. It was cute and with angst. The courtship was not an easy one, and it was fast. At fifteen percent, I already saw red flags as to what his ‘family business “ is. Here is where I get picky.
The book is not labeled as mafia, so that I will go easy on that part. However, the book is heavy on the organized crime aspect of his family and their enemies. The author did not sell me on this aspect of the book. There were some promising aspects to it. But I wasn’t sold. In all honesty, this is probably more of a me problem. I have high standards with Italian organized crime.
The plot was underdeveloped for the most part. And I didn't have a connection to the main characters. The plot twist; without giving it away, it was bizarre. Brand goes against what he was working for. Then there is Aria's sister, Briar. Briar is a big part of Aria’s life and part of her story, yet the side character presence was lacking, especially with series of events that went south. Where was she? It was hardly discussed. On the other hand, it gives you an intro Briar book.
Don't let my review discourage you from reading Deathly. It could be your five-star read. It just wasn't for me.
April 10, 2021
What an exhilarating experience - starting with the breathtaking work of art on the book Cover.
I just recently discovered this author and fell in love with her writing style and captivating story telling. But trust me when I say that with Deathly she is taking us to a whole new enthralling level.
We meet the protagonists at a charity auction for an animal shelter where Dr. Aria Dillon places a bid to adopt a sweet rescue pup and wins a date with Brando Vitale, the broody firefighter showcasing the spirited doodle.
And from there we are taken on a riveting, edge of your seat roller coaster ride of intrigue and suspense. The chemistry between Brand and Aria, the darkness and danger of their obsession with each other, as well as their their complicated histories and family ties make for a thrilling adventure you don’t want to miss!
I just recently discovered this author and fell in love with her writing style and captivating story telling. But trust me when I say that with Deathly she is taking us to a whole new enthralling level.
We meet the protagonists at a charity auction for an animal shelter where Dr. Aria Dillon places a bid to adopt a sweet rescue pup and wins a date with Brando Vitale, the broody firefighter showcasing the spirited doodle.
And from there we are taken on a riveting, edge of your seat roller coaster ride of intrigue and suspense. The chemistry between Brand and Aria, the darkness and danger of their obsession with each other, as well as their their complicated histories and family ties make for a thrilling adventure you don’t want to miss!
April 9, 2021
Holy S***!!!!!!!! What in the ever loving just happened?! My heart started pounding double time around 70% through and still hasn’t stopped. My jaw is not only on the floor...it’s about 20 feet below the ground and I don’t know if I’ll ever pick it back up. Geeeeeeezus!
This book was good starting out. Really good. I kept trying to rank it in my head with Brynne’s other books and it was up there in top 3 but once we hit 70%, it blew every single book out the park into the stratosphere and is firmly my favorite book by Brynne. Ever!
You guys aren’t ready for this! No way will you EVER figure the twist out on your own. Stick a fork in me I’m done!
Now that we have Aria’s book I can not wait until Layla’s book comes out!
This book was good starting out. Really good. I kept trying to rank it in my head with Brynne’s other books and it was up there in top 3 but once we hit 70%, it blew every single book out the park into the stratosphere and is firmly my favorite book by Brynne. Ever!
You guys aren’t ready for this! No way will you EVER figure the twist out on your own. Stick a fork in me I’m done!
Now that we have Aria’s book I can not wait until Layla’s book comes out!
April 20, 2021
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll admit that I went in this book a little scared not knowing what to expect. This book is AMAZING!!
It’s not what you would usually read from Brynne and I can honestly say my new favorite.
The storyline is a little dark with a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. But it also has a beautiful love story of two people who fit together perfectly but both with issues.
I can’t write much without spoiling it because you have to go blind to really enjoy it.
This book is wonderfully written and had me captivated from the beginning.
I’ll admit that I went in this book a little scared not knowing what to expect. This book is AMAZING!!
It’s not what you would usually read from Brynne and I can honestly say my new favorite.
The storyline is a little dark with a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. But it also has a beautiful love story of two people who fit together perfectly but both with issues.
I can’t write much without spoiling it because you have to go blind to really enjoy it.
This book is wonderfully written and had me captivated from the beginning.
March 10, 2021
Secrets. Everyone has them.
This is definitely a top read of 2021 for me! Aria & Brand are a different kind of couple from this author's usual, but at their hearts they are right in her wheelhouse. From the moment they meet at a dog auction, sparks fly. Aria wins a dog & a date, but when she goes to pick up the dog, she makes it clear she's not interested in the date.
Brand, in his deliciously alpha way, sets out to convince her the date is happening.
I love the pacing & mystery in this story. The characters are well written - they pulled me in & I didn't want to put the story down. There are lots of pieces to this puzzle, and I enjoyed every minute of the ride. Bring out your fan, also, because there's a lot of heat!!
Along with that, there are family connections, banter, and of course an adorable and excitable puppy! Aria & Brand kept me on the edge of my seat throughout their story, and I'm looking forward to reading Briar's story (Aria's sister, whose story is being written by Layla Frost).
There's so much more I'd love to gush about in this story, but everything I can think of would be spoilery, and I went into this mostly blind, which I think was a good thing. So, I'll just say, it's a HIGHLY enjoyable story!!
: )
This is definitely a top read of 2021 for me! Aria & Brand are a different kind of couple from this author's usual, but at their hearts they are right in her wheelhouse. From the moment they meet at a dog auction, sparks fly. Aria wins a dog & a date, but when she goes to pick up the dog, she makes it clear she's not interested in the date.
Brand, in his deliciously alpha way, sets out to convince her the date is happening.
I love the pacing & mystery in this story. The characters are well written - they pulled me in & I didn't want to put the story down. There are lots of pieces to this puzzle, and I enjoyed every minute of the ride. Bring out your fan, also, because there's a lot of heat!!
Along with that, there are family connections, banter, and of course an adorable and excitable puppy! Aria & Brand kept me on the edge of my seat throughout their story, and I'm looking forward to reading Briar's story (Aria's sister, whose story is being written by Layla Frost).
There's so much more I'd love to gush about in this story, but everything I can think of would be spoilery, and I went into this mostly blind, which I think was a good thing. So, I'll just say, it's a HIGHLY enjoyable story!!
: )
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