From USA Today Bestselling Author Brynne Asher comes a small-town, woman-on-the-run, age-gap romance. Oh yeah, there’s a jewelry heist too.
I’d like to say my story began when I almost accidentally killed Jett Parker Cross, but it started long before that. I wish I could kick this spectacle off with a “not to be dramatic” but it was. After all, Jett just had major surgery. The kind that includes a brand new, life-saving organ. Say less. Horrifying. Mortifying. And dramatic. It doesn’t matter how beautiful his soulful dark eyes are, or that I have to restrain myself from touching his thick, wavy hair. When he laid his hands on me to defend himself, I liked it more than I should have. It seems almost getting killed brings out the broody grump in Jett, even if he did face death on the regular as an Army Special Forces badass. I’m officially obsessed. But Jett has bigger issues. He’s the newest board member for Stonebridge Capital, and some don’t want him there. The last thing he has time for is me. Or so it seems. That changes when I receive a message from the life I left behind. The life I escaped. I’ve been found, and they want me back. What they really want are the rare jewels I took. Since they were already stolen, I like to think I’m righting wrongs and saving myself in the process. Jett is determined to protect me. But between his family, my secrets, and him teaching me everything between the sheets, we can’t figure out which way is up. The stakes are high. Life and death ... with an emphasis on the death part. In the end, we want one thing, and it’s more precious than a trust fund or jewels… Each other.
USA 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.
There's no one more disappointed than me that I didn't enjoy this book. I was looking forward to it and intrigued about the MCs thanks to the snippets from the previous book, but tbh, these two just didn't make sense to me.
There was no tension or chemistry, and the 180 in their dynamics felt like it came out of nowhere. It caught me off guard even though I knew it was bound to happen eventually.
By 41%, I was still struggling to connect with the plot or the MCs. It just wasn't holding my interest, and I know it's not because of my mood because I was so excited to read this.
Then finding out that Lennon (25), was a V-card holder just made it even less interesting for me. Look, it's not my favorite cliché in romance books. I hated virgin FMCs and the imbalance and some double standards that came with it.
As to why she's still pure as snow, her dad used her as collateral when she was just 19, which led to her becoming a prisoner of the man her father owed money to. She spent the last six years as a captive and worker, and in the present she just managed to escape from that situation. And this little town was the first place she discovered to lay low.
And of course, Jett (36) is older than her and has said he’s got a lot of experience, but I think he was celibate for a bit—not exactly sure how long—and that confession totally killed my interest in their romance.
At that point, I really didn't care about their budding relationship anymore, but I still kept going for the suspense aspect. But at 55%, it was still giving nothing, so I just skipped ahead to the epilogue. 😅 I just want to see how their lives look years down the road. It was okay tbh and their family is still full of love.
Soooo yeah, I wasn't really into it, but I'm still going to wait for the next books; who knows, they might be better.
This book left me with a full-blown reading hangover and I am still riding the high!
I first read the book and then jumped into the audiobook as soon as I could. And let me say it made this story really come alive for me. Nikko Austen Smith and Connor Crais absolutely brought these characters to life in a way that pulled me into every moment. Connor captured Jett’s calm intensity and quiet strength perfectly, giving his voice a steady, controlled edge that made every protective moment swoon inducing. Nikko delivered Lennon with so much warmth and emotion all while beautifully showcasing her resilience and vulnerability. Together their performances made the connection between these characters feel even more immediate and real, adding another layer of depth to an already gripping story.
Jett absolutely stole my heart. He was intense, capable, quietly lethal in a calm, controlled way, but underneath all of that was a deeply loyal, emotionally grounded man. There was no ego, no unnecessary alpha posturing, just steady strength and devotion that felt real. And Lennon? I loved her! She was smart, resilient, and emotionally open without ever feeling weak. She brought warmth and heart to the story, and I adored how she held her own while still allowing herself to be vulnerable. Together, they were everything. The trust, the emotional safety, the way their connection built so naturally even while under pressure. It was intimate, intense, and incredibly satisfying to watch unfold.
The story itself was such a perfect blend of romance and action, with just the right amount of danger to keep the tension high without overshadowing the relationship. I loved seeing familiar faces, and the new characters were instantly compelling in that “I already need your book” kind of way. Brynne Asher just knows how to build a world that feels lived-in, interconnected, and addictive. This was fast-paced, emotionally rich, and just pure, addictive romantic suspense done right.
This book had a kidney transplant, a broody ex Special Forces hero, stolen jewels, corporate power plays, and a woman on the run… and somehow still managed to feel oddly uneven.
Jett absolutely carried this story for me. There’s something deeply compelling about a man who’s faced death, survived major surgery, and still chooses to love gently. He’s protective without being suffocating, dominant without being dismissive, and when he decides someone is his, he shows up fully. That balance kept me reading.
The chemistry between Jett and the heroine had spark. I also appreciated that the heroine’s past felt serious without becoming gratuitously dark. Her history added stakes without overwhelming the romance.
The pacing felt inconsistent. Big emotional moments would build beautifully… and then the story would slow down with extended corporate board discussions or logistical planning that dulled the momentum.
Around the middle, I found myself drifting. Not because I didn’t care but because the tension would rise and then flatten before it could fully combust.
The final act picked up again, and I enjoyed the resolution, but I wanted more intensity in the fallout. More chaos and emotional wreckage. It just stopped short of greatness.
This wasn’t a bad read. It had strong romantic moments, a solid hero, and a premise packed with tropes I normally devour. It just didn’t hit for me like most of Brynn Asher's books normally do.
This book gave me felony tyre upgrades, trauma-informed consent, a caretaker war hero, a jewel heist subplot… and then occasionally forgot it had all of that.
I had moments of obsession. I had moments of boredom. I had one full emotional spiral. We contain multitudes.
The Positives
Jett Parker Cross is the reason this stayed a solid 3 instead of slipping lower. When he loved, he loved loudly, but never in a way that stripped Lennon's autonomy. That balance? I respected it deeply.
The romance worked best when it leaned into that dynamic: protective but not possessive, intense but not suffocating. The hospital scene was peak emotional payoff. I was seated. Kindle clutched. Heart rate elevated.
I also really liked Lennon. Her past was traumatic, but it didn’t tip into extreme darkness just for shock value. The trauma felt present without swallowing the entire story. That said… I was equally charmed and mildly suspicious at how quickly she trusted Jett. Given what she’d escaped, part of me expected more hesitation. But at the same time? When a man is fixing your tyres, feeding you, moving you into his hotel room for safety, and explicitly saying he’ll never control you… the walls are going to crack. I understood it - even if I side-eyed it a little.
On paper, this had everything I love: small-town refuge, woman-on-the-run tension, age gap, ex–Special Forces hero, corporate drama, jewel-theft danger. Conceptually? Catnip.
The Negatives (aka: pacing, my old enemy)
The issue wasn’t the premise. It was the momentum.
The middle dragged. We’d get a huge emotional spike, and then the story would dip into extended business discussions, logistical conversations, or low-stakes scenes that softened the tension. Around the 70% mark, I genuinely hit a boredom wall - and that’s late in the game to lose steam.
Even the third-act chaos, which absolutely woke me up, didn’t fully sustain its impact afterward. The twist was strong. The panic was intense. But the aftermath felt slightly underwhelming. I kept waiting for the jewel/heist danger to escalate further or for the fallout to hit harder. It never quite reached that explosive level.
So while I liked the romance and had standout moments that genuinely worked, I wasn’t consistently immersed. I dipped in and out instead of being completely consumed.
Final Verdict: I genuinely liked this book. But the inconsistent pacing and mid-book drag kept pulling me out just when I wanted to spiral. In the end, this lands at a solid 3 stars for me: strong hero, memorable emotional beats, but not quite the sustained tension or obsession-level immersion that would have pushed it into 4-star territory.
Tropes & Vibes: • Small-town refuge + woman-on-the-run tension • Age gap with protective ex–Special Forces MMC • Forced proximity (hotel room takeover edition) • Felony Acts of Service (tyre upgrade supremacy) • Trauma-informed consent + autonomy-forward dominance • Caretaker king energy • Jewel heist subplot + corporate board drama
New life. New kidney. New family. New job. New love!
If you love a woman on the run paired with a tortured military hero, this book will hit the spot. The emotional core of the story, two lost souls desperate and yearning for love, was a delight. And the organ transplant subplot and the newfound family arc added a lot of heart that I wasn't expecting but enjoyed so very much. The main characters, Jett Cross and Lennon Shaw, were likable enough, though the chemistry between them felt like more of a simmer and less of a boil despite a number of both sweet moments and steamy scenes. The forced proximity and the one-bed trope worked perfectly within the confines of this story, and I did like the idea of Jett and Lennon together. Jett’s protective nature really brought on the swoon. I also really like the cozy but nosy small-town vibes. That said, the "suspense" part of this romantic suspense was a mixed bag for me. While there were plenty of twists and turns, some of them just felt like a reach. We never truly learned much about Jett’s military background, his current government contracting job, or why he all of the sudden decided to work for Stonebridge. I say that to say that the details of Jett’s background and career felt a bit flimsy and unrealistic. My biggest gripe, though, was the polish. Between the inconsistent pet names (is it Smoke or Shadow?) and the weird habit the characters had of full-naming Jett, I kept getting pulled out of the story. In the end, I liked the heart of this story even if the execution felt a little messy at times. Not at the top of my favorites list this year, but enjoyable enough that I don't regret picking it up.
I really enjoyed this age gap storyline. Add in a suspense element and you’ll be hooked from the beginning to the end. A great addition to this series. Great narration.
4.5 Stars! We are back at The Manor, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Since book one, I’ve had a running list of characters I want to see in this series. Jett was definitely one of them. Especially after meeting him with a whole lot of mystery surrounding him.
Summary:
Lennon Shaw has risked everything to get where she is now. Who knew after all she’d endured and escaped from, that she’d lose everything by almost killing her boss’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Lennon’s goal was to lay low, make money, start living her life again, and pray that the life she left behind stays in her rearview. Staying under the radar disintegrates for Lennon in the most horrifying, embarrassing, dramatic way. Jett should not have to defend himself from me after just surviving major surgery, but here they are. Jett has his own troubles, what with becoming the newest board member of Stonebridge Capital, Unfortunately, the short time they are physically connected has Lennon obsessed. Things get real, though, when Lennon gets a blast from her past, and not a good one. She’s been found and they are coming for her. Or rather the precious treasure she stole on her way out. Eek! But Lennon has lived in a world where she had to rely on herself, be alert to danger and mind her footing so as not to be singled out for the last six years. As she plans her next great escape, Jett is reeling her in because he’s determined to protect her in spite of his new-found family and the risks that entails and her unrevealed secrets. In the end, Jett and Lennon will have to hold onto the dream they each represent for each other, and the future they could have if they can survive the high stakes obstacles standing in their way.
I really enjoyed Crimson Love, and Jett and Lennon’s story. I started the book with intense focus, because I had lots of questions about Jett and what Harlow was doing for him to save his life. That kept me going long enough to then switch to having to know Lennon’s story, because I was not expecting all that went down with her. Lennon is a sweet heroine. She was very brave, determined, and strong, but with an innocence born of her past that was still so sweet. I won’t lie, though, and say that there weren’t times that she broke my heart with her outlook on life and her future. I liked her for Jett. Her past was…well, it was tragic and had me gripping my Kindle at the audacity of someone, let alone family, doing that to someone. I think she found Jett, Devon, Harlow, and their connections at the perfect time. Jett was a lot a mystery to start. I knew who he was, but not his purpose in approaching Harlow, and how that was truly life and death. Learning that was also hard. Jett is a strong, independent, smart, hard-working, protective man, but he was also very much a young man that stared death in the face in a very different way than he did in the military. Being a retired military spouse, I could fully connect with feelings at having to leave a career he loved and was good at, and losing his purpose. On top of that, he had serious concerns that meant he may not have a future. Watching him dream again was very inspiring and satisfying. Together, Jett and Lennon had chemistry for days. I loved their meet-cute and subsequent awkwardness that caused when they ran into each other. It did feel a teensy bit rushed, but heightened emotions can accelerate anything. There were also moments that I thought their confessions were a little over-the-top. That said, I still gobbled up every bit of it. The intimate scenes were very well done, and I liked that there was an added element between them that made things more exciting. Overall, I had a good time being back in Winslet, and I cannot wait to go back. Of course, we got a lot of Devon and Harlow, and I still love Devon in every way. Seeing Dean again was also a plus, and I really hope he’s on the list of future male leads. and I don’t know if I blacked out or what, but I completely forgot about Payne Deacon. We got even more of him in this book, and I was there for all of it. Talk about mystery, humor, and just a raw appeal that had me searching out his scenes in this book. Book three can’t come soon enough. The plot was good in this book, and the high action scenes were my favorite. I did feel like some of the moments that should have had me on the edge of my seat fell a little flat for me, but it would soon pick back up and my heart would be racing again. I’m curious to see how things in this book might tie into book three. I adore The Manor series because it’s classic Brynne Asher writing that’s so, so good, but also new and reviving at the same time. It’s hard to explain, but I love all of it, and I love that the connections remain strong with our previous characters that we’ve gotten to know and love. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes some suspense with their steamy romance and a found family that keeps growing. ♡
Filed under: Kidney transplants, human trafficking takedowns, crossover chaos, and medically cleared smut.
Jett & Lennon. And when I tell you this one hit every single emotional lever? I mean it.
Jett Parker Cross, medically discharged from the military and battling polycystic kidney disease, is not your typical broody alpha. He’s vulnerable in a way that feels earned. His sister Harlow (yes, from Beautiful Revenge) donates her kidney, and that thread of family loyalty runs deep through the entire book. The transplant arc isn’t just background angst. It shapes his choices, his pacing, even the tension in intimate moments.
Lennon? My girl survived six years of literal hell.
Trafficked by her own father to pay off gambling debts. Forced to live and work on a yacht. Escapes with jewels like the quiet, strategic queen she is. Virgin at twenty-five not because she’s naïve, but because survival left no room for softness. Brynne writes her with grit, not fragility.
And then the crossover chaos begins.
Brax. King. The crew. When they move against Andrei, the payoff is cinematic. The setup confrontation scene? Chef’s kiss. But the real gut punch is when Lennon’s father, whom she believed dead, shows up. Not dead. Just a human trafficker with unfinished business.
Andrei gets arrested. Reed (trash father of the century) comes after Lennon to “fix” what she ruined. Snow crash scene. Gun fight. Jett fighting for control. Reed dies two days later in the hospital.
High-stakes romance done right.
Meanwhile, because Brynne said “let’s add more pressure,” there’s corporate sabotage happening at Jett and Harlow’s dad’s company. Insider betrayal. Attempted murder. No loose ends. Every plot thread is addressed. No gaps. No lazy wrap-ups.
And then we get the levity.
At Jett’s transplant follow-up appointment, the doctor clears him to drive, as long as he’s off narcotics. He is. Lennon immediately tells on him for stealing her car. (The same car she stole to escape Andrei. Irony lives here.)
Jett: shocked betrayal.
Then the doctor clears him for sex.
Lennon turns red. Doctor laughs. Jett is scandalized.
On the way out: “You told on me for driving and having sex. I thought I could trust you.”
Lennon, mortified: “Sorry about the sex part. That was embarrassing and I couldn’t control it… You did steal my car.”
The banter is effortless. Earned. Human.
And the “Jett Parker Cross” full-name moment from a crossover character? I ate it up. When she drops his full name with that sly smirk and says she has no regrets? That’s intimacy. That’s inside-joke energy. That’s story chemistry.
What I loved most:
Trauma handled without turning Lennon into a perpetual victim
Medical realism woven into romantic pacing
Crossover characters used strategically, not as gimmicks
Every major plot thread tied up cleanly
Humor that balances the heaviness
Brynne Asher writes men who are protective without being suffocating and women who are strong without being hardened beyond repair.
This is romantic suspense done with heart.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ + ½ (Spice is meaningful, not gratuitous.) (Also, there is no an emoji for 1/2 of a chili pepper.) 🫣 (Suspense level appropriately tense.)
What is there to say about Jett and Lennon? So much action from the first page to the last, my head was SPINNING!!
I have to say Jett may be one of my favorite MMC's this year, I have a big thing for guys that are DOWN BAD for the Woman in their life!! He's just so special from telling Lennon to spread her peacock feathers in her brand new (to her) crimson dress and be the best bada$$ she can be to saving her life more than once when people on both sides try to take them down.
Lennon is special, a super kind of special in that she never gives up. It would have been so easy for her to give up, and let the ugliness in her life just roll on over her, but she's not about that - and even while doing that she maintains her softness. With her friend Felicity, with Jett, with her work, Lennon is just the sweetest strongest Woman, my very favorite kind.
Crimson Love is one of my favorites in a while by Brynne Asher, but I promise you if she's writing it, I'm reading it! And if you haven't read her yet, you're completely missing out!!
No word yet which couple is coming next for Winslet, but I'm holding out hope for Payne (the attorney), or Chief Moretti! Make sure you make the time to read Crimson Love, and start with Beautiful Revenge if you haven't gotten there yet, both are hot, fast-paced, five star reads that will keep you warm during these cold, winter months!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review *
Brynne is one of my favourite authors and I couldn't wait to read this book. The storyline was great, the pacing was good, the characters were interesting and both had depth. Jett Parker Cross (what a name!) was a dream guy, Lennon was a solid fmc considering all the trauma she went through. The spice was good. The humour was excellent! In fact, the first 100 or so pages made me laugh out loud so many times, it reminded me of Brynne's novella Blackburn, which was hilarious at parts.
I loved that she took her time with getting Jett and Lennon together. It made it so much more interesting to read and more believable. The slow progression from dislike, to friendly, to liking eachother is one of Brynne's specialties.
Another thing I love about it is all the crossovers with other beloved characters and their books. The way i screamed when Crew, Brax and King were first mentioned, and then Eli, Ozzy, and my book husband Jarvis!
Overall, a solid four stars from me. Looking forward to the next book.
I honestly thought I was still in love with Devon… but then along comes Jett Parker Cross (what a NAME!!!) and I am done for. Protector. Big, bad alpha. Fully prepared to end anyone who even looks at Lennon the wrong way. And the fact he’s recovering from major surgery and STILL radiates pure alpha energy?! Obsessed.
We met Jett in Beautiful Revenge, Harlow’s secret half brother, but this is his moment — and he owns it. He’s grumpy, guarded, intense, and so fiercely protective it hurts. He doesn’t do soft… except when it comes to Lennon and his new sister. And those moments? They got me.
And Lennon. I loved her. She comes to Winslet to escape a truly horrific situation, and instead of breaking, she does what she has to do to protect herself. She’s strong without being hard. Brave without being reckless. And even after everything she’s been through, she’s still kind. Still thoughtful. Still sweet with the people around her. That balance made me love her even more.
The slow burn between them is EVERYTHING. The tension. The looks. The “don’t touch her” energy. The quiet moments when walls start to crack. When it finally shifts? It hits hard!!!
I also loved the little cameos from some of our favourite Brynne characters — it makes The Manor world feel so connected and real. And the humour woven through the heavier moments is exactly why I love Brynne’s writing so much. She gives us danger and emotion, but she also gives us warmth.
Jet and Lennon together just work. Protective alpha + strong, resilient heroine is my absolute weakness.
I am fully in a book hangover and only book 3 will cure it!!!
If you loved Beautiful Revenge, you NEED Crimson Love.
Crimson Love (The Manor Book 2) By @brynneasher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ We first met Jett Cross briefly in Book 1. A newfound sibling of Harlow (Book 1), all we know is he needs a kidney transplant. Waking from surgery, he's unsure about his future, his health, his newfound family. Turns out Jett is the sweetest, most protective, former special forces operative, and alpha you look for an a MMC. SWOON!!!!!
Lennon Shaw is the new general manager at The Manor. She's a mystery. When she starts getting threatening texts, she knows it's time to move on which is easier said than done. Jett gets involved and things seem to get way worse day by day.
This book is full of intrigue and plot twists that'll have your head spinning. The book is well written with banter, steam, and humor that will have you hooked from the start. Bring on Book 3!
Crimson Love is the second book in The Manor series by Brynne Asher, and I honestly think I loved this one even more than the first, which is rare for me. Usually, that first book is what hooks me on a series and keeps me coming back for more of that couple and any little interaction I can get with them.
But Jett and Lennon had a chemistry so bright, and a story so heartbreaking yet full of perseverance, love, and most of all, acceptance. This book felt like a fresh start, full of firsts, healing, and imagining a future you never thought you’d get to have. They both fought so hard individually to get where they are, and when they finally found each other, it was like watching two missing puzzle pieces click into place. I loved getting to know them both on their own and as a couple.
I highly recommend this book. Brynne Asher has a way of pulling you in and keeping you there. Her plot twists are some of the best I’ve read in the romance genre, and she always keeps you guessing. You won’t go wrong picking this one up.
FMC: Lennon Shaw MMC: Jett Parker Cross Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Pages: 446 Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Former Special Forces MMC, woman-on-the-run, Small Town Romance, Man Obsessed, Virgin FMC Setting: Winslet, CO
Thoughts: I liked this book. It was fun and light and interesting. I found it to be a little on the cheesy side, which is why it wasn’t a five star read for me. I liked the romance between Jett and Lennon and the way Jett was obsessed with Lennon so quickly. There was a lot going on with both Lennon and Jett and it made for some good twists. Lennon’s secret was not what I was expecting and I liked the way Jett handled it. He really showed Lennon she could trust and rely on him. Overall, this was a good book. It was one I enjoyed from beginning to end and one that had a good amount of suspense and mystery threaded throughout.
30 pages in and I was well and truly hooked. The next time I looked up? I was halfway through. This book just absorbed me right into Winslet. This small mountain town and its people as well as this amazing manor has only gotten better since our first visit. I want these people to be my neighbors!
Jett and Lennon’s first meeting? So good. I knew that there was something dark in Lennon’s past, but never would have ever guessed what it was. Jett is so much more and better than I expected. I love watching the both of them settle into their new futures - while finding the bad guys and solving the mysteries. And getting to spend some more time with Devon and Harlow? Bonus!
And all the connections! I swear, I let out a few squeals of delight when certain names were mentioned. I loved everything about this book. I honestly can’t wait to read it again. And then I can’t wait for the next book to come out (no pressure though)!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Crimson Love picks up right after the end of Beautiful Revenge so any questions you were probably left with will be resolved. I felt a little like I was being lulled into a false sense of calm with this story compared to the usual action packed plots of Brynne's books but I was proven wrong in the end. There was no question about how Jett is clearly going to be a great asset to the original dark and broody scooby gang from the very first page (petition to formalise the Winslet office) and Lennon is a different twist to our usual FMCs I expect her to continue to grow in The Manor series. Crimson Love ticks so many boxes of difficult situations, found family and putting trust in others.
I can't wait for more Winslet grandma mafia antics.
Crimson Love is the kind of romance that grabs you by the heart from page one and never loosens its hold. Brynne Asher blends danger, devotion, and vulnerability with such effortless grace that you don’t just read this story—you feel it. What makes this book shine is the emotional honesty woven through every chapter. These characters aren’t perfect, but they love with a kind of raw, unguarded intensity that feels both intimate and deeply human. Their connection is magnetic, their chemistry undeniable, and their quiet moments together? Those are the ones that linger long after you close the book. Asher excels at writing protective, grounded heroes and heroines who carry both strength and softness. Together, they build a love that feels earned, steady, and powerful—something forged in trust, tested by danger, and strengthened by choice. The suspense adds a sharp edge, the romance adds warmth, and the found‑family threads wrap around you like a promise. It’s a story that balances heat with heart, action with tenderness, and passion with purpose. Crimson Love is more than a romance—it’s a reminder of how transformative it is to be truly seen and fiercely loved. A beautiful, gripping, five‑star read.
I am so tired of MMC being laser focused and triumphant when they find out the FMC is a virgin. Setting aside for now. I'll probably finish because crossover characters are coming and BA is one of my top 5 reread authors. It might just be my mood toward men right now. Maybe I should read hard sci-fi for a while.
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 •Storyline: ⭐⭐️⭐⭐️.5/5 •Duet Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5 🎙️ Emma Wilder and JF Harding •Spice Level: 🌶🌶️/ 5
•Trope: Age Gap Girl on the run Slow burn Protective Hero Close Proximity Fake Relationship
Series: The Manor book #2 Quote:
• THOUGHTS: Jett Parker Cross and Lennon Shaw are perfect! they compliment each other so well! I loved watching how this couples story unfolds! Lennon my goodness that poor girl was dealt a crappy hand, but her strength and determination is priceless. Jett and Lennon both face extreme challenges in their life, their paths cross and they are connected they seem to have this tie. that keeps drawing them together. Crimson love is full of surprises!! Twists and turns and to be very honest. I did not want this gem to ever end! I loved it and highly recommend this book!
Oookkaayy, narrator chat time: JF and Emma what a freaking pairing and in duet. sigh.... my heart is so happy. I absolutely love these two and they both did an amazing job being Lennon and Jett to life. I can listen to this book over and over again! High recommend!!
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : suspense romance x almost small town romance x toxic family x modern slavery plot x business intrigue x damsel in distress x ex military hero x spicy
Une romance à suspense forte en rebondissements que j’ai lu avec plaisir
Après le tome sur Harlow, j’avais hâte de lire le livre de son frère récemment découvert, Jett et dès le début du livre, on reprend immédiatement à la fin du précédent tome quand Jett sort de l’hôpital après son opération !
Les personnages étaient attachants, la romance mignonne mais c’est surtout l’intrigue bien tordue avec le passé de Lennon ET le futur de Jett qui m’a passionnée ! J’ai adoré tous les retournements de situation (et revoir tous les anciens personnages des autres livres de Brynne Asher !)
Ce n’est pas un coup de cœur (contrairement au premier tome Beautiful Revenge que je vais d’ailleurs relire =D) car même si la romance était sympa, il me manquait un petit je-ne-sais-quoi en plus et j’aurais voulu peut-être quelque chose de plus profond et développé pour la romance !
Bref, une romance à suspense sexy et mignonne que j’ai lu avec plaisir
PS : je veux TEEEELLEMENT un livre avec le shérif ET avec l’avocat <3
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A suspense romance full of twists and turns that I thoroughly enjoyed
After reading Harlow's book, I was eager to read the book about her recently discovered brother, Jett, and right from the start, we pick up right where the previous book left off, with Jett leaving the hospital after his surgery !
The characters were endearing, the romance sweet, but it was the wonderfully twisted plot involving Lennon's past AND Jett's future that truly captivated me ! I loved all the plot twists (and seeing all the familiar characters from Brynne Asher's other books again !)
It's not a favorite (unlike the first book, Beautiful Revenge, which I'm actually going to reread =D) because even though the romance was enjoyable, it lacked a certain something, and I would have liked something deeper and more developed !
In short, a sexy and cute suspense romance novel that I thoroughly enjoyed
PS : I REALLY want a book with the sheriff AND the lawyer <3
Wow! Talk about a page turner. Crimson Love is the second book in the Manor series, and it was an emotional doozy. This one focuses on Lennon and Jett’s story, and after getting a few snippets of their introduction in book 1, I was so excited to see their match unfold.
In Beautiful Revenge, we learn that Lennon was going to be working as the general manager at the Manor on a temporary basis, she comes across as someone who truly needed the job. Now, we are given her full story and finally understand who she really is. I was heartbroken by everything Lennon had endured in her young life. Despite it all, she remains strong, resilient and determined to move forward.
Jett Parker Cross is a former special forces soldier who had to give up the Army after being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. His entire life changes when he begins researching a family history he knew nothing about. Now, he is this small town of Winslet recovering after receiving a kidney from his newly discovered sister.
Both Jett and Lennon finds themselves at the Manor, each trying to rebuild their new lives. Their initial meeting leaves a lasting (and painful) impression, and the banter and chemistry between them slowly build as Lennon begins to open up to Jett. She carries secrets and her fears are well-justified, but once Jett learns her full story, his need to protect intensifies and is completely all in.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way Jett loves Lennon, and the open and unwavering support they give to each other was absolutely top-notch. The cameo appearances from previous books by this author are always such a treat, making this another must-read addition to the series.
Crimson Love by Brynne Asher takes us through an emotional and action packed rollercoaster. Jett and Lennon's paths collided in the most unexpected way but they were made for each other. Lennon is such an inspiring and strong character. She went through absolute darkness and clawed her way out of that hell hole. Jett Cross has found a second chance at his life and a new family he never knew to exist. And he won't live in regret. Protecting Lennon is his only mission and he will do it at any cost. I was engrossed in the pages as secrets unfold and dangerous enemies chase them. And we had an epic happily ever after.
❤ Woman on the run 🖤 One Bed ❤ Forced Proximity 🖤 Military Hero ❤ She steals the jewels 🖤 Newfound family ❤ Organ transplant 🖤 Tortured Hero ❤ He steals her car
We are back at The Manor. The new manager of the Manor, Lennon Shaw is running from the evil man who kept her hostage in a boat and forced to work for him( not upto that level). She needs this job. And accidentally knocking down the owner's brother in law who is recovering from the kidney transplant isn't exactly nice. She apologies even when Jett tells him that it's unnecessary. But he won't stay back when he comes to know that she is in danger. She is used to do everything herself so this is a hopeful and terrifying experience for her. Can she trust him?
I love all Brynne Asher alpha heroes. And Jett is no exception. He never wanted the money or notoriety that comes with his new found rich family. But its his legacy. Army has definitely messed up him a bit but his illness and the shock of finding that he has a whole family were more devastating. It didnt stop him from going full on jealous possessive mode for Lennon. She was hesitant and scared and a bit lost. But slowly Jett earned her trust. She never had anyone standing by her side like Jett is. He makes her safe and cherished for the very first time. The secondary characters in this book is just amazing. All my favorite people from other universe of Brynne made a cameo and that was super exciting. The suspense was so well balanced and well executed. Jett and Lennon are both a bit of broken but together they are beautiful.
Crimson Love is the second book in The Manor series set in the small town of Winslet.
I really liked Jett and how he embraced and learned to love his new family. Finding out you have a sister and meeting the father who had no idea you existed had to have been tough. However Jett took it in stride and grew closer to them as the story progressed. His interactions with Lennon were sweet too. Jett is the one who pursued their relationship at first, and he was able to slowly make Lennon feel safe around him and realize she could trust him.
Lennon’s past was terrible. Her dad was awful. The more I learned about her past, I found her strength and determination admirable and felt she should be proud of her decision to move forward and make a new life for herself.
Both Jett and Lennon have things happening in their lives, but I wont add any spoilers other than confirming they stay strong together and fight for a future.
Although this story could technically be read as a standalone, you’d miss a lot of backstory about Jett’s sister Harlow and fiancé Devon if you don’t read the first book. In addition to those characters, we also get to see characters from some of this author’s other series who I love, and it was great watching them all working together to discover the identity of the bad guy(s).
Brynne Asher has become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what she gives us next.
I absolutely loved Lennon and Jett’s story. Jett is Harlow’s half brother and an Army veteran. He was medically discharged due to kidney disease and had been trying to get in touch with his new found family to get a kidney match. Luckily, Harper was a match and gave him her kidney for a transplant. Lennon is the new manager at Winslet, but their paths cross when she physically crashes into him. Her shady was comes to light that her father tricked her into getting on his friend’s yacht when she was 19 and was held there for 6 years as a servant. She thought her father was killed, but he ended up alive. She finally escaped the boat and killed the Captain in the process, stole cash, jewels and a beat up car to escape. Andrew the owner of the yacht found her at Winslet, but Jett and Devon ran him off premises. In the meantime, Harlow and Jett’s father, Patrick give Jett a Trust Fund and a place on the board of the company. Some members were not happy. Between the bad people after Lennon and the bad people after Jett, the two were dodging hits left and right. Lennon’s father ended up getting killed after all. This was a very good, well written story that had a lot of humorous moments and action and steam. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was a bit long and a bit wordy, but overall had enough going for it with Jett and Lennon to keep me interested and involved in the story. Jett was mentioned in the first novel right at the end so it seemed appropriate he would get his book. His issues with being alive after receiving a kidney from Harlow, his 1/2 sister and not being on death's door was a nice twist in this novel where the author took the time to really get into the head of a organ transplant recipient. Then you factor in that he and Harlow then become recipients of their fathers' business and wealth and the hot and cold relationship with Lennon, made for a trifecta of emotions. It definitely is a slow burn love story and a plot that may develop too slowly for some readers, but there is enough "drama" and threats and poisonings that should keep most readers entertained.
Lennon is running from her father that will do anything to shut her up due to her knowledge of his criminal and corrupt activities that involved her and other young women She has her own trauma associated with her captivity and baggage that she and Jett finally share. Her life is threatened during several occasions during the book and is hospitalized with a life threatening toxin as well as car accidents. Lennon's history is finally disclosed with Jett becoming very protective of her while they try to catch her father and his hired thugs. It's sweet in places, but also gives most readers enough heat between she and Jett to keep things interesting.
I really liked the epilogue five years later in seeing how far Jett and Lennon had come.
First, get ready to blurt out things like, “Hey, I remember them!” frequently. Because the world is small and the tie-ins are sometimes hilariously obvious and sometimes subtle. But they’re there.
Second, you think you know what’s coming. You don’t. Lennon is hiding secrets that I can honestly say I didn’t completely expect and the way her truths are slowly pulled into the light? Masterful. She’s also strong and stubborn and so scared, but doesn’t let it show to most. In fact, she keeps herself locked up so tightly that Jett is lucky to find the way past her walls to her heart.
Third, Jett. He’s beyond what I expected, and I dared to hope for a lot with him. He’s funny, a bit criminal when the occasion calls for it, possessive, funny, realistic, and dates to do the unthinkable: communicate. Yup. He’s all about sharing honesty and making sure Lennon is with him every step of the way.
It’s hard not to love these two. It’s even harder not to love some of the residents of this town. Even when it all seems to fall apart, everyone steps up or steps in as needed. And the love that is shared makes it all that much better.
So now, I wait. I wonder who’s next. And I hope. Because why wouldn’t I?
Crimson Love delivers exactly what Brynne Asher does best, high-stakes romantic suspense wrapped in emotional intensity and undeniable chemistry. From the first pages, the story pulls you into a world where danger and desire collide, and it never really lets go.
Lennon is a compelling heroine, haunted by a past that refuses to stay buried. Jett Parker Cross is the kind of hero Asher excels at writing, broody, capable, fiercely protective, and far more emotionally layered than he initially lets on. Their connection ignites under pressure, and the forced proximity only heightens both the tension and the heat.
What really stands out is the balance between suspense and romance. The external threat keeps the plot moving at a brisk pace, while the emotional journey between Lennon and Jett feels earned and deeply satisfying. The Manor setting adds a luxe yet dangerous backdrop that enhances the story’s intensity without overshadowing the characters.
This book is steamy, emotionally charged, and full of heart. If you enjoy romantic suspense with protective heroes, strong heroines, and a romance forged under fire, Crimson Love is a must-read. Brynne Asher once again proves why she’s a go-to author for readers who want both passion and plot.