I'm the youngest. The one with the most potential. My brothers have plans for me. Trouble is, I've got my own plans, and they're not going to like them....
DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
I can't thank you enough for taking this journey with me. Foster Bro Code has been such a special series. I love exploring the themes of loyalty that surpasses bio relations, of lost boys making a pact to always be brothers to one another, for making a family of unconditional love and support, even with all the normal conflict of living and working together.
The guys in the Foster Bro series aren't perfect. How could they be? Holden is a control freak by necessity with his history of abuse and touch-aversion. Axel acts out because he fears abandonment, and deep down that fear never goes away, it just eases with time and trust. Gray has to rebuild trust with his brothers for running away after their foster dad found out he was gay--and he's secretly afraid of letting them down again. And Bailey, sweet, young, better-adjusted Bailey, has had to carry the burden of their hopes and expectations while living in the shadow of their trauma his whole life.
Flynn brought a dimension to Problem Child that explored regret and guilt. Even when acting to help his brother, ostensibly doing the right thing, the fallout was huge. And he has to live with that. Has to live with the ways that prison changed him and shaped him. Has to wonder if he can ever be worthy of someone good and untarnished, like Bailey.
This is a story of the heart for me. As the last book of the Foster Bro Code, I sincerely hope I did it and the whole family justice.
I look forward to continuing to explore Riverton and the Redemption Road ex-cons who are also trying to rebuild their lives like Flynn. This won't be the last we see of the foster bros. I'm not ready to totally let them go.
The action was non-stop, the tension was so good, and the relationship between Bailey and Flynn was adorable once they finally got together.
The found family is so strong in this series, which I love. I also really liked the plot point with Bailey and university not being the right fit for him. It feels kind of rare to see that option shown in books with characters in that age group!
I also really liked the intros to the spin-off series' too. Thirsty U sounds like it's going to be really fun, but I'm most excited for the Redemption Road series so we can find out more about Knight and hopefully the rest of the guys too!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
This series has been hit or miss for me. I loved Holden’s book and liked Axel’s but I couldn’t finish Gray’s. I still adored this family and their bond. I was excited for Bailey’s story but I felt a bit bored.
I loved Bailey and Flynn together, they were sweet and a perfect match. I didn’t like how everyone thought they were owed an explanation of why Flynn was in jail. They accepted him as a co-worker but were upset he didn’t tell them what he was in jail for. That was his business and they made him feel bad for not telling them.
I also thought the issue with Snake was a bit uneventful. I thought the other books had better conflicts. I did love meeting the other men in the Redemption group and I’m looking forward to their stories.
I really liked it. While Holden's book is still holding the prize as my favorite in the series, I really like both Bailey and Flynn and their story was a cute ending to the series. I don't love age gaps and power imbalance, so I was worried it would sour the story for me, but D.J. managed to set the characters in a way where at no point was Flynn's age or baggage or Bailey's position as "technically one of the owners" skewing things in favor of one or the other. I really appreciate that.
I was so happy to finally be able to read Bailey's book! As the youngest, Bailey is used to being babied by his older brothers, especially Holden who is more like a father figure. All Holden does is bring up how proud he is that Bailey is going to go off to college to make something of himself. It's not easy when you know that the life you want isn't what your family hoped for you. Thankfully, Bailey is wise beyond his years, even if he still gets into shuffles over pool hustling.
Flynn was such a softie and I loved how sweet he was with Bailey when they finally gave into their feelings for one another. I honestly thought Flynn was going to push back harder, but he surprised me. I guess his feelings for Bailey were more serious than I thought and that it wasn't just Bailey pining away in that garage. It was important to Bailey to be treated like an adult who knew his own mind and I liked how Flynn respected that boundary and made sure to try and be a real partner, not just a caretaker.
These two were honestly just so sweet and it was such a joy reading about them, though this book does hit on some darker points at times. We are introduced to a new group of men through Flynn and his parole program and I am excited that they are slated to be the MCs of this authors next series! Based off who the MCs are for book 1, I am thinking we will still be seeing plenty of Bailey and Flynn in the future!
Copy received via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review
I have enjoyed the Foster Bro Code series, and it is always bittersweet when a series end.
The books have been a bit of a rollercoaster, and I have liked some books a bit more than others.
I was looking forward to baby Bailey's story, and whilst I really did like it, to me I felt like it dragged a little bit?
There was plenty going on, but at the same time it didn't. I like Bailey and Flynn together. I love the brothers.
The "drama" of this installment though, with Snake just fell flat. There was a lot of hype and build up, and then when it came to a head, it just... well, it just was.
I enjoyed seeing all the brothers and their partners, where their lives were at. And the puppers. All the puppers!
I look forward to what DJ Jamison brings us in the future.
I loved Bailey & Flynn!!! This story was the perfect ending to the Foster bro Code series. What a wonderful, supportive family DJ Jamison had given us with this series.I loved how in all the books, all the brothers play a big role in them & we see parts of their lives still. Bailey really grew up alot in this book & fought for what he wanted & I love that for him. Flynn was the absolute sweetest & proved how loyal he was. He deserved his HEA with Bailey. As sad as i am to see this series come to an end, I am extremely excited for the Redemption Road series.
The youngest foster brother finally gets his HEA with Flynn Donovan — a rugged ex-con with a soft heart beneath his tough, giant exterior. This is a sweet, steamy, found-family romance with plenty of emotional depth, swoony romance and heat.
Bailey heads to college, trying to carve out his own path (reluctantly) away from the family auto shop, towards Holden’s plans for him. He’s young, kinda wild, and pretty sure the college life isn’t for him. He wants to be brave enough to get his guy AND tell his brothers what he really wants for his life. Flynn is trying to start over after 7 years in prison protecting someone he loves. He’s afraid he isn’t good enough: for Bailey, as an employee or a brother.
This read was a great series finale and lucky for us, DJ says we’re going to be seeing our fave bros in her next series featuring Flynn’s (and Matteo’s) fellow ex-cons!
Problem Child by D. J. Jamison is the 4th book in her Foster Bro Code series. I suggest that you read the others first in order to understand this found family, how they came to be, and the backstories of other important characters in this book. This is the story of the youngest brother and how he is trying to please his family but knows that what he wants isn’t what they want, and how he falls in love with an ex-con who is now working for them who doesn’t think he’s good enough for him. Bailey Steele is the youngest brother in a group of foster brothers that have formed a family. Their foster father fell apart after his wife died and was somewhat abusive to them but he did leave them Forrester Bros Body Shop to them where Holden, the oldest, and Gray work while their other brother, Axel, runs the adjacent junk yard. Each of them has found their partner and are very happy. Bailey worked at the body shop as he was growing up and knew it was where he wanted to be, but Holden had raised enough money for him to go to college so he could be more than they could be, especially since he was smart. He was attending Thurston College which was 2 hours from Riverton where they lived. The only problem was that he was struggling with the courses to become an engineer and hated it, especially since he didn’t seem to fit in, and he knew that being a mechanic was what he wanted to do but he couldn’t disappoint Holden, so he kept halfheartedly persevering. Flynn Donovan had been incarcerated for 7 years after an incident involving his brother, Aiden. He learned what it was like in prison and it changed him, as it would anyone, but he knew he never wanted to go back and would do whatever it took to stay out. He was part of Redemption Road, a group founded by his former cellmate, that gave second chances to ex-cons as they came out of prison. He first got a job with Axel at the junk yard and when Bailey went to college he went to the body shop, got certified as a mechanic, and took his place. He wasn’t as talented as Bailey but he worked hard and had hopes that he would be hired full time once his parole has ended. Bailey has always been attracted to Flynn but at 19 he’s only seen as the little brother. Flynn is also attracted to him but being 28 thinks he is too old for him, and he carries the guilt of what he did to land in prison with him constantly and doesn’t think he’s good enough for him. Aiden attends college at Thurston and is studying to be a doctor and when Flynn went to see him Bailey saw them coming out of the coffee shop. They decide to have coffee and Bailey tells him how out of place he feels and that he’s not on the right path and lonely. When he returns to Riverton, he goes to the pool hall and hustles 2 guys who then get in a fight with him. Luckily Flynn was there and stops it. He takes him back to his apartment where their feelings for each other finally come to a head and they kiss. Flynn tries to stop Bailey by telling him why he went to prison but Bailey sees what really happened and likes him even more. As time goes on they become closer and have some steamy love scenes and then declare that what they have is real and that they want to be together. They keep it from his brothers for a while, but it does come out after he gets picked up by the police after a drag race. He has time to think before Holden and Flynn come for him and he finally tells Holden how he feels about school and what he wants to do. Flynn also proves his loyalty to Bailey and the family when he stops someone from breaking into the junk yard at the cost of everything coming out that could turn them against him. But Holden and the rest of the brothers see Flynn for who he is and that he is part of their family which makes him very happy. He and Bailey declare their love for each other and their found family and all of them know that they are connected by love. I really enjoyed this book as I did the others in the series. This is a group of brothers who love each other and are bound by their pasts. Bailey has always been teased about being the youngest and he knows what he wants which is Flynn and to be with his brothers and work at the shop, but he doesn’t want to disappoint Holden and all he did for him so he sticks out college. Flynn is bound to his past and thinks that he isn’t good enough for Bailey and has to be constantly told that that past is behind him and that he is good and worthy. It takes a while for him to finally believe this, but he knows he loves Bailey and his job and wants to keep both of them. The brothers are very important in the story as are the members of Redemption Road and there is some suspense when the junk yard is broken in to, but it just helps Flynn’s case that he is a good person. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories involving found family, a young man who has to figure out what he wants in life, an ex-con trying to prove himself, and how they fall in love and find what they really want together.
It’s always a bittersweet feeling when you reach the end of a series, but Bailey and Flynn were so sweet together that it felt like a really good place to leave this series and its characters. I’m really going to miss them, though…
Problem child is the fourth book in the Foster Bro Code series, and I would recommend reading it in order. But you will not have too much of a problem if you don’t, just spoilers for previous books. 😉
But let’s get back to Bailey an Flynn. I really love that their relationship develops from friendship and trust rather than instant attraction…although there was a bit of that from the beginning too. 😁 Their dynamic is so sweet! 🥹 Bailey being persistent but without overstepping…much. And Flynn’s hesitation, that came from his insecurity being an ex-con rather than some unnecessary drama, was a breath of fresh air. They matched perfectly and I loved how supportive of each other they are. But what I really enjoyed is the emotional arcs for both Bailey and Flynn.
Bailey’s struggle with family expectations (especially Holden’s) and the pressure to follow a path that does not quite fit him was something that I feel is relatable for a lot of people. It felt really honest in showing that college is not the right choice for everyone. While it can be for most (me included), I am really happy for, and a little envious of, people who figure out early in life what they what to be “when they grow up”. Also, Flynn’s redemption arc is, in my opinion, handled thoughtfully. It allowed space for his past and trauma but without letting it completely define him. It’s tricky to find that balance, but I feel that it was very much achieved here. I loved his caretaker nature and the way he always wants what’s best for his loved ones, be that his brother or Bailey. My heart ached for him and all he’s been through. 🥺
All in all, it’s easy to believe Bailey and Flynn are a couple that’s built to last.
Also one of the things I immensely enjoyed in this series is the found family this brothers created. ❤️ I loved how that only grew more and more in each book. The brothers, and their love and protectiveness for each other, and their loved ones, really warms my heart and soul.
The book does touch some darker themes, but it still feels really hopeful…and did I mentioned how sweet it is? 😁 There’s also a setup for future stories…well, a new spin-off series to be exact, and I can’t wait for the first book!
I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
it’s like each book in this series has me going “no, wait, now this one is my favorite” 🥰
I always appreciate so hard that the main characters in Jamison’s books always have their own journeys/arcs independent of the romance plot line. The romance is important, but it doesn’t consume the characters—they are still whole people even when they’re not making out in cars or getting frustrated that love doesn’t magically make a massive d*ck fit just because the characters want it to (it’s a good thing Flynn is patient, because if the choice was all Bailey’s, he’d have put himself in the hospital trying to defy physics lol) ALSO that we don’t do miscommunication trope or pointless-3rd-act-breakup trope.
Bailey is a cinnamon roll who wants to be badass. and he is (in his own way), but ultimately he deeply loves his family—which makes his journey to self-actualization so difficult. The pressure of not wanting to disappoint your family is *heavy*, and he’s got the additional familial/financial circumstances on top of that, too. I absolutely relate to Holden wanting the best success for his younger brother, but couldn’t help rooting for Bailey to ditch school lol he’s just as passionate as his brothers though and even though he’s younger, his book fits right in with the others in this series
Initially I wasn’t sure if I’d like Flynn—I didn’t dislike him in the previous books, I just didn’t know if I’d like reading from his POV or if I’d genuinely be rooting for him and Bailey. He got me, though—earnest characters get me, especially when they learn to love/believe in/forgive themselves through found family loving them. And I definitely didn’t expect to relate so hard to how much he wants acceptance and love while simultaneously telling himself he doesn’t deserve it. He also knows how to take care of other people without getting bossy, which I appreciate personally but also really works here because Bailey already has an overbearing father-figure lol
Flynn and Bailey are absolutely the right fit for each other; the right balance of wholesomeness spice and character development/plot; these were the exact vibes I needed right now but I know I’ll love it just as much on a reread.
I received an ARC from the author, I am voluntarily rating&reviewing, this has not impacted my review in any way (except for timing ofc)
This is the fourth and final book in DJ Jamison’s Foster Bro Code series. It’s bittersweet to be at the end, but I’m so happy we get to see Bailey and Flynn’s story! This age-gap romance is really touching. The found family vibes are strong in this one!
Flynn is 28 years old and an ex-con. He’s working at Forrester Bros Auto Shop and dealing with the guilt of the cause that landed him in prison. Flynn is huge in size, but he’s actually gentler than he has to present himself at times. He has a good heart and is protective of those he cares about.
Bailey is 19 years old, the youngest brother at Forrester Bros Auto Shop, and a newly established college student. He feels out of place at school, but is trying his best, because of how hard Holden and his other foster brothers worked to get him there. Bailey is a mechanic at heart and loves solving technical problems.
Bailey has had a crush on Flynn for a while. Flynn struggles with feelings of unworthiness, so he initially resists the pull between Flynn and himself. Bailey is persistent though, and goes after what he wants. I appreciate that Bailey and Flynn can lean on one another in this story. They confide in one another and their connection only intensifies. I also appreciate the care and concern with which both MCs show each other. Both men treat each other with respect and admiration. Their relationship and chemistry is really sweet. (Flynn isn’t the worst thing he’s done, though it takes a while for him to learn that). Their HEA is well deserved and hard-earned.
It’s lovely seeing the other brothers in this series and their beaus. It’s interesting seeing Matteo and the other Redemption Road members. (I’m intrigued by Ghost). It was great seeing Aiden, Flynn’s brother in this story as well. (Side note: I adored seeing all of the foster brothers bring Flynn into the fold).
Jamison sets up a new series (or two) in this book. So we will have plenty of fantastic stories to read from her in the future. In the meantime, check this one out when it releases on January 28th.
It’s finally Bailey’s turn! I’ve been looking forward to his story and to see if he finally gets his chance with Flynn. Bailey loves his brothers. He knows the sacrifices they have made for each other and especially for him. So there is not much he wouldn’t do for them. Even if that means going to college when he very much doesn’t want to and leaving the guy he has a major crush on behind. But he doesn’t want to disappoint his brothers and Flynn has yet to give in to Bailey’s flirting. But college is turning out exactly how Bailey thought it would but there is an upside… things are changing between him and Flynn. And the more they spend time together and open up to one another, the harder Bailey falls. Flynn has been working hard in the Redemption Program to turn his life around after spending the last seven years in prison. He doesn’t want to do anything jeopardize it. And falling for the boss’s youngest brother is definitely not a good idea. But he can only resist Bailey for so long. Flynn knows Bailey deserves better but even when he does to push Bailey away, Bailey won’t let him go. Not without a fight. It makes him realize just how much he cares for Bailey and that fighting for him is worth everything. I loved these two! They were perfect for one another. These two have been through a lot in their lives, very different things, but still things that really tested who they were. Flynn is always so hard on himself and I loved that Bailey could be the one to reassure him that him and his brothers care about him and have his back. And that Bailey wasn’t letting him go. And for Bailey, Flynn never treated him like a kid and was there to listen to what he wanted. I loved that their foundation was friends and how they were able to eventually let themselves be more than that. Such a satisfying way to end this particular series! But I can’t wait to get the stories we got a small peek of. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these guys at all!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a pretty good idea of who had turned Bailey's head in the prior books in this series, but it was wonderful watching him and Flynn fall head over heels in love first-hand. I've always loved a redemption arc, and for an ex-con like Flynn who didn't think he deserved happiness, it was especially sweet. Bailey was persistent but not pushy about his pursuit of the man, and I enjoyed seeing him convince Flynn to give them a chance. The two had a strong friendship after months of working at the auto shop together that served as a foundation for their romantic chemistry to build. Bailey was struggling with wanting to live up to his brother's hopes and dreams for him when they didn't align with his own passions. Flynn served as a sounding board for Bailey as he was working through what he wanted, and in turn Bailey became the person Flynn could talk to about anything, including the trauma behind the reason he went to prison. It made me so happy to see the two of them cozied up and exploring their attraction, and it didn't take long for me to be certain theirs was a forever kind of love. Their biggest tests were telling Bailey's protective older brothers about their relationship and facing unwanted reminders from Flynn's prison time, and I was really satisfied with the resolution to each plot thread. The Foster bros have such big hearts, and I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up a bit seeing them all around the Thanksgiving table together enjoying life. Life has not always been fair to these men, but each of them is a testament to how your past doesn't have to define your future if you don't let it. I can't wait to see this universe expand with the Redemption Road series next!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
When I read Control Freak, I became so incredibly obsessed with the Bailey–Flynn pairing that I felt almost physical pain when the book ended and I didn’t get to see any more of them. And then I had to wait for the next book, which was actually their story.
Well then. Bailey and Flynn exceeded every single one of my expectations.
Because Bails, a 19-year-old college student, is trying to hold his ground at university so he won’t disappoint Holden, gets into trouble here and there, and in the meantime tries to figure out how to just be Flynn’s friend. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying this: he fails miserably.
And then there’s Flynn, who, because of his past, tries to push Bailey away with the classic “I’m not good enough for you.”
Me, meanwhile: Really, dude? Please, tell me more. Because I genuinely couldn’t imagine a more perfect man for Bails than you.
The story isn’t only about the attraction between the two of them, but also about Flynn’s past, his brother, and a bit about his stepfather, and about how hard he’s trying to stay out of trouble after prison. We also read about what it’s like when someone gets a second chance after prison and messes it up, tries to drag others down with them into their own downfall—but fails, because behind the other person there are people who form an incredible support system and truly believe in second chances.
The story is sweet, kind, full of action and spice—and you know what else it has? A worried (sometimes overly worried) Holden 🤭 I absolutely love him 😂💖
I’m sure you know this isn’t an exaggeration when I say: this book was fantastic. But honestly, that’s no surprise, because DJ Jamison always—and I really mean always—creates something perfect.
This book was exactly what I expected it to be, absolutely fantastic!
Our bratty baby boy didn’t disappoint us with his beautiful self and all the growing pains that came with being so young in a household full of grown men who wanted the best for their baby bro. But their best for him wasn’t aligning with the best for himself. He wanted different things than the ones his big brothers wanted. He wanted to do what made his heart happy and unfortunately for him, it wasn’t going to college.
Something else that made him happy was Flynn but he thought he couldn’t have him. Flynn was off limits to him not only because of his past, but because of his brothers’ overprotective tendencies.
Flynn knew he was too good for Bailey. He was adamant about not tainting his life with his baggage and reputation. After all, what business did Bailey have being interested in an ex con like him?
But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get Bailey out of his head and Bailey wouldn’t make it easy on him. On the contrary, he made it harder by not stepping away when he found out Flynn’s truth.
Being a stubborn brat was just part of his nature and he wanted Flynn in spite of his past. He knew Flynn was a good man and he wouldn’t hold his past against him.
I loved how much Flynn cared about Bailey. Even though he felt like he didn’t deserve him, he was willing to protect him from everything and everyone. Even from himself.
This book made me love this series even more. The Foster brothers have such a beautiful strong bond. They really would go to war with the devil himself to protect each other.
I’m sad the series is over but so excited for the redemption series. I can’t wait for Seb’s story🥰
Our 4th Foster Bros is ready to get out and into the world. His brothers, who have been his rock, have set him up to succeed. They have all found love and are settled into this life. But sometimes the expectations of others and dreams set out with the best of intentions dampen one's light. Our Problem Child, Bailey, has a wild streak like his brothers, but it tends to include more punches, blood, and headaches. But away at college, he can focus on becoming an engineer, right? Well, his heart is at home, with his brothers, with the shop, and with an ex-con named Flynn. Flynn came into the picture through the Redemption Road program. He's nice and kind, maybe a little rough at the edges but prison often does that. But overall he is a very good man with one aspect of his life that feels like a constant spotlight. But this is not one-sided pining by Bailey; Flynn has noticed Bailey, too, and likes what he has seen in this young man. But Flynn does not feel worthy of any good outside of this job. His past is a dark shadow on his ability to exist in the real world, and when we finally learn of his crime, we can see why, but the guilt he harbors is misplaced. He wants to be worthy and wants to be enough; he wants to build a life with this found family, but doesn't think he can have Bailey do so. But Bailey being Bailey, he won't accept that and it takes one kiss to know he wants forever with this older man who has lived an entire lifetime beyond what Bailey has experienced. DJ gives us some some bro banter as well as introduces us to some new friends who will keep the party going in a new series. This story is a perfect bookend for this series but I cannot wait for the spin-off!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the final book in the Foster Bro Code series and it was a great way to end it.
Bailey is the youngest brother, and does his best to please everyone, but he knows the more time he is away at University the more he misses being with his family. There is also the crush he has on Flynn that is not going away.
Flynn is working hard to move forward from his past, and working at the garage with the foster brothers through the Redemption Road program gives him the chance to prove he is more than just an ex-con. Bailey is always on his mind, but he feels like he is not good enough for him, and keeps their relationship at a friendship level.
When Flynn goes to meet his brother Quinn for coffee near his school, he runs into Bailey and introduces them. Quinn considers Flynn his hero for protecting him and helping him work towards his dream of being a Doctor, and he encourages him to pursue Bailey because he deserves to be happy.
After Bailey gets arrested for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Flynn finally admits his feelings for him. When he shares the reason he was in prison, Bailey tells him that he still wants to be with him and they agree to be boyfriends.
The foster brothers are a found family and will always be there for each other no matter what. This includes the men they all fell in love with, and their commitment to the family business. DJ Jamison writes realistic stories that engage the readers immediately and this series is definitely worth the read.
What a perfect “finale” to the Foster Bros series while also being the perfect beginning to the Redemption Road spin-off. Thrilled to stay in this universe and get more of my Gray, Axel, Holden, and Bailey! (and their amazing guys, of course!) I’ve been eagerly awaiting Bailey’s story and DJ Jamison did NOT disappoint. ❤️
I adored both MCs in Problem Child. Bailey was young, but well adjusted considering everything. I think his maturity and life outlook really made his connection with Flynn make sense. That maturity was well explained from his life experiences and the way he grew up, so that felt very authentic as well. So often, age gap romances seem somewhat unbelievable to me; however, this was not an issue here. Flynn had to learn to accept that what he considered “mistakes” made in his past did not make him unworthy, but rather, made him the person Bailey fell for. Though I’ve read this trope quite a bit, I thought it was very well done here. Flynn and Bailey were perfect together. 🥰
As with the other books in this series, I thought the background story/plot was very interesting and made this book just has un-put-down-able, as the characters. We just knew Snake was up to no good! This storyline really set up Redemption Road well, and I’m truly looking forward to it! I need Ghost’s story like, yesterday. And if this series tracks, I’ll probably have to wait for him until last. 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've adored this series fom start to finish. All the brothers are wonderful characters, and their partners just fit in seamlessly to the mix. And I can't forget Axel's pack of rescue dogs, who are definitely part of the family too. Bailey and Flynn's romance was sweet and easy, with no drama between them once they actually got together, after all that pining for each other since Flynn arrived to work for them. As in each of the brothers' books, the love between the brothers shone through. Their bond was so solid, it was beautiful. The whole found family trope is something that always gets to me, and DJ has created a wonderful family here. There was also another little family group that grabbed my attention. The ex-cons that Matteo works with are all good characters, from what we've seen, and the banter between them is great. I'm eager to meet Ghost properly. There were two obvious potential couples that I immediately picked up on here and hoped that we would get their stories. DJ confirmed at the back of the book that one couple will star in the first book of her new series, Redemption Road, coming in June. The other couple will be in the Thirsty U series next year. I can't wait to read them both.
This is the 4th and final book in the Foster Bro Code series (fortunately there will be a continuation with some side characters in a new series). I really enjoyed all 4 books, and really looked forward to the chance to read then when they came out.
This is Flynn (ex-con) and Bailey's (youngest brother) book. They're attracted to each other, but Bailey is not quite yet 20, and Flynn has been to prison. Flynn spends most of the book working up the nerve to tell Bailey, and then the rest of the brothers what he actually went to prison FOR (I agree with all of them - I don't know why he went to prison for so long for what he did, or really why he went AT ALL), and getting over feeling that he wasn't good enough for Bailey because of it. Bailey is finally in college, and not loving it. Bailey finally figures out what he wants for his future - he just needs to tell Holden. There's also an issue with one of the other parolees trying to steal from the junkyard.
Lots of action, great side characters, medium spice. I'm sad this series is over, but look forward to reading the Redemption Road spinoff.
The Foster Bro Code has been my favourite series of DJ’s, I’ve loved each book and getting to know more about each brother and their love interests. I was both looking forward to and dreading the last book - couldn’t wait to get Bailey’s story, but also didn’t want it to be over!
I’ve pretty much fallen right into each book straight away, but this one took me a little longer to settle into. Maybe it’s the age gap I had to overcome or I wasn’t feeling the chemistry at first, though it’s an easy to read, enjoyable story and I did get there. It just wasn’t as instant as it was with the prior books.
Bailey’s so cute, it was good to get more of him here and see him more grown up. Flynn is a gorgeous character also. There’s plenty of sweetness, tenderness and cheeky goofy interaction between the two, as well as the expected spice. And as per the other books, lots of involvement with the foster brothers and partners also.
It’s sad the series has come to an end, but I’ll be doing plenty of rereads and can’t wait for the two spin off series.
Problem Child by D.J. Jamison is book 4 in the Foster Bro Code series. I have really enjoyed this whole series and have been looking forward to Bailey’s story. Bailey was so content to work in his family’s auto shop, but his brothers wanted him to go to college and have more opportunities than they had. It was completely understandable, but no one asked Bailey what he wanted. He chafed under their expectations. Once they communicated, it was so much better. I love this family and how they support each other no matter what.
Flynn has been working with Bailey and his brothers through the Redemption Road program. I thought Bailey and Flynn made a great couple (the age gap doesn’t bother me) and that they were able to be the support that each one needed. I do wish that we could have seen Flynn and Bailey start their relationship before he went to college as it felt a little detached. I am loving the new series set-up (Redemption Road) and the epilogue gave such a great look at all of the couples years later. I love D.J.’s writing and look forward to where she takes us next.
I received an ARC from Neon Rainbow Arc Readers for my honest review.
It is time for the youngest Steele to get his man. Bailey has had a thing for Flynn since he was hired at first at the junkyard than with the auto shop when Bailey is off to college. Bailey doesn't want to disappoint his brothers so he does as is asked and goes away to get a higher education. What i adore so much about Bailey is he may be always getting into some sort of trouble but his fierce loyalty to those he cares for will always come first. The more you get to know Flynn and the other Redemption Road members the more you want to know. Flynn was incarcerated even though he does not regret his choice he does regret how people see him. These two show how similar they are even with their age gap and how their pasts do not make who they are but their loyalty for those who are close to them make them better. A beautiful conclusion to an overall unique series from DJ. Now I sit here crossing my fingers the rest of the Redemption Road members, as well as Aiden (younger brother of Flynn) to will find their people.
This was such a great ending to this series. We've seen Bailey mature throughout the series and watch his foster brothers find their partners and now it's finally his time. I really enjoyed Bailey and Flynn's story, which was sweet with a tiny bit of angst. Flynn was dealing with his feelings about his ex-con status and not feeling good enough for Bailey because of the things he had done, but Bailey was steadfast in his feelings towards Flynn and got him to accept the love and care he was getting. I loved how they both took care of each other in their time of need.
As we've come to expect with this series, we got to see all the brothers and their partners. Their family is such a loving one and I love their banter and their whole dynamic. I'm sad to see this series end, but it was a great book to end it on, and it was also great to see everyone in the epilogue.
Pick this book up for the great foster brother vibe and enjoy all of the fun banter, deep feelings and sweet moments between Flynn and Bailey.
Fourth and series finale in series (Foster Bro Code), best if read in order. Age gap. Found family. Dual POV.
Bailey is supposed to be focusing on college, but he misses working on cars, misses his brothers, misses the man he has a crush on back home. Flynn isn’t taking his second chance for granted, he works hard as a mechanic and the family that has trusted him, but he still fears he doesn’t deserve much, especially not the affection he yearns for from Bailey.
This book was a nice finale for the series, just like all the other couples, Bailey and Flynn seem to be the right fit for the other as they support, love and crave each other equally. I appreciated that Flynn was totally honest with Bailey about his past and his feelings, and that Bailey had to take a minute but once he was committed it was a thousand percent no hesitation. These two grew together smoothly and it was pretty low angst as I trusted in the strength of their found family. Sad to see this group go, but there are hints of spin-offs that I look forward to.
What a great way to wrap up this series! Bailey gets his HEA, it's so good. The baby has had feelings for Flynn since he started at Forrester Brothers and they have only gotten stronger as he went off for college. We get so much in this story. Bailey does not want to be in college, struggles with his brothers' expectations. Our so big teddy bear, Flynn, on probation for doing what was necessary to protect his little brother. Their journey as a couple is woven with their individual journeys. I really liked how once they declared their feelings, while there were some minor speed bumps, their relationship was a done deal. The brothers were still the brothers, Holden needing control, Axel needing trust, Gray needing family. And love all the boyfriends! D.J. introduces some secondary characters who will totally get HEAs too, should be so good. You could read this as a standalone but reading the whole series gives a great sense of place and family.
Book four, "Problem Child" is the last story in the Foster Bro Code series. This is an age gap, hurt/comfort/healing story. This series was filled with characters that needed to confront past trauma and start their own healing journeys. On one hand, Bailey had it easiest of the four brothers, a found family created in the foster care system. His upbringing was maybe less tragic than Holden, Axel and Gray. But he bears guilt over their traum,pressured trying to live up to their expectations and unheard.. Bailey and Flynn really had a sweet love story. Sizzle and angst. Flynn's prison record makes him feel unworthy of Bailey. So does his foster brothers. Makes for some tension. Overall, an intense and quite fitting way to end this series. There are, or will be, two connected series. I received an advanced copy from the author, and this is my review.
This is the last and youngest brother, Bailey’s, story. He’s the only brother who qualified for college, so he carries everyone’s expectations on his shoulders, but it’s not a good fit for him and he’s homesick for working on cars and most of all Flynn the ex-con who works for his brother. While there is mutual attraction, Flynn is resisting his feelings out of guilt over being in prison and worry about their age difference. Watching them navigate their way to happiness was delightful and I loved it. This age gap story is sweet and emotional, with heat and some angst. We also get a great wrap-up for all the brothers, plus get to meet future characters who will get their own books, and I can’t wait for their stories. This is a great book to end a very enjoyable series and I highly recommend it.