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He saved her. He lost her. He hunted her. He avenged her. Fate intervened. Now, she has to save him.

Ash Doss, former Navy SEAL turned bounty hunter, was the mission coordinator at Red Snake Investigations. He never missed a mark, never failed a client, never lost anyone. But it all came crashing down a few years ago when he went to collect payment after a job. Who he found inside the client’s mansion was the last person he’d expected to see in this lifetime.

A myth, a fragment from a fairy tale his grandmother told him as a child.

His soulmate.

Angel Howell, a neurodivergent pastry chef on the run from her past, came to Astoria to begin again. Set on being happy here, her newfound freedom gave her a glimmer of hope at having the life she’d always wanted. Her dreams were ready to be chased again. But that hope flickered when she walked into the town’s bookshop, finding the man who rescued her from hell sitting at the espresso bar. A man who had plagued her dreams endlessly.

In a panicked attempt to keep them both safe, she set a boundary, one that sent him away.

Now, he's back and the pull between them is unavoidable.

When a body washes up on shore at the edge of town, he vows to never lose her again, but the truth of their pasts comes with a devastating price...

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

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About the author

Brittany Ann

20 books613 followers
Brittany Ann is an author of suspenseful, roller coaster romances with a sprinkle of dark on top! She writes romance with growth, twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and emotional romance.

Brittany has dreamed of being an author since she was fourteen years old. You would always be able to find her with her nose buried in a book or scribbling down stories in old notebooks. Today, she is living her dream by writing epic love stories with morally gray MMCs and strong FMCs. She is extremely grateful for every single one of her readers.


For more updates and to stay connected, follow her on Instagram and Threads! @authorbrittanyann_

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,756 reviews194 followers
July 31, 2026
I have been waiting for this book and it didn’t not disappoint. I loved this book so much.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for ash&#x1f608;.
264 reviews17 followers
July 30, 2026
I swear, I never wanna leave Astoria!

Ash is very protective. Extremely protective, and I absolutely love that about him. Even against his wishes, he puts those he cares about before himself and I love it.

And sweet angel. I adore her to heaven and back. Shy, sweet, but cautious of her own peace.
Profile Image for Laura.
424 reviews15 followers
July 26, 2026
🔫 Bounty Hunter × Chef
🌑 Dark Romance
❤️‍🔥 Soulmates
🖤 Found Family
🔎 Suspense & Mystery
💥 Emotional Trauma & Healing
⚔️ High Stakes
✨ Fated Connection
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’ve been patiently waiting for Ash’s book since the ending of The Lies We Lived, and holy wow… the wait was absolutely worth it.

Ash and Angel’s story is gripping, deeply emotional, and packed with pain, shocking revelations, and twists I never saw coming. These two are soulmates through and through, but my goodness, they have to go through it before they earn their happily ever after.

I absolutely adored Angel. My heart hurt for her as her mind relentlessly churned. Watching her slowly find her footing in Astoria and build meaningful connections with Margo and Carrie was such a rewarding part of the story. Those friendships brought warmth and hope amid all the darkness.

And Ash… that man is an absolute reckoning. The way he loves Angel—wanting her, trying to stay away, and ultimately surrendering to the undeniable pull between them—had me completely captivated. Every scene between them carried so much tension, tenderness, and longing.

One moment, in particular, completely stole my heart. When Angel shares something deeply vulnerable about herself, Ash doesn’t hesitate for even a second. He didn’t. Skip. A. Beat. I absolutely love when authors normalize aspects of intimacy with compassion and acceptance, and this scene was handled so beautifully. Cue the swooning.

Beyond the romance, Brittany Ann delivers everything I’ve come to love about this series: pulse-pounding suspense, incredible twists, rich friendships, and the unwavering bond of the Red Snake family. Even though Ash and Angel finally get the ending they deserve, it’s crystal clear that the danger is far from over. Red Snake Investigations still has a long road ahead before the men of Red Snake—and the women they love—are truly safe.

And that ending… 😳.

Now begins the agonizing wait for Dom’s book, because after that finale, I need it immediately.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 🖤
Profile Image for Vic (novelsandnoodles).
334 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2026
I have been desperately waiting for Ash and Angels story… I have been so curious about what happened between and them was not disappointed! Ash rescues Angel from a terrible ordeal, the moment his eyes fall on her his world shifts and he knows without a doubt that she is meant to be his. But then loses her and can’t find out what happened to her. This man spends 3 years searching high and low for her and then suddenly she turns up in the local book shop in Astoria - Angel recognises him but doesn’t want to get to know him fearing the trauma she’s so deeply buried wouldn’t resurface which leads Ash disappearing for over 500 days! On his return date just keeps throwing this pair together and slowing Angel realises that Ash is supposed to belong to her. Wow. The yearning. This man yearns for her! I devoured this is less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down! The sub plot and trafficking ring is still very much present with some interesting things being brought to light- but not completely solved yet! Angel is so spectacularly complex and thinks she neurodiverse, she questions everything but Ash calms her storm and doesn’t let her fall into the darkness.
Absolutely loved this and cannot wait for what’s in store for Dominic next!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jezebel Contreras.
33 reviews
July 30, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

The Life We Need

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Ash’s book was my most anticipated one to read out of all the guys in the Red Snake Investigation. So we know in the other books, Ash saved a woman and ended up getting captured.
He never got her name but spent all his time looking for her. Coming up short, he finally decides she’s gone. Until she walks in to the coffee shop in Astoria.

Angel is healing & moving on from her traumatic past. She finds a place in Astoria, away from it all. Keeping her routine, staying to herself. Angel did not expect to run into the man who saved her life.
And she wants nothing to do with him.

The patience Ash shows Angel throughout the book made me love him so much!
The girls slowly bringing her into their friend group was so cute, I died laughing when they “broke into” their office to see what the guys were up to 😂
Profile Image for Sharon Melia.
378 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2026
4.5 Stars ✨

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮:

When Angel returned to Astoria, the world shifted for Ash .. he saved her from hell.
And now shes returned but wants nothing
from him. He removes himself to avenge For
her. But now they’re both in Astoria, that attraction even maybe Fate is too strong of a pull.
But things aren't safe .. there's murders in Astoria, surrounding red snake investigation and ash & angel are centre.
This was a fast paced action movie!! I was here for the yearning between the ash & angel !! The connection and the absolute joy of them finally after everything being together •
Great book, plot driven, deep characters .. amazing story!
Profile Image for Michelle Galles.
17 reviews
July 29, 2026
If you love suspense and romance, this book is for you! The twist and turns and surprises had me on my seat. I loved the neurodivergent representation in the FMC. The side characters also bring a ton to the story. Go get this book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
58 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2026
Many times I thought I knew where this story was going and in true fashion the twist kept coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and excited to see what is next!
Profile Image for Katelyn Costello.
Author 7 books15 followers
August 6, 2026
This one was so deep! I found myself laughing and crying in multiple scenes. And the twist, I didn’t see it coming! There were little nuggets tying back to a previous series that I need to go back and reread to appreciate more! So excited for Dominic’s story next!
I received an arc from the other in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Samantha Ivy (novelsbysamantha).
1,018 reviews17 followers
July 23, 2026
I loved this one the most. I relate to Angel a lot—especially on a certain aspect. Brittany doesn’t disappoint! I loved every one of her books but this one is the best. Ash & Angel are my favorite by far. I can’t wait for you all to read this one. Realistically, 5 stars In my world, 6 stars.
Profile Image for Savannah Sidebotham.
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 28, 2026
Massive thank you to Brittany for allowing me to devour this ARC read and for making me holler at one on the morning over the ending!

I kept this as vague and spoiler free as possible, but be warned!

The Brittany-verse is a major comfort series for me, despite how twisty and wild these stories can get. And Ash & Angel's story is no exception!! I went into this with a deep love for Ash from the jump, but to finally see his POV had me near tears by the end of the prologue. The yearning, the love he has for Angel, the deep desire to protect her even when he physically can't. The way he respects her boundaries and overabundantly avoids causing her any stress or pain adds him to the book boyfriend list immediately. I wish we could have had a little more of a look into his past, besides the brief mentions of his military experience (which ties into the ending!) and his beautiful memories with his Nonna.

Angel...thats exactly what she is!! God, this girl and her little quirks and rituals had me giggling and relating to her immediately. Neurodivergency is something I struggle to see represented respectfully in the book world, and I think Brittany did a lovely job portraying Angel without her coming across as helpless. I think it was also refreshing to see how her trauma did not completely overtake her or make her stumble in my opinion. She was perfectly relatable and fits in perfectly to the little found family the Red Snake boys are building.

Overall, I think this book was a great middle to the Red Snake series. The overall plot is starting to shift into what I can only hope is the endgame (my heart cannot take any more of this angst, have mercy Brittany!). The spice in this one was a little mild (not in terms of content, of course. Ash and that MOUTH), but in quantity (I counted like 3.5 scenes). No complaints though! The plot flowed perfectly with the spice mixed in. I also loved the little cameos from Gwen and Abbie, though as always this can be read as a standalone and you don't need to know who they are to get whats happening. I will always recommend to read the entire Brittany-verse because I am a sucker for the cameos and connections between books and series.

(P.S. Collin Stevens the way you are somehow mentioned in every. single. book. is so very precious to me)
1 review
August 6, 2026
Wow, just wow!!!

♡ What I Loved ♡
• Favourite character:
Angel! A neurodiverse FMC who's well written? Yes please! She isn't written as someone who needs "fixing", but rather her neurodiversity is interwoven with who she is at her core. My heart broke and fixed itself so many times for her. Angel is such a relatable character that you can't help but love! She's his starlight *awww*
• Favourite scene (spoiler-free):
Ash and Angel are arguing and half-way through, Ash kicks off his boots because he's "making sure I don't mess up my baby's pretty rug", and he just kisses her passionately, desperately!!! *swoon!*
• Favourite quote(s):
"Starlight, I'd do anything for you."
"I can't handle you when you put on a mask for me(…)I can't handle much when it comes to you."
"You have no idea the lengths I would go to protect you, to avenge you."
• Best emotional moment:
Chapter 12. All I can say without spoilers but omg the raw emotions I felt through the page made me cry.
• Things the author did really well:
The suspense, the romance, the emotional tension, the well-written and complex characters…honestly, just everything!!

♡ What Didn't Work for Me ♡
Not an issue with the book itself. It's my first read of a book from the Brittany Ann universe so I did sometimes get a little lost with the characters. Thankfully, there was a 'cheat sheet' for those of us picking up one of her books for the first time. It was super helpful in keeping track of the relationships between characters and which series they've appeared in!!

♡ Final Thoughts ♡
• Would I reread it?
Yes, 1000x yes!!!
• Would I recommend it?
Highly, but I recommend getting familiar with the Brittany Ann universe too. Either by reading the 'cheat sheet' or by reading the other books in the universe first…or at least the first book in this series - 'The Lies We Lived'. Remember, if it's part of the same universe, it counts as one book ;)
• Who would enjoy it?
If you're into dark romance, mystery, and soulmates who's connection gets consistently put through the test, this is the book for you. I'd say there are mid-spice level and there's swearing. The topics of mental health, death and drugs do come up. I suggest reading the trigger warnings first if you're on the fence, but if these topics are fine for you, I definitely recommend a read!
Profile Image for Julrenda.
112 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2026
The Life We Need took hold of me from the very first page and refused to let go. Brittany Ann delivers an enthralling, emotional romantic suspense storyline in this second instalment of the Red Snake Investigations series.

Ash Doss is a haunted, protective, and deeply complex man. For years, he has been consumed by the memory of the fragile woman he saved, remaining completely in the dark about her fate. When he unexpectedly spots her in Astoria, Oregon, the sudden emotional tension sparks a heavy burden of guilt over the trauma she endured. This drives him to keep his distance, choosing instead to protect her from the shadows.

Angel is a phenomenal protagonist who has built a fresh start after surviving an unimaginable experience. Though undiagnosed, she exhibits clear neurodivergent tendencies, relying on strict, meticulously planned daily routines for her well-being and survival. She has carefully structured her world to keep herself safe. The dynamic between the two main characters is beautiful; while Ash is a hardened former Navy SEAL, Angel brings a unique sense of peace into his chaotic world, allowing him to truly relax and find rest.

The way Brittany weaves in the concepts of soulmates and fate gives Ash and Angel’s story a distinct warmth against an emotional backdrop. There is magic in how the universe constantly keeps them together. It is truly beautiful, leaving readers wondering how it will ultimately end for the two of them.

However, danger quickly disrupts their fragile peace when a string of suspicious deaths rocks their small town, including someone close to Angel. The looming question remains: is someone coming for Angel, or is the threat pointed at someone else entirely?

The chemistry between Ash and Angel is electric, perfectly balancing a gritty, high-stakes plot with a deeply emotional "he falls first" dynamic. If you love small-town suspense, intense mystery, and a protective former Navy SEAL who will do anything for his soulmate, this is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Tiffani Jo.
479 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2026
Every time I step back into this world, I'm reminded why I love it so much.

Brittany has this incredible ability to write characters who don't feel polished or perfect. They're beautifully broken, carrying impossible burdens while still desperately searching for hope, and somehow that makes every victory feel that much sweeter. Ash and Angel fit into that world so effortlessly that it felt like they had been waiting for this story all along.

Ash completely stole my heart. There is something so devastating about a man who has spent his life protecting everyone else, only to come face-to-face with the one person he thought only existed in stories. And Angel? She isn't written as someone who needs saving. She's a survivor. Watching her slowly reclaim the life she fought so hard to build while learning that she didn't have to carry everything alone had me rooting for her every step of the way.

The connection between them feels bigger than fate. It's built on trust, sacrifice, second chances, and two people who have already saved each other in more ways than either of them realizes. Every reunion, every quiet conversation, every moment where they chose each other despite everything stacked against them felt incredibly earned.

And then Brittany does what Brittany always does. She reminds you that healing isn't linear, that love doesn't erase the past, and that even the strongest people need someone willing to stand beside them when the storms roll in.

That's why her books never let me down.

She doesn't write perfect worlds filled with perfect people. She writes messy, complicated, beautifully fractured lives that somehow still leave you believing in hope by the final page.

And honestly? I think that's why I keep coming back.

Tropes

❤️ Soulmates
🕵️ Romantic Suspense
⚓ Former Navy SEAL MMC
🧁 Neurodivergent Pastry Chef FMC
🩹 Healing & Second Chances
🤍 Found Family
🔍 Mystery & Murder Investigation
2,150 reviews36 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 25, 2026
- Protector vibes
- He falls first
- Found family
- Slow burn
- It's always been you
- Touch her at your own peril
- Romantic suspense

Oh. My. Word! I could barely put this book down. I have been waiting for this book for so long! Ash is the ultimate protective, obs3ss1ve, "Don't even think about touching her" type of man. We know the history between Ash and Angel from previous books. And Ash has it b@d for the beauty he rescued (but was taken again). When he finally sees her again years later, after he spent all that time trying to find her, she doesn't want anything to do with him. He reminds her too much of her past...... So he decides to take a side quest on her behalf....

Angel has been through so much and watching her try to make sense of her life both hurt my heart and made me feel proud of her. She found coping methods that worked for her and is reluctantly making friends. But she is still drawn to the broody Ash.

What follows is so much tension and yearning. I mean, all of Brittany's men fall hard for their women, but Ash takes it to another level. And it was so satisfying!

This book takes place in the Brittanyverse, so there are plenty of references and cameos from other stories, which always makes me smile. And after that ending, I am hoping that Brittany writes the next book super fast, because wow.

Also, over here waiting patiently for ginger Jake's turn.
Profile Image for Teodora.
14 reviews
July 31, 2026
Brittany Ann truly has a gift for storytelling. One of my favorite things about her books is that they never rely on just romance or just the spice. She always delivers an actual story with depth, twists, angst, and characters you can’t help but get attached to. Every single book reminds me why I keep coming back, and this one was absolutely no exception.

I’ve been waiting for Ash’s story for what feels like forever, and let me tell you… it was SO worth it. I loved him from the very beginning, and finally getting inside his head just made me adore him even more. Angel was equally incredible, and I was rooting for these two every step of the way.

And while this book isn’t packed with spice, every single scene we did get absolutely delivered. Quality over quantity, always. Also… Ash has the filthiest mouth, and I mean that as the highest compliment possible. I was obsessed.

But can we talk about the plot??? The twists, the tension, the emotional rollercoaster… I was completely hooked. At the end of a certain chapter (don’t worry, no spoilers) I literally gasped out loud, immediately closed the book, and had to take a minute to process what had just happened. I genuinely needed to go touch grass before I could continue because WHAT WAS THAT?!

I absolutely devoured this book, and now I’m left with the worst possible problem: the next book isn’t immediately available. Honestly, that’s the only complaint I have.

I’m officially obsessed, and I need the next book yesterday.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,561 reviews81 followers
August 5, 2026
“Each of us has a soulmate, Asher. In some lifetimes, we don’t find them, but in others, they find us. When that happens, don’t you lose them. If you lose your soulmate, the sun inside you will die.”

WOW! What an incredibly emotional, gut-wrenching and absolutely beautiful story this was. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my lips from the intensity, and gripping my kindle tightly praying that these two incredibly beautiful souls finally have the happiness that they deserve. It was a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish.

Ash and Angel’s story is one that we have been waiting for. But it is not a simple story. It is filled with heartbreak, pain, anger, shocking moments and twists and turns that left me with my jaw on the floor. The ups and downs and all of the hurdles Ash and Angel go through and overcome in order to be with each other, had me in tears continually throughout their journey.

“…a moth learns early that the dark is safer than the light. It hides. Keeps still. Pretends the flames don’t exist…but sometimes the dark isn’t safe either. Sometimes it’s the thing that eats you alive.”

This story was beautifully written and filled with such palpable emotions that I was instantly captivated and utterly obsessed. I absolutely loved these two.

And with that ending, I am now left on bated breath for Dominic’s story, which is sure to be just as incredible as Ash and Angel’s has been.
Profile Image for Tiffany W.
513 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2026

I could not wait for Ash’s book, and when I tell you it did not disappoint I mean it. I loved Ash and Angel’s story so much, and I think it’s official… Ash and Angel have officially dethroned Grayson and Carrie as my favorite Brittany’s universe couple. I never thought I’d say that!

I absolutely loved Angel. She had been through such a traumatic journey, yet she remained incredibly strong and stubborn. I also really appreciated that she was open enough to make friends because, as we all know, I love a good found family/girl gang moment. I loved how fiercely she loved and how she completely accepted being part of this very unorthodox family.

Ash… do I even need to explain how obsessed I am with this man? He literally went to hell for an Angel. Let’s be real here! I was so happy to see him finally become himself again after everything he went through to get where he is today. I especially loved how patient and understanding he was with Angel’s feelings and emotions, even when it was incredibly difficult for him.

Honestly, I could talk about this book forever, but one of my absolute favorite scenes was when the girls got caught by Dom. That’s all I’m going to say because I’m not about to spoil what they were doing, but that entire scene had me laughing so hard.

Ok now, where can we find more Red Snake men? I don’t want this series to end.. speaking of ending.. And that ending… plus the sneak peek into Dom’s book? I need it immediately!
Profile Image for FB.
17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 23, 2026
Yet another phenomenal story from Brittany. I’ve been such a huge fan of her stories for years (hello Hallow Ranch!) and was so excited to get an ARC copy of this book.

Angel and Ash’s story was next level, the YEARNING of this man. Y’all he’s a 10/10 yearner for her, she was imprinted on his soul the moment he laid eyes on her. ❤️❤️

Spice was SPICING! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, all the hot and heavy does happen more than 65% into the book but it’s WORTH THE WAIT lemme tell you 🥵. The mouth on this man, I can’t even. The wait allowed the story and their connection to grow organically and I really enjoyed watching it unfold, slow burn at first but their story was years in the making. Brittany writes such beautiful characters with natural flaws and they never feel underwhelming or underdeveloped.

Loved all the Easter eggs to past books, and if you’re a fan of past characters you’re really going to like all the call backs and cameos

ALSO if you love side character banter and great female friendships then your going to be very happy.
😊

✨He Yearns
✨He has a filthy mouth
✨Witty Group Chats
✨Small Town vibes
✨No 3rd act break up
✨Open Door Spice
✨He will do anything for her
✨Neurodivergent FMC

I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out, The Life We Need was by far my favourite Red Snake book so far. Thank you Brittany for this ARC 🥰💕
Profile Image for Wendy Minore.
37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 29, 2026
Huge thank you to the author for the advance copy!!

I need to start this review by saying that this book was not for me. I was entirely the wrong person to pick up this book.

It was well written, the characters had lots of interesting backstories that made sense and got to influence their lives.

The idea of a soulmate that she used was good, and it was obvious that the characters who were soulmates were actually soulmates, not just claiming it. They matched well.

The suspense part of it was well planned, you only started suspecting people as the author wanted you to start taking extra notice of them and it kept it from feeling boring.

Now, my issue is that it still felt a bit extra. There were things in their past that felt unnecessary to me, and a therapist who occasionally broke the rules, but his when and why baffled me. I didn’t know when he was going to tell something and sometimes he just never did.

The side characters were mostly good, but I also feel like we didn’t get to know some of them very well and it would’ve helped some plot point to know them better.

So, it was a good book, just not my thing.
Profile Image for Abbies_reads.
124 reviews
July 31, 2026
🎯 ARC Review - The Life We Need by Brittany Ann

Rating: 4.75
Release Date: July 30, 2026
Tropes: small town, secret past, bounty hunter MMC, neurodivergent FMC, touch her and die, degradation/praise k!nk

Being a part of Brittany Ann’s team has been a huge highlight. This was the first team I ever joined when I joined bookstagram and getting these books as an arc reader, seeing Brittany Ann grow her published books and crying over these characters just hits me in the feels 🖤

Getting into Ash and Angel’s story… it was giving “I was feeling EPIC” and I was just so in love with them. It was most definitely an insta-love/fated lovers. Those are usually a hit or miss for me but I’m such a romantic in books, I love love. Ash and Angel were so beautiful, the love they had for one another is one we all wish for. The shit they went through though? Brittany just loves to make us hurt, which is fine because I enjoy the pain 😬😂

I highly recommend you all getting into the Brittany Ann world! You won’t regret it and you can come yell at me first but then you’ll have to start yelling at her for making you cry lol
Profile Image for Floor.
50 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 24, 2026
✨The Life We Need - Brittany Ann✨

Soooo I was in a bit of a reading slump. Nothing really hit the spot. So when I started The Life We Need I really hoped my sour reading mood wouldn’t affect it. And I’m glad to report it didn’t! This book was pure perfection!
Ash has always had a special place in my heart and after that damn cliffhanger in the last book I needed to know he would be okay!
And then there was Angel, my sweet Angel. I love her so so much💖 She has so much power and I admire her so much! I wish I could channel my inner Angel more often. I’m going to copy some of her routines because I need it lol.
These two are the perfect soulmates and I wish I could find something like that!💖
Once again Brittany Ann is hitting the right spot with the right mix between spice and unaliving. I don’t know what else to tell you. Just go read it. The Red Snake boys won’t disappoint, I promise.

Read this book if you’re looking for:
🩵 Neurodivergent FMC
🌊 Bounty Hunter MMC
🩵 Small Coastal Town
🌊 Mysterious Murder
🩵 Secret Past
🌊 Touch Her and ☠️
🩵 Degradation/Praise k!nk
🌊 Found family
Profile Image for Nicole Nielsen.
104 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
July 29, 2026
Oh my god, angel and ash had me cryinnnggg!!!
ash is the ceo of yearning, and respecting boundaries. they are such a good couple and angel is such a sweet fmc, i loved how cute and honest she was. Ash Is the ideal mmc. Strong, protective, and a good amount obsessed with her.

With all of Brit’s books, it’s best if you read the others first. There’s a lot of tie backs to previous books to help build up the story and help you understand the background details.

one of my favorite parts about this book was that angel was a pastry chef, i don’t understand how Brit made that turly the perfect job for her. Angel is so sweet and kind and good, the fact that she was a pastry chef and still was able to be so kind after everything she went through made me emotional!!

ash being an ex-navy seal and working at red snake was amazing. i loved reading his pov chapters and seeing how he was reacting to seeing angel again.


Overall, i loved this book and can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you Brit for this ARC 🩵

4.5 stars
6 reviews
August 5, 2026
This book made me shush my coworker when she wouldn't stop talking to me on my break and I was trying to fit in 15 minutes of reading.

Am I starting to be too repetitive if I say I loved this book so much?

Probably.

Oh, well.

I will always be a fan of Brittany Ann and she did her big one on Ash and Angel's story. I felt like this was one of her most raw stories I've read. Guys, I'll read anything of hers. If she helps a restaurant with a new menu, I'll be there with readers on.

I am not much of a crier lately, I feel like I've been just going through the motions and reading whatever just to be reading. This book helped me fall back in love with reading. I needed this book a lot and I needed Ash to find Angel. I needed them both to heal. This book was just so good and raw.

I do highly recommend reading everything in the Brittany Ann universe but if you can't that's fine. It isn't too hard to follow.

Actually.

eff that read the universe.

So let me just wrap this with things this book made me do.

Cry, smile, laugh, cry, laugh, and smile again.
33 reviews
August 7, 2026
I have said it once and I will happily say it again, I love Brittany Ann's books!
Her plots are so intriguing and her characters truly come to life with their full personalities and complicated backgrounds.

I love that she brings her characters back book after book and keeps the brittanyverse and ever expanding and overlapping world.

I have wanted to hear Ash's story since he was mentioned a few books back and it did not disappoint! There's a twist that I wasn't expecting but truly love how much further we get to explore this story line with more characters and their love stories.

Angel and Ash are no exception! Their story was perfect. Their love is just *chef kiss*! Angel is a neurodivergent pastry chef with a secret and Ash is an ex-marine bounty hunter with an obsession for her and the yearning is top tier, but so is his gentleness and understanding.

Don't take my word for it, pick up a copy and read their story for yourself. Even though you don't have to start at the beginning, to get the full picture, I do recommend starting with Catch Me When I Fall.
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
1,113 reviews20 followers
August 2, 2026
Oh no! Brittany you can not end the book like that. Guys no cliffhanger just the shocking plot for the next book in the series. I am here all for it.

Now this book is another perfection added to the series. I loved and adore each and every book so far. There was so much pain in the characters life and so much suffering, it literally broke my heart. But what I loved the most was the part where they healed in their own way and how beautifully peaceful Ash & Angel’s life were.

But a storm is brewing in the near horizon which will disrupt everyone’s life and I hope to get a new happy ending for the next couple. Meanwhile binge read this series. A must dark romance read.

The writing is amazingly engaging, I was hooked and seeing Carrie & Margo again was the bonus of the interconnected series. Everything happening in the book felt like it is happening in the real time and I am a spectator merely witnessing it from afar. A new surreal feeling for me.
Profile Image for Maureen.
914 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2026
What makes me so happy as a neurodivergent girlie is when rep is done well. From my spicy-brained heart to yours, Angel, I ADORE YOU. Her character was the definition of accurate and compassionate representation and the unequivocal love and tenderness she received from Ash was EVERYTHING to me. Brittany will never miss when it comes to the found family portion of her world as she has built this universe brick by brick, intentionality apparent. That’s why it will always be one of my favorite worlds to return to. You can also always count on a Brittany Ann cliffy to snap you back to reality REAL QUICK LIKE when you get too far into your feels just to keep you begging for more. As always, I can’t wait to get back to Astoria and see what Dom’s book brings us. 4/5 stars.




:: What to expect::

- Bounty Hunter × Neurodivergent Chef
- Dark Romance
- Found Family
- Suspense
- Trauma & Healing
Profile Image for Bookishlyhaley.
411 reviews15 followers
August 5, 2026
The Life We Need is the second book in the Red Snake Investigations series by Brittany Ann.

I enjoyed this book but it was not my favorite. I really liked the character development of Ash and Angel. Both of them have trauma that they had to overcome and I really enjoyed this part of the story because they were able to become stronger together. While I loved both of these characters, I personally felt no connection to them which made reading this book a bit hard for me. Aside from that, the storyline was entertaining, suspenseful and spicy as hell.

I am looking forward to continuing with this series because I truly do love these characters. My man Dom is next and I can’t wait!

You will enjoy this book if you like the following:
- Small coastal town
- Suspense
- Second chance
- Secret past
- Mysterious murder
- Bounty Hunter MMC
- Neurodivergent FMC
- Degradation/Praise Kink

Thank you so much Brittany Ann for the gifted copy!
Profile Image for Brittany.
715 reviews11 followers
August 6, 2026
the life we need

Well, not sure if I should have expected any different because of course Brittany Ann was going to make me cry IN THE PROLOGUE!! If you have read any of her previous books then it really shouldn’t come as a surprise considering what we know about Ash and what happened before we got to his story. Although the freaking plot twist with that whole situation, now that hurt my soul. Just when I think I have it all figured out, I’m not even the slightest bit close LOL. My emotions were messed with, there were a few twists, and even though technically the chapter is closed on Ash and Angel, it was still rude to just leave me hanging on the sneak peek into the next book.
Profile Image for Gabby (GabbyGabby&Books).
83 reviews
July 31, 2026
Ash and Angel!!!

Ms. Brittany an has a way of writing these men that yearn for their loved ones...and at the same time are the most ruthless men when they have to be. I ate this book up soooo fast, I am sad I am done with it.

Love that Angel found her home not only with Ash, but with her community in Astoria. Her quirks felt relatable and her strength is inspiring.

Ash let me just add you to my list of book boyfriends real quick.

Dominic...the way he was described the entire time I fear he will be my favorite guy in this series. i cant wait for his book and how intense he is going to be hehe.
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