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Brass #2
Perception
One look at Annabelle Stevens and no one would ever know she’s a top Assistant US Attorney. When a new boss assigns her to an elite DEA-led task force, she’s put in close proximity to the one man she can’t shake: Connor Evans. For years, she’s been in love with him, and for years, he’s played yo-yo with her heart.
Abandoned by his parents, tossed around from one foster home to the next until his best friend’s family took him in, Connor Evans is the proverbial bad boy with a badge. For more than ten years, he’s kept Annabelle at a distance, convinced that his kind of screwed-up doesn’t belong anywhere near her.
When one case muddles the line between personal and professional, mistakes are made. Connor has no choice but to step up if he wants to win her trust and her heart back.
Abandoned by his parents, tossed around from one foster home to the next until his best friend’s family took him in, Connor Evans is the proverbial bad boy with a badge. For more than ten years, he’s kept Annabelle at a distance, convinced that his kind of screwed-up doesn’t belong anywhere near her.
When one case muddles the line between personal and professional, mistakes are made. Connor has no choice but to step up if he wants to win her trust and her heart back.
- GenresContemporary Romance
Unknown Binding
Published March 25, 2016
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Kaithlin Shepherd
24 books134 followersKaithlin Shepherd was born and raised in Canada where she learned to figure skate and where she crafted a love affair with coffee. Growing up in a household filled by strong headed women, she learned early on that life is what you make it. Creating a world away from her own day to day, she loves the feeling of creating a universe where her fans can forget about everything in their life. She loves writing alpha men characters and she doesn’t shy away from turning up the heat with scorching hot sex scenes.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 13, 2017
Excuse me while I put a neck brace on from the emotional whiplash that I received from this book.
The back and forth of will they or won’t they was like watching a tennis match.
Annabelle and Connor have been friends for over a decade and now they are on the same team of taking down organized crime. They also work side by side with their friends. All are a family unit. Their concern for one another is a bond that cannot be broken. Of course each seem to be paired up and book 2 is focused on Belle and Connor.
Annabelle is a curvy, strong, red headed, tattooed woman who happens to be a successful U.S. District Attorney. Connor is a ripped, powerful, tattooed man who happens to a DEA agent.
From page one the sense of them having a decade long need for each other is more than apparent. They will they or won't they was real ya’ll. It did tend to be overkill at times. BUT finally they seal the deal. Connor dominated Belle and what a lucky woman. Truly. All that pent up sexual tension was bound to explosive.
Both are on a case for a Russian powerful organized crime boss who is now allies with a MC club. Naturally threats are everywhere. Connor is in overdrive of taking Ivanov down and protecting not only Belle but his friends and team.
After these two take their relationship to the next level, all bets for their safety, Ivanov knows his enemies weak points and preys on them. You were holding your breath on to what was next and how can this team go through anymore after what they all went through a short year ago in Mexico and Columbia when it was Savannah’s and Noah’s book. Some people are who they say they are and some people are not. What happens to Belle? What happens to Connor? Will they survive this? Is their bond strong enough?
If you like emotional whiplash, suspense, crime and everything in between then this one is for you.
For more reviews, visit
The back and forth of will they or won’t they was like watching a tennis match.
Annabelle and Connor have been friends for over a decade and now they are on the same team of taking down organized crime. They also work side by side with their friends. All are a family unit. Their concern for one another is a bond that cannot be broken. Of course each seem to be paired up and book 2 is focused on Belle and Connor.
Annabelle is a curvy, strong, red headed, tattooed woman who happens to be a successful U.S. District Attorney. Connor is a ripped, powerful, tattooed man who happens to a DEA agent.
From page one the sense of them having a decade long need for each other is more than apparent. They will they or won't they was real ya’ll. It did tend to be overkill at times. BUT finally they seal the deal. Connor dominated Belle and what a lucky woman. Truly. All that pent up sexual tension was bound to explosive.
Both are on a case for a Russian powerful organized crime boss who is now allies with a MC club. Naturally threats are everywhere. Connor is in overdrive of taking Ivanov down and protecting not only Belle but his friends and team.
After these two take their relationship to the next level, all bets for their safety, Ivanov knows his enemies weak points and preys on them. You were holding your breath on to what was next and how can this team go through anymore after what they all went through a short year ago in Mexico and Columbia when it was Savannah’s and Noah’s book. Some people are who they say they are and some people are not. What happens to Belle? What happens to Connor? Will they survive this? Is their bond strong enough?
If you like emotional whiplash, suspense, crime and everything in between then this one is for you.
For more reviews, visit
April 12, 2016
I have been looking forward to the second book in the Brass series ever since I read Admission. My experience with Admission was enjoyable as such I was expecting a similar or even better encounter with Perception. Unfortunately, the story left me disappointed.
There was romance, suspense, and action, all the necessary ingredients to make for an exciting read. However, the plot was a mirror of what took place in Admission. It felt as if I was reading the same story but with different characters. As such this story did not hold much of a surprise for me.
It tells the story of two friends, Annabelle, and Connor, who have been in love with each other for as long as they both could remember. However, fears, insecurities, and emotional scars were preventing them from admitting to what was staring them in the face. However, they were forced to face their feelings when they were both assigned to work on a case involving a notorious Russian crime boss.
The story is told from the alternate POVs of Annabelle and Connor. I found Annabelle to be strong. She has been through a lot, but she was able to overcome. What I respected about her was she did not allow the lack of love from her parents to make her feel unworthy. It helped that she was surrounded by friends who loved her unconditionally.
Connor believes that he is not worthy of Annabelle. As such he keeps his distance as much as he possibly can. When his reasons for not wanting to get close to her was revealed I was rather disappointed. For the life of me, I could not fathom why he would believe that Annabelle would not understand his fears. It's my belief that his actions were selfish. He was not willing to get close to her yet he did not want to see her with anyone. He is protective by nature. He would willingly lay down his life for those he cared for.
I set up the dialogue a bit repetitious at times. The romance was ok, however, I found the back and forth with Annabelle and Connor tiresome. I wished Connor would get his act together and let Annabelle in.
I enjoyed the suspense even though it was not nail biting. I say this because it was easy to figure out who was the crime boss' payroll. There was one particular person who I knew for certain was involved, although I was secretly hoping I was wrong.
Bottom Line: The story was ok. Although it did not live up to my expectations I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.
There was romance, suspense, and action, all the necessary ingredients to make for an exciting read. However, the plot was a mirror of what took place in Admission. It felt as if I was reading the same story but with different characters. As such this story did not hold much of a surprise for me.
It tells the story of two friends, Annabelle, and Connor, who have been in love with each other for as long as they both could remember. However, fears, insecurities, and emotional scars were preventing them from admitting to what was staring them in the face. However, they were forced to face their feelings when they were both assigned to work on a case involving a notorious Russian crime boss.
The story is told from the alternate POVs of Annabelle and Connor. I found Annabelle to be strong. She has been through a lot, but she was able to overcome. What I respected about her was she did not allow the lack of love from her parents to make her feel unworthy. It helped that she was surrounded by friends who loved her unconditionally.
Connor believes that he is not worthy of Annabelle. As such he keeps his distance as much as he possibly can. When his reasons for not wanting to get close to her was revealed I was rather disappointed. For the life of me, I could not fathom why he would believe that Annabelle would not understand his fears. It's my belief that his actions were selfish. He was not willing to get close to her yet he did not want to see her with anyone. He is protective by nature. He would willingly lay down his life for those he cared for.
I set up the dialogue a bit repetitious at times. The romance was ok, however, I found the back and forth with Annabelle and Connor tiresome. I wished Connor would get his act together and let Annabelle in.
I enjoyed the suspense even though it was not nail biting. I say this because it was easy to figure out who was the crime boss' payroll. There was one particular person who I knew for certain was involved, although I was secretly hoping I was wrong.
Bottom Line: The story was ok. Although it did not live up to my expectations I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.
January 9, 2021
This is book two in The Brass series and it is Annabelle and Connor's story and omg it just blew me away. Annabelle is a top u.s. assistant attorney and she has an amazing group of friends who have become her family and now she is attending Savannah and Noah's wedding but she is devastated when Conner the man that she has been in love with for years brings a date to the wedding so now she decides that she will have to ignore him and that will be very difficult as he is always there. Conner knows that deep down he is in love with Annabelle but he thinks that he is not good enough for her and his job is to dangerous to bring her into his life so he ends up being sarcastic to her even though he knows that he is constantly hurting her but it is something that he has to do for his own sanity. The biggest problem comes when they have to work together on a dangerous case and thing do not go as planned. Wow i absolutely loved this book so much with all its twists and turns along with betrayal, kidnapping, secrets, pain, hope, love and emotional parts that i felt like i was going through the pain with them. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and i could not put this book down as i had to see what would happen next and it was so addictive. Kaithlin Shepherd is an amazing author and writer and she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and i have only read a few of her books so far and i can not wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2016
Connor and Annabelle have many feelings between them but the past makes it hard to cross professional line to personal. Annabelle is a strong, sassy, tatted women who has much emotional turmoil from her past. Connor is carrying a heavy burden that makes him feel not good enough for Annabelle. Strap in for the wild emotional rollercoaster of a ride.
When Connor and Annabelle are thrown together to work on bringing down a Russian crime boss the angst and action won't end. The rest of the crew plus the FBI are also involved. There is danger on all aspects for everyone. As Connor and Annabelle become closer is causes Annabelle to become a target.
This story is told from multiple POV so it gets you into both characters minds. Romance crossed with angst, suspense and so much danger make for a story that will pull you in from the very beginning. Throw in the sexual tension between Connor and Annabelle and you have a great read. I did not read book one first but did not feel lost reading this one. However after I got to know all the characters it made me want to read book one.
I voluntarily read this book for Nerd Girl Official.
When Connor and Annabelle are thrown together to work on bringing down a Russian crime boss the angst and action won't end. The rest of the crew plus the FBI are also involved. There is danger on all aspects for everyone. As Connor and Annabelle become closer is causes Annabelle to become a target.
This story is told from multiple POV so it gets you into both characters minds. Romance crossed with angst, suspense and so much danger make for a story that will pull you in from the very beginning. Throw in the sexual tension between Connor and Annabelle and you have a great read. I did not read book one first but did not feel lost reading this one. However after I got to know all the characters it made me want to read book one.
I voluntarily read this book for Nerd Girl Official.
June 4, 2016
So freaking good.
January 13, 2021
This is a really great storyline and the first I’ve read in this series, I will go back to read the first one but don’t think it affected my enjoyment not having read it first - though it might have helped me understand the characters connections a little sooner perhaps. I’m keen to read the remaining books and see where the author takes this series (will Eric get a book??)
Connor and Belle have known each other for years, part of a group of 8 close friends now working together in various law enforcement and law careers.
They have strong feelings but despite Belle’s best efforts, Connor pushed her away every time. Only when she decides to stop does he come to his senses but again retreats when memories of a bad experience (in the last book?) he doesn’t want to share with Belle come up. Despite this they do move forward and decide to progress a relationship when the case they are working on together to take down a drug lord gets closer to them than they ever imagined.
A really great read (some small spelling errors and words running together issues but nothing that would diminish your enjoyment) with strong characters. It is a little frustrating that Belle keeps allowing Connor to keep leading her on initially as she is so strong in every other part of her life, and the side story about her parents very much felt like an afterthought or filler as it wasn’t really explored much or added to the underlying story.
Excited to read the next book in the series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Connor and Belle have known each other for years, part of a group of 8 close friends now working together in various law enforcement and law careers.
They have strong feelings but despite Belle’s best efforts, Connor pushed her away every time. Only when she decides to stop does he come to his senses but again retreats when memories of a bad experience (in the last book?) he doesn’t want to share with Belle come up. Despite this they do move forward and decide to progress a relationship when the case they are working on together to take down a drug lord gets closer to them than they ever imagined.
A really great read (some small spelling errors and words running together issues but nothing that would diminish your enjoyment) with strong characters. It is a little frustrating that Belle keeps allowing Connor to keep leading her on initially as she is so strong in every other part of her life, and the side story about her parents very much felt like an afterthought or filler as it wasn’t really explored much or added to the underlying story.
Excited to read the next book in the series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2021
Kaithlin has done it again and made a great new story. I think that I have picked up almost all of her books since I started reading one as I really like how entrapped you can get in the plot. This one is certainly no different. Annabelle and Conner make quite the pair and I so wanted to just yank Conner to Annabelle’s side when he’s being a bit stubborn. I don’t think that I would have first taken Annabelle as a US attorney, but when she gets a chance (or rather is forced to) work with Conner on a task force, Conner has to prove to her that he’s in it for her long hall, and will stop playing with her heart. His hesitance is understandable, but they are such a good couple together that it had me rooting for them from the very beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2021
This book is SO GOOD!!! I loved both the storyline about the relationship between Connor and Belle as well as the story about their work to try and catch a Russian trafficking drugs and girls. Belle and Connor both work for the DEA. Belle is a lawyer and Connor is trained muscle. They have also been friends forever. They have feelings for each other but Connor thinks he’s too broken for happiness so he unintentionally plays with Belle’s heart. In this story it’s time for Connor to decide if he’s all in with Belle or if he’s going to set her free. Their story has many steamy ups and action packed downs and was so freaking good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
The second book in the Brass series a well written story with a very good storyline, the story flowed smoothly across the pages. Annabelle Stevens and Connor Evans will have so much to overcome to get their happy ending. There is suspense, drama, danger, villains, evil, threats, twists, turns, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2021
Anna has loves him from a distance, Connor put that distance between them with a misguided attempt o shield her from his messed up world. He had no but himself to blame for the heartache he has caused her. But this case has brought them into the same space and she wants answers and not just about the case. Put on the spot and crossing lines
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2021
Awesome book wish I did not read the first one however it was easy enough to pick up on the back story of the charters and their relationships to each other. I could not put this book down so make sure that you have time to read it all at one time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2021
While I am not the biggest fan of the third person point of view of the writing, I really like this author and this was also a very good story. I really liked Connor, and for me it has to be the hero that makes or breaks the story. 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2022
Once again I’m obsessed with this book and with Kaithlin Shepherd! Connor and Annabelle have loved each other for so long and when he finally gives in it’s amazing. Romance, action, spice, an alpha male taking what’s his… what more could you want in a book??
Get ready for one hell of an emotional roller coaster with this book but trust me when I say Annabelle and Connor are worth it!!
Get ready for one hell of an emotional roller coaster with this book but trust me when I say Annabelle and Connor are worth it!!
January 18, 2021
The author did a great job in the development of the storyline and the characters were engaging and interesting and kept me entertained throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2017
Annabelle and Connor have a rocky past. Annabelle has been in love with him for years, and Connor loves her too. But they've never done
April 10, 2016
5 Dynamic Stars!!!
I've been looking forward to this book since I finished Admission, Book One in this series.... I may have even stalked Kaithlin about this a little bit...basically chomping at the bit to get my hands on this one.
One of the things I especially loved about this book is that it pretty picks up almost where we left off at in Admission. This is Annabelle and Connor's story. If there was ever a couple that belonged together, it's these two. They've been dancing around each other for years and the one holding them back, is Connor himself. For some reason, he doesn't feel he's worthy of Annabelle's love and nothing could be further from the truth. Annabelle has been in love with him longer than she can count and her frustration with Connor reaches a peak in this story. Problem is, they can't stay away from each other, both professionally and personally.
When these two finally ignite, it's like TNT!!! Talk about push you against the wall and have sex every which way from Sunday; OFF THE CHARTS HOT AND STEAMY!!! When the their jobs bring them together forcing their hands in facing what their future will be, we see the man Connor has become and how much he truly loves Annabelle - even to the point where he may let her go because he thinks he has to.
Kaithlin did an exceptional job of keeping me guessing what was going to happen next while intermixing this story with all the elements I've come to like about her writing - intrigue, suspense, deep abiding friendships and most importantly love.
I've been looking forward to this book since I finished Admission, Book One in this series.... I may have even stalked Kaithlin about this a little bit...basically chomping at the bit to get my hands on this one.
One of the things I especially loved about this book is that it pretty picks up almost where we left off at in Admission. This is Annabelle and Connor's story. If there was ever a couple that belonged together, it's these two. They've been dancing around each other for years and the one holding them back, is Connor himself. For some reason, he doesn't feel he's worthy of Annabelle's love and nothing could be further from the truth. Annabelle has been in love with him longer than she can count and her frustration with Connor reaches a peak in this story. Problem is, they can't stay away from each other, both professionally and personally.
When these two finally ignite, it's like TNT!!! Talk about push you against the wall and have sex every which way from Sunday; OFF THE CHARTS HOT AND STEAMY!!! When the their jobs bring them together forcing their hands in facing what their future will be, we see the man Connor has become and how much he truly loves Annabelle - even to the point where he may let her go because he thinks he has to.
Kaithlin did an exceptional job of keeping me guessing what was going to happen next while intermixing this story with all the elements I've come to like about her writing - intrigue, suspense, deep abiding friendships and most importantly love.
July 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
Perception, book two in Kaithlin Shepherds Brass Series, this time forcusing on Annabelle and Connor's story.
Annabelle Stevens is an Assistant US Attorney who is assigned to an elite DEA-led taskforce by her new boss, putting in close proximity with the one man she can’t shake...Connor Evans. For years, she’s been in love with him, and for years, he’s played yo-yo with her heart.
Abandoned by his parents, tossed around from one foster home to the next until his best friend’s family took him in, Connor Evans is the proverbial bad boy with a badge. For more than ten years, he’s kept Annabelle at a distance, convinced that his kind of screwed-up doesn’t belong anywhere near her.
When one case muddles the line between personal and professional, mistakes are made. Connor has no choice but to step up if he wants to win her trust and her heart back.
Although this was an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to other readers who enjoyed book one in the series. For me personally I felt the plot lacked depth it's classed as romantic suspense but for me the suspense part fell a little flat with no real development and left me with a lot of unanswered questions which is a shame as all the ingredients and potential are there just seemed to lack the balance and centered more on the romance side which at times was a little repetitive. That being said I still found myself turning the pages.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review for WTMO Book Blog**
Perception, book two in Kaithlin Shepherds Brass Series, this time forcusing on Annabelle and Connor's story.
Annabelle Stevens is an Assistant US Attorney who is assigned to an elite DEA-led taskforce by her new boss, putting in close proximity with the one man she can’t shake...Connor Evans. For years, she’s been in love with him, and for years, he’s played yo-yo with her heart.
Abandoned by his parents, tossed around from one foster home to the next until his best friend’s family took him in, Connor Evans is the proverbial bad boy with a badge. For more than ten years, he’s kept Annabelle at a distance, convinced that his kind of screwed-up doesn’t belong anywhere near her.
When one case muddles the line between personal and professional, mistakes are made. Connor has no choice but to step up if he wants to win her trust and her heart back.
Although this was an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend to other readers who enjoyed book one in the series. For me personally I felt the plot lacked depth it's classed as romantic suspense but for me the suspense part fell a little flat with no real development and left me with a lot of unanswered questions which is a shame as all the ingredients and potential are there just seemed to lack the balance and centered more on the romance side which at times was a little repetitive. That being said I still found myself turning the pages.
**Arc provided courtesy of the Author in exchange for an honest review for WTMO Book Blog**
Read
April 12, 2016***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
I couldn't wait to read this book and I wasn't disappointed. I was hooked from beginning to end. This isn't a hearts and flowers love story. Filled with drama, agnst and suspence I was on the edge of my seat.Its passionate, raw, electrifying...This is Connor and Annabelle's story.
These two have danced around each other for years. They are friends and colleagues but the want and need for each other is strong. Connor is the one who has put the breaks on things going further, he dosn't feel as if he deserves a woman like her. His past isn't the best and this has left a nasty taste in his mouth.
With them both working the same case they get closer and everyday it is harder to to deny what is between them. Annabelle knows that if she can have him just once, he wont be able to stay away and this is her best plan to date. With things heating up between the couple there are other factors to take into consideration.
With danger lurking at every turn. The man they are in hot pursuit is quick to find their weak spot and will do anything to stay out of prison.
Can they crack the case and save each other?
Is a relationship worth the risk?
Will they laugh in the face of danger?
They are like moths being drawn to a flame but will this be their downfall?
April 9, 2016
OMG - I loved this book!!
While the premise is the same as 'Admission', Kaithlin has still managed to create a fresh story that produces more than a few surprises along the way.
Connor has been in love Annabelle for a long time and Annabelle has been in love with Connor for a long time. However, Connor hasn't wanted to bring Annabelle closer because of his past as well as recent events, feeling she deserves someone better than him. Annabelle, though, is a tough cookie, working on some of the toughest and most dangerous cases as an Assistant US Attorney. But there is a definite vulnerability in the way she perceives herself outside work that is deep seeded. Working together to bring down a Russian organised crime boss will either make or break them.
I loved the strength of both of these characters, as well as Annabelle's vulnerability and the protectiveness that Connor shows towards Annabelle which makes your heart beat a little faster. It is also a hot and seductive read with Connor's commanding nature. Kaithlin's writing is top notch, drawing you into the story and not letting you go. The different elements all ran seamlessly together for a first rate read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
While the premise is the same as 'Admission', Kaithlin has still managed to create a fresh story that produces more than a few surprises along the way.
Connor has been in love Annabelle for a long time and Annabelle has been in love with Connor for a long time. However, Connor hasn't wanted to bring Annabelle closer because of his past as well as recent events, feeling she deserves someone better than him. Annabelle, though, is a tough cookie, working on some of the toughest and most dangerous cases as an Assistant US Attorney. But there is a definite vulnerability in the way she perceives herself outside work that is deep seeded. Working together to bring down a Russian organised crime boss will either make or break them.
I loved the strength of both of these characters, as well as Annabelle's vulnerability and the protectiveness that Connor shows towards Annabelle which makes your heart beat a little faster. It is also a hot and seductive read with Connor's commanding nature. Kaithlin's writing is top notch, drawing you into the story and not letting you go. The different elements all ran seamlessly together for a first rate read.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Read
April 10, 2016I was given an ARC copy for an honest review
This was a great book. I would read book 1 first, I am like to follow the authors progression of a series..... Annabelle is strong, sexy, tattooed DEA Agent. Conner is a sexy, bad ass partnered to her same team. There relationship is hot... heavy....and ooo sooo amazing.
This was a great book. I would read book 1 first, I am like to follow the authors progression of a series..... Annabelle is strong, sexy, tattooed DEA Agent. Conner is a sexy, bad ass partnered to her same team. There relationship is hot... heavy....and ooo sooo amazing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews