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Heathens
The dark-haired, tattooed, rebellious JB Branson is leading a quiet life of self-induced exile after the death of his mother. That is, until his twin brother Caesar shows up and informs him that their father and cousin are hanging onto life.
The moment Amina Lewis steps foot on the Branson Family property looking for her estranged mother, she soon realizes that she’s more like her mother than she wants to admit. She, too, loves a bad boy.
JB has a reputation as the crazy, uncontrollable one in the family, and he’s not about to let his family or anyone else stop him from getting the two things that he wants in the killer of his mother and Amina Lewis as his forever.
Heathens is a 72,800-word novel.
The moment Amina Lewis steps foot on the Branson Family property looking for her estranged mother, she soon realizes that she’s more like her mother than she wants to admit. She, too, loves a bad boy.
JB has a reputation as the crazy, uncontrollable one in the family, and he’s not about to let his family or anyone else stop him from getting the two things that he wants in the killer of his mother and Amina Lewis as his forever.
Heathens is a 72,800-word novel.
ebook
Published June 27, 2017
About the author
Britt Collins
3 books35 followersNew Publisher ...Deep Desire Press
New Novel....Heathens
I'm no longer on the milk carton as a missing author. My former pen name was Jordan Abbott, author of the Hells Vipers series.
I've found an amazing new publisher, Deep Desire Press and we're about to unleash onto the world the Branson Family.
Remember...'Family will only love you for as long as they can use you'
New Novel....Heathens
I'm no longer on the milk carton as a missing author. My former pen name was Jordan Abbott, author of the Hells Vipers series.
I've found an amazing new publisher, Deep Desire Press and we're about to unleash onto the world the Branson Family.
Remember...'Family will only love you for as long as they can use you'
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 26, 2018
I knew what to expect with this author because I read (and loved) her Vipers MC series. Her heroes are anti-heroes with problems. They are dark and conflicted and pretty in your face criminal with some not-vanilla sexual needs. Usually this would be a hard pass for me. But then, the author does that one thing I can forgive -- no matter how messed up, dark and criminal the hero is, he never, ever, ever turns that shit onto the heroine. He is usually obsessed in love and no matter what comes at them the H&H are ride or die.
JB in this book is no different. He is a scion of a redneck crime syndicate family with eleventy millions cousins and uncles who all live up on a mountain in a small town and run drugs and guns. He has a twin brother, Caesar, and they are unofficially referred to in the family as the good twin (Caesar) and the bad twin (JB). Caesar and JB are close, but Caesar is being groomed to take over the family after their grandmother, Nana, who runs everything steps down. JB is the one who is usually tasked to do the family's wetwork.
What I really found intriguing about this is that JB is generally held to be mentally unstable by the family. They have committed him and often speak about him being 'crazy'. But what they don't realize is that it is their insistence of requiring him to do a lot of the dirty work that is at the root of JB's problems. He is a lot more sensitive than they know. I liked this piece of character nuance for JB, and I thought the author teased that element out very well over the course of the story. You really want to shake his family so they see what they are doing to him. Also intriguing, I found the family dynamics in this book rather interesting. For all that Nana and Caesar preach a 'family first' credo, they have very little problem with sacrificing the well being of some family members in order to maintain their bottom line with their criminal empire.
Into this comes Mina, the heroine. She has a messed up past with his family. Her mother was involved with one of the uncles or cousins who was a pedophile. Mina is trying to find her mother and seeks JBs family out for help.
Mina and JB connect instantly and fall in love. This is a case of insta-love. I am not a fan of insta-love, but again, here I bought it mainly because the author sells Mina as a sort of lifeline/stabilizing influence for JB. I could totally see why JB would need her, but I was less convinced why Mina would fall so quick for JB, especially given her past with his family. The author does not come right out and say it, but there are some really rather broad hints that Mina may have been at worst molested at least somewhat traumatized by the pedo-uncle/cousin. But I did become convinced by their love, mainly through JB's hardline conviction of it throughout the book.
The story ends on a semi-cliffhanger. JB and Mina are together but there are real fissures in the family that have put Mina in danger and JB has set himself to be a wall of protection around of her. He is willing to walk away (happily) from all of that as long as Mina is safe. But there are secrets they are keeping from him that could affect his relationship with them even more than he knows.
In the end I really did enjoy this. It was definitely not a sweet romance or light romance, but I would not necessarily call it dark. It definitely is not that wallowing in it's own angst shit I can't stand, nor is it so nihilistic I wonder why these people bother to even live. I actually found it hopeful mainly because I never felt the bond or love between JB or Mina was ever in any real jeopardy.
JB in this book is no different. He is a scion of a redneck crime syndicate family with eleventy millions cousins and uncles who all live up on a mountain in a small town and run drugs and guns. He has a twin brother, Caesar, and they are unofficially referred to in the family as the good twin (Caesar) and the bad twin (JB). Caesar and JB are close, but Caesar is being groomed to take over the family after their grandmother, Nana, who runs everything steps down. JB is the one who is usually tasked to do the family's wetwork.
What I really found intriguing about this is that JB is generally held to be mentally unstable by the family. They have committed him and often speak about him being 'crazy'. But what they don't realize is that it is their insistence of requiring him to do a lot of the dirty work that is at the root of JB's problems. He is a lot more sensitive than they know. I liked this piece of character nuance for JB, and I thought the author teased that element out very well over the course of the story. You really want to shake his family so they see what they are doing to him. Also intriguing, I found the family dynamics in this book rather interesting. For all that Nana and Caesar preach a 'family first' credo, they have very little problem with sacrificing the well being of some family members in order to maintain their bottom line with their criminal empire.
Into this comes Mina, the heroine. She has a messed up past with his family. Her mother was involved with one of the uncles or cousins who was a pedophile. Mina is trying to find her mother and seeks JBs family out for help.
Mina and JB connect instantly and fall in love. This is a case of insta-love. I am not a fan of insta-love, but again, here I bought it mainly because the author sells Mina as a sort of lifeline/stabilizing influence for JB. I could totally see why JB would need her, but I was less convinced why Mina would fall so quick for JB, especially given her past with his family. The author does not come right out and say it, but there are some really rather broad hints that Mina may have been at worst molested at least somewhat traumatized by the pedo-uncle/cousin. But I did become convinced by their love, mainly through JB's hardline conviction of it throughout the book.
The story ends on a semi-cliffhanger. JB and Mina are together but there are real fissures in the family that have put Mina in danger and JB has set himself to be a wall of protection around of her. He is willing to walk away (happily) from all of that as long as Mina is safe. But there are secrets they are keeping from him that could affect his relationship with them even more than he knows.
In the end I really did enjoy this. It was definitely not a sweet romance or light romance, but I would not necessarily call it dark. It definitely is not that wallowing in it's own angst shit I can't stand, nor is it so nihilistic I wonder why these people bother to even live. I actually found it hopeful mainly because I never felt the bond or love between JB or Mina was ever in any real jeopardy.
October 31, 2021
There's almost something shameful about how much I liked this book. With utmost finesse, the author merged mental illness and romance in a compelling novel.
Throughout much of the novel, I was sure JB was a lunatic and I thought for the most part that he was crazy, however, the direction the author took his story was much more interesting and unique. His complexity made him a great man for Amina.
It was a very interesting romance between them. He recounted stories of his past with members of the Branson family that were fascinating - love how open and honest he was to Amina and how true to himself he was, allowing him to live in peace with himself.
This book has quite an extensive list of content warnings - the characters have to deal with some really shocking events that will leave you gasping and shaking with horror. Even so - I found that reading through the books' horrific events was worthwhile.
Ms. Britt Collins delivered themes of self-awareness, compassion, obligation ... and necessary explicit content which cannot be adequately crafted in words.
She has definitely captured my attention, and I will be keeping my eyes open for her next book.
Throughout much of the novel, I was sure JB was a lunatic and I thought for the most part that he was crazy, however, the direction the author took his story was much more interesting and unique. His complexity made him a great man for Amina.
It was a very interesting romance between them. He recounted stories of his past with members of the Branson family that were fascinating - love how open and honest he was to Amina and how true to himself he was, allowing him to live in peace with himself.
This book has quite an extensive list of content warnings - the characters have to deal with some really shocking events that will leave you gasping and shaking with horror. Even so - I found that reading through the books' horrific events was worthwhile.
Ms. Britt Collins delivered themes of self-awareness, compassion, obligation ... and necessary explicit content which cannot be adequately crafted in words.
She has definitely captured my attention, and I will be keeping my eyes open for her next book.
July 19, 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I found one of my favorite authors! I first read a book You Belong to Me a couple of years ago and fell in love with the author's style of writing and creative vision. The characters were different and unique which really held all of my attention. I've been trolling looking for anything new from her. Imagine my surprise when I came across her new book, I stopped in the middle of reading another book in favor of this one, and I was not disappointed!
The motley cast of characters starting with JB is hilarious! The Branson family are just too much, from Caesar to Nana, they were off the chain. I do not believe I have read anything this funny and entertaining. Don't get me wrong, this family was not to be messed with. They were bad to the bone when they needed to take care of business. JB has some emotional/mental issues and has no problems with violence. He tends to go off the rails when he gets in one of his moods. He just happens to meet the girl of his dreams, Amina, who has the potential to rein in his crazy. I really liked JB and Amina as a couple. It was insta-love, but I actually enjoy the quick romance/lust. Why drag it out when you know they are going to get together.
Probably the best part(s) of the book were the interactions between the family members. Seriously funny stuff. It was almost like you were right there with them! JB and Amina together was hot as all get out! JB liked it rough and Amina was up for the challenge. As with her other books, the author can write some sexy scenes. I loved that race was in the story, but was not the main point of the story, which is always nice.
Absolutely loved it and can't wait until the author puts out another book!
Why Not 5 Stars?
Where's the sex? I counted 2 sexcapades between JB and Amina and it was not enough!! I was also disappointed that their first time together was not written about. It just happened, and faded to back, then it was a few weeks into the future. This author can write sexy scenes that are off the charts, so I'm puzzled why more of these bedroom scenes were not included in the book. How about less dialogue between the secondary characters and more interactions between the couple. Not to take anything away, but if there was a scene where JB's jealous/possessive side came out over Amina...that would have put this over the top for me! Just something to think about for your next book!
I found one of my favorite authors! I first read a book You Belong to Me a couple of years ago and fell in love with the author's style of writing and creative vision. The characters were different and unique which really held all of my attention. I've been trolling looking for anything new from her. Imagine my surprise when I came across her new book, I stopped in the middle of reading another book in favor of this one, and I was not disappointed!
The motley cast of characters starting with JB is hilarious! The Branson family are just too much, from Caesar to Nana, they were off the chain. I do not believe I have read anything this funny and entertaining. Don't get me wrong, this family was not to be messed with. They were bad to the bone when they needed to take care of business. JB has some emotional/mental issues and has no problems with violence. He tends to go off the rails when he gets in one of his moods. He just happens to meet the girl of his dreams, Amina, who has the potential to rein in his crazy. I really liked JB and Amina as a couple. It was insta-love, but I actually enjoy the quick romance/lust. Why drag it out when you know they are going to get together.
Probably the best part(s) of the book were the interactions between the family members. Seriously funny stuff. It was almost like you were right there with them! JB and Amina together was hot as all get out! JB liked it rough and Amina was up for the challenge. As with her other books, the author can write some sexy scenes. I loved that race was in the story, but was not the main point of the story, which is always nice.
Absolutely loved it and can't wait until the author puts out another book!
Why Not 5 Stars?
Where's the sex? I counted 2 sexcapades between JB and Amina and it was not enough!! I was also disappointed that their first time together was not written about. It just happened, and faded to back, then it was a few weeks into the future. This author can write sexy scenes that are off the charts, so I'm puzzled why more of these bedroom scenes were not included in the book. How about less dialogue between the secondary characters and more interactions between the couple. Not to take anything away, but if there was a scene where JB's jealous/possessive side came out over Amina...that would have put this over the top for me! Just something to think about for your next book!
March 12, 2018
I just want to start off by saying that this book left me with my mouth opened at the end. This is a really unconventional/crazy love story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Heathens tell the story of JB and Amina a very unlikely couple. JB has just gotten released from a mental hospital (his 5th stay) when Amina shows up looking for her drug addict mother on his family's compound. J.B is a part of the infamous Branson family, a criminal empire run by his ruthless grandma Nana. When J.B. and Amina meet their immediately attracted to each other. J.B. starts to have feelings for Amina that he's never experienced before which makes him not only obsessed with her but their love. Amina provides a balance and a sense of peace that he can never get with his ruthless family. While his family is ruthless he's the most vicious, serving as the family hitman.
There is so many elements to this story that keeps you enthralled with the story line . The author did an excellent job of establishing the relationship between the two characters. While there was plenty of heat, JB and Amina fall in love through conversation. Staying up all night talking on the phone, texting or JB watching Amina paint.
There are many lingering questions at the end of the story. I wouldn't say the story ended on a happy for now but more of a what's going to happen next with this couple and his crazy family?
This is a fairly new author so there were minor editing issues but overall this was a great story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Heathens tell the story of JB and Amina a very unlikely couple. JB has just gotten released from a mental hospital (his 5th stay) when Amina shows up looking for her drug addict mother on his family's compound. J.B is a part of the infamous Branson family, a criminal empire run by his ruthless grandma Nana. When J.B. and Amina meet their immediately attracted to each other. J.B. starts to have feelings for Amina that he's never experienced before which makes him not only obsessed with her but their love. Amina provides a balance and a sense of peace that he can never get with his ruthless family. While his family is ruthless he's the most vicious, serving as the family hitman.
There is so many elements to this story that keeps you enthralled with the story line . The author did an excellent job of establishing the relationship between the two characters. While there was plenty of heat, JB and Amina fall in love through conversation. Staying up all night talking on the phone, texting or JB watching Amina paint.
There are many lingering questions at the end of the story. I wouldn't say the story ended on a happy for now but more of a what's going to happen next with this couple and his crazy family?
This is a fairly new author so there were minor editing issues but overall this was a great story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 10, 2017
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads.com. When I first started reading this book, I felt like I had walked into the middle of a movie and this is the first book in a series. It was helpful though, that the author did have a list of characters and their relationships before the story even began. The Branson family is a huge outlaw family, dealing in drugs, porn, guns ...etc that lives on a huge compound and even has family members in the police and sheriff departments. JB, one of twins, is bipolar and has recently been locked up by his family and after his release retreated to his own property, away from the rest of them. Since his mother's death, which he does not believe was a accident, he wants nothing to do with anyone. As the story begins, his twin brother comes to get him, to tell him that both his father (who he hates) and one of his cousins who he is very fond of, have been shot and are both in the ICU in the local hospital. His grandmother also wants to see him. Reluctantly, he goes with his twin to the compound to see his twin. Coincidently, while he is there, Amina Lewis, who lived on the compound with her mother for a short times years ago, shows up looking for her estranged mother, to let her know that her mother, (Amina's grandmother with whom she had been living since she left the compound) had died. The two of them have an immediate connection. JB soon feels that she is the anchor he needs to keep him sane and she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame. But what will the other members of the family do to this union that could interfere with the family businesses? When I first started the book, I wasn't even sure why I had wanted to read it, but I soon became engrossed in it and now am anxious to read the sequel.
November 20, 2017
Branson is a name synonymous with redneck criminal empire in their neck of the woods. JB is the baddest of the bad who happens to be a tad bit crazy. But Amina doesn’t mind his brand of crazy that is until it may cost her her life.
I can honestly say I was surprised by Heathens. This story by Britt Collins was darker and grittier than I have ever read. However, having said that, I really liked JB and Amina. They both had issues, serious issues, but their crazy worked. JB was honest to a fault. He made no bones about who he was, even though; unlike Amina he couldn’t see the good in himself. His family was as redneck as it is possible to be, but JB managed to see Amina aside from her race. I loved that Ms. Collins gave her just as many issues as JB. She struggled even as she accepted all JB was and could be. Ms. Collins didn’t hide much about this family and I loved that JB was trying to be better even before Amina entered his life. This story is dark. The characters are equally dark but the love between them worked. I loved seeing the journey Amina and JB were taking in spite of their respective families. I found myself drawn into not only this world but also the characters. This was my first time reading Ms. Collins work but I can honestly say it will not be the last.
Five Shooting Stars and Shining Star Award
I can honestly say I was surprised by Heathens. This story by Britt Collins was darker and grittier than I have ever read. However, having said that, I really liked JB and Amina. They both had issues, serious issues, but their crazy worked. JB was honest to a fault. He made no bones about who he was, even though; unlike Amina he couldn’t see the good in himself. His family was as redneck as it is possible to be, but JB managed to see Amina aside from her race. I loved that Ms. Collins gave her just as many issues as JB. She struggled even as she accepted all JB was and could be. Ms. Collins didn’t hide much about this family and I loved that JB was trying to be better even before Amina entered his life. This story is dark. The characters are equally dark but the love between them worked. I loved seeing the journey Amina and JB were taking in spite of their respective families. I found myself drawn into not only this world but also the characters. This was my first time reading Ms. Collins work but I can honestly say it will not be the last.
Five Shooting Stars and Shining Star Award
July 1, 2017
4 Dysfunctional Family Stars
I received a copy of the book from the author for a honest review.
I'm a sucker for the rebel with a cause and JB and Amina were both rebels. JB was interesting and so tortured by his family l wanted to smack them all for what they did to him. Even his twin was a snake. Amina was also betrayed in the worst way by her mom. There's a special place in hell for Nancy. I really liked the relationship that was developing between JB and Amina. Two broken people healing each other. Warning their sexual interactions are not for the faint of heart. The book ends with a HFN so I'm looking forward to reading more about them and the revenge that's sure to come.
I received a copy of the book from the author for a honest review.
I'm a sucker for the rebel with a cause and JB and Amina were both rebels. JB was interesting and so tortured by his family l wanted to smack them all for what they did to him. Even his twin was a snake. Amina was also betrayed in the worst way by her mom. There's a special place in hell for Nancy. I really liked the relationship that was developing between JB and Amina. Two broken people healing each other. Warning their sexual interactions are not for the faint of heart. The book ends with a HFN so I'm looking forward to reading more about them and the revenge that's sure to come.
August 25, 2017
I won a copy of this book on goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I honestly don't know what to make of this book. I think it is going to be part of a series which explains the ending not concluding anything. Warning this isn't a sweet romance. It was not a bad read not my cup of tea. The main characters could have been explôred more fully. As I said just not my cup of tea.
April 16, 2026
This would’ve been perfect if it was developed into a whole series about the family
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews