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The Other Side of Anger
Alternate cover edition for B071R61VCF
BRYANT
Dealing with deep, wrenching emotions had always been my struggle. Repressing myself? Pure f*%$ing instinct. So, just having found out I'd been adopted at birth, I wasn't surprised I fainted in front of my dying biological father's hospital suite with words unsaid still trapped in my throat. When I awoke, I found myself in the thick, capable arms of a golden-hued, flannel-wearing furniture maker named Orion Black. His largeness, his potent body heat, only enhanced the impact those slanted rusty cat eyes had on the soul I grew up believing I never possessed. And once I got to know him? The sex. God, the sex was hot, intimate, frantic. Cloying. Delicious. We fit—we fit so well, I almost believed I was capable of love...
ORION
The anguish in Bryant Pembroke's voice while she hissed to herself and pressed her forehead to that hospital suite window, made me think of what a dove sounded like getting mauled by a sadistic predator. I caught her before she hit the hallway floor. In that split second, protecting the delicate dove in my hands, I realized I could be gentle. That I could touch someone and not break them. Not like that night eight years ago, when my rage had convinced me I'd always be a monster. Yet Bryant's lemongrass eyes unraveled me at the core, had the power to split cedar let alone balm years of guilt I'd trapped in my heart. Just knowing her, knowing the feel of her body, gave me hope. Hope to find out what lay on the other side of my anger....
Listen to our sassy chemistry and pillow talk. Experience our journey of overcoming deepest doubts, and relish our deepest rewards.
BRYANT
Dealing with deep, wrenching emotions had always been my struggle. Repressing myself? Pure f*%$ing instinct. So, just having found out I'd been adopted at birth, I wasn't surprised I fainted in front of my dying biological father's hospital suite with words unsaid still trapped in my throat. When I awoke, I found myself in the thick, capable arms of a golden-hued, flannel-wearing furniture maker named Orion Black. His largeness, his potent body heat, only enhanced the impact those slanted rusty cat eyes had on the soul I grew up believing I never possessed. And once I got to know him? The sex. God, the sex was hot, intimate, frantic. Cloying. Delicious. We fit—we fit so well, I almost believed I was capable of love...
ORION
The anguish in Bryant Pembroke's voice while she hissed to herself and pressed her forehead to that hospital suite window, made me think of what a dove sounded like getting mauled by a sadistic predator. I caught her before she hit the hallway floor. In that split second, protecting the delicate dove in my hands, I realized I could be gentle. That I could touch someone and not break them. Not like that night eight years ago, when my rage had convinced me I'd always be a monster. Yet Bryant's lemongrass eyes unraveled me at the core, had the power to split cedar let alone balm years of guilt I'd trapped in my heart. Just knowing her, knowing the feel of her body, gave me hope. Hope to find out what lay on the other side of my anger....
Listen to our sassy chemistry and pillow talk. Experience our journey of overcoming deepest doubts, and relish our deepest rewards.
- GenresNew Adult
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
About the author
Courtney Lea
2 books14 followersThe movie Airplane! and watching SNL from fourth grade into the early 2000's, helped shape Courtney Lea's wacky sense of humor--hence why she crushed on Steve Martin prior to her "tween" years. DON'T ask her about Luke Perry or Jean-Claude Van Dame unless she has a cocktail in-hand...those "celebrity" crushes were traumatizing (for both obvious, yet unique, reasons).Using her freelance writing experience, after volunteering to judge prestigious writing contests, and becoming addicted to Texas A&M's Writer's Academy, Courtney finally bit the bullet and pressed that blasted "publish" button on Amazon. She lives in northern Arizona, currently runs her own dog/cat boarding business, and has a rescue named Brodick (who smacks on command!)
FB: @lovebycourtneylea
FB: @lovebycourtneylea
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 9, 2017
Bryant recently discovered that she was adopted because her mother died after giving birth. She finally found her father and she’s devastated when she discovers that he’s in a coma and will likely not wake up. At the hospital she meets Orion and he comforts her. Orion is a friend of Bryant’s real father, but Orion didn’t know that he had a daughter. Orion’s dad can give Bryant answers to the questions she has, but his dad isn’t an easy man.
Bryant’s adoptive parents were disliked by many people of the town, so not everybody was friendly to Bryant. Orion also wasn’t a fan of them, but he’s nice to Bryant. He notices quickly that she isn’t like her parents. He likes to spend time with her and he wants to be with her.
Orion and Bryant are great characters. Orion is caring, strong, talented, protective and a little damaged. He has done something that still affects his life now. He can’t let it go. Bryant makes him deal with his past. She makes his life better, just like he does for her. Bryant tries to push Orion away sometimes, but Orion doesn’t let that happen without a fight.
Bryant has never know real love and she’s lost, but she’s a giving and loving and nice woman. She says what’s on her mind. She loves cooking and food. She’s talented and she hopes to own her own restaurant one day. I felt for Bryant many times and I’m happy that she has friends and knows love at the end. This book has a great epilogue.
I liked The Other Side of Anger a lot. It was a little emotional, suspenseful and sweet. I love the meaning of the title and it fits Bryant and Orion’s love story. There happened a few things and there were a few revelations that I didn’t expect at all. I did want maybe a little more closure about some things at the end.
-- My honest review is based on a copy provided by the author. --
Bryant’s adoptive parents were disliked by many people of the town, so not everybody was friendly to Bryant. Orion also wasn’t a fan of them, but he’s nice to Bryant. He notices quickly that she isn’t like her parents. He likes to spend time with her and he wants to be with her.
Orion and Bryant are great characters. Orion is caring, strong, talented, protective and a little damaged. He has done something that still affects his life now. He can’t let it go. Bryant makes him deal with his past. She makes his life better, just like he does for her. Bryant tries to push Orion away sometimes, but Orion doesn’t let that happen without a fight.
Bryant has never know real love and she’s lost, but she’s a giving and loving and nice woman. She says what’s on her mind. She loves cooking and food. She’s talented and she hopes to own her own restaurant one day. I felt for Bryant many times and I’m happy that she has friends and knows love at the end. This book has a great epilogue.
I liked The Other Side of Anger a lot. It was a little emotional, suspenseful and sweet. I love the meaning of the title and it fits Bryant and Orion’s love story. There happened a few things and there were a few revelations that I didn’t expect at all. I did want maybe a little more closure about some things at the end.
-- My honest review is based on a copy provided by the author. --
August 28, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I loved this book. It had me hooked from the beginning to the end. Ore revived my love for big, sexy, lumberjacks, and I also loved Ant. She's the kind of heroine I love to read about. The themes in this book were a bit depressing and sad, but the author wrote them in a way that expresses how serious it is, without saddening a reader. I can honestly see my self reading this book again in the future and other books by this author.
August 27, 2017
**An ARC was exchanged in favor for an honest review**
5+ Stars!
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. I absolutely did not want to put it down, and the pace was just right. I feel like most books instantly have the main characters fall in love and then the rest of the book flies by. Not this one (but in a good way). There's an instant attraction between the man characters, but it goes deeper than that. They have struggles to get over within themselves and their story expands through a year.
PROS:
1. Orion and Ant are lovely characters I really really love! Ant is strong from the beginning, but you can easily tell she is broken inside. Through the help of Orion and herself, she is able to become stronger. Orion is just... AH! I loved everything about this gentle giant. I loved how he worked with his hands to craft such precious items. I loved how he was always aware of himself because he didn't want to accidentally hurt anyone. I loved how he felt remorse for what happened in his past, but at the same time accepted responsibility for what happened. He's simply my next book boyfriend. Simple as that.
2. The plot had me hooked. At first, I was like, "Eh, I guess this could be interesting," but once I started I couldn't stop. Seriously, that first chapter just pulls you right in.
3. The length of the book was absolutely perfect (except, I would have liked to see Orion's last piece of art put to use, if you know what I mean). Most novels I read I either thing the book could have ended many chapters ago or the book could have drawn out certain parts. Not this one because, while I loved this book and didn't want it to end, it did end at the perfect spot.
4. I liked the side characters in this book--especially Zeke. I really hope Lea writes another novel where he gets his happily every after (fingers crossed!)
CONS:
1. The main problem with Ant's ex was a bit confusing. I wasn't sure why this Laura chick showed up and smashed Ant's house because of texts her husband sent Ant. Laura should have seen that Ant never responded, so what's with the homicidal tendencies? Also, what happened to her? Did Ant press charges? Did she go to jail for a long time? What happened?! Also, the ex-boyfriend in general. Why did he want Ant back when he made it clear she didn't satisfy or make him happy when they were previously together? I guess I wanted a confrontation where this was established. Was he simply not right in the head?
2. I didn't like Orion's dad at all, and though I suppose he redeemed himself in the end, I wouldn't have wanted him walking me down the isle. He's a horrible woman-beater and I would not condone that (even if he doesn't hit his wife anymore, he still tells her to shut up and is beyond rude).
I really loved this book. I can see myself rereading this book many times over. Bravo, Lea!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2017
I loved this book almost right from the start. I will say that somethings were a bit too much for me. I really liked Bryant and Orion as well as most of the secondary characters. There is vulnerability and strength within most of the characters that got me hooked on this story. So much so that I hope the author chooses to continue and write more in this world. I would love to read more about Zeke. I did have a question or two in the end about the ex /ex best friend situation but not knowing did not ruin anything. The story is emotional, at times sweet and overall awesome. I also loved that Orion and Bryant were so passionate about what they do.
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August 30, 2017
This book was given to me free in exchange for an honest review
So the story of Bryant and Orion. I really loved this book. I surprised myself. I try to avoid books which feel too angsty or emotional, but this book was the perfect mix of tortured souls and true connections.
The plot: Bryant is in the hospital visiting the man she has just found out is her father yet is also dying. Overwhelmed by the whole ordeal she literally faints into the hero’s arms. Corny? Maybe, but actually, it worked perfectly. Orion avoids touching people yet he has to catch Bryant when she falls. There was a slight element of instalove here but I think it worked in the context of the story. The rest of the story revolves around the two getting to know each other whilst Bryant tries to get to know the father she never met. She is hampered along the way by her ex-boyfriend, who seems weirdly hung up on her. I didn’t quite get why he was like that really. It seemed a bit unreal, but hey ho.
The characters:
Orion is obviously a big hunk. Women flock to him which he hates. He’s just trying to keep his head down. He’s got a softness to him which wasn’t overly soppy, it was just perfect. He is definitely a book boyfriend. He pursues Bryant. He acknowledges that there is something between them way before she does, but it works well and makes him very likable. His issues could be that he feels too much. He worries he is full of rage. Like a big bear. I felt that Bryant’s extreme self-control was a good foil to this.
The only thing I didn’t like about the hero was his nickname for the heroine: Dove. It sounded a bit weird and it was slightly schmaltzy for my tastes. But I forgave it as I loved her nickname for him: Baklava.
Bryant was very likeable considering her emotionally damaged character. I felt that she was strong and didn’t shy away from emotions which threatened to overwhelm her. She was not some fading violet who needed rescuing.
What happens:
Well lots. I liked the story, it flowed easily and I read it really quickly. There was still an element of slow burn as found in Mariana Zapata novels which I love very much. You really get a sense of two people getting to know each other; of them working through their issues to become better people together. I do love a bit of personal development, especially when the combination of two people together helps make them grow.
It was just a warm and cosy read. Think lumberjack shirts and the smell of freshly cut wood. It had all the feels. This is my first 5 stars attributed to a review book. It’s going on my favourites shelf. I hope there are more to come.
So the story of Bryant and Orion. I really loved this book. I surprised myself. I try to avoid books which feel too angsty or emotional, but this book was the perfect mix of tortured souls and true connections.
The plot: Bryant is in the hospital visiting the man she has just found out is her father yet is also dying. Overwhelmed by the whole ordeal she literally faints into the hero’s arms. Corny? Maybe, but actually, it worked perfectly. Orion avoids touching people yet he has to catch Bryant when she falls. There was a slight element of instalove here but I think it worked in the context of the story. The rest of the story revolves around the two getting to know each other whilst Bryant tries to get to know the father she never met. She is hampered along the way by her ex-boyfriend, who seems weirdly hung up on her. I didn’t quite get why he was like that really. It seemed a bit unreal, but hey ho.
The characters:
Orion is obviously a big hunk. Women flock to him which he hates. He’s just trying to keep his head down. He’s got a softness to him which wasn’t overly soppy, it was just perfect. He is definitely a book boyfriend. He pursues Bryant. He acknowledges that there is something between them way before she does, but it works well and makes him very likable. His issues could be that he feels too much. He worries he is full of rage. Like a big bear. I felt that Bryant’s extreme self-control was a good foil to this.
The only thing I didn’t like about the hero was his nickname for the heroine: Dove. It sounded a bit weird and it was slightly schmaltzy for my tastes. But I forgave it as I loved her nickname for him: Baklava.
Bryant was very likeable considering her emotionally damaged character. I felt that she was strong and didn’t shy away from emotions which threatened to overwhelm her. She was not some fading violet who needed rescuing.
What happens:
Well lots. I liked the story, it flowed easily and I read it really quickly. There was still an element of slow burn as found in Mariana Zapata novels which I love very much. You really get a sense of two people getting to know each other; of them working through their issues to become better people together. I do love a bit of personal development, especially when the combination of two people together helps make them grow.
It was just a warm and cosy read. Think lumberjack shirts and the smell of freshly cut wood. It had all the feels. This is my first 5 stars attributed to a review book. It’s going on my favourites shelf. I hope there are more to come.
September 12, 2017
I absolutely fell in love with The Other Side of Anger and Courtney Lea's writing. It brought out every emotion and had me laughing, crying and even anger sometimes all on the same page. Its as close to perfect as they come.
Bryant Pembroke is broken in more ways than one having to grow up with unloving and abusive parents she is convinced she doesn't know how to love. Then to top it off she finds out that the parents she grew up with weren't her biological parents at all and she was adopted. Now on a mission to find her biological family and that leads her to Monroe a town that has a huge problem with the Pembroke name. Hoping to find her biological father leads her to finding Orion a man who is just as broken as she is.
Growing up for Orion was never easy so much so that he has shut himself away for a long time. When he sees Bryant for the first time outside a hospital room the armor he has up starts to chip away especially since its so obvious she needs someone in her life. As the two start to spend time together they learn from each other - can to broken people be together?
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading but was taken into the story from the first paragraph. The story line while being a little cliche kept me enthralled because of the two main characters and the way Ms Lea set them up. The author does a great job laying out who her characters are and gives them a touch of mystery that the readers learn as the other characters do. Told in dual POV's we get to see the pain and ultimately the happiness that both characters experience and get to go on those journey's with them. The secondary characters are fantastic and help drive the story forward and I am excited the Zeke, Reese and hopefully Del get their own books. I for one is very vested now and cant wait to see what happens next.
All in all if you are looking for a new author to try don't hesitate to check out Courtney Lea - you wont be disappointed.
Bryant Pembroke is broken in more ways than one having to grow up with unloving and abusive parents she is convinced she doesn't know how to love. Then to top it off she finds out that the parents she grew up with weren't her biological parents at all and she was adopted. Now on a mission to find her biological family and that leads her to Monroe a town that has a huge problem with the Pembroke name. Hoping to find her biological father leads her to finding Orion a man who is just as broken as she is.
Growing up for Orion was never easy so much so that he has shut himself away for a long time. When he sees Bryant for the first time outside a hospital room the armor he has up starts to chip away especially since its so obvious she needs someone in her life. As the two start to spend time together they learn from each other - can to broken people be together?
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading but was taken into the story from the first paragraph. The story line while being a little cliche kept me enthralled because of the two main characters and the way Ms Lea set them up. The author does a great job laying out who her characters are and gives them a touch of mystery that the readers learn as the other characters do. Told in dual POV's we get to see the pain and ultimately the happiness that both characters experience and get to go on those journey's with them. The secondary characters are fantastic and help drive the story forward and I am excited the Zeke, Reese and hopefully Del get their own books. I for one is very vested now and cant wait to see what happens next.
All in all if you are looking for a new author to try don't hesitate to check out Courtney Lea - you wont be disappointed.
September 13, 2017
She lifted her head off my shoulder, fixed me with a fresh infusion of witch’s brew. “I’ve never seen someone feel so much, so passionately and wholly, and still be able to control themselves the way you do. You’re aware of yourself, Ore. You remind yourself of consequences, what you’ll feel if you hurt someone.” She reached, traced the side of my face with a light set of fingertips. “Now ask me what’s on the other side of anger.”
“What’s on the other side of anger, Dove?” I felt the softness in my eyes, the pull between us stronger than ever.
She shrugged, her smile shining. “Love.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. The same case with the last book that I've read prior to this one. I was disappointed with that book so I started reading this book with not much expectations but my, I was in for an amazing surprise. This book sucked me in and I don't want to put it down. I really like the combination of both the characters. The heroine was emotionally abused by people who she assumed are her parents. She has been called weak, and a lot more crude names. She has been raised to suck it up and learned not wear her emotions on her face. Then, there's this giant guy who thinks he was like his father who can't control his anger and have a lot potential to destroy anything with it if he's not careful. After he has gone to jail because of that so called temper, he refrain from socializing with women. But well, he just have to make a lot of exceptions for the heroine. He call her dove because of her strength as well as her vulnerability. You can't help but sigh. It's just so freaking sweet. And can't not mention and emphasize the hot chemistry between them. Find a cool place or have a fan before you read this book. The sparks just explode! Lol. This is truly an undiscovered gem. I hope more people would give this author a chance and read this book. And surely, you would enjoy it as much as I did.
“What’s on the other side of anger, Dove?” I felt the softness in my eyes, the pull between us stronger than ever.
She shrugged, her smile shining. “Love.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. The same case with the last book that I've read prior to this one. I was disappointed with that book so I started reading this book with not much expectations but my, I was in for an amazing surprise. This book sucked me in and I don't want to put it down. I really like the combination of both the characters. The heroine was emotionally abused by people who she assumed are her parents. She has been called weak, and a lot more crude names. She has been raised to suck it up and learned not wear her emotions on her face. Then, there's this giant guy who thinks he was like his father who can't control his anger and have a lot potential to destroy anything with it if he's not careful. After he has gone to jail because of that so called temper, he refrain from socializing with women. But well, he just have to make a lot of exceptions for the heroine. He call her dove because of her strength as well as her vulnerability. You can't help but sigh. It's just so freaking sweet. And can't not mention and emphasize the hot chemistry between them. Find a cool place or have a fan before you read this book. The sparks just explode! Lol. This is truly an undiscovered gem. I hope more people would give this author a chance and read this book. And surely, you would enjoy it as much as I did.
October 2, 2017
This book will have you emotionally involved. It was such a good read. It was really unfortunate that Ant never got to meet her father while he was still conscience. Through meeting Ant, Ore is also able to see that just because of his past he is not the person that he see's himself as. He is really is very caring and loving. Through Ant's relationship with Ore she is able to see that there are people out there that will love you and that you can love back after they way she was raised. I was super shocked to find out about Ant's Grandparents.
December 10, 2017
Oh my goodness this book brought out the feels
Wow. I'm not quite sure what to write. This book brought out a lot of feels. I absolutely loved the Characters. Both Ore and Ant are absolutely amazing people who have way too many doubts about themselves due to traumatic past experiences. Ore's family is dysfunctional but they are there for each other when needed. I really want more of Jake's character and am hoping that he gets his own book preferably with a look at Ore and Ant's married life and kids. I'm looking forward to reading more contemporary stories by this author.
Wow. I'm not quite sure what to write. This book brought out a lot of feels. I absolutely loved the Characters. Both Ore and Ant are absolutely amazing people who have way too many doubts about themselves due to traumatic past experiences. Ore's family is dysfunctional but they are there for each other when needed. I really want more of Jake's character and am hoping that he gets his own book preferably with a look at Ore and Ant's married life and kids. I'm looking forward to reading more contemporary stories by this author.
July 22, 2019
Great book
Some might find this book slow but I think that's one of the things that makes it so good. You could actually see the love story development with all its ups and downs. I found the characters to be real. You get to know them. The touch of suspense was a bonus. Recommended
Some might find this book slow but I think that's one of the things that makes it so good. You could actually see the love story development with all its ups and downs. I found the characters to be real. You get to know them. The touch of suspense was a bonus. Recommended
September 4, 2026
This probably deserves a higher rank however there were certain descriptors that were used (witch's brew, lemongrass, cedar and smoke) way too often that distracted me from the quality of the story.
May 2, 2017
Orion is a dream...he's hot, knows how to use his hands, and the storyline is strong. GREAT romance full of spicy chemistry and a deep emotional connection between Orion and Bryant.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews