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I’m used to getting my hands dirty. During the day it’s mud and grime on the construction site. At night…it’s the blood I spill. A drug lord’s enforcer does what needs to be done. It’s my obedience, my loyalty to the boss that keeps my family alive.
I know I’m teetering on the edge. I’m losing my humanity, I can feel it. It’s changing me, and it’s only a matter of time before the darkness takes over.
Then I meet her. Liv. The only person who sees past my busted knuckles and brutal exterior. She sees…me. But being with me will get her killed. The only way I can keep her safe is by staying away. Until her own actions catapult her into the center of my world—a world which will swallow her whole.
Now I’m forced to be the ruthless bastard I’ve been for so long. Only this time it’s not to destroy…but to defend.
I know I’m teetering on the edge. I’m losing my humanity, I can feel it. It’s changing me, and it’s only a matter of time before the darkness takes over.
Then I meet her. Liv. The only person who sees past my busted knuckles and brutal exterior. She sees…me. But being with me will get her killed. The only way I can keep her safe is by staying away. Until her own actions catapult her into the center of my world—a world which will swallow her whole.
Now I’m forced to be the ruthless bastard I’ve been for so long. Only this time it’s not to destroy…but to defend.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
346 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Jen Davis
7 books727 followersJen started her love affair with romance novels, first as a reader, then as a reviewer and blogger. She launched a romance book blog in 2010 and jumped into Book Twitter shortly after.
She is happily married to her high school sweetheart. Together, they’re raising two kids, a cat, and a dog who is afraid of his own shadow.
Jen spends her days working as television journalist and her nights curled up with a good book.
She is happily married to her high school sweetheart. Together, they’re raising two kids, a cat, and a dog who is afraid of his own shadow.
Jen spends her days working as television journalist and her nights curled up with a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
June 1, 2020
I really enjoyed Brick such a lot: it has such an overall feel-good vibe to the whole entire experience.
I adored Brick and really appreciated the fact that he wasn't your usual pretty boy.
He defiantly lives up to his name in size as he is built like an actual shed: so definitely a big fellow.
Which certainly comes in handy when he is doing his job for a local loan shark as his top enforcer: a job he dislikes but has no choice in as his employer has leverage that keeps brick compliant and in line.
To keep himself sane and for his own enjoyment Brick works a day job at Cooper Construction.
It is here that he runs into Olivia a workmates sister.
Liv is everything he thinks he is not and though the attraction is certainly mutual he knows to keep her safe from his associations he needs to stay far far away from her.
But Liv is not prepared to take no for an answer and what follows next was such a warm and engrossing journey of love and acceptance.
With Liv, (Jonathon) as she decides to call him, is a gentle giant and he finds in her something he has never quite experienced before a person to call home.
As liv Pushes: Brick Pulls right back: scared of contaminating what he perceives as her light with his filthy stained hands.
Because of life's lessons, Olivia isn't scared to now go after what she actually wants and this was ever such a refreshing quality.
I especially adored that Brick wasn't a man-whore and that at times when it comes to the romantic side of things he seemed a trifle shy and unsure of himself: now that was very endearing indeed.
I felt that the action and suspense here was just the right balance and this didn't go overboard: it felt authentic and real to the whole situation.
In conclusion, this was a fabulous and thrilling introduction to what looks to be a great new series.
Really enjoyed myself here and am happy to give this a big thumbs up.
On a side-note the dark in this story is mainly Bricks Job this is more gritty dark than dark, dark: the romance itself here is super sweet.
I voluntary reviewed an Arc of Brick (Cooper Construction, #1).
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 8, 2019
Brick was one of those books that kind of took me by surprise. This was a great story with plenty of danger and suspense, with just enough sweetness to balance it out perfectly. I liked both Brick and Liv equally and together they made sense. One thing that stood out to me was the fact that Brick was pretty real from the get go. The fast pacing kept the story really entertaining, and I couldn’t put it down. Plus, there were some interesting secondary characters introduced whose stories I'm looking forward to reading in the future.
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
April 13, 2020
*4.5 SUSPENSEFUL STARS*
Now this is the kind of romantic suspense I like to read!
Though I saw some things coming from a mile away, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and loved the build-up and the slow burn romance.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I expected a little more action, but it was over pretty quickly.
All in all, I would definitely read the rest of this series!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Now this is the kind of romantic suspense I like to read!
Though I saw some things coming from a mile away, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and loved the build-up and the slow burn romance.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I expected a little more action, but it was over pretty quickly.
All in all, I would definitely read the rest of this series!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2019
HOLY HADES SWEET BABY JESUS is what I was saying while I was reading this book. Man Jen is an amazing break through author that I have never heard of so of course when I want to know about a book and its author I stalk them on facebook, twitter, instagram, Main&Bites, Bookbub you get the picture right...... Well I stalked the hell out of this author and book and I could not wait to read it. I just knew I was going to love Brick and I was not wrong. I have to say God Damn I would love a Brick in my life. He has become one of my favorite book boyfriend in 2019. He is one bad arse mother effer and he is loyal and true and everything you want in a man.
Liv man oh man she is my kind of girl who does not take any crap from anyone including her family. She is loyal and fierce just like Brick and when she sees him on the job she knows that she wants a taste of that scrumptious man. Only thing is that once you have a bite of the apple you need to finish it and boy oh boy the trouble that ends up at her door steps causes Brick to fight and defend her to the very end. Can these two have a relationship while Liv is in the thick of things or will it destroy them both?
The song Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus is Liv and Brick's song https://youtu.be/My2FRPA3Gf8
Liv man oh man she is my kind of girl who does not take any crap from anyone including her family. She is loyal and fierce just like Brick and when she sees him on the job she knows that she wants a taste of that scrumptious man. Only thing is that once you have a bite of the apple you need to finish it and boy oh boy the trouble that ends up at her door steps causes Brick to fight and defend her to the very end. Can these two have a relationship while Liv is in the thick of things or will it destroy them both?
The song Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus is Liv and Brick's song https://youtu.be/My2FRPA3Gf8
March 5, 2019
I had a hard time finishing this book. But, I received an ARC and I always give honest reviews. I had a extremely hard time connecting to both H/h. Sometimes I like the female character and not the male and vice versa. In this book I didn't like either. Unfortunately it is the same ole' story line. Good Girl meets bad boy, shit happens. Happy ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
This dark romance contains my favourite ingredients, a deeply troubled hero and a determined, strong heroine. Brick is a construction worker by day and a drug lord's enforcer by night. He's forced to do unspeakable things to protect the only person he loves, and has blood on his hands. He and doesn't think he's good enough for the gorgeous woman he keeps seeing around.
Liv is a survivor. She goes after what she wants, and she likes the big, brutish man.
I have to tell you, there's a twist in this story that had me yelling at my book. Davis is a master of plot and her devious mind makes for ultra creepy scenes. I was so scared while reading this, and it was so, so good.
Be warned, this is bloody and gory, but that just makes the HEA harder earned.
Liv is a survivor. She goes after what she wants, and she likes the big, brutish man.
I have to tell you, there's a twist in this story that had me yelling at my book. Davis is a master of plot and her devious mind makes for ultra creepy scenes. I was so scared while reading this, and it was so, so good.
Be warned, this is bloody and gory, but that just makes the HEA harder earned.
January 5, 2019
Wow, what a fantastic read!
Brick is an enforcer for a loan shark, Sucre, and he delivers the penalty’s his cruel boss insists if they’re late, he’s good at it but hates it and only does it to keep his family safe. He also works for a building company, this break keeps him sane, he feels like an average guy and free of Sucre’s clutches for a short time.
Liv is a survivor, she has hidden strengths and is trying to live her life to the fullest now that she has been given a second chance. Her brother works on a construction site and she first spies Brick there. She’s immediately attracted to him, the chemistry between them is strong, and their feelings can’t be denied. But some are against their union, they believe she could do better, Brick and her brother being two of them. How will Liv and Brick ever reach their HEA? Will they ever?
A very enjoyable story with wonderful characters. The plot did get a little dark at times and descriptive violence is mentioned but it was necessary I believe for the continuity and flow of the story.
This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. An addictive story, very exciting, great characters with likeable secondary characters for an enjoyable read. Not sure who’s next, but looking forward to #2.
Brick is an enforcer for a loan shark, Sucre, and he delivers the penalty’s his cruel boss insists if they’re late, he’s good at it but hates it and only does it to keep his family safe. He also works for a building company, this break keeps him sane, he feels like an average guy and free of Sucre’s clutches for a short time.
Liv is a survivor, she has hidden strengths and is trying to live her life to the fullest now that she has been given a second chance. Her brother works on a construction site and she first spies Brick there. She’s immediately attracted to him, the chemistry between them is strong, and their feelings can’t be denied. But some are against their union, they believe she could do better, Brick and her brother being two of them. How will Liv and Brick ever reach their HEA? Will they ever?
A very enjoyable story with wonderful characters. The plot did get a little dark at times and descriptive violence is mentioned but it was necessary I believe for the continuity and flow of the story.
This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. An addictive story, very exciting, great characters with likeable secondary characters for an enjoyable read. Not sure who’s next, but looking forward to #2.
June 4, 2019
Let's start off by saying that this author is new to us and we have to say that we really enjoyed our first read by them.
We really enjoyed the story as it was one of those stories that keeps you on edge the entire time as you never know what is going to happen around the corner.We really loved almost all the character's in this current story especially all those mysterious hot construction guys .The sick ones well-"I wanted to be planning their deaths right along him!" lol
Brick was my favorite character this time around as he had so many sides to him and always kept you wondering one how he never broke for all he has had to endure and two how could this dark and dangerous man just melt when in the presence of Olivia.
"It was rather sweet!"
I found Brick to be sexy as sin,tall,dark,dangerous,deadly,possessive,
protective yet compassionate,had a conscience even with all the bad deeds he has done,loved the sacrifices he made for his grand-mother but, most of all you could not help but love the broken man.
"Definitely a man you want at your back!"
My heart broke time and time again for Brick at what he was forced to do in order to keep his grand-mother alive.Who uses your grandma as leverage against you to do your sick bidding ? Poor Brick lived like this for 15 years under some sociopaths thumb never having a life of his own who controlled your life 24 hrs a day.
"Heart wrenching!"
Olivia ends up being his one bright star in his very dark world.Olivia we loved her from the onset of the story from the moment she dropped by the construction site throwing around her sass.We found Olivia to be loving and caring and a little bit of a rebel,was fiery as well as sassy but, also compassionate at helping those who just need to know that someone out there actual gives a fig about others.
We love this forbidden romance between Brick and Olivia and the struggles they dealt with trying to navigate two worlds.We loved how Olivia fell head over heals for Brick and no matter who he was past or present she loved the man buried under all the armor and facade.
We loved this story from cover to cover it was intriguing suspenseful and kept you engrossed and turning the pages the entire time.
The romance between both of Olivia and Brick was precious and sweet but, the heart wants what the heart wants and Olivia wants the tall dark and dangerous broken man and nothing will stand in her way to get him and Brick longs for something he knows he should never lay claim to.Are the consequence of their love worth the risk to both of them?
We loved how the story played out but rest assured that the monster you have created will use all that is in his arsenal to protect the thing he cannot live without.....
Recommend to read to all! So looking forward to Kane's story next.
If you like those suspenseful mafia reads this story is the perfect fit for you!
We really enjoyed the story as it was one of those stories that keeps you on edge the entire time as you never know what is going to happen around the corner.We really loved almost all the character's in this current story especially all those mysterious hot construction guys .The sick ones well-"I wanted to be planning their deaths right along him!" lol
Brick was my favorite character this time around as he had so many sides to him and always kept you wondering one how he never broke for all he has had to endure and two how could this dark and dangerous man just melt when in the presence of Olivia.
"It was rather sweet!"
I found Brick to be sexy as sin,tall,dark,dangerous,deadly,possessive,
protective yet compassionate,had a conscience even with all the bad deeds he has done,loved the sacrifices he made for his grand-mother but, most of all you could not help but love the broken man.
"Definitely a man you want at your back!"
My heart broke time and time again for Brick at what he was forced to do in order to keep his grand-mother alive.Who uses your grandma as leverage against you to do your sick bidding ? Poor Brick lived like this for 15 years under some sociopaths thumb never having a life of his own who controlled your life 24 hrs a day.
"Heart wrenching!"
Olivia ends up being his one bright star in his very dark world.Olivia we loved her from the onset of the story from the moment she dropped by the construction site throwing around her sass.We found Olivia to be loving and caring and a little bit of a rebel,was fiery as well as sassy but, also compassionate at helping those who just need to know that someone out there actual gives a fig about others.
We love this forbidden romance between Brick and Olivia and the struggles they dealt with trying to navigate two worlds.We loved how Olivia fell head over heals for Brick and no matter who he was past or present she loved the man buried under all the armor and facade.
We loved this story from cover to cover it was intriguing suspenseful and kept you engrossed and turning the pages the entire time.
The romance between both of Olivia and Brick was precious and sweet but, the heart wants what the heart wants and Olivia wants the tall dark and dangerous broken man and nothing will stand in her way to get him and Brick longs for something he knows he should never lay claim to.Are the consequence of their love worth the risk to both of them?
We loved how the story played out but rest assured that the monster you have created will use all that is in his arsenal to protect the thing he cannot live without.....
Recommend to read to all! So looking forward to Kane's story next.
If you like those suspenseful mafia reads this story is the perfect fit for you!
February 4, 2019
**3.5 Stars**
Brick may be good at his job, but that doesn't mean he likes it. As an enforcer for a loan shark, he's the one sent to recover payment or dish out the consequences when they don't have it. However, in order to keep his family safe, he continues doing it, knowing they'd be in danger otherwise. His other job now, working construction, he likes and it keeps him sane. It also helps him feel as normal as he can be.
Liv knows what it's like to stare death in the face...and win. She's fought hard to survive and refuses to squander her second chance. While visiting her brother at work, she sees Brick and is instantly attracted, and the feeling is mutual.
Their connection is intense and undeniable. Liv brings purity to Brick's tainted world, overriding the darkness he's surrounded by with her light, and though he knows she can do better than him, and he brother agrees, he can't seem to let her go. Not that she wants him to.
But someone does. They don't want Brick and Liv together, and are willing to do anything to ensure they aren't.
Can Brick keep her safe? Can Liv convince her understandably overprotective siblings who almost lost her once that Brick is the only man for her? Will Brick prove to them and himself that he's worthy of Liv? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people, seemingly opposites in every way, meet and find the only person that can make them whole. I really liked the parallel of Brick being the one that has to deliver pain, or worse, because he's forced to while Liv had to fight to live. Liv is strong, she had to be to kick cancer's butt, and she refuses to lose Brick. She knows they're meant to be and wants him to see himself as she sees him. - By Elizabeth
Brick may be good at his job, but that doesn't mean he likes it. As an enforcer for a loan shark, he's the one sent to recover payment or dish out the consequences when they don't have it. However, in order to keep his family safe, he continues doing it, knowing they'd be in danger otherwise. His other job now, working construction, he likes and it keeps him sane. It also helps him feel as normal as he can be.
Liv knows what it's like to stare death in the face...and win. She's fought hard to survive and refuses to squander her second chance. While visiting her brother at work, she sees Brick and is instantly attracted, and the feeling is mutual.
Their connection is intense and undeniable. Liv brings purity to Brick's tainted world, overriding the darkness he's surrounded by with her light, and though he knows she can do better than him, and he brother agrees, he can't seem to let her go. Not that she wants him to.
But someone does. They don't want Brick and Liv together, and are willing to do anything to ensure they aren't.
Can Brick keep her safe? Can Liv convince her understandably overprotective siblings who almost lost her once that Brick is the only man for her? Will Brick prove to them and himself that he's worthy of Liv? Is a HEA possible?
One-click now and follow along as two people, seemingly opposites in every way, meet and find the only person that can make them whole. I really liked the parallel of Brick being the one that has to deliver pain, or worse, because he's forced to while Liv had to fight to live. Liv is strong, she had to be to kick cancer's butt, and she refuses to lose Brick. She knows they're meant to be and wants him to see himself as she sees him. - By Elizabeth
February 5, 2019
Oh my lord... Have a look at this cover... Dayum... Hot hot hot... The things I would like to do... But lets talk about the book... Right?
It's always a pleasure to meet new authors and if I have a chance to do it I just dive in...
And one look at the blurb and I knew that I needed to read it.
Like I said, Jen Davis is a new author to me and let's just say that I'm hooked... Oh boy...
Brick is her latest release and it's the first book from the Cooper Construction series.
This book explores the lifes of Brick and Liv.
Brick during the day works at a construction site but at night he's and enforcer for a loan shark. When his boss tells him to do something or collect a debt he can't contest it. He needs to do it but one day...
Liv is a high school teacher that was given a second chance. She faced death and came back as a winner and that made her rethink her life. She needs a change...
Oh boy... This I wasn't expecting... It was so good.
Sublime plot, very engaging and dark.
Each chapter was a punch in the gut and I couldn't stop reading it.
Everything that happened was insane and I was biting my nails, scared and curious at the same time.
This story presented us with danger, madness, crime, punishment and abuse as well as love, second chances and desires.
Chapter after chapter, things were happening and dayum... The hot stuff was off charts.
I'm in love with this series and I want more.
Jen... Oh boy Jen... You my dear are a genius. This series started the best way possible and I can't wait to read book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
It's always a pleasure to meet new authors and if I have a chance to do it I just dive in...
And one look at the blurb and I knew that I needed to read it.
Like I said, Jen Davis is a new author to me and let's just say that I'm hooked... Oh boy...
Brick is her latest release and it's the first book from the Cooper Construction series.
This book explores the lifes of Brick and Liv.
Brick during the day works at a construction site but at night he's and enforcer for a loan shark. When his boss tells him to do something or collect a debt he can't contest it. He needs to do it but one day...
Liv is a high school teacher that was given a second chance. She faced death and came back as a winner and that made her rethink her life. She needs a change...
Oh boy... This I wasn't expecting... It was so good.
Sublime plot, very engaging and dark.
Each chapter was a punch in the gut and I couldn't stop reading it.
Everything that happened was insane and I was biting my nails, scared and curious at the same time.
This story presented us with danger, madness, crime, punishment and abuse as well as love, second chances and desires.
Chapter after chapter, things were happening and dayum... The hot stuff was off charts.
I'm in love with this series and I want more.
Jen... Oh boy Jen... You my dear are a genius. This series started the best way possible and I can't wait to read book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 19, 2019
Good guys who are dragged into a brutal situation and do what they have to do to survive while making plans to break away and get out are a literary weakness for me. I like the internal push and pull that goes on for someone who wouldn't otherwise be involved in what they're involved in. The moral ambiguity of hurting (and killing) people because they're forced into it (and subsequently think that's ALL they're good for because that type of life sucks the belief in yourself right out of you) versus the desire to protect those they care by shielding them from that side of their life is fascinating.
But enough deep stuff. Let's talk about how Brick and Liv seem so opposite on paper, but end up so right for one another once they let their guard down. He's a guy who was forced into the enforcer role for his family. To keep them safe, he doles out hurts on others. She's a teacher who wants to make a difference in her students' lives AND who wants to live life to the fullest after a medical scare.
Seriously, they're as different as night and day and yet they're SO right for one another. She lends him a reason to keep moving forward. He makes her feel safe and gets her realizing that life doesn't have to be about living as large as possible, but just as well as possible.
Yep, I like these two. Especially together.
The Cooper Construction crew are a burly band of misfits with tangled pasts and I'm all in for Kane's book.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But enough deep stuff. Let's talk about how Brick and Liv seem so opposite on paper, but end up so right for one another once they let their guard down. He's a guy who was forced into the enforcer role for his family. To keep them safe, he doles out hurts on others. She's a teacher who wants to make a difference in her students' lives AND who wants to live life to the fullest after a medical scare.
Seriously, they're as different as night and day and yet they're SO right for one another. She lends him a reason to keep moving forward. He makes her feel safe and gets her realizing that life doesn't have to be about living as large as possible, but just as well as possible.
Yep, I like these two. Especially together.
The Cooper Construction crew are a burly band of misfits with tangled pasts and I'm all in for Kane's book.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 29, 2018
Oh, my world. SIX STARS!!!
Gritty, dark, mysterious, suspenseful, sexy, addictive, and absolutely amazing. A page-turner from the very beginning all the way through the very last page! Eek! What. A. Book!!! I am SO unbelievably lucky to have read an early copy because...what a treasure!
YOU GUYS. Wow. I can’t even put it into words because nothing I say will be enough to express the epicness that this book truly is. This isn’t a must-read, no. It’s a YOU-NEED-THIS-BOOK-RIGHT-NOW kind of read.
Jen Davis is an author to stalk! Trust me. Her words flowed effortlessly and perfectly, keeping me GLUED to my Kindle. The story wasn’t just REALLY GOOD, no, it was one of those that grabs you be the neck and doesn’t let you go until everything is said and done.
The suspense was top-notch and it definitely kept me feeling like I was holding me breath, terrified of what could happen next. I was fully invested not just in the story, but the characters as well. Oh my goodness.
What. A. BOOK.
Seriously...SIX STARS. And while this one technically releases in Feb. 2019, it’s one of my top faves for 2018 since I literally just finished it. And what a way to end the year — with a six-star book! YAS, QUEEN.
Gritty, dark, mysterious, suspenseful, sexy, addictive, and absolutely amazing. A page-turner from the very beginning all the way through the very last page! Eek! What. A. Book!!! I am SO unbelievably lucky to have read an early copy because...what a treasure!
YOU GUYS. Wow. I can’t even put it into words because nothing I say will be enough to express the epicness that this book truly is. This isn’t a must-read, no. It’s a YOU-NEED-THIS-BOOK-RIGHT-NOW kind of read.
Jen Davis is an author to stalk! Trust me. Her words flowed effortlessly and perfectly, keeping me GLUED to my Kindle. The story wasn’t just REALLY GOOD, no, it was one of those that grabs you be the neck and doesn’t let you go until everything is said and done.
The suspense was top-notch and it definitely kept me feeling like I was holding me breath, terrified of what could happen next. I was fully invested not just in the story, but the characters as well. Oh my goodness.
What. A. BOOK.
Seriously...SIX STARS. And while this one technically releases in Feb. 2019, it’s one of my top faves for 2018 since I literally just finished it. And what a way to end the year — with a six-star book! YAS, QUEEN.
February 13, 2019
From dark to light…
Wow, did Brick and Liv throw me for a loop! A slow start quickly changed to a no holds barred assault on my emotions…
Brick is huge in stature and reputation. Forced to work for a monster, he was biding his time, waiting for the moment he could break free. He was tied down by love and didn’t need – or want – anything more holding him back… Liv was living a new life. There were no guarantees so she tried not to let fear hold her back. And risking her heart was up there with jumping out of an airplane… Brick, though, was going to be worth it…
Brick and Liv had so many things stacked against them and their growing attraction, their love, was sorely tested. The momentum, the tension, built to a fever pitch so by the end their story I was out of breath and wondering how I got there! Love and sacrifice, family and friendship go hand and hand. And this read? It had it all…
I don’t know where this author has been hiding but I’m thankful I found her. Kane’s story is up next – it can’t come soon enough. ~Diane, 4 stars
Wow, did Brick and Liv throw me for a loop! A slow start quickly changed to a no holds barred assault on my emotions…
Brick is huge in stature and reputation. Forced to work for a monster, he was biding his time, waiting for the moment he could break free. He was tied down by love and didn’t need – or want – anything more holding him back… Liv was living a new life. There were no guarantees so she tried not to let fear hold her back. And risking her heart was up there with jumping out of an airplane… Brick, though, was going to be worth it…
Brick and Liv had so many things stacked against them and their growing attraction, their love, was sorely tested. The momentum, the tension, built to a fever pitch so by the end their story I was out of breath and wondering how I got there! Love and sacrifice, family and friendship go hand and hand. And this read? It had it all…
I don’t know where this author has been hiding but I’m thankful I found her. Kane’s story is up next – it can’t come soon enough. ~Diane, 4 stars
July 24, 2019
Brick was one of those books that kind of took me by surprise. This was a great story with plenty of danger and suspense, with just enough sweetness to balance it out perfectly. I liked both Brick and Liv equally and together they made sense. One thing that stood out to me was the fact that Brick was pretty real from the get go. The fast pacing kept the story really entertaining, and I couldn’t put it down. Plus, there were some interesting secondary characters introduced whose stories I'm looking forward to reading in the future.
January 30, 2019
Fan of dark romances? This will be your jam. Except our main man is not the dark one, he is the opposite of dark but does not know it. Swoon!
Characters:
Brick is an enforcer for a really freaking bad dude that owns the bad part of town. He was forced into this life when needing money as a child and only stays because the bad dude has leverage on him. He hates what he has to do but just bids his time by working his day job in construction and then at nights he becomes the boogyman.
Liv is so freaking PURE. This chick was diagnosed with lymphoma and came out swinging. Her sister and brother are SUPER possessive of her now though since they almost lost her. This is completely understandable, but Liv doesn't want to be safe anymore, she wants to live and experience her life.
Plot:
They meet by coincidence because Brick's day job is also where Liv's brother works. There is insta-attraction from both of them, Liv wanting to feel the heat and Brick wanting to feel goodness.
This was a freaking fantastic story line, it is not too much stuff going on or too little. Don't get me wrong, there is a LOT that happens but it is all necessary in this world that the author created.
Needless to say, I freaking loved it.
Steam:
Slow burn baby, and it was oh so freaking good! I normally am not a fan of 3rd person narratives especially when it comes to the love scenes, but this book definitely is the exception.
IT WAS SO FREAKING HOT and tender too. Gah, just loved it.
All in All:
This book was a great read. It definitely has so freaking dark scenes, but the main man has a heart of gold even if he didn't realize it. I would recommend this book 100% to folks that like books a little dark. I have definitely read books that are darker if that's not your jam, but if you like it a little dark, this book has you covered!
5 outta 5 from this girl!
PS: I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Characters:
Brick is an enforcer for a really freaking bad dude that owns the bad part of town. He was forced into this life when needing money as a child and only stays because the bad dude has leverage on him. He hates what he has to do but just bids his time by working his day job in construction and then at nights he becomes the boogyman.
Liv is so freaking PURE. This chick was diagnosed with lymphoma and came out swinging. Her sister and brother are SUPER possessive of her now though since they almost lost her. This is completely understandable, but Liv doesn't want to be safe anymore, she wants to live and experience her life.
Plot:
They meet by coincidence because Brick's day job is also where Liv's brother works. There is insta-attraction from both of them, Liv wanting to feel the heat and Brick wanting to feel goodness.
This was a freaking fantastic story line, it is not too much stuff going on or too little. Don't get me wrong, there is a LOT that happens but it is all necessary in this world that the author created.
Needless to say, I freaking loved it.
Steam:
Slow burn baby, and it was oh so freaking good! I normally am not a fan of 3rd person narratives especially when it comes to the love scenes, but this book definitely is the exception.
IT WAS SO FREAKING HOT and tender too. Gah, just loved it.
All in All:
This book was a great read. It definitely has so freaking dark scenes, but the main man has a heart of gold even if he didn't realize it. I would recommend this book 100% to folks that like books a little dark. I have definitely read books that are darker if that's not your jam, but if you like it a little dark, this book has you covered!
5 outta 5 from this girl!
PS: I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest opinion.
March 27, 2019
Ohhhh boy this book. If Jen Davis is a new author (and not a pseudonym) she did an excellent job on her debut! For some reason I thought this was going to be dark "light" but when I got our first glimpse of Sucre I knew shit was about to get real up in here. I love both the h/H. Liv didn't take any shit and was not shy about what she wanted with Brick and everyone else. I got really annoyed with her downer family, like the girl beat cancer cut her some slack, she DESERVES to live as she chooses even if it's dangerous! Brick was... everything. His story and inner dialogue was so sad sometimes. I was intrigued by the other characters in the book and I see she has Kane's story next so I'm heading off to one-click that puppy!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
February 8, 2019
Let’s talk about Brick. Because I could. Allllllllll day. He is my favorite type of hero. A little morally gray (but when you find out the reason he is doing what he does your heart might shattered into a million pieces… or maybe that is just me) as the enforcer and go-to man for a seedy, underworld loan shark and a lot broken. I seriously have SUCH a thing for broken boys. Brick is MORE THAN welcome to come to my home for wayward fictional characters who need brownies, warm blanket, and cuddles.
He is also sexy as all get out which never hurts.
Who can possibly be worthy of helping to put this man back together? High school teacher and cancer survivor (oh and the sister of one of Brick’s coworkers at the construction site… because that isn’t awkward at all) Liv. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I was not Liv’s biggest fan at first. I am protective of broken boys like Brick and I got the vibe from her initially that she wanted to walk on the dangerous side as part of her “kicking cancer’s ass” bucket list. But I am super happy to report that Liv not only wanted much more than just a roll in the hay with Brick, but was willing to put herself in danger to keep him safe. That’s my kind of girl.
I adore stories of mutual salvation as opposed to a damsel in distress needing her knight (don’t get me wrong, I like me some silver plated heroes too!) to rescue her and Brick delivers that in spades. They are both willing to sacrifice so much for each other, you can’t help but root for them all the way.
And there is A LOT they need to be rooted through. There were numerous times I was nervous I wouldn’t see an HEA for the man I’d fallen in love with by page five. In the interest of keeping this spoiler free, I won’t delve too far into this, but Ms. Davis delivers a dark and bumpy ride for her characters and makes them work for their happy.
If you like misunderstood heroes and strong heroines with a hefty side dose of “what the heck are you going to put them through next???” in your life you need to RUN to Amazon and one click this now.
He is also sexy as all get out which never hurts.
Who can possibly be worthy of helping to put this man back together? High school teacher and cancer survivor (oh and the sister of one of Brick’s coworkers at the construction site… because that isn’t awkward at all) Liv. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I was not Liv’s biggest fan at first. I am protective of broken boys like Brick and I got the vibe from her initially that she wanted to walk on the dangerous side as part of her “kicking cancer’s ass” bucket list. But I am super happy to report that Liv not only wanted much more than just a roll in the hay with Brick, but was willing to put herself in danger to keep him safe. That’s my kind of girl.
I adore stories of mutual salvation as opposed to a damsel in distress needing her knight (don’t get me wrong, I like me some silver plated heroes too!) to rescue her and Brick delivers that in spades. They are both willing to sacrifice so much for each other, you can’t help but root for them all the way.
And there is A LOT they need to be rooted through. There were numerous times I was nervous I wouldn’t see an HEA for the man I’d fallen in love with by page five. In the interest of keeping this spoiler free, I won’t delve too far into this, but Ms. Davis delivers a dark and bumpy ride for her characters and makes them work for their happy.
If you like misunderstood heroes and strong heroines with a hefty side dose of “what the heck are you going to put them through next???” in your life you need to RUN to Amazon and one click this now.
February 5, 2019
The blurb for this book immediately caught my attention. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t read anything from Davis prior, but I’m so glad I took a chance and gave this one a try.
A woman given a second chance at life and a man desperate to take his in a different direction. Finding in each other something they never expected. From the first moment, the chemistry they shared was on fire. I was completely pulled into their story.
Davis gave us some fantastic characters with so much to share with us. Loss, passion, danger, and suspense created an exciting story line. I was tearing through the pages.
February 6, 2019
OMG WOW WOW WOW! I can honestly say that I NEVER saw Brick coming, not to say that the blurb didn't intrigue me, but again WOW! Jen Davis has blown me away with the amazing story that knocked my on my behind from beginning to end, and everything in between. I'm not going to give anything more as far as description because that will be a disservice, just go in blind, trust me, it's worth it. First of all, the suspense, yeah, it was of the edge of my seat, heart racing, f-bombs dropping, twists around every corner variety that had my colorful metaphor game on point. Sounds exciting right?! Yeah you have no clue, but you will if you get this book now! Are you reading it yet?! Okay moving on....the story line is dark making my dark & twisty self dance it out, gritty, so addictive that I couldn't move from my spot, and yes, so sexy that I thought my kindle may catch fire. Brick is an original hero that I couldn't help but love, as he wasn't the typical pretty playboy. Liv was an amazing heroine, who isn't scared of the big, yet unsure giant. So run, don't walk to your devices to one click this baby that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 29, 2019
Brick is the number one enforcer for Sucre who is a well known drug lord/loan shark. Brick has done many things he isn’t proud of. He’s broken countless bones, hurt countless people and even killed when told. He is a monster, self-proclaimed, he doesn’t deserve anything but this life and he does it all to keep his grandmother alive and safe. She’s the only family he has left.
Liv is a high school teacher, she’s stared death in the face and beat it once and she knew she needs to start living a life worth living with this second chance she’s been given. She is trying to be a better version of herself and trying to make changes that she hopes will better her life.
What do you do when you grew up in the wrong neighborhood and the only thing you know is the drugs, violence and other unimaginable cruelties? How do you rise above and become a better person when you don’t even dare to dream?
I loved the intensity and darkness of this book! It was not your typical love story. I appreciated the fact that Brick wasn’t the typical stuck up alpha male who thought he was better than everybody else. I loved the way Brick didn’t see himself as attractive or anything special but Liv saw something totally different. It was a reprieve.
The way Brick was completely confused as to why she would even be looking at him in the first place made my heart happy. I couldn’t help but smile and feel giddy as the characters developed. I loved the dynamic between the two and I loved how awestruck Brick was anytime Liv looked at him without disgust or when she spoke to him voluntarily and didn’t cower away when he tried to tell her how horrible he was. She saw past all the bullshit that he fed himself about what kind of person he was. She didn’t see the monster, she saw the human inside when Brick thought he had lost his humanity long ago.
The suspense kept me flipping pages until there were no more pages left, I felt raw and exposed and oh so scared at times. I hated the game, but it had to be played in order to live and it was repulsive and exactly what I would expect in a situation like that. The ending was KILLER! It had me gasping and “no way”ing the entire time! I was dumbstruck. It was way more than I ever wanted or expected and I loved the fact that I was on the tips of my toes pacing around the room at 3am because I was so tense and antsy. I couldn’t read this book fast enough! I had to know what happened and then had a total book hangover once it was over.
There are dark and suspenseful and downright unimaginable things that happen throughout the course of this book, but it is so worth reading. I knew it wasn’t going to be a sweet and sappy love story but I never could’ve prepared myself for the intensity of this book. It was like going on the most highly anticipated roller coaster, it takes your breathe away and the entire ride you are too shocked to feel or do anything but once it’s over you feel more alive than you ever thought possible and you can’t wait to do it again. This book was my highly anticipated roller coaster, I can’t wait to read it again! I hope the second time around is just as exhilarating as the first!
Liv is a high school teacher, she’s stared death in the face and beat it once and she knew she needs to start living a life worth living with this second chance she’s been given. She is trying to be a better version of herself and trying to make changes that she hopes will better her life.
What do you do when you grew up in the wrong neighborhood and the only thing you know is the drugs, violence and other unimaginable cruelties? How do you rise above and become a better person when you don’t even dare to dream?
I loved the intensity and darkness of this book! It was not your typical love story. I appreciated the fact that Brick wasn’t the typical stuck up alpha male who thought he was better than everybody else. I loved the way Brick didn’t see himself as attractive or anything special but Liv saw something totally different. It was a reprieve.
The way Brick was completely confused as to why she would even be looking at him in the first place made my heart happy. I couldn’t help but smile and feel giddy as the characters developed. I loved the dynamic between the two and I loved how awestruck Brick was anytime Liv looked at him without disgust or when she spoke to him voluntarily and didn’t cower away when he tried to tell her how horrible he was. She saw past all the bullshit that he fed himself about what kind of person he was. She didn’t see the monster, she saw the human inside when Brick thought he had lost his humanity long ago.
The suspense kept me flipping pages until there were no more pages left, I felt raw and exposed and oh so scared at times. I hated the game, but it had to be played in order to live and it was repulsive and exactly what I would expect in a situation like that. The ending was KILLER! It had me gasping and “no way”ing the entire time! I was dumbstruck. It was way more than I ever wanted or expected and I loved the fact that I was on the tips of my toes pacing around the room at 3am because I was so tense and antsy. I couldn’t read this book fast enough! I had to know what happened and then had a total book hangover once it was over.
There are dark and suspenseful and downright unimaginable things that happen throughout the course of this book, but it is so worth reading. I knew it wasn’t going to be a sweet and sappy love story but I never could’ve prepared myself for the intensity of this book. It was like going on the most highly anticipated roller coaster, it takes your breathe away and the entire ride you are too shocked to feel or do anything but once it’s over you feel more alive than you ever thought possible and you can’t wait to do it again. This book was my highly anticipated roller coaster, I can’t wait to read it again! I hope the second time around is just as exhilarating as the first!
March 3, 2019
Loved this!!
I absolutely loved this story! It was raw, beautiful, and take charge characters! Liv knew exactly what she wanted, and that was Brick! Brick was sure he didn't deserve what Liv was offering, but he couldn't keep saying no. Fast paced storyline, strong characters, phenomenal writing! Nothing to not love!
I absolutely loved this story! It was raw, beautiful, and take charge characters! Liv knew exactly what she wanted, and that was Brick! Brick was sure he didn't deserve what Liv was offering, but he couldn't keep saying no. Fast paced storyline, strong characters, phenomenal writing! Nothing to not love!
February 3, 2019
Brick by Jen Davis is book One in the Cooper Construction Series. This is the story of Liv and Brick.
Brick by day is a works construction but he has been trained and works as a enforcer for a Loan Shark. Used to the harsh underworld life its all that he seems to know is the harsh world, but then he meets Liv who is the total opposite of him. Liv is a sweet school teacher who does know some harsh realities but is trying to move forward. So when she meets Brick he opens her eyes to other things in life...but can these two be what they both need most of all? Totally loved their story and will be hunting down more books by this author for sure!
Brick by day is a works construction but he has been trained and works as a enforcer for a Loan Shark. Used to the harsh underworld life its all that he seems to know is the harsh world, but then he meets Liv who is the total opposite of him. Liv is a sweet school teacher who does know some harsh realities but is trying to move forward. So when she meets Brick he opens her eyes to other things in life...but can these two be what they both need most of all? Totally loved their story and will be hunting down more books by this author for sure!
March 21, 2019
Jen Davis is a new-to-me author and wow, did she ever hit it out of the park with the first book in her Cooper Construction series, Brick. If you enjoy dark, suspenseful, dangerous and sometimes brutal romances with more than a few triggers, and memorable, fully-formed characters as much as I do, you need to read this one, because it was all of the aforementioned, and if I could give it more than a 5-star rating, I would.
The novel, which is told in alternating narration, opens with the title character, Brick Barlow. He's a debt collector and enforcer for one of the sickest, most evil, most controlling, and most perverted villains I've encountered in some time--Sucre de la Cruz. Sucre isn't just a drug dealer, gambler or loan shark--he's into anything that will make him money, and if that includes prostituting young girls, women, or even boys, he's just fine with that. As Sucre's main enforcer, Brick is trying to collect a drug debt, and if he has to beat someone, break a few bones, or even kill someone at Sucre's orders, he does. His one line in the sand is that he won't harm children, but Sucre has other enforcers for that. When Brick is not being Sucre's go-to, he works for Cooper Construction, building new homes, a clean job, and at night he steps into the ring for bare-knuckle fighting, and he already knows the outcome of each fight, because Sucre runs that show too, and the fix is always in, so Sucre makes even more money. Brick considers himself a big, mean and ugly bastard--a stone cold killer, and a monster, but as you'll soon discover, that isn't all he is--not even close.
One day, while working at his construction job, the sister of one of his co-workers, Will, gets a surprise giant birthday cookie from his petite, blonde, younger sister, Olivia Turner (Liv), the heroine in this novel. Liv is a cancer survivor who's in remission, and she and a friend she made while both women were fighting their battles with cancer, Carol, have drawn up a bucket list, one that includes skydiving, cliff diving and bungee jumping, all the life-affirming things they plan to do now that they've beaten cancer. Liv is also enrolled in her sister Isobel's (Izzy) gym, learning Krav Maga, to regain some of the strength she lost to chemotherapy and should she ever need to defend herself.
While I'm not a fan a insta-love, but set in the heat of an Atlanta, Georgia summer, as soon as Brick sees Liv emerge from her car, wearing a white sundress, Brick sees her as an angel, the kind of woman he knows is far too good for the likes of him, but Liv, a dedicated high school English teacher, isn't put off by Brick's forbidding appearance, in fact, she's drawn to it, and when she invites all of her brother's co-workers to a local bar that Friday night after work to celebrate her brother's birthday, Brick, for the fist time in possibly ever, has something he's looking forward to--another chance to be in Liv's presence.
One of the ways Sucre controls his people is to find someone they care about and threaten to hurt or kill them if his employees don't follow his orders, or submit to his perversions. There's only one person Brick cares about, and that's his grandmother, who is in a nursing home, and Brick's dream is to save every penny he earns from Sucre, his fighting, and his construction job until he has enough money to get her and himself as far away from Sucre as possible, hopefully forever. Sucre has been controlling Brick by sending him cell phone photos of his grandmother in the nursing home, proof that Sucre can get to her if Brick doesn't toe the line and follow his orders. But now, Brick has another worry, because he's as attracted to Liv and she seems to be to him, even though he can't understand why, he knows he can't let Sucre even know of her existence. Will Turner tries to talk Liv out of pursuing a relationship with Brick, but she's a grown woman and ignores Will's warnings.
One of Liv's brightest and most promising English students is Devon, an extremely bright teenager, and Liv wants to help him get a full scholarship and continue on to college, but Devon keeps telling her that he can't and won't accept her help, that he doesn't have a bright future, and when he stops showing up for class, she finds his address and tracks him down in the tenement housing where he and his brother live, in one of the worst and roughest parts of town. Instead of finding Devon, she instead finds his older brother, Tre, whom, unbeknownst to her, is the latest thug hired by Sucre, and he's being trained by Brick, who sees Tre as a true sociopath, someone who gets pleasure from hurting, raping, torturing and even killing others. When Tre sts his eyes on Liv, he sees his next rape and torture victim, but luckily Brick comes to her rescue, however, once Tre sets his eyes on a victim, he doesn't give up, nor does he draw the line at stalking his latest victim. When he learns that it was Brick who rescued her, he can't wait to let Sucre know about their connection, giving Sucre another way to control Brick.
All of this confirms to Liv that Brick is, at heart, a good man, one who was caught up in horrible circumstances, and slowly their relationship grows, as both characters begin to open up about their pasts and upbringing, including Brick's unfortunate childhood, how and why he fell prey to Sucre's evil machinations, and some of the horrible things he's been and is being ordered to do. These two characters, who they are, how they feel, and what drives them, come alive in this novel--Ms. Davis giving them real emotional depth, believable emotions, and adding enough plot twists, danger and suspense to make this one addictive, page-turner of a read. Brick and Liv are both fighters at heart, and although they come from two different worlds, you can't help rooting for them as the danger escalates and the suspense deepens.
So, is there way for Liv and Brick to outsmart and outwit Sucre and Tre, and finally be free of them both? Is there an HEA ending for these two beautifully developed characters? I don't do spoilers, so you'll simply have to experience this gripping novel for yourself. If you can handle the triggers in this novel, including rape, violence, control, abduction, perversion, and just plain evil incarnate, I think you'll be as eager as I am to read the next novel in this series. Jen Davis has a new fan in this reader.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The novel, which is told in alternating narration, opens with the title character, Brick Barlow. He's a debt collector and enforcer for one of the sickest, most evil, most controlling, and most perverted villains I've encountered in some time--Sucre de la Cruz. Sucre isn't just a drug dealer, gambler or loan shark--he's into anything that will make him money, and if that includes prostituting young girls, women, or even boys, he's just fine with that. As Sucre's main enforcer, Brick is trying to collect a drug debt, and if he has to beat someone, break a few bones, or even kill someone at Sucre's orders, he does. His one line in the sand is that he won't harm children, but Sucre has other enforcers for that. When Brick is not being Sucre's go-to, he works for Cooper Construction, building new homes, a clean job, and at night he steps into the ring for bare-knuckle fighting, and he already knows the outcome of each fight, because Sucre runs that show too, and the fix is always in, so Sucre makes even more money. Brick considers himself a big, mean and ugly bastard--a stone cold killer, and a monster, but as you'll soon discover, that isn't all he is--not even close.
One day, while working at his construction job, the sister of one of his co-workers, Will, gets a surprise giant birthday cookie from his petite, blonde, younger sister, Olivia Turner (Liv), the heroine in this novel. Liv is a cancer survivor who's in remission, and she and a friend she made while both women were fighting their battles with cancer, Carol, have drawn up a bucket list, one that includes skydiving, cliff diving and bungee jumping, all the life-affirming things they plan to do now that they've beaten cancer. Liv is also enrolled in her sister Isobel's (Izzy) gym, learning Krav Maga, to regain some of the strength she lost to chemotherapy and should she ever need to defend herself.
While I'm not a fan a insta-love, but set in the heat of an Atlanta, Georgia summer, as soon as Brick sees Liv emerge from her car, wearing a white sundress, Brick sees her as an angel, the kind of woman he knows is far too good for the likes of him, but Liv, a dedicated high school English teacher, isn't put off by Brick's forbidding appearance, in fact, she's drawn to it, and when she invites all of her brother's co-workers to a local bar that Friday night after work to celebrate her brother's birthday, Brick, for the fist time in possibly ever, has something he's looking forward to--another chance to be in Liv's presence.
One of the ways Sucre controls his people is to find someone they care about and threaten to hurt or kill them if his employees don't follow his orders, or submit to his perversions. There's only one person Brick cares about, and that's his grandmother, who is in a nursing home, and Brick's dream is to save every penny he earns from Sucre, his fighting, and his construction job until he has enough money to get her and himself as far away from Sucre as possible, hopefully forever. Sucre has been controlling Brick by sending him cell phone photos of his grandmother in the nursing home, proof that Sucre can get to her if Brick doesn't toe the line and follow his orders. But now, Brick has another worry, because he's as attracted to Liv and she seems to be to him, even though he can't understand why, he knows he can't let Sucre even know of her existence. Will Turner tries to talk Liv out of pursuing a relationship with Brick, but she's a grown woman and ignores Will's warnings.
One of Liv's brightest and most promising English students is Devon, an extremely bright teenager, and Liv wants to help him get a full scholarship and continue on to college, but Devon keeps telling her that he can't and won't accept her help, that he doesn't have a bright future, and when he stops showing up for class, she finds his address and tracks him down in the tenement housing where he and his brother live, in one of the worst and roughest parts of town. Instead of finding Devon, she instead finds his older brother, Tre, whom, unbeknownst to her, is the latest thug hired by Sucre, and he's being trained by Brick, who sees Tre as a true sociopath, someone who gets pleasure from hurting, raping, torturing and even killing others. When Tre sts his eyes on Liv, he sees his next rape and torture victim, but luckily Brick comes to her rescue, however, once Tre sets his eyes on a victim, he doesn't give up, nor does he draw the line at stalking his latest victim. When he learns that it was Brick who rescued her, he can't wait to let Sucre know about their connection, giving Sucre another way to control Brick.
All of this confirms to Liv that Brick is, at heart, a good man, one who was caught up in horrible circumstances, and slowly their relationship grows, as both characters begin to open up about their pasts and upbringing, including Brick's unfortunate childhood, how and why he fell prey to Sucre's evil machinations, and some of the horrible things he's been and is being ordered to do. These two characters, who they are, how they feel, and what drives them, come alive in this novel--Ms. Davis giving them real emotional depth, believable emotions, and adding enough plot twists, danger and suspense to make this one addictive, page-turner of a read. Brick and Liv are both fighters at heart, and although they come from two different worlds, you can't help rooting for them as the danger escalates and the suspense deepens.
So, is there way for Liv and Brick to outsmart and outwit Sucre and Tre, and finally be free of them both? Is there an HEA ending for these two beautifully developed characters? I don't do spoilers, so you'll simply have to experience this gripping novel for yourself. If you can handle the triggers in this novel, including rape, violence, control, abduction, perversion, and just plain evil incarnate, I think you'll be as eager as I am to read the next novel in this series. Jen Davis has a new fan in this reader.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 15, 2019
Title: Brick
Author: Jen Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Dark/Drama
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Brick is the unwilling soldier of a crime lord who falls for his day job's boss' sister. You know, the wanting what we can't have storyline? But there is so much more. These characters are complex. They have been through such horrible situations and the sad thing...those situations could and have been someone's, more than just one someone's, reality. Your heart bleeds for everyone at some point in this book except for the truly evil, the antagonists.
I will admit at times I wondered if the book was going to end. It kept going on and on with the same thing...I'm not worthy, keep you safe so stay away, can't stay away, no sex or fooling around, blah blah blah. There was more but this was during the lag. And gamers didn't think books had anything in common. LAG IS REAL.
No steam but still a nice love story. She saved herself with a little help so she is still a warrior. Even before meeting Brick, life wrung her out, but she was still standing; Warrior Woman All The Way.
Author: Jen Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Dark/Drama
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Brick is the unwilling soldier of a crime lord who falls for his day job's boss' sister. You know, the wanting what we can't have storyline? But there is so much more. These characters are complex. They have been through such horrible situations and the sad thing...those situations could and have been someone's, more than just one someone's, reality. Your heart bleeds for everyone at some point in this book except for the truly evil, the antagonists.
I will admit at times I wondered if the book was going to end. It kept going on and on with the same thing...I'm not worthy, keep you safe so stay away, can't stay away, no sex or fooling around, blah blah blah. There was more but this was during the lag. And gamers didn't think books had anything in common. LAG IS REAL.
No steam but still a nice love story. She saved herself with a little help so she is still a warrior. Even before meeting Brick, life wrung her out, but she was still standing; Warrior Woman All The Way.
February 4, 2019
Brick is the debut novel from author Jen Davis. This book is a dark contemporary romance with suspense elements that kept me on the edge of my seat pretty much the entire time.
Jonathan "Brick" Barlow is the number one enforcer for drug lord/loan shark Sucre de la Cruz. Brick wants out of that life more than anything on earth. He is an enforcer with a conscience and a heart and is only still in this world because Sucre keeps dirt on all his employees, and Brick is protecting his grandmother, who is in a nursing home. Brick is happy to work his side job in construction and keep saving to hopefully one day escape Sucre when he meets Liv, who is the younger sister of one of his coworkers on the construction site. Seriously these two had instant attraction and I adored the connection between them.
Liv is the polar opposite of Brick. She is a schoolteacher who is a cancer survivor and pretty much is a rule follower to the extreme. However as soon as she meets Brick, she can't stop thinking about him or stay away from him. I loved that Brick was super protective of her from the very beginning and really did try to stay away for her. I absolutely loved Brick and Liv together. Yes they were so different, but they worked for me. There was both a sweetness and a heat to their attraction, and it totally made sense for this couple.
Parts of this story were super dark and I literally was on the edge of my seat with any scenes around Brick's life that included Sucre or any of his crew. I have to say that Tre was especially dark and twisted. There are many scenes in that world that are especially violent and graphic. While some were tough to read, they added so much to the story along the way, even as I had to walk away from my kindle a couple of times I was so stressed out. Seriously found myself wanting more even as I was freaking out.
Brick was a wonderful edge of your seat read. Jen Davis gave her readers a very strong romance with lots of suspense thrown in. I absolutely loved her voice in this story and look forward to reading more books from Ms. Davis in the future.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
Jonathan "Brick" Barlow is the number one enforcer for drug lord/loan shark Sucre de la Cruz. Brick wants out of that life more than anything on earth. He is an enforcer with a conscience and a heart and is only still in this world because Sucre keeps dirt on all his employees, and Brick is protecting his grandmother, who is in a nursing home. Brick is happy to work his side job in construction and keep saving to hopefully one day escape Sucre when he meets Liv, who is the younger sister of one of his coworkers on the construction site. Seriously these two had instant attraction and I adored the connection between them.
Liv is the polar opposite of Brick. She is a schoolteacher who is a cancer survivor and pretty much is a rule follower to the extreme. However as soon as she meets Brick, she can't stop thinking about him or stay away from him. I loved that Brick was super protective of her from the very beginning and really did try to stay away for her. I absolutely loved Brick and Liv together. Yes they were so different, but they worked for me. There was both a sweetness and a heat to their attraction, and it totally made sense for this couple.
Parts of this story were super dark and I literally was on the edge of my seat with any scenes around Brick's life that included Sucre or any of his crew. I have to say that Tre was especially dark and twisted. There are many scenes in that world that are especially violent and graphic. While some were tough to read, they added so much to the story along the way, even as I had to walk away from my kindle a couple of times I was so stressed out. Seriously found myself wanting more even as I was freaking out.
Brick was a wonderful edge of your seat read. Jen Davis gave her readers a very strong romance with lots of suspense thrown in. I absolutely loved her voice in this story and look forward to reading more books from Ms. Davis in the future.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
February 5, 2019
Title: Brick (Cooper Construction, #1)
Author: Jen Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5
ARC received in return for an honest review.
Dark, raw and very gritty this book was a captivating read from beginning to end, filled with mystery and elements of suspense,
The two main protagonists Brick and Liv may not have come across as being right for one another at first but once their walls came down we got to see just how perfect they were together. Brick’s a man who’s been forced into the role of an enforcer, in order to keep his family safe he has to dish out pain to others. Liv couldn’t be more different she’s a teacher, one who’s determined to make a difference in the lives of those she teaches, in her personal life a medical scare has made her determined to live her life to the fullest. Together the pair may seem like oil and water, you know they’re not meant to mix, they also say opposites attract and Brick and Liv most certainly do, in a way I’d say they bring out the best in each other.
I was really impressed with the authors style of writing, the words just flowed along effortlessly blending from one page to the next making this a fantastic debut novel from Jen Davis. I’m excited to see what’s in-store for us readers next.
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Author: Jen Davis
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5
ARC received in return for an honest review.
Dark, raw and very gritty this book was a captivating read from beginning to end, filled with mystery and elements of suspense,
The two main protagonists Brick and Liv may not have come across as being right for one another at first but once their walls came down we got to see just how perfect they were together. Brick’s a man who’s been forced into the role of an enforcer, in order to keep his family safe he has to dish out pain to others. Liv couldn’t be more different she’s a teacher, one who’s determined to make a difference in the lives of those she teaches, in her personal life a medical scare has made her determined to live her life to the fullest. Together the pair may seem like oil and water, you know they’re not meant to mix, they also say opposites attract and Brick and Liv most certainly do, in a way I’d say they bring out the best in each other.
I was really impressed with the authors style of writing, the words just flowed along effortlessly blending from one page to the next making this a fantastic debut novel from Jen Davis. I’m excited to see what’s in-store for us readers next.
📚🤓 The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
Check it out here☟
https://m.facebook.com/The-Book-Whisp...
February 5, 2019
Fan of dark , twisted, intense, gritty, suspenseful romances?? Look no further because this is the book for you.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book and I was pleasantly surprised with what I read. I was going to say that this was a wonderful introduction to a new to me author but then I got on here and it looks like this is Jen's debut novel. AHHH what??? What a smashing debut. Jen has won me over with this read and I will definitely be making sure I get my hands on this authors work.
Brick and Olivia's story had me on the edge of my seat. I didn't know if I was coming or going with all the twists and turns in this book. I wasn't sure who was going to live if anyone would survive or what would come next. I love a book that has me not knowing what is going to come next. This book had some dark and twisted scenes and it was perfect for the life these characters live in.
This isn't your sweet romance so if that is what you are looking for then keep on going. This is for those like me that like to get their hands on the dark and twisted romances. If you are like me than I highly recommend this one for you. I can't wait to get my hands on Kane's story next!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book and I was pleasantly surprised with what I read. I was going to say that this was a wonderful introduction to a new to me author but then I got on here and it looks like this is Jen's debut novel. AHHH what??? What a smashing debut. Jen has won me over with this read and I will definitely be making sure I get my hands on this authors work.
Brick and Olivia's story had me on the edge of my seat. I didn't know if I was coming or going with all the twists and turns in this book. I wasn't sure who was going to live if anyone would survive or what would come next. I love a book that has me not knowing what is going to come next. This book had some dark and twisted scenes and it was perfect for the life these characters live in.
This isn't your sweet romance so if that is what you are looking for then keep on going. This is for those like me that like to get their hands on the dark and twisted romances. If you are like me than I highly recommend this one for you. I can't wait to get my hands on Kane's story next!!!
February 8, 2019
This would be a first book by Jen Davis and I am excited to see what's to come in the future , Brick is book one in the cooper construction and I can't wait for Kanes story yay . The flow of the story was perfect it wasn't rushed or slow you got time to really connect with the characters and what they were doing . I really enjoyed seeing how the characters were growing through out the story it just drew me in and didn't let go .The chemistry between the couple was very intense even though this is a slow burn it was just the right amount of burn . Can't wait to read the next book in the series so excited to see what the author will come up with Kane .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=9 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=8 steam=5 romance=5
humor= 2 darkness level=4 action=4 mystery=3
enjoyment= 9 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =9 Stars =4
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes first one in the series
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=9 heroine=9 secondary characters=9
Chemistry=8 steam=5 romance=5
humor= 2 darkness level=4 action=4 mystery=3
enjoyment= 9 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=9
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 Blurb =9 Stars =4
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes first one in the series
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
March 25, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
Brick is the first book in the Cooper Construction Series. This book is absolutely amazing. I loved every single second of it. It is dark and gritty and this is one of my favorite kinds of books. Once you start this book you are not going to be able to put it down. Brick is not your average construction worker. He is trapped. During the day using his hands to build things. At night he using those same hands to bring violence down on whoever he is told to. He is seriously afraid that the threat against his family will come true and he can not let that happen. However when Liv enters his life there is not denying the pull between them. However when Live ends up on the drug lords radars all bets are off and you as a reader are in for one amazing read. This book was fantastic. I have never read a book by Jen Davis but I am sure this will not be the last.
Brick is the first book in the Cooper Construction Series. This book is absolutely amazing. I loved every single second of it. It is dark and gritty and this is one of my favorite kinds of books. Once you start this book you are not going to be able to put it down. Brick is not your average construction worker. He is trapped. During the day using his hands to build things. At night he using those same hands to bring violence down on whoever he is told to. He is seriously afraid that the threat against his family will come true and he can not let that happen. However when Liv enters his life there is not denying the pull between them. However when Live ends up on the drug lords radars all bets are off and you as a reader are in for one amazing read. This book was fantastic. I have never read a book by Jen Davis but I am sure this will not be the last.
June 10, 2019
Brick's story is pretty good. A story of redemption and the strive to get out his bad situation. A guy who really isn't bad, aside from the fact that he beats people and kills people for the drug dealer he works for, and to believe he's worth more in life.
So yeah, it sounds like he's not that great of a guy, but everyone deserves a second chance, right? Everyone deserves to have their story told and for people to understand why they made the decisions they have made. Brick is not a great guy, but he is. When he meets Liv, he has a little more inscentive to get out of his bad situation, something he's been working and saving for. Once he realizes he actualy does have a couple friends that will stand by him, he's even more determined to make his life better.
Not overly angsty, interesting story. Good character development, I actually cared about what happened.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
So yeah, it sounds like he's not that great of a guy, but everyone deserves a second chance, right? Everyone deserves to have their story told and for people to understand why they made the decisions they have made. Brick is not a great guy, but he is. When he meets Liv, he has a little more inscentive to get out of his bad situation, something he's been working and saving for. Once he realizes he actualy does have a couple friends that will stand by him, he's even more determined to make his life better.
Not overly angsty, interesting story. Good character development, I actually cared about what happened.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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