In the beginning, there was one determined man and one strong woman. In their struggles, they created a dynasty.
Brick had one mission since he was a boy: become a Dragon Runner. The motorcycle club meant everything to him. Blood and bone from his brothers paid the Dragon’s dues time and time again. And watching it split apart was more than he could handle.
Then he met Betsey.
An unwanted daughter born into abuse, Betsy lived her life beatdown under a rigid thumb, never allowed to be herself. Her one goal was to leave her abusive family and be free. She fought on the losing end of that fight.
ML Nystrom had stories in her head since she was a child. All sorts of stories of fantasy, romance, mystery and anything else that captured her interest. A voracious reader, she’s spent many hours devouring books; therefore, she found it only fitting she should write a few herself!
ML has spent most of her life as a performing musician and band instrument repair technician, but that doesn’t mean she’s pigeon-holed into one mold. She’s been a university professor, belly dancer, craftsperson, soap maker, singer, rock band artist, jewelry maker, lifeguard, swim coach, and whatever else she felt like exploring. As one of her students said to her once, "Life’s too short to ignore the opportunities." She has no intention of ever stopping... so welcome to her story world. She hopes you enjoy it!
BRICK is the last book of the Dragon Runners series, however it's a prequel to the series. Because I am a tad anal about the way I like to read series, I read it first and am glad I did. BRICK is the story of Brick and Betsey, they are integral to the entire series, basically the patriarch and matriarch of the Dragon Runners MC/family they have created, by reading their story first I have not been lost when reading MUTE and currently reading STUD.
BRICK gives us the background to why the Dragon Runners are the way they are today, it also gives us an insight into Betsey and Brick's love story, it wasn't easy, it wasn't pretty but it is strong and everlasting.
BRICK roped me into the Dragon Runners world and I immediately started MUTE, then straight onto STUD. I cannot wait to see how the series finished out and know that I am going to miss the Dragon Runners world when I'm done.
We finally get some insight into Brick and Betsey’s story. We know how they met, became a couple and overcame danger.
This book is a novella so we get to see them when they first started out. I was hoping to get to see more of them once they were a little older and together a little longer.
Brick has made it known to the younger generation men that he made mistakes with Betsey but she stuck through with him. I would have liked to see how they made it through knowing the little we do on what he did that could have made her leave him.
A part 2 novella would be welcomed later down the road! I love Brick and Betsey!
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. First, the prologue confused me. Why did we need to start showing Brick in his sixties/seventies driving to a hidden shack just to go back 50 years before when he first met Betsey? I feel like the first 20% of the book could have been summed up in a paragraph and could have began with the diner interactions. The story had a lot of MC drama but the story of Brick and Betsey was weak. I don’t think this book should characterized as romance because it wasn’t really the focus of the book. We got minimal storyline of those two.
This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a standalone, we are taken back to the beginning of Brick and Bessie’s relationship and it leads the reader through their ups and downs. It’s a fast paced, jam packed story which gives you the insight of how Brick becomes the president of the dragon runners mc and also the history of how the club ended up the way it is now.
We get to see how some of our beloved characters got together and met some new ones, I devoured this book in one sitting, I was totally captivated from the beginning and didn’t want the story to end! This was a fabulous addition to this series and I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.
*** reviewed for sweet & spicy reads-ARC provided for honest review ***
At what point does an author become a much anticipated visit from a dear friend with an awesome story to tell?
Beginning with Mute, and continuing to Nystrom's latest Tale of the Dragon (Riders), each story has deepened the connection between the Dragon Riders, their significant others, and above all, the deep and lasting ties of family. Nystrom has the unique ability to tell each story in the distinctive voice of each of her characters, from the shy Kat, to the fiery in-your-face Eva, gentle Psalm, guarded Lori, and aching-to-break free Betsey. ML Nystrom has joined the ranks of authors you can't wait for the next good story .
As always the DRMC takes me on another successful run through the Tail. Finally having some of the origins was a great read! And how can we not love Brick and Betsy. Although Walrus has a huge place in my heart now. Certainly hope there are more to come from this awesome series.
If you've read the other Dragon Runner's I suggest you read this. This is how Brick and Betsie came to be. It's a quick read. Shorter than I usually like,hence the 4 star rating. BUT, it IS worth a read.
I just loved this one. A look at how it all started and the present were there is so much love. Poor Brick loses just about everything but gains so much. I loved this series and I can't wait to see what's next from this author.
I am crying trying to write this. I have loved Brick and Betsey from the first book. Betsey so loving and giving and Brick the same in his own way. This is their journey. The epilogue is all you could hope for and that is what made me cry. Even in the other books you know they are together this was just perfect... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Probably my favorite of the series. Where as many books start with the president this one sums up a great series with book 5. Brick and Betsy story is awesome for they are the anchors who hold the Dragon Runners universe together. Awesome series and definitely worth reading all of these books. Happy reading.
Since I’ve read first book in the Dragon Runners series „Mute” where Brick and Betsey appeared for the first time I knew that I need to know that story too. And with this book we got even more because we also got the origins of the club itself. Because I don’t want to spoil anything to you let’s just say that the club didn’t look like right now even in a smallest part. In my opinion M.L. Nystrom did really great think with introducing us to Brick’s and Betsey’s relationship from its really early beginning through blooming to the relationship we well know from previous books until really romantic happy ending. It was really great book and I wish it would be longer cause I love to know more about all the members of The Dragons Runners and their lives. And don’t let me start about the ending of this book when we in shortcut get to know how the lives of the rest of the characters we know from the previous books. I think it was real great way to close whole series. One thing I think I would do maybe slightly different is I would make it slightly longer and if we would see more from Brick’s and Betsey’s full grown relationship. But it general I think it was really good ending. It doesn’t matter if you are new to this series and “Brick” is your first book (yes it could be read as a standalone and believe when I say in this case you will definitely want to read previous books: Mute, Stud, Blue and Table) or if you followed whole series you will loved it from the beginning till the end.
This is the fifth book in the Dragon Runners MC, and this takes us all the way back to where Brick and Betsey started out. Brick was raised in the club and knew that his life would follow the same path as his fathers. He has known from the first time that he saw Betsey that she was going to be the woman he married one day, he just has to make sure that he can give her the life she deserves first. When things in the club start to take a turn that Brick doesn't like, will he be able to change the club for the better?
This was a very action packed story, I was sitting on the edge of my seat for almost the last half of the book. This was such a good read! I really enjoyed seeing Brick and Betsy's beginning, and getting to see where this all began. I give this 5 stars.
***************** Review by: Melanie (5 stars)
This was a short but jam packed view of how Brick and Betsey got together, how he became the President of the Dragon Runners and how the club became what it is today. I really enjoyed this, getting to see the king and queen of the MC put their kingdom together. It feels like this is the ending of the series, and if it is then it was a lovely way to wrap up. I'm certainly going to be looking out for ML Nystrom's next book, whatever it is and I give Brick 5 stars.
I loved that we finally get Brick and Betsy’s story, it was a long time coming. It’s actually set before all of the subsequent Dragon Runners stories even though it’s the fifth of the series. Brick’s story establishes where the MC you see today started.
Brick already being part of the MC because his father is the President in middle school already has a road-name even before he is a Prospect. When a new girl starts school he knows she will be his woman some day. Betsy is a shy and sheltered girl that hides her demons well. Fast-forward until graduation Betsy doesn’t give Brick the time of day but that’s all good because Brick can’t claim her until all of the strife and in-fighting in the club is settled. Under his daddy’s rule they are criminals but Brick and another old timer are prepared to do anything to make them legit and have a place for Betsy to be proud of. All the while Betsy has been suffering at the hands of her father, the town’s pastor, and can’t wait to get away from everything.
Brick and Betsy’s story isn’t all hearts and roses. There is a planned coupe, shoot outs, drama, suspense and finally love. This book captivated me from the prologue and didn’t let up until the last chapter. I highly recommend this book!!
Brick is the Prequel to the Dragon Runner series and also book 5 by ML Nystrom. I have not read any of the series or any other books by ML Nystrom but that will be changing. I love reading MC books and this one is kind of my own romance. I am the preachers daughter married the biker. The only difference which is a huge difference is my biker is not a 1%er and my daddy wasn't a drunk. This is actually one of the more mellow MC books it is filled with language, but very little violence and no sex. The book is very fast moving and is not filled with descriptions of things that has nothing to do with the story. This is a short read but packed full.
The book is the story of Brick and Betsey. It starts out when they first lay eyes on each other in middle school but did not speak again until the night of their high school graduation. Betsey has a hard abusive life as her father the Preacher of the Methodist Church is also a drunk who beats his wife and daughter. He takes her tip money from her job at the diner and treats her like crap. Brick is the son of the current President of the Dragon Runner MC and waiting to be patched into the club. When all heck breaks loose and Club members turn on each other it is up to Brick to clean up the blood and try to put the club back together.
What a wonderful story this was. Beginning with memories, the storyline brings you through the life of the Dragon Runners MC through the memory of the former President. He was the son of the founding President and as a child knew he was going to be a Dragon Runner when he grew up. In middle school he met her. The one that he knew he would one day marry. Betsey. She was something else. To everyone else she was the curvy, plain preacher's daughter who wore second hand clothes. To Brick, she was going to be his.
There was trouble in the MC back in the day and Brick remembers the trouble, the chaos and the pain and blood that brought him into the presidency. His memories give us the history of this club and the way he and Betsey's lives were affected, not only by the MC but by the events that led up to them being together after they graduated high school.
I loved this book and could not put it down until I finished it. It was amazingly well written and the characters were so very well written. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and hope that everyone will give this book and this series a chance. You will not be disappointed.
This MC book brought such a smile to my face. I haven’t read the other books that go with this MC series, but I completely understand what was going on. This book goes from the present and back to the past so I could fully understand the story. It was an amazing story that the author wrote like an artist weaving her pottery. It had suspense, devotion, happiness, secrets and all around amazing writing by NL Mystrom. She weaved all the drama and events that can happen with an MC club with love and a happily ever after. A book that leaves you with all the good feelings a book should leave you with.
Betsey and Brick have known each other since middle school. Their paths in intertwined and brick has always admired her from afar. He has other business to get into place before he can take care of her. Brick has been a constant for Betsey and an all around gentlemen to her. One night, it all hits the fan at the MC club and Betsey almost pays the price. Brick steps in and takes care of his woman. A great story of a man who takes care of his woman and the family he has, blood or not.
Brick was shorter than I would wish for, but it was no less explosive to be honest. In fact, it seemed like I barely had time to catch my breath because of it's short(ish) length. See, the fantastic ML Nystrom decided to take us all the way back to the beginning when Brick was young man who was still in school when he met his person Betsey. Way back when his dream/goal was still only to join the Dragon Runners MC. Little did he ever imagine that he would be the one to actually rebuild it all back up. And little did I know that Betsey's life was what it was before she was the colorful queen of the MC, who took care of everyone. The action packed chaos that took place had me on the edge of my seat, especially with the twists that started to emerge. So, obviously, I was dropping my best biker f-bombs along the way, as it was insane going. These two had a crazy start, because everything went to hell in a hand basket before they created that dynasty! So yeah, I seriously HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Brick to ALL!
This is Brick’s story. It may be a short story, but it is packed full of events that lead us to where the Dragon Runner’s MC is today.
It all starts back in middle school. Brick’s father is President of the Dragon Runner’s. His best friends are sons of other club members. He met Betsy, the new girl, in middle school and instantly had a crush on her. But, he didn’t want to act on his feelings until he felt he could keep her safe. Those who have sworn to have their backs, might be their downfall.
Betsy is a sweet, shy girl. She hides her demons well. Her daddy knows just where to inflict his abuse, so no one else can see it. Her only dream is to be able to escape it one day. Then she can be who she wants be, wear clothes that aren’t second hand, and find a man to love her.
Bricks and Betsy’s story isn’t all hearts and roses. It full of betrayal and back stabbing. It’s fast paced and I wasn’t able to put it down until I had read the last page. If you love MC romance, then this series is for you!
Bricks story is my first introduction to the Dragon Runners MC and to this author. It is a good read and had a lot of world building that had me following the story easily even though it is the fifth book in the series. The only part I was not sure of was all the names for characters mentioned at the end of the story.
The characters in the flash backs are fully developed and bring a variety of backgrounds, emotions and actions to this world. At first I was thrown by the timing of the prologue, but by the end I found the prologue and timing through the book genius because I loved the full circle aspect of it. A few items were foreseeable, but the delivery still was impactful to the story and character actions.
I enjoyed this quick novella and plan on going back to read more about this MC. I am especially interested in the name selections and town businesses that were mentioned throughout this story.
Thank you Enticing Journey Book Promotions, ML Nystrom and Hot Tree Publishing for the chance to read this book and share my opinion!
Firstly 2.99 for 97 pages? Very cynical as it's the last book so of course we have to buy it. But equally annoying!!!
last book and what an utter disappointment. i could have predicted given it was only 97 pages and normally i wouldnt purchase any book with only 97 pages much less pay 2.99 for it but hey it was the last one and about the president so i had to read it.
i loved finding about brick and betseys beginnings but so expected more esp about his previously admitted to infidelities which she forgave him for.
the book was shallow and hashed together.
awesome characters just not done justice to with the mediocre attempt.
a total disservice to the loyal readers who have kept with the series, what an insult and how to alienate your reader base! totally cynical.
why or why would the author commit author suicide by doing this? i'm pissed at her at the moment.
frustrated, annoyed, disappointed and feeling taken advantage of.
This is probably one of my favorite ML Nystrom books. I love Brick and Betsy and am so glad that they received their own story.
We really get a look into Betsy and Brick's past. How they met, when they started dating, how they fell in love. It's a wonderful love story and so sweet, one of the sweeter love stories that I have read. It's not all rainbows and unicorns, there are some dark storm clouds in there, but it all ends happily.
With the beginning of Brick and Betsy, we get to learn how the Dragon Runners used to be. How the club was filled with turmoil and chaos and how it all got turned around so that it is what it is today.
If you've been keeping up with the series, this should be next on your to be read list. Even if you haven't been keeping up with this series, this can be read as a standalone, so I suggest picking it up. I think you'll enjoy it.
Amount of sex 2.5 / 5 How explicit are the sex scenes 3 / 5 Story 4.5 / 5 Overall: 4.5 / 5
I just love the Dragon Runners MC series written by author ML Nystrom. I have loved each story, but Brick maybe one of my favorites! In this story, we are shown how the MC originally was with Brick’s father as the president. The club was into criminal enterprises which led to several of the members becoming corrupt. Brick proves himself a leader within the Dragon Runners and capable of turning them around to earn legal profits.
Each book in the series shows us another piece into the Dragon Runners world. Brick tells the story of how he and Betsey met and fell in love. It was a captivating read, and I read it in one sitting! My only wish was that it was expanded into a longer story. I definitely wasn’t ready for it to end.
I absolutely love the Dragon Runners MC series and Brick's book did not disappoint!! This is Brick and Betsey's story so it goes from the present all the way back to the beginning of the DRMC!! What I love the most is the fact that Brick and Betsey have one of those loves that are meant to last a lifetime, their destinies have always been intertwined they were meant for eachother!! Even though this was a quick read novella it was still full of drama, suspense, secrets, happiness, devotion and above all else love!! The storyline was amazingly well written and the characters are fantastic!! As this is book #5 in the DRMC series I recommend reading the series in order!! I highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed, I can't wait for the next book in this amazing series!!
This is Brick's story about how he became the President of the Dragon Runners and how he found and fell in love with his Old Lady. Brick is an admirable President taking the club legit but they came very close to imploding when his father was President.
Betsey knows what she wants but can't get it until she is free from her abusive childhood home with her Reverend father. She is sassy and stands up for herself when she can.
This was not a full length novel much to my disappointment. The main focus was on he events leading up to Brick becoming President and not so much on the blossoming relationship with Betsey. From my perspective, whilst it was great to get the insight into the past of this MC Club, there was enough here to make it a full length novel. It was still a great addition to the series.
I have to admit that I had not read any of the other books in this series but for some strange reason I don't feel at a disadvantage - did it make me want to read the whole series? definitely!
This is the story of Brick the leader of the Dragon Runners and his Wife Betsey. It is about their live together the struggles the pain but overall the happiness that life as the President and Ole Lady of a MC brings.
Brick raised by a widow father and Betsey raised by the head minister of the First Methodist Church - the pillow of the community or so you would have thought! But as we all know looks can be deceiving!
If love MC books then this will be for you! - Be ready for an emotional ride on the Dragon Runners bike and I dare you not to download the whole series!
I am so glad the author decided to write Brick’s story. And what a story it is. It was amazingly good to go back and see how the present day Dragon Runner MC became the decidate, close knit family that they are today. Brick and Bestey’s story is one for the ages. The way the met in school to all they both had to overcome during their young lives to the strong fearless family originated couple they became. This is an outstanding face paced novella that will having you gritting your teeth yet melt your heart. Kudos Ms. Nystrom for giving us this Magnificent Look into how it all got started.
2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars for a book / series that I Highly Recommend. If you are an MC reader you will love the Dragon Runners MC series, it’s a Must Read series in this readers very humble opinion.
WOW! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. I love reading ML Nystrom stories. This is the fifth book in the Dragon runners series.this is Brick and Betsy's story. I love how we are able to go back to the beginning when Brick first met Betsy. This is a fast paced novella that I wasn't able to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen. This will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you would've read this one first. You will definitely want to go back and read the other four books in this series. I can't wait to read more from this series. This is a MUST READ!! Keep up the amazing work! I HIGHLY recommend this series to EVERYONE!!!!