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My Best Friend's Brother #1
Black Sheep
“How the hell did I manage to sleep with my best friend’s long-lost brother?”
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Nineteen years ago, Otto Blair left his small, claustrophobic hometown, addicted to opiates and in search of a new beginning. After relapses, detoxes, and even jail time, Otto found the stability and sobriety he was looking for halfway across the country with a new identity.
But when Otto gets word that his father is terminally ill and his mother and brother are struggling to keep the family inn afloat, he knows that it’s time to swallow his pride and go home.
Even if he hasn’t talked to his family in almost two decades.
When Cheshire-native Reese left his foster family to find his passion in New York City, he imagined he was saying goodbye to Cheshire forever. But Reese was never cut out for New York. The city chewed him up and spat him out, and Reese was forced to return home where his best friend still resented Reese for leaving.
Now it’s been two years since he’s been back, and Reese runs Cheshire’s only general store. He’s painstakingly mended his friendship with his best friend, and even after the recent death of his foster father, Reese almost feels like part of a family again.
Reese feels like he’s finally got his life under control.
Then his best friend’s brother walks into Reese’s bar.
Nineteen years ago, Reese and Otto were as good as brothers. But now, they have more catching up to do than either of them realized. After a chance encounter in which neither man recognizes the other, the two must navigate the wreckage of a struggling family, a brother who can’t forgive, and the reality of life in an isolated town in the mountains.
Black Sheep is the first book in the three-book series, My Best Friend’s Brother. It has a happy-for-now ending, but is NOT self-contained. This slow burn starts out with a bang and delivers content meant for adult audiences. Black Sheep contains frank discussions about drug use and recovery.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2019
100 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 23, 2019
Yay! Kay Simone is back to writing, and she’s bringing us a trilogy of books centered around Otto and Reece and their families and the small town that they live in.
Both Otto and Reece have a rough past - especially Otto, who is coming back home after 20 years of drug abuse, jail, and recovery. I initially struggled knowing who is who - both of them changing their childhood names didn’t help, but I loved their story.
I loved their journey - it truly does start with a bang when these two meet, not knowing who the other is and that they already know each other. Now, knowing who the other is, they have to figure out how to move forward.
This is a trilogy - 3 books following the same characters, so this one does end with a shaky HFN ending - Otto and Reece have decided to really give things a try. Luckily Kay is releasing both books 2 and 3 in June, so we don’t have a long wait at all.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Both Otto and Reece have a rough past - especially Otto, who is coming back home after 20 years of drug abuse, jail, and recovery. I initially struggled knowing who is who - both of them changing their childhood names didn’t help, but I loved their story.
I loved their journey - it truly does start with a bang when these two meet, not knowing who the other is and that they already know each other. Now, knowing who the other is, they have to figure out how to move forward.
This is a trilogy - 3 books following the same characters, so this one does end with a shaky HFN ending - Otto and Reece have decided to really give things a try. Luckily Kay is releasing both books 2 and 3 in June, so we don’t have a long wait at all.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2019
It’s been a while since I read a Kay Simone book so I grabbed at the chance to read this new series. I really, really enjoyed it! Otto and Reese are wonderful characters in this tender tale of reunion and redemption. The start of the series anyway. After two decades, Reese doesn’t recognize Otto sitting at his bar and they have a hot as fire hookup that crashes and burns when Otto tries to sneak out in the morning. Then they find out who they are to each other, reversing that fast connection into a slooowww burn. Otto is trying to mend a lot of fences, including with his mother and the man you will love to hate, yet also kind of understand, Luke. Luke is Reese’s “best friend”, Otto’s brother and he’s the biggest (expletive deleted). I wanted to yell at Reese for putting up with him. Reese is surprising, his easy-going, forgiving nature hiding a very strong core. My empathy for Otto built slowly as he discovers exactly what leaving has cost him while figuring out his future.
Switching perspectives made the story engrossing for me. Completely character driven plots can sometimes drag but I was completely engaged with this one. It’s not even over yet! I believe it’s two more books left to come and I’m captivated enough to stick with this and follow these guys. The novel ends on an upbeat note, not a cliffhanger exactly but obviously not complete. I’m very much looking forward to the next two, scheduled to come out very soon so I won’t have to wait long.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
Switching perspectives made the story engrossing for me. Completely character driven plots can sometimes drag but I was completely engaged with this one. It’s not even over yet! I believe it’s two more books left to come and I’m captivated enough to stick with this and follow these guys. The novel ends on an upbeat note, not a cliffhanger exactly but obviously not complete. I’m very much looking forward to the next two, scheduled to come out very soon so I won’t have to wait long.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
June 3, 2019
I ENJOYED this book. Enjoyed it!!! 2 characters with past mistakes, past hurts, finding mutual friendship and hopefully love. These two are flawed. One is an addict. Who doesn’t think he is anyone else in the world. Afraid everyone will hate him because of the life he lead thanks to his addiction. The other is insecure about where he fits in the world. Thanks to both his parents leaving him because of circumstances. Both characters feel they are outsiders and understand each other because of it.
This is a very shaky HFN (happily for now) ending. Which has me sooo ready for the next book. The writing was on point. The smexy time was YES!!!! And the plot was everything I love in a book. Angst was there, love boiling in the background defiantly. Now to get them to their HEA.
This is a very shaky HFN (happily for now) ending. Which has me sooo ready for the next book. The writing was on point. The smexy time was YES!!!! And the plot was everything I love in a book. Angst was there, love boiling in the background defiantly. Now to get them to their HEA.
June 8, 2019
Wow. This was intense. Probably like a 4.5 stars for me. I really felt for Otto in this book. So much. He knew how much he had done wrong in his life and was trying so very hard to make things right. He even thought he was right by staying away. But what pissed me off so bad was Otto's brother Luke. Oh my gah what a dick. He was purposely holding stuff over Otto's head and trying to out him to everyone to make him look like such a bad guy. No matter what Otto tried to do to make things better Luke had to one up him or rub his nose in something or....something else. He was just a dick and I don't like him at all. Trying to change your life when your an addict is a huge ordeal and they sure as hell don't need that kind of attitude making it worse.
But overall, it's a good book. One of starting over and second chances.
But overall, it's a good book. One of starting over and second chances.
Read
May 27, 2019Dnf’d about page 2 after the sample.
April 21, 2026
There’s a world where Kay Simone is as popular as Rachel Reid and Emily Henry and all of their best books have been adapted into movies and tv shows and that’s the world I should’ve been born into
May 24, 2019
I wasn't expecting this to be so short. The last scene fades like we're pausing for a commercial break, but it turns out that's the end of the book. I'm aware that this is part of a trilogy and the novels aren't meant to stand alone, but I didn't know that writing a trilogy means it's okay to only publish one-third of a book at a time. That's what this read like -one-third of a longer book. Weird.
Other than that, I liked this more than I've been liking romance novels lately. The characters have a lot going on, they're distinguishable from each other, there's some emotional complexity, and it isn't insta-love. Kay Simone's writing is pretty good. I'll check out the rest of the trilogy, I think.
Other than that, I liked this more than I've been liking romance novels lately. The characters have a lot going on, they're distinguishable from each other, there's some emotional complexity, and it isn't insta-love. Kay Simone's writing is pretty good. I'll check out the rest of the trilogy, I think.
August 12, 2020
Review of trilogy
Kay Simone's a thoughtful writer, and I enjoyed this trilogy. The small-town setting, the importance of the general store/ filling station / bar as an integral part of community life: these things added depth to the story line. I liked the way KS didn't gloss over the reality of the town as an economic back-water.
With some reservations, I also liked Otto & Reese's relationship. They talked about their problems! Otto came clean about his past, Reese let his vulnerability show. But there was a strong insta-lust/love component that was further compounded by the pressure cooker of All The Emotions, as Otto navigated the loss of a parent, re-integration into the community, fighting with his brother, hating himself for past decisions. Reese, for his part, was big on self-castigation for not having achieved more. I just wanted to see the pair of them in down-time NOT agonising about something.
As someone who has worked in economic development for rural communities for years, I really wanted to read lots more about Otto's plans to revive his parents' failing hotel by greening it. I would quite happily have swapped chapters of emotionally charged introspection for sight of Otto's marketing strategy. Particularly the bit that ran straight from "instal solar panels" to "commercial success". Ah well
The books came alive whenever Otto's malicious self-centred brother Luke came in view. Even If I didn't get why he was as bitchy as he was (except in the most basic "we need an antagonist" terms), his sweetly vicious digs injected a much-needed sense of pace and energy into the books.
To be honest, the trilogy might have been better paced as a single book, with Otto & Reese indulging in less (slightly repetitious) self-analysis, more bitchiness, and a bullet-pointed chapter on customer profiling. Not sorry I read this, though. Simone always has something interesting to say.
Kay Simone's a thoughtful writer, and I enjoyed this trilogy. The small-town setting, the importance of the general store/ filling station / bar as an integral part of community life: these things added depth to the story line. I liked the way KS didn't gloss over the reality of the town as an economic back-water.
With some reservations, I also liked Otto & Reese's relationship. They talked about their problems! Otto came clean about his past, Reese let his vulnerability show. But there was a strong insta-lust/love component that was further compounded by the pressure cooker of All The Emotions, as Otto navigated the loss of a parent, re-integration into the community, fighting with his brother, hating himself for past decisions. Reese, for his part, was big on self-castigation for not having achieved more. I just wanted to see the pair of them in down-time NOT agonising about something.
As someone who has worked in economic development for rural communities for years, I really wanted to read lots more about Otto's plans to revive his parents' failing hotel by greening it. I would quite happily have swapped chapters of emotionally charged introspection for sight of Otto's marketing strategy. Particularly the bit that ran straight from "instal solar panels" to "commercial success". Ah well
The books came alive whenever Otto's malicious self-centred brother Luke came in view. Even If I didn't get why he was as bitchy as he was (except in the most basic "we need an antagonist" terms), his sweetly vicious digs injected a much-needed sense of pace and energy into the books.
To be honest, the trilogy might have been better paced as a single book, with Otto & Reese indulging in less (slightly repetitious) self-analysis, more bitchiness, and a bullet-pointed chapter on customer profiling. Not sorry I read this, though. Simone always has something interesting to say.
May 14, 2019
I've enjoyed the majority of this author's work since i discovered , You're the One That I Want, a while ago now. Given the chance to read and review this story, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint.
Otto and Reese are very compelling characters, I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. It felt like I was experiencing with them the process of moving on and sorting their feelings and emotions throughout the book.
I really enjoyed the story - it was certainly a bit of an emotional roller coaster and heart wrenching at times. However, it was also very well written, as this author's books usually are, and the character development was first class. It provided an excellent read.
I read the book in one sitting - I just had to know how it ended. That was one thing that I'm going to have a bit of a gripe about, it ended on a sorta of a cliffhanger! I hate cliff hangers! However, this is the first in a series, so I'm hoping we won't have to wait long for the next one.
4 and a half stars from me.
Otto and Reese are very compelling characters, I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. It felt like I was experiencing with them the process of moving on and sorting their feelings and emotions throughout the book.
I really enjoyed the story - it was certainly a bit of an emotional roller coaster and heart wrenching at times. However, it was also very well written, as this author's books usually are, and the character development was first class. It provided an excellent read.
I read the book in one sitting - I just had to know how it ended. That was one thing that I'm going to have a bit of a gripe about, it ended on a sorta of a cliffhanger! I hate cliff hangers! However, this is the first in a series, so I'm hoping we won't have to wait long for the next one.
4 and a half stars from me.
May 21, 2019
4.5 / 5 Stars
A great start for a new series from one of my favorite authors.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters: fast attraction, the type you can't deny but then it goes to slow burn. They have a long journey before they can be real with each other, especially since both have a lot of baggage. They need each other but at the same time they kind of want to pretend they don't need anybody else, they are different but at the same time, they went through similar experiences that left a mark.
The plot is engaging and works well without any issues, it shows all we need to know about the characters and their surrounding but leaves us waiting for what comes next. Be aware the end is sort of cliffy since it's a trilogy.
I can't wait for the next one.
A great start for a new series from one of my favorite authors.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters: fast attraction, the type you can't deny but then it goes to slow burn. They have a long journey before they can be real with each other, especially since both have a lot of baggage. They need each other but at the same time they kind of want to pretend they don't need anybody else, they are different but at the same time, they went through similar experiences that left a mark.
The plot is engaging and works well without any issues, it shows all we need to know about the characters and their surrounding but leaves us waiting for what comes next. Be aware the end is sort of cliffy since it's a trilogy.
I can't wait for the next one.
April 10, 2020
Sweet Love Story
Not going to repeat the plot since it’s readily available but it’s a story about two guys (Otto and Reece) discovering each other after a hook-up in a bar. The story is part one of a three part series.
Kay Simone is at their best explaining what people are thinking tenderly addressing addiction and mental illness. I love the story pacing, the characters and the plot twists. You’re rooting for the two guys to get together. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Not going to repeat the plot since it’s readily available but it’s a story about two guys (Otto and Reece) discovering each other after a hook-up in a bar. The story is part one of a three part series.
Kay Simone is at their best explaining what people are thinking tenderly addressing addiction and mental illness. I love the story pacing, the characters and the plot twists. You’re rooting for the two guys to get together. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 20, 2019
I truly enjoyed this, even though it left me hanging!
Otto and Reese are wonderfully written, I could almost feel Reese’s empathy spilling off the page. This is exactly the type of book I love - characters with real-life relatable issues.
Highly recommended!
Otto and Reese are wonderfully written, I could almost feel Reese’s empathy spilling off the page. This is exactly the type of book I love - characters with real-life relatable issues.
Highly recommended!
May 20, 2019
I have definitely found a new favorite author in Kay! The characters are not perfect which I love since most times they remind me of ken dolls, but Kay makes it easy to connect with hers. Black sheep is so different from her other book I read (One Giant Leap is a go to re read for me!) and the way it left off has me craving book two!
February 28, 2025
4.5 stars
June 11, 2019
This was really boring for me. There was also way too much internal dialogue.
July 5, 2020
Another book I started off liking and then it went downhill from there. The initial meeting/spark between Otto and Reese and then them finding out they knew one another was great. I was into the whole romance with your brother's BFF set-up, but I was let down by the brother character. I think it would've been more interesting to me if the brothers were on good terms, but the added element of Luke hating Otto didn't work for me. And then having the weird dynamic of Reese having a crush on Luke and him rejecting him but also constantly toying with his feelings just had me so annoyed every time Luke showed up. I also saw prior to starting the book that this was a HFN and not self-contained, but even knowing that, it felt like this book ended really abruptly. I mean, I understand how trilogies work, I'm not saying everything needed to be wrapped up, but, like, NOTHING was wrapped up. It truly felt like the author had written a complete book and then just published the first third of it. And the downside of that is that if the story hadn't been broken up, I'd be more likely to continue reading to see how things turned out and if my opinions would change, but as it is, I have no interest in continuing on to the second or third books, so I'm stopping here. Which is disappointing considering I did feel like there was a lot of potential here at the start, and I did like the Otto/Reese dynamic at first. But that definitely wasn't enough to get me to stick around for additional books.
August 1, 2019
Kay Simone is a fantastic writer. Her stories are full of realistic characters and the mind set of these characters are well described, what I love. We really feel what they're feeling, we understand them and we love them or hate them. But we're here with them. Black sheep don't break the rule except for few plot holes who bothered me.
After that we can believe that I didn't like the book, but I really like it. If it didn't have those few issues it totally deserve a 5 stars.
After that we can believe that I didn't like the book, but I really like it. If it didn't have those few issues it totally deserve a 5 stars.
May 22, 2019
Like the blurb states this one starts out with a bang, that is a roll in the sheets between Otto and Reese neither recognizing the other. It was just supposed to be a one night hookup, not the one night stand you couldn't avoid no matter what. That's exactly what it ends up being when Reese and Otto realize who they are to each other.
There's also a 3rd person who factors into their relationship and that person is Luke. Luke is Otto's younger brother and Reese's BFF. The man is the poster child for abandonment issues and also a pretty big prick. He's never forgiven his brother for taking off without a word and leaving him behind. There is no desire within him to reconcile with his long lost brother when he returns, instead all he feels is resentment. I found this pretty harsh as Luke was left behind with what appear to be two very loving parents. It's not like Otto left him behind in an abusive environment. I would understand the level of assholishness from Luke if that was the case.
Not only is Luke an epic jerkface to his brother, but he is also pretty cruel to his supposed best friend. He may throw his shade in a much more subtle way towards Reese, however the resulting hurt feelings are the same. This is made even worse by the fact that the two used to date and Luke is very aware that Reese is still in love with him. It doesn't stop him from describing his recent conquests in detail to his bestie, no matter how uncomfortable Reese appears.
I felt a lot of this plot resolved too much around Luke and not enough with the MCs. I wanted more romance. I wanted more UST. What I got was a very serious start to a series with very mild heat levels. It dragged in the middle for me. I kept thinking how much I wanted the passion back from the very start of the book.
Our MCs end the book with a tentative decision of wanting to be together. It's not an HEA by any means. There are two more books planned in the series before we get to it. I'm guessing book 2 will consist of what happens when dear Luke figures things out at some point. I can only imagine his epic hissy fit. I'm giving this one 3.5 stars. The plot potential is there and I am still intrigued enough to want to know what happens next.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
There's also a 3rd person who factors into their relationship and that person is Luke. Luke is Otto's younger brother and Reese's BFF. The man is the poster child for abandonment issues and also a pretty big prick. He's never forgiven his brother for taking off without a word and leaving him behind. There is no desire within him to reconcile with his long lost brother when he returns, instead all he feels is resentment. I found this pretty harsh as Luke was left behind with what appear to be two very loving parents. It's not like Otto left him behind in an abusive environment. I would understand the level of assholishness from Luke if that was the case.
Not only is Luke an epic jerkface to his brother, but he is also pretty cruel to his supposed best friend. He may throw his shade in a much more subtle way towards Reese, however the resulting hurt feelings are the same. This is made even worse by the fact that the two used to date and Luke is very aware that Reese is still in love with him. It doesn't stop him from describing his recent conquests in detail to his bestie, no matter how uncomfortable Reese appears.
I felt a lot of this plot resolved too much around Luke and not enough with the MCs. I wanted more romance. I wanted more UST. What I got was a very serious start to a series with very mild heat levels. It dragged in the middle for me. I kept thinking how much I wanted the passion back from the very start of the book.
Our MCs end the book with a tentative decision of wanting to be together. It's not an HEA by any means. There are two more books planned in the series before we get to it. I'm guessing book 2 will consist of what happens when dear Luke figures things out at some point. I can only imagine his epic hissy fit. I'm giving this one 3.5 stars. The plot potential is there and I am still intrigued enough to want to know what happens next.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
June 3, 2019
Black Sheep is he first book in Kay Simone's My Best Friends Brother series.
Otto's back in town after years, and immediately has a one night stand with Reese. The twist? They knew each other back when Otto was still known as Andy, but don't recognize one another.
Now, Otto's back, trying to make up for has past and attempting to rebuild his life. The chemistry between Otto and Reese is fantastic, as is their journey of getting to know each other again, as they are both very different from the young men they once were.
Their romance is a second chance romance with an age difference. Reese's best friend is Otto's younger brother who's not so quick to forgive his brother for running away in the past. The feelings are intense, as they deal with a lot of regrets and even more wasted time.
Otto's relationship with his family is full of issues, but he's trying to make amends. Once we learn of Otto's backstory, the reader can't help but to root for Otto, both with his family, with Reese, and in general. He made bad choices, but he's admitting his mistakes and making apologies.
In all, this is a beautiful story of the struggle to forgive. The dichotomy between the people's thoughts on forgiveness is well explored and well developed.
It is definitely long, leaving me preferring it to be a little shorter, with less descriptions. But that's my only complaint.
I appreciate the way the author handles the addiction. It felt realistic, and didn't gloss over the process of recovery.
Family is another big aspect of this story, both the good and the bad. One had a good family growing up but ruined everything, the other had horrific family problems. It explores the importance of belonging to a family, whether it be biological or not.
Black Sheep is wonderful emotional tale of redemption. Kay Simone gifted us with two fantastic characters and a touching story. Starting with pain and hurt, and ending in love and forgiveness, it's a long journey towards their promising ending.
Otto's back in town after years, and immediately has a one night stand with Reese. The twist? They knew each other back when Otto was still known as Andy, but don't recognize one another.
Now, Otto's back, trying to make up for has past and attempting to rebuild his life. The chemistry between Otto and Reese is fantastic, as is their journey of getting to know each other again, as they are both very different from the young men they once were.
Their romance is a second chance romance with an age difference. Reese's best friend is Otto's younger brother who's not so quick to forgive his brother for running away in the past. The feelings are intense, as they deal with a lot of regrets and even more wasted time.
Otto's relationship with his family is full of issues, but he's trying to make amends. Once we learn of Otto's backstory, the reader can't help but to root for Otto, both with his family, with Reese, and in general. He made bad choices, but he's admitting his mistakes and making apologies.
In all, this is a beautiful story of the struggle to forgive. The dichotomy between the people's thoughts on forgiveness is well explored and well developed.
It is definitely long, leaving me preferring it to be a little shorter, with less descriptions. But that's my only complaint.
I appreciate the way the author handles the addiction. It felt realistic, and didn't gloss over the process of recovery.
Family is another big aspect of this story, both the good and the bad. One had a good family growing up but ruined everything, the other had horrific family problems. It explores the importance of belonging to a family, whether it be biological or not.
Black Sheep is wonderful emotional tale of redemption. Kay Simone gifted us with two fantastic characters and a touching story. Starting with pain and hurt, and ending in love and forgiveness, it's a long journey towards their promising ending.
April 2, 2020
2.5 that I rounded up to 3 stars. The beginning of this book had a very sweet love scene that really had me enthused that this was going to be a great read. Unfortunately, however, the scene ended with one of the MC's being a jerk and trying to sneak out after he had promised to stay the night and saying some hurtful, snarky things. I should have really caught on then but I had to wait until the middle to realize that this book was heading all downhill from the start.
Our main MC left home 19 years ago and hadn't made contact with his family during that whole time. I'm still not sure why he decided to finally come home, but he found his brother hated him, his father had died and his ideas about saving the family B&B were given short shrift (I found them pretty lame myself). Eventually, we find out that the sweet love scene I mentioned above was between the MC who had been missing for 19 years and the boy (now man) that had lived with his family for quite while before the man left. They didn't recognize each other nor did they have the same names as 19 years ago. Yes, the MC's both changed their first names during the course of the story. Weird.
Anyway I kept on reading hoping to get that good feeling I had when I first started but it was not to be. I usually like this author but this one just didn't work.
Our main MC left home 19 years ago and hadn't made contact with his family during that whole time. I'm still not sure why he decided to finally come home, but he found his brother hated him, his father had died and his ideas about saving the family B&B were given short shrift (I found them pretty lame myself). Eventually, we find out that the sweet love scene I mentioned above was between the MC who had been missing for 19 years and the boy (now man) that had lived with his family for quite while before the man left. They didn't recognize each other nor did they have the same names as 19 years ago. Yes, the MC's both changed their first names during the course of the story. Weird.
Anyway I kept on reading hoping to get that good feeling I had when I first started but it was not to be. I usually like this author but this one just didn't work.
May 20, 2019
Leaving is always a hard thing. Coming back, I think, is even harder.
Both Otto and Reese have experienced the need to explore what was beyond small town life. Both ended up leaving behind people that cared about them. I think that helped to connect these two MC’s, and it really showed their similarities in their struggles.
Now, poor Otto has been through a lot, and I can understand the feeling of being suffocated by a life you are not comfortable pretending to live in. So, learning just how much Otto struggled helped me to understand him so much more. I still think him not speaking to his family for 20 years is jerk move to say the least. His brother’s reaction was understandable. I will say that Otto is still growing on me as a character. I can tell that there is more for me to learn about him.
Reese, on the other hand is struggling with his own demons, but I liked his character a bit more. There is no doubt a good amount of chemistry between him and Otto, but I feel like Reese is holding back.
I know that this is not a stand alone and there will be 2 more books to follow this. It is meant to be a trilogy. I am not entirely sure where this will leave the main characters, but I am looking forward to finding out.
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Both Otto and Reese have experienced the need to explore what was beyond small town life. Both ended up leaving behind people that cared about them. I think that helped to connect these two MC’s, and it really showed their similarities in their struggles.
Now, poor Otto has been through a lot, and I can understand the feeling of being suffocated by a life you are not comfortable pretending to live in. So, learning just how much Otto struggled helped me to understand him so much more. I still think him not speaking to his family for 20 years is jerk move to say the least. His brother’s reaction was understandable. I will say that Otto is still growing on me as a character. I can tell that there is more for me to learn about him.
Reese, on the other hand is struggling with his own demons, but I liked his character a bit more. There is no doubt a good amount of chemistry between him and Otto, but I feel like Reese is holding back.
I know that this is not a stand alone and there will be 2 more books to follow this. It is meant to be a trilogy. I am not entirely sure where this will leave the main characters, but I am looking forward to finding out.
*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
May 20, 2019
This is a kind of HFN story. Otto and Reese aren’t a couple yet at the end of the book. We leave them with the promise of a first date in the air and nothing so settled as a true relationship or talk of love.
Otto, as troubled and difficult as a large part of his life has been, still strikes me as immature (and mean) at times and somewhat self-absorbed. Leaving your family without a word for 20 years… I had a hard time getting my head around that. I did like the way Otto helped Reese realize a couple of things about Luke and how he tries to reign in his temper when Luke provokes him. Of the two, he certainly seems to be the better man for Reese.
Reese is likable and more easy to relate to than Otto, but his friendship with a manipulative individual like Luke leaves a lot to be desired. I really disliked Luke, I kept waiting for him to improve or show redeeming qualities, but it didn’t happen. He’s manipulative, almost an emotional tyrant towards Reese and even his mother, and absolutely lacking in empathy.
I don’t mind a slow-burn romance, but whereas the story certainly builds up slowly, the burn-part or the build-up of a strong emotional connection between the two MC’s is a bit lacking to my mind.
Otto, as troubled and difficult as a large part of his life has been, still strikes me as immature (and mean) at times and somewhat self-absorbed. Leaving your family without a word for 20 years… I had a hard time getting my head around that. I did like the way Otto helped Reese realize a couple of things about Luke and how he tries to reign in his temper when Luke provokes him. Of the two, he certainly seems to be the better man for Reese.
Reese is likable and more easy to relate to than Otto, but his friendship with a manipulative individual like Luke leaves a lot to be desired. I really disliked Luke, I kept waiting for him to improve or show redeeming qualities, but it didn’t happen. He’s manipulative, almost an emotional tyrant towards Reese and even his mother, and absolutely lacking in empathy.
I don’t mind a slow-burn romance, but whereas the story certainly builds up slowly, the burn-part or the build-up of a strong emotional connection between the two MC’s is a bit lacking to my mind.
May 23, 2019
This book was a wonderful start to the three-book series that will complete Reese and Otto's story. This was hard to read in several places, because I felt the pain and self-doubt each of the men were feeling. Reese had a devastating year in his childhood which he never completely recovered from, though his best friend Luke and his family brought him into their home and gave him stability and happiness. Luke's brother Otto's tragic time began in his teens and caused him to leave home for nineteen years. Coming back to make amends and prove that he was home to stay was not going very well for him. However, the bond between Otto and Reese was getting stronger and more difficult to resist.
This couple in the making stole my heart. They were each so likeable, at least most of the time, and I want nothing more than to see them work things out. Luke was the biggest obstacle between them, and I expect that the next book won't be any easier in that regard. I hope that Luke shows me in that book why Reese considers him his best friend, since I was mostly angry with Luke's actions in this one. This book ended with just enough hope to keep me going until I get to read the next installment of Reese and Otto's love story. I can't wait!
This couple in the making stole my heart. They were each so likeable, at least most of the time, and I want nothing more than to see them work things out. Luke was the biggest obstacle between them, and I expect that the next book won't be any easier in that regard. I hope that Luke shows me in that book why Reese considers him his best friend, since I was mostly angry with Luke's actions in this one. This book ended with just enough hope to keep me going until I get to read the next installment of Reese and Otto's love story. I can't wait!
June 24, 2019
Positively riveting and compelling story of family dysfunction and drama in a small town, anchored by K. Simone's spot on writing. Otto has returned to Cheshire, California, where he grew up and shortly his arrival, visits a bar and has a one-night stand with Reese, the owner of the bar. One of the hottest one-night stands of his life that finds him scarily connected to this stranger. I found myself reading between the fingers of my hands as I tried to cover my eyes. The shit hits the fan and then, as a reader, I just held on for the ride. Could not put this down! Read it in a day any chance I got - in church, while cooking dinner, while walking the dog. It was just that good. This is the first part of a three book series and this is not a standalone. Ends as a sort of a HFN but not really. Luckily the other two books are out. I can always count on this author to give me a well written, well researched deeply moving romance between two MCs who usually have significant issues. Otto and Reese have combustible chemistry that leaps off of the page. The secondary characters, in particular Luke are so distinct that you feel like you know them. Can't wait to read book 2!! Highly recommended!
May 20, 2019
Such a good start to a new series.
I've enjoyed the majority of this author's work since i discovered , You're the One That I Want, a while ago now. Given the chance to read and review this story, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint.
Otto and Reese are very compelling characters, I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. It felt like I was experiencing with them the process of moving on and sorting their feelings and emotions throughout the book.
I really enjoyed the story - it was certainly a bit of an emotional roller coaster and heart wrenching at times. However, it was also very well written, as this author's books usually are, and the character development was first class. It provided an excellent read.
I read the book in one sitting - I just had to know how it ended. That was one thing that I'm going to have a bit of a gripe about, it ended on a sorta of a cliffhanger! I hate cliff hangers! However, this is the first in a series, so I'm hoping we won't have to wait long for the next one.
4 and a half stars.
I've enjoyed the majority of this author's work since i discovered , You're the One That I Want, a while ago now. Given the chance to read and review this story, I jumped at the chance. I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint.
Otto and Reese are very compelling characters, I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. It felt like I was experiencing with them the process of moving on and sorting their feelings and emotions throughout the book.
I really enjoyed the story - it was certainly a bit of an emotional roller coaster and heart wrenching at times. However, it was also very well written, as this author's books usually are, and the character development was first class. It provided an excellent read.
I read the book in one sitting - I just had to know how it ended. That was one thing that I'm going to have a bit of a gripe about, it ended on a sorta of a cliffhanger! I hate cliff hangers! However, this is the first in a series, so I'm hoping we won't have to wait long for the next one.
4 and a half stars.
May 22, 2019
Fantastic start to an intriguing story.
This book was fantastic. Kay Simone takes a hard topic and brings it to the forefront.
Otto returns home to help out at the family Inn after 20 years of drug abuses, relapses and plain old fear. He returns shortly after learning his father passed away. Otto has attempted to turn his life around and is now hoping to get connect with the family he had left. His brother will not have any of it and does his best to drive Otto back from where he came from.
Reese is doing his best to keep his bar/general store going and stay by his best friend during this terrible time. He has one of the best nights with a stranger whom he later finds out was his childhood crush.
This book was amazing. Both men were hurt by bad choices in their younger years and both are trying to resolve them and find their way. Their relationship has pitfalls as Otto tries to find a place and Reese tries to see past the slick talking scared man.
If you like hurt comfort, second chances, slow burn. Read this book. Seriously. Read it.
This book was fantastic. Kay Simone takes a hard topic and brings it to the forefront.
Otto returns home to help out at the family Inn after 20 years of drug abuses, relapses and plain old fear. He returns shortly after learning his father passed away. Otto has attempted to turn his life around and is now hoping to get connect with the family he had left. His brother will not have any of it and does his best to drive Otto back from where he came from.
Reese is doing his best to keep his bar/general store going and stay by his best friend during this terrible time. He has one of the best nights with a stranger whom he later finds out was his childhood crush.
This book was amazing. Both men were hurt by bad choices in their younger years and both are trying to resolve them and find their way. Their relationship has pitfalls as Otto tries to find a place and Reese tries to see past the slick talking scared man.
If you like hurt comfort, second chances, slow burn. Read this book. Seriously. Read it.
May 21, 2019
💫🌟💫🌟💫5 Slow Burn Anticipation Stars🌟💫🌟💫🌟
Wow! After a bit of a hiatus, Kay Simone is back with a vengeance with Black Sheep! A series that promises to be epic! Book one introduces us to Otto and Reese, aka Andy and Mikey. It takes us on their journey beginning in childhood where tragedy brings Mikey to live with Andy and his brother Luke. It centers around a small town in the mountains called Cheshire and a bar/restaurant/gas station/post office called Lil’ Champ and a hotel called Sweetpetal. Andy, now Otto returns to his home town after 19 years after he disappeared from his family’s lives. Mikey, now calling himself by his middle name, Reese, encounters this stranger when he walked into his bar one night. Instant attraction, sizzling chemistry ends in a night of passion for both men. The next day brings a few revelations to both Otto and Reese, Luke, Lil’ Champ and Sweetpetal. Sound intriguing? 1-click now to begin this series by the talented Kay Simone!
Wow! After a bit of a hiatus, Kay Simone is back with a vengeance with Black Sheep! A series that promises to be epic! Book one introduces us to Otto and Reese, aka Andy and Mikey. It takes us on their journey beginning in childhood where tragedy brings Mikey to live with Andy and his brother Luke. It centers around a small town in the mountains called Cheshire and a bar/restaurant/gas station/post office called Lil’ Champ and a hotel called Sweetpetal. Andy, now Otto returns to his home town after 19 years after he disappeared from his family’s lives. Mikey, now calling himself by his middle name, Reese, encounters this stranger when he walked into his bar one night. Instant attraction, sizzling chemistry ends in a night of passion for both men. The next day brings a few revelations to both Otto and Reese, Luke, Lil’ Champ and Sweetpetal. Sound intriguing? 1-click now to begin this series by the talented Kay Simone!
May 22, 2019
Black Sheep is a deep book that deals with drug addiction, self-hatred, abandonment, jealousy, lust, romance, and misunderstanding. Otto (Andy) left home twenty years ago and never looked back. He was so ashamed of his addiction that he couldn't tell his family. Reese is Otto's brother best friend and he had a secret crush on Otto since he went to live their family. Unknown to both men they a romantic evening without realizing who they were to each other.
Otto returns home to help save the family property but Luke hates him and will not listen to reason. Reese and the mother decide to give Otto a chance and Luke is just waiting until he makes a mistake. I love how the writer took her time with the plot so we can see all the emotions that each character is having in this book. It's such a sweet book and I enjoyed it.
Otto returns home to help save the family property but Luke hates him and will not listen to reason. Reese and the mother decide to give Otto a chance and Luke is just waiting until he makes a mistake. I love how the writer took her time with the plot so we can see all the emotions that each character is having in this book. It's such a sweet book and I enjoyed it.
May 21, 2019
I've been a fan of Kay's works for several years now and when i heard they're going to release a new series I screeched happily and then proceeded to re-read the rest of their books because I just couldn't wait.
What I love about Kay's writing in general, but in this book especially, is that they are not afraid to write about topics that are hard but extremelly important for people to be aware of. I don't say things like this lightly, but I think that everyone should read this book and then rethink their own relationships with people around them.
All in all, yet another fantastic novel by Kay Simone - knowing that it's only 1 book out of 3 fills me with nothing but joy.
(There is still a chance we will see Luke getting his face punched and I, for one, am living for this hope.)
What I love about Kay's writing in general, but in this book especially, is that they are not afraid to write about topics that are hard but extremelly important for people to be aware of. I don't say things like this lightly, but I think that everyone should read this book and then rethink their own relationships with people around them.
All in all, yet another fantastic novel by Kay Simone - knowing that it's only 1 book out of 3 fills me with nothing but joy.
(There is still a chance we will see Luke getting his face punched and I, for one, am living for this hope.)
May 20, 2019
This is part one of a three-part series.
It's been a while since I've read something from the author and as I recall I wasn't a huge fan of their last book.
This was a very pleasant surprise! I was hooked immediately, despite feeling it was a little rushed in the beginning, I feel like it made sense for the plot overall, so it wasn't a problem in the end.
All the characters, specifically the two MC's have such a lovable, relatable awkwardness to them, that doesn't lead to second hand embarrasment, but instead the want to see them succeed.
All in all, I can't wait to read the next two installments in the series
It's been a while since I've read something from the author and as I recall I wasn't a huge fan of their last book.
This was a very pleasant surprise! I was hooked immediately, despite feeling it was a little rushed in the beginning, I feel like it made sense for the plot overall, so it wasn't a problem in the end.
All the characters, specifically the two MC's have such a lovable, relatable awkwardness to them, that doesn't lead to second hand embarrasment, but instead the want to see them succeed.
All in all, I can't wait to read the next two installments in the series
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