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Green Valley Library #3
Prose Before Bros
Nothing about being a librarian prepared Thuy Nguyen for such a wide variety of casseroles. Or life in a small town. Or becoming a farmer.
But what can she do when her catastrophe-prone best friend begs her for help? After all, Maddy has always been there for Thuy. It’s time to return the favor.
It’s simple really, all she has to do is: learn everything about farming ASAP, save her BBF’s family business from disaster, and avoid being caught staring at Maddy’s biker brother, and his muscles, and his smile, and his soulful, sexy eyes.
Oh yeah, and she should definitely not fall in love with him.
Easy, right? . . . Right.
'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
But what can she do when her catastrophe-prone best friend begs her for help? After all, Maddy has always been there for Thuy. It’s time to return the favor.
It’s simple really, all she has to do is: learn everything about farming ASAP, save her BBF’s family business from disaster, and avoid being caught staring at Maddy’s biker brother, and his muscles, and his smile, and his soulful, sexy eyes.
Oh yeah, and she should definitely not fall in love with him.
Easy, right? . . . Right.
'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
447 people are currently reading
2008 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Yardley
78 books1,412 followersCathy Yardley is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy, who has sold over 1.2 million copies of books for publishers like St. Martin's, Avon, and Harlequin. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and that sometimes being a little wrong is just right.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
Want to read
August 4, 2019
Me on the way to read this book
November 2, 2022
I mean it's about a librarian so it was always gonna pique my interest. I've decided I'm not into rough, bearded, brooding men who growl slightly possessive sounding sweet nothings into the adoring ears of women who are helplessly drawn to their animal magnetism. Despite this I still found the story entertaining. Bring crackers as there is a fair amount of cheese.
November 17, 2019
3ish Stars
Thuy Nguyen’s loyalty to her BFF Maddy knows no bounds. Heck, she’ll even uproot her life and move across the country to Green Valley, Tennessee to help seven months pregnant Maddy keep her newly inherited farm up and running. Sounds like a pretty big undertaking for a librarian from Berkeley with no farming experience, but Thuy’s up to the challenge. Especially when she meets Maddy's estranged brother, Drill. If you’ve read the Winston Brothers books, you’ll know Drill is an Iron Wraith biker and kind of an ass.
But you know, the heart wants what the heart wants.
As much as I wanted to love Prose Before Bros, the only part of the story that really worked for me was Thuy. She’s smart, funny and brave as hell for growing up the way she did and escaping. She’s also 100% loyal to Maddy, which makes her an awesome friend.
As far as Drill and anything having to do with him, I wasn’t feeling it. For a badass biker, he struck me as entirely too wishy washy, go along with the biker flow to ever really live up to what I expect from my book boyfriends. I also don’t feel the couple would’ve gotten their HEA if Thuy and all her badassery hadn’t fought like hell for it.
I guess the bottom line is that I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. My appreciation of Thuy wasn’t quite enough to overlook the fact her love interest was a biker that never really planned on, or fought that hard to, make a life with her.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review
Thuy Nguyen’s loyalty to her BFF Maddy knows no bounds. Heck, she’ll even uproot her life and move across the country to Green Valley, Tennessee to help seven months pregnant Maddy keep her newly inherited farm up and running. Sounds like a pretty big undertaking for a librarian from Berkeley with no farming experience, but Thuy’s up to the challenge. Especially when she meets Maddy's estranged brother, Drill. If you’ve read the Winston Brothers books, you’ll know Drill is an Iron Wraith biker and kind of an ass.
But you know, the heart wants what the heart wants.
As much as I wanted to love Prose Before Bros, the only part of the story that really worked for me was Thuy. She’s smart, funny and brave as hell for growing up the way she did and escaping. She’s also 100% loyal to Maddy, which makes her an awesome friend.
As far as Drill and anything having to do with him, I wasn’t feeling it. For a badass biker, he struck me as entirely too wishy washy, go along with the biker flow to ever really live up to what I expect from my book boyfriends. I also don’t feel the couple would’ve gotten their HEA if Thuy and all her badassery hadn’t fought like hell for it.
I guess the bottom line is that I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. My appreciation of Thuy wasn’t quite enough to overlook the fact her love interest was a biker that never really planned on, or fought that hard to, make a life with her.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review
November 5, 2019
4.5 Stars.
What happens when your best friend, the one who has been with your through it all, the one that's your person, needs you to move with her to the small town of Green Valley, manage a farm AND help raise her baby? Well, Thuy (pronounced Twee) is about to find out.
When I read the blurb I was expecting a rom-com scenario where two disaster-prone friends would learn how to navigate country life, but Prose before Bros is so much more than that.
It happens that Maddy's (the BFF) brother is none other than Teddy AKA Drill. If you read any other Green Valley book you are well aware that this apparently calm town is haunted by the presence of the Iron Wraiths, the local biker gang. And well, we hate them, all of them, right?
Well, wrong. We've seen in other books characters like Jethro and Nathan (from Love in Due Time) regret their choices and make it out of the 'crime life', but Drill... Well, that was a surprise I wasn't expecting. Cathy Yardley makes a great job of injecting us with a healthy dose of perspective and making us love him anyway.
And you might think, Thuy is a smart big-city librarian, what could she possibly have in common with a dropout gang member that has a shaved head and wears leather like a uniform? Funny enough, loads. Their interactions are supercharged, and you just root for them against all odds.
And this book ends up having a ton of angsty moments, I'm a sucker for drama, so I loved it. But I was biting my nails until the very end, wondering until the last few pages how things could possibly turn out ok. They do, though. The plot flows naturally and every detail gets a satisfying conclusion.
I loved Thuy as a character, she was loyal, beautiful, smart and unafraid. It's an amazing thing to see a female character with so much backbone. And romance-wise, it was cute, steamy, angsty, and heartwarming.
Overall this was an intense story with a gratifying ending. I hope we get to see more of Thuy and Teddy in the future.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
What happens when your best friend, the one who has been with your through it all, the one that's your person, needs you to move with her to the small town of Green Valley, manage a farm AND help raise her baby? Well, Thuy (pronounced Twee) is about to find out.
When I read the blurb I was expecting a rom-com scenario where two disaster-prone friends would learn how to navigate country life, but Prose before Bros is so much more than that.
It happens that Maddy's (the BFF) brother is none other than Teddy AKA Drill. If you read any other Green Valley book you are well aware that this apparently calm town is haunted by the presence of the Iron Wraiths, the local biker gang. And well, we hate them, all of them, right?
Well, wrong. We've seen in other books characters like Jethro and Nathan (from Love in Due Time) regret their choices and make it out of the 'crime life', but Drill... Well, that was a surprise I wasn't expecting. Cathy Yardley makes a great job of injecting us with a healthy dose of perspective and making us love him anyway.
And you might think, Thuy is a smart big-city librarian, what could she possibly have in common with a dropout gang member that has a shaved head and wears leather like a uniform? Funny enough, loads. Their interactions are supercharged, and you just root for them against all odds.
And this book ends up having a ton of angsty moments, I'm a sucker for drama, so I loved it. But I was biting my nails until the very end, wondering until the last few pages how things could possibly turn out ok. They do, though. The plot flows naturally and every detail gets a satisfying conclusion.
I loved Thuy as a character, she was loyal, beautiful, smart and unafraid. It's an amazing thing to see a female character with so much backbone. And romance-wise, it was cute, steamy, angsty, and heartwarming.
Overall this was an intense story with a gratifying ending. I hope we get to see more of Thuy and Teddy in the future.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2019
With Prose Before Bros, Cathy Yardley continues to expand the Green Valley Library series Green Valley native and Iron Wraith, Drill who is put between a rock and a hard place after his father’s funeral.
Thuy Nguyen was a city girl through and through. She was used to things such as WiFi. Having to move to a farm to help out her bestest friend ever was not in her plans and neither was falling for her muscly, sexy older brother. But she owed it to Maddy to stick around. And besides, the local library could use a little help.
When Drill’s younger sister comes back into town he never expected it’d be pregnant and accompanied by the sassiest and most captivating woman he’s ever seen. But even though he’s not supposed to acknowledge her as family and try to make her leave town, the thought of not seeing his only true family again nor the beautiful Thuy makes his heart ache. But the Iron Wraiths have been his family for the past sixteen years, and even though he has doubts about their current status, there’s no way he can get out.
I really enjoyed the romance of this very unlikely pairing: a biker and a librarian. Thuy is smart, feisty, and caring. I loved her loyalty and how much she was determined to not only help out her friend, but also succeed.
I had read about Drill countless times, but never really paid him much attention. My bad. He’s totally worthy of it. His backstory is heartfelt and I loved that all the years in the Iron Wraiths didn’t diminish his love for his sister and oh how I enjoyed his discovery for reading thanks to Thuy. His character development was brilliant and I found myself rooting for him even though it seemed almost impossible to find his happy ever after.
Even though I felt the ending was a bit sudden and I wished there were more cameos from the Winston Brothers, this book is a wonderful addition to the Green Valley Library series.
Prose Before Bros is book #3 of the Green Valley Library series by Cathy Yardley. It’s set in the Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe, a standalone, contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
My super quick review/recap:
➵ Cover: 5
➵ Hero: 4
➵ Heroine: 4
➵ Sexiness: 4.5
➵ Feels: 4
➵ Plot: 4
➵ Overall rating: 4.25
Thuy Nguyen was a city girl through and through. She was used to things such as WiFi. Having to move to a farm to help out her bestest friend ever was not in her plans and neither was falling for her muscly, sexy older brother. But she owed it to Maddy to stick around. And besides, the local library could use a little help.
When Drill’s younger sister comes back into town he never expected it’d be pregnant and accompanied by the sassiest and most captivating woman he’s ever seen. But even though he’s not supposed to acknowledge her as family and try to make her leave town, the thought of not seeing his only true family again nor the beautiful Thuy makes his heart ache. But the Iron Wraiths have been his family for the past sixteen years, and even though he has doubts about their current status, there’s no way he can get out.
I really enjoyed the romance of this very unlikely pairing: a biker and a librarian. Thuy is smart, feisty, and caring. I loved her loyalty and how much she was determined to not only help out her friend, but also succeed.
I had read about Drill countless times, but never really paid him much attention. My bad. He’s totally worthy of it. His backstory is heartfelt and I loved that all the years in the Iron Wraiths didn’t diminish his love for his sister and oh how I enjoyed his discovery for reading thanks to Thuy. His character development was brilliant and I found myself rooting for him even though it seemed almost impossible to find his happy ever after.
Even though I felt the ending was a bit sudden and I wished there were more cameos from the Winston Brothers, this book is a wonderful addition to the Green Valley Library series.
Prose Before Bros is book #3 of the Green Valley Library series by Cathy Yardley. It’s set in the Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe, a standalone, contemporary romance, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
My super quick review/recap:
➵ Cover: 5
➵ Hero: 4
➵ Heroine: 4
➵ Sexiness: 4.5
➵ Feels: 4
➵ Plot: 4
➵ Overall rating: 4.25
November 17, 2019
Nope. This wasn't doing anything for me. First things first, the characters were blah but kudos for the author for introducing a diverse lead heroine. Otherwise there's not much to say about this read. It lacked depth, the storyline wasn't intriguing enough to draw me in and the characters were b-o-r-i-n-g. I dropped this like a hot potato because why waste time on a romance I'm just not invested in, ya feel me?
September 10, 2019
I absolutely loved this opposites attract romance. Thuy was an amazing heroine full of sassiness and strength. With her fierce devotion to her best friend, Maddy, she's the type of friend of every woman should have in her life. Her passion for reading is intense, and it leads her to clash heads with the old guard at the Green Valley Public Library. She hasn't had it very easy with a traumatic childhood as the daughter of a California MC leader. Her past makes it difficult to imagine a present with someone like Drill.
Drill, Maddy's estranged brother and member of the Wraiths, has grown weary of club life. With the club floundering, the pressure is on him to give his half of the farm he's inherited, but since Maddy wants to stay and work the farm, he's put in a bind with both his loyalty to the club and to his sister. His immediate attraction to Thuy grows after her influence leads him to begin expanding his mind through reading.
Fans of swoony love stories with strong female leads putting alpha males in their place will adore this book just as I did! I love diverse characters and Thuy brings that to the GV world. Witnessing her culture shock from California to Green Valley was hilarious, especially the scenes where she tried helping out on the farm.
Drill, Maddy's estranged brother and member of the Wraiths, has grown weary of club life. With the club floundering, the pressure is on him to give his half of the farm he's inherited, but since Maddy wants to stay and work the farm, he's put in a bind with both his loyalty to the club and to his sister. His immediate attraction to Thuy grows after her influence leads him to begin expanding his mind through reading.
Fans of swoony love stories with strong female leads putting alpha males in their place will adore this book just as I did! I love diverse characters and Thuy brings that to the GV world. Witnessing her culture shock from California to Green Valley was hilarious, especially the scenes where she tried helping out on the farm.
October 24, 2019
4.5 Stars! I wasn’t sure how I felt about this one going into it after reading about Drill aka Teddy in previous books. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself really rooting for him. I really enjoyed Thuy as a main character and loved the friendship between her and Maddy, her best friend from college and Drill’s sister. Drill comes home for the first time in 16 years after joining the Wraith’s. He really grew throughout the book with the help of Thuy to become the kind of man she would want to be with. I loved the way they bonded over reading. The character development was great and felt real! The female leads really won me over in this book and Cathy Yardly is a fantastic writer. That being said, I think I would have preferred if this was written in the first person. Overall, 4 stars and a perfect addition to the Green Valley Library series with cameos from some other new friends we recently met. I would definitely recommend this one! Prose Before Bros has love, action and suspense. Fans of SOA will be especially pleased.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
August 4, 2019
We are SO excited to announce the wonderful Cathy Yardley's book for Smartypants Romance. 'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Green Valley Library series.
RELEASE DATE: November 5, 2019
** PRE-ORDER LINKS **
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2YI1EwD
Nook: https://bit.ly/2T3b8NG
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2T3gKYo
Add to your shelf on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2OFrxJR
(HEADS UP: This book will have no Amazon pre-order!)
** Blurb **
Nothing about being a librarian prepared Thuy Nguyen for such a wide variety of casseroles. Or life in a small town. Or becoming a farmer.
But what can she do when her catastrophe-prone best friend begs her for help? After all, Maddy has always been there for Thuy. It’s time to return the favor.
It’s simple really, all she has to do is: learn everything about farming ASAP, save her BBF’s family business from disaster, and avoid being caught staring at Maddy’s biker brother, and his muscles, and his smile, and his soulful, sexy eyes.
Oh yeah, and she should definitely not fall in love with him.
Easy, right? . . . Right.
'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe
---------------------------
BLOGGERS!! ARC Sign up for all books in the Pennyverse is here: https://forms.gle/VmCqUPeRGE82V3hi7
*Note: Each and every book can be read as a standalone, so please only sign up for the books you *REALLY* want to read. <3
Stay tuned tomorrow for another exciting announcement :-D
February 6, 2020
I was lucky to get an autographed paperback book at The Ripped Bodice in September. + Best of all, I got to meet her and April White + see Penny Reid !!
I have my cherished paperback saved, so I read this through Kindle Unlimited.
I absolutely loved this book! Thuy is one of my favorite heroines and in the top 2 of the Smartypanks books. I've loved them all so that is saying a lot.
I took my time reading this since the holidays have been very busy & I had a lousy work schedule during Christmas. The good thing- I got more time in Green Valley.
Thuy is a brand new character. I love her. She is so intelligent and a really great person. She's a librarian and is way over-qualified for the Green Valley library. I love her back story. I won't spill it, since it unfolds perfectly. Thuy and Maddy have a great friendship & have each other's back.
Drill surprised me. I can't say too much, but he did have a lot to learn. He and his (late) dad had a rough relationship after his mom passed away. His dad was very harsh and Drill was 16 y/o when he left to join the Wraiths.
Drill finds new possibilities when he meets Thuy (his sister Maddy's best friend from UC Berkeley) . I love their chemistry. It's a relatively slow burn. A lot of story, relationship building happens first.
I held my breath every time the Wraiths MC gang came up in the story.
Drill and Thuy seemed like such an unlikely pair, but I totally "got" them. Thuy is so strong. Drill appreciated her intelligence. There is a very sweet part when they talk about books! I know, but it just got to me. There is some really steamy parts so don't worry about that!
I feel like Drill really healed and learned so much for having met her. Thuy also learned from her past as well (no spoiling that either) + trying to find her place in Green Valley.
This is a definite re-read & I want the audio book too! + More Cathy Yardley books & Smartypants romances!
I have my cherished paperback saved, so I read this through Kindle Unlimited.
I absolutely loved this book! Thuy is one of my favorite heroines and in the top 2 of the Smartypanks books. I've loved them all so that is saying a lot.
I took my time reading this since the holidays have been very busy & I had a lousy work schedule during Christmas. The good thing- I got more time in Green Valley.
Thuy is a brand new character. I love her. She is so intelligent and a really great person. She's a librarian and is way over-qualified for the Green Valley library. I love her back story. I won't spill it, since it unfolds perfectly. Thuy and Maddy have a great friendship & have each other's back.
Drill surprised me. I can't say too much, but he did have a lot to learn. He and his (late) dad had a rough relationship after his mom passed away. His dad was very harsh and Drill was 16 y/o when he left to join the Wraiths.
Drill finds new possibilities when he meets Thuy (his sister Maddy's best friend from UC Berkeley) . I love their chemistry. It's a relatively slow burn. A lot of story, relationship building happens first.
I held my breath every time the Wraiths MC gang came up in the story.
Drill and Thuy seemed like such an unlikely pair, but I totally "got" them. Thuy is so strong. Drill appreciated her intelligence. There is a very sweet part when they talk about books! I know, but it just got to me. There is some really steamy parts so don't worry about that!
I feel like Drill really healed and learned so much for having met her. Thuy also learned from her past as well (no spoiling that either) + trying to find her place in Green Valley.
This is a definite re-read & I want the audio book too! + More Cathy Yardley books & Smartypants romances!
November 11, 2019
*ARC received in exchange for a review
2.5*
This is the 2nd ARC of the 2 that I requested from the Smartypants Romance universe that Penny Reid created. This caught my eyes because I saw the female MC is Asian based on her name. She’s of Vietnamese descent, I’m not, but I guess you can say racially adjacent so close enough. Not too many Asian MCs I’ve come across so far, so I was definitely intrigued. Then as it turns out, the male MC is Drill, which I didn't pay much attention to when I first read the blurb. If you’re fan of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series, then you know who he is. Definitely not one of the good guys, but seemed to be a decent enough bad guy, if you get my drift. So it got me more curious to see how Catherine will redeem him.
Simply put, this is just a ho-hum read for me. Another one of those “it’s not you, it’s me” type of read so don’t let this stop you, seriously… A slooooow burn romance that was a quick read. Yes, quick, that’s for sure, but it’s one of those reads for me that if I put it down, I may not have come back to it, so I did finish it one sitting, so to speak. I really wanted to care for these MCs but in the end, I was just, meh. Drill didn’t quite do it for me. All that change of heart feelings from him and how we went about it almost came across as wishy-washy. I expected more grit from him, I suppose. Thuy was the saving grace, I thought. She even came with an interesting background to boot. And even then, she didn’t fully capture my heart completely… sad sigh…
Can’t fully explain why this wasn’t a winner for me. The insta-attraction, the friendship, the social message, the dialogues, the characters… like I said… meh… sorry to say… (backs away slowly)
2.5*
This is the 2nd ARC of the 2 that I requested from the Smartypants Romance universe that Penny Reid created. This caught my eyes because I saw the female MC is Asian based on her name. She’s of Vietnamese descent, I’m not, but I guess you can say racially adjacent so close enough. Not too many Asian MCs I’ve come across so far, so I was definitely intrigued. Then as it turns out, the male MC is Drill, which I didn't pay much attention to when I first read the blurb. If you’re fan of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series, then you know who he is. Definitely not one of the good guys, but seemed to be a decent enough bad guy, if you get my drift. So it got me more curious to see how Catherine will redeem him.
Simply put, this is just a ho-hum read for me. Another one of those “it’s not you, it’s me” type of read so don’t let this stop you, seriously… A slooooow burn romance that was a quick read. Yes, quick, that’s for sure, but it’s one of those reads for me that if I put it down, I may not have come back to it, so I did finish it one sitting, so to speak. I really wanted to care for these MCs but in the end, I was just, meh. Drill didn’t quite do it for me. All that change of heart feelings from him and how we went about it almost came across as wishy-washy. I expected more grit from him, I suppose. Thuy was the saving grace, I thought. She even came with an interesting background to boot. And even then, she didn’t fully capture my heart completely… sad sigh…
Can’t fully explain why this wasn’t a winner for me. The insta-attraction, the friendship, the social message, the dialogues, the characters… like I said… meh… sorry to say… (backs away slowly)
October 20, 2019
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ARC provided by the publisher & Social Butterfly PR , Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the book.
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" They are my favorite thing ever . They gave me a place to go when my life was shitty , and they have continuously given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning . I read every single day . They're my lifeline "
I have to admit , I ADORE books with " bookish " characters , who love , respect and feel about books exactly as I feel .
And In this story we meet , Thuy ( it sounds like "twee" , but it's spelled T-H-U-Y ) , librarian , completely passionate about books , sweet , strong , independent , honorable , lovely and just a badass .
I loved her character . I loved her character . I FREAKING LOVED HER CHARCTAR .
Through out reading the Winston Brothers stories , we got to meet many characters from the Wraith gang , Drill is one of them , his character was really complex , which I really admired the author for exploring such a deep character in a good way .
The relation between Drill and Thuy was so lovely , heartbreaking and beautiful .
I liked the friendship between Thuy and Maddy too , how the supported each other in every step was just heart-warming .
Prose before Bros is a story about change , fighting for development and what's right ,unconditional love and heartbreak .
Recomended .
****************************
ARC provided by the publisher & Social Butterfly PR , Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the book.
****************************
" They are my favorite thing ever . They gave me a place to go when my life was shitty , and they have continuously given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning . I read every single day . They're my lifeline "
I have to admit , I ADORE books with " bookish " characters , who love , respect and feel about books exactly as I feel .
And In this story we meet , Thuy ( it sounds like "twee" , but it's spelled T-H-U-Y ) , librarian , completely passionate about books , sweet , strong , independent , honorable , lovely and just a badass .
I loved her character . I loved her character . I FREAKING LOVED HER CHARCTAR .
Through out reading the Winston Brothers stories , we got to meet many characters from the Wraith gang , Drill is one of them , his character was really complex , which I really admired the author for exploring such a deep character in a good way .
The relation between Drill and Thuy was so lovely , heartbreaking and beautiful .
I liked the friendship between Thuy and Maddy too , how the supported each other in every step was just heart-warming .
Prose before Bros is a story about change , fighting for development and what's right ,unconditional love and heartbreak .
Recomended .
November 16, 2019
Drill and Thuy.
This is part of the smarty pants romance series that is linked to Penny Reid Winston brothers series.
If you are interested in the Wraiths etc it is an interesting perspective for that reason I gave it a higher rating than I wanted to.
Drill is bored with club life, the women etc so as a result there are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
This one didn't work so much for me.
Plot spoilers below...
Why did Drill tell Catfish about the inheritance?
Anyone with any sense would think it would make them a target.
And the ending was too convenient, why did they use the reasoning earlier?
He was so non Alpha, going along with everything and a last minute conclusion.
They only got their HEA cos of the heroine imo.
HEA.
This is part of the smarty pants romance series that is linked to Penny Reid Winston brothers series.
If you are interested in the Wraiths etc it is an interesting perspective for that reason I gave it a higher rating than I wanted to.
Drill is bored with club life, the women etc so as a result there are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
This one didn't work so much for me.
Plot spoilers below...
Why did Drill tell Catfish about the inheritance?
Anyone with any sense would think it would make them a target.
And the ending was too convenient, why did they use the reasoning earlier?
He was so non Alpha, going along with everything and a last minute conclusion.
They only got their HEA cos of the heroine imo.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2020
I am not feeling this book.
Skipped some chapters!
#sorrynotsorry
Skipped some chapters!
#sorrynotsorry
November 3, 2019
Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley
#Review
#SmartypantsRomance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 stars
‘“It’s like seven hundred pages long,” she warned him.
His eyes widened, then he shrugged. “Okay, it may take a little while. But hell, I’m game.”
“Why?”
He was silent for a long moment, staring into her eyes. She squirmed as the heat from his gaze seemed to seep into her very bones.
“Do you really not know? He asked, so matter-of-factly that she felt like an idiot.’
This was a difficult book to navigate, not because it wasn’t good, it was completely addictive and something a little bit more distinctive within the Smartypants Romance setting, grittier and darker like Piper Sheldon’s amazing, My Bare Lady. It was harder to get a grasp on because it never went in the direction I thought it would. The characters didn’t behave or react in the exact way, I assumed they would have and the plot played out a little differently too and that is precisely what made this romance novel so enthralling to me. We have this huge, intimidating Iron Wraith biker hero, who is definitely on the wrong side of the law, sexy, violent and a little weary. Then we have this cool, kick-a$$ librarian heroine who, on the surface is simply sweet, loyal and wonderful, so to pair them together shouldn’t have made any sense. But it did. Because it was only after we excavated deep down into the bare bones of the story that we realise there is a tremendous amount of similarities to these two protagonists. Together they are just an oddly beautiful pairing.
Our heroine Thuy (pronounced Twee) has had a lot of hardships in her life, running from a complicated and painful, secretive past, yet it never deterred her from being kind, confident and independent, if anything it spurred her on to live a better life, which was just one of the reasons she had so many reservations getting involved with our hero bad boy Drill.
Now Drill was a bit of an enigma at times, kind of sweet, a little scary and a little frustrating to boot. I loved that Thuy brought out his softer side. He was a man with a lot of conflicting feelings rocking about underneath the hardened surface of his MC exterior. Tired, lonely, trapped. He was crying out for love and something soft and sincere in his life. The doubts he was already harboring about biker life, seemed to expand and nip at him the more Thuy was in his life. But it was his indecisiveness and uncertainty that had me feeling annoyed, even though I saw everything from his point of view, how he felt, the repercussions, I knew exactly why he couldn’t just walk. An issue that was highlighted and hammered home even more effectively in one particular scene, and that in turn made me look back on past events and re-evaluate how I saw his character and the serious struggles he faced. It made me appreciate him and his sacrifices more.
Thuy was amazing. She was multifaceted. Using her past and her hurt and her difficult circumstances to her advantage, to defend, to take charge and to help whoever needed her and to me that just made her even more of a bada$$. She had this cool, dorky, booknerd side, co-existing alongside that was this other fierce, determined and seriously courageous Thuy. She was the epitome of what a heroine should be.
Prose Before Bros was an exciting and often very romantic read. Sometimes it would frustrate me, but more often than not, it endeared me, mesmerised me, flummoxed me and had me turning the pages faster and faster, because I needed to see how it would all play out. Nothing was sweeter than getting to that happy ever after.
‘“You said I was yours. Why’d you do that?”
She saw his throat work as he swallowed. “Dammit, Thuy. You know why.”
“Swear to God, I don’t.” she whispered. He sighed. Then leaned his lips pressing against hers. “Because I want you to be,” he said against her mouth.’
You can pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/Prose-Before-G...
Nothing about being a librarian prepared Thuy Nguyen for such a wide variety of casseroles. Or life in a small town. Or becoming a farmer.
But what can she do when her catastrophe-prone best friend begs her for help? After all, Maddy has always been there for Thuy. It’s time to return the favor.
It’s simple really, all she has to do is: learn everything about farming ASAP, save her BBF’s family business from disaster, and avoid being caught staring at Maddy’s biker brother, and his muscles, and his smile, and his soulful, sexy eyes.
Oh yeah, and she should definitely not fall in love with him.
Easy, right? . . . Right.
'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
#Review
#SmartypantsRomance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 stars
‘“It’s like seven hundred pages long,” she warned him.
His eyes widened, then he shrugged. “Okay, it may take a little while. But hell, I’m game.”
“Why?”
He was silent for a long moment, staring into her eyes. She squirmed as the heat from his gaze seemed to seep into her very bones.
“Do you really not know? He asked, so matter-of-factly that she felt like an idiot.’
This was a difficult book to navigate, not because it wasn’t good, it was completely addictive and something a little bit more distinctive within the Smartypants Romance setting, grittier and darker like Piper Sheldon’s amazing, My Bare Lady. It was harder to get a grasp on because it never went in the direction I thought it would. The characters didn’t behave or react in the exact way, I assumed they would have and the plot played out a little differently too and that is precisely what made this romance novel so enthralling to me. We have this huge, intimidating Iron Wraith biker hero, who is definitely on the wrong side of the law, sexy, violent and a little weary. Then we have this cool, kick-a$$ librarian heroine who, on the surface is simply sweet, loyal and wonderful, so to pair them together shouldn’t have made any sense. But it did. Because it was only after we excavated deep down into the bare bones of the story that we realise there is a tremendous amount of similarities to these two protagonists. Together they are just an oddly beautiful pairing.
Our heroine Thuy (pronounced Twee) has had a lot of hardships in her life, running from a complicated and painful, secretive past, yet it never deterred her from being kind, confident and independent, if anything it spurred her on to live a better life, which was just one of the reasons she had so many reservations getting involved with our hero bad boy Drill.
Now Drill was a bit of an enigma at times, kind of sweet, a little scary and a little frustrating to boot. I loved that Thuy brought out his softer side. He was a man with a lot of conflicting feelings rocking about underneath the hardened surface of his MC exterior. Tired, lonely, trapped. He was crying out for love and something soft and sincere in his life. The doubts he was already harboring about biker life, seemed to expand and nip at him the more Thuy was in his life. But it was his indecisiveness and uncertainty that had me feeling annoyed, even though I saw everything from his point of view, how he felt, the repercussions, I knew exactly why he couldn’t just walk. An issue that was highlighted and hammered home even more effectively in one particular scene, and that in turn made me look back on past events and re-evaluate how I saw his character and the serious struggles he faced. It made me appreciate him and his sacrifices more.
Thuy was amazing. She was multifaceted. Using her past and her hurt and her difficult circumstances to her advantage, to defend, to take charge and to help whoever needed her and to me that just made her even more of a bada$$. She had this cool, dorky, booknerd side, co-existing alongside that was this other fierce, determined and seriously courageous Thuy. She was the epitome of what a heroine should be.
Prose Before Bros was an exciting and often very romantic read. Sometimes it would frustrate me, but more often than not, it endeared me, mesmerised me, flummoxed me and had me turning the pages faster and faster, because I needed to see how it would all play out. Nothing was sweeter than getting to that happy ever after.
‘“You said I was yours. Why’d you do that?”
She saw his throat work as he swallowed. “Dammit, Thuy. You know why.”
“Swear to God, I don’t.” she whispered. He sighed. Then leaned his lips pressing against hers. “Because I want you to be,” he said against her mouth.’
You can pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/Prose-Before-G...
Nothing about being a librarian prepared Thuy Nguyen for such a wide variety of casseroles. Or life in a small town. Or becoming a farmer.
But what can she do when her catastrophe-prone best friend begs her for help? After all, Maddy has always been there for Thuy. It’s time to return the favor.
It’s simple really, all she has to do is: learn everything about farming ASAP, save her BBF’s family business from disaster, and avoid being caught staring at Maddy’s biker brother, and his muscles, and his smile, and his soulful, sexy eyes.
Oh yeah, and she should definitely not fall in love with him.
Easy, right? . . . Right.
'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
March 29, 2020
Readers of The Phantom Paragrapher will know that I am in love with the SmartyPants romance publications, especially when it involves Green Valley and glimpses of either the Winston Brothers or Iron Wraiths as Penny Reid's Winston Brothers was one of my favorite series. Being a librarian myself, I also am a fan of the Green Valley Library series. This book starts with two best friends heading to Green Valley, Maddy Blount whose 7 months pregnant and her best friend/sidekick Thuy Nyguen. Maddy grew up in Green Valley and has returned home as her father Edward Blount has passed away. Maddy hasn't seen her brother since he left home at sixteen as he became a member of the Iron Wraiths. Razor is in jail and Darrell Winston has vanished - WITSEC program. Teddy Blount whose Iron Wraith's name is Drill is looking at being a contender for VP and he loves his family of bikers. However, when his sister returns home along with her best friend Thuy, Teddy's thoughts start to change as he realizes he wants more with Thuy and that after sixteen years + that maybe the biker life isn't really for him anymore - he wants a normal life. As Maddy is wanting to run the farm, it means Thuy needs a job - trained as a public librarian armed with her MILS - she applies at the Green Valley Library. Her passion though for being a book pusher and helping customers as well as wanting to bring the library into the 22nd-century clashes with the current Head Librarian. Will her trial run at the library be over before it even started or will something positive come out of her month's trial? What I loved about this book was not only that Thuy was a kick-arse librarian, but she also had standards where she wouldn't go out with a guy unless they were readers which causes Teddy aka Drill to start reading In the Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss as an e-book. As a librarian myself, I felt so at home with this book and even writing the review is making me smile.
I highly recommend readers to check out the books published by Smartypants Romance as each one contains characters, you can't help but fall in love with.
November 13, 2019
Another excellent read by a new-to-me author! It’s a great time to be a romance reader!
Another excellent growth and redemption story! Thuy was THE perfect match for Drill. Her background/history made her the strong loyal woman she is today and exactly the woman to handle Drill’s life Match made in heaven!
The only thing I would say that made me eye twitch a bit was Drill and his MC affiliation/behavior. I understand the MC world fully. I get the code they live by and how they handle circumstances. It’s never going to be the way a regular citizen would handle circumstances. Getting out of the life is not just a decision one makes. It comes with a lot of repercussions. Most of them not being favorable. I know this is fiction but Drill’s conflict was wrapped a bit to neatly for my taste. I still enjoyed the heck out of this story tho!
Another excellent growth and redemption story! Thuy was THE perfect match for Drill. Her background/history made her the strong loyal woman she is today and exactly the woman to handle Drill’s life Match made in heaven!
The only thing I would say that made me eye twitch a bit was Drill and his MC affiliation/behavior. I understand the MC world fully. I get the code they live by and how they handle circumstances. It’s never going to be the way a regular citizen would handle circumstances. Getting out of the life is not just a decision one makes. It comes with a lot of repercussions. Most of them not being favorable. I know this is fiction but Drill’s conflict was wrapped a bit to neatly for my taste. I still enjoyed the heck out of this story tho!
Want to read
January 31, 2021
When Librarian Thuy Nguyen...
Proclaimed Maddy As Her Best Friend...
She Meant It With All Her Heart...
After All, Maddy Had Always Been There For Thuy...
Whenever She Needed Her In The Past...
So When Maddy Sent Out Her SOS To Thuy...
She Took On Maddy's Situation Full Stop...
Learn Everything About Farming ASAP-Check...
Save The Family Business From Disaster-Check...
Oh, And Most Important Of All...
Definitely Not Fall In Love With...
Maddy’s Biker Brother...
With His Muscles, His smile, And Soulful, Sexy Eyes...
As Any Librarian Knows...
It Is Always...
Prose Before Bros (Green Valley Library #3)
Love in Due Time (Green Valley Library, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crime and Periodicals
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prose Before Bros
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shelf Awareness
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Carpentry and Cocktails
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love in Deed
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dewey Belong Together
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Proclaimed Maddy As Her Best Friend...
She Meant It With All Her Heart...
After All, Maddy Had Always Been There For Thuy...
Whenever She Needed Her In The Past...
So When Maddy Sent Out Her SOS To Thuy...
She Took On Maddy's Situation Full Stop...
Learn Everything About Farming ASAP-Check...
Save The Family Business From Disaster-Check...
Oh, And Most Important Of All...
Definitely Not Fall In Love With...
Maddy’s Biker Brother...
With His Muscles, His smile, And Soulful, Sexy Eyes...
As Any Librarian Knows...
It Is Always...
Prose Before Bros (Green Valley Library #3)
Love in Due Time (Green Valley Library, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crime and Periodicalshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Prose Before Broshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shelf Awarenesshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Carpentry and Cocktailshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love in Deedhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dewey Belong Togetherhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
November 16, 2019
Thank you Social Butterfly and the author for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Prose Before Bros
Green Valley Public Library #3
By: Cathy Yardley
*REVIEW* 📚📚📚📚
A sassy librarian and a snarky biker don't exactly seem perfectly matched;however, this pairing oddly work in Prose Before Bros. Maddy, pregnant, sister to Drill, returns to Green Valley to her family farm. She is accompanied by her best friend, Thuy(Twee), a librarian with a take no crap attitude. Thuy is sweet on the surface, but she has actually experienced bad things. Drill is an Iron Wraith biker and kind of a jerk for most of the story. His actions become clearer, but I still didn't love him. Through events, Drill is in a bad situation, and he will have to choose eventually. Thuy and Drill realize they might have more in common than first thought. This story is surprising in a few ways. I like the characters, especially Thuy, because, librarian, and I admire her tenacity. She and Maddy have an admirable friendship that every girl needs. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this universe.
Prose Before Bros
Green Valley Public Library #3
By: Cathy Yardley
*REVIEW* 📚📚📚📚
A sassy librarian and a snarky biker don't exactly seem perfectly matched;however, this pairing oddly work in Prose Before Bros. Maddy, pregnant, sister to Drill, returns to Green Valley to her family farm. She is accompanied by her best friend, Thuy(Twee), a librarian with a take no crap attitude. Thuy is sweet on the surface, but she has actually experienced bad things. Drill is an Iron Wraith biker and kind of a jerk for most of the story. His actions become clearer, but I still didn't love him. Through events, Drill is in a bad situation, and he will have to choose eventually. Thuy and Drill realize they might have more in common than first thought. This story is surprising in a few ways. I like the characters, especially Thuy, because, librarian, and I admire her tenacity. She and Maddy have an admirable friendship that every girl needs. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this universe.
November 6, 2019
4-stars!
Good story!
Interesting characters, and great writing!
'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone and is book#3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
"I voluntarily read as ARC of this book which was provided by SocialbutterflyPR."
November 13, 2019
OH MY! I loved this! Just the right balance between fun and angst! Drill stole my heart :)
January 4, 2022
Again, this is cute and entertaining. I love how all of these spin off books fit perfectly in the Winston Brother books and Solving for Pie stories so seamlessly. That’s a lot to keep track of but these authors do an amazing job.
November 7, 2019
4.5/5⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley is the third standalone in the Green Valley Library series by smartypants romance. A book obsessed librarian and a morally gray biker, yes please 🙋 I devoured this book.
Thuy (when pronounced sounds like twee) is fiercely loyal to her best friend Maddy and would do anything for her even if that means giving up her life and moving to a farm in the country. She didn't have the best childhood but has put that in the past and worked hard to become the strong smart woman she is. Thuy grew up surrounded by gangs and witnessed some horrible things before she separated herself from that life, so she's more than a bit hesitant when she discovers an attraction to Maddy's brother Drill who's a member of the local MC crew in Green Valley. Maddy's brother Drill joined The Wraiths when he was 16 and their relationship has been broken since. After their father passes, Drill has the chance to come into some money and The Wraiths want it for themselves. Will he risk his pregnant sister and the captivating Thuy to help his brothers get what they want or is he finally done living for a crew who doesn't feel like the family it used to be.
"He looked better than apple pie, and had a helluva lot more kick."
I wish I had a librarian like Thuy when I was growing up. She finds a home at the Green Valley library where she bonds with the teens and expands their reading. She takes books seriously and could talk about them endlessly and can recommend a book to practically anyone. She's strong, smart, and such an amazing friend to Maddy. Drill is a diesel of a man with blue eyes and a sexy smile. He is a man use to doing the wrong thing without a care but once he gets his sister back in his life and the new addition of Thuy he starts to care about the consequences of his actions. Thuy and Drills relationship is sweet in a way even though the sexual tension is thick. They easily open up to each other, trade barbs, and Thuy even gets him hooked on a book. When they give in to their attraction and come together physically its sensual and steamy.
He reached out , stroking her cheek.
"You're my weakness," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "I can't have anybody hurt you Thuy. I just can't."
As for how Prose Before Bros fits into the Green Valley universe. There may not be any Winston Brothers sightings in this one but there are other friendly faces and the main characters visit popular favorite spots like Genie's Bar , the Piggly Wiggly and Daisy's nut hut.
I really enjoy novels with bookish characters and literary references sprinkled within and I really enjoy q good MC book where the hero who wants more to his life , smash those two together and I'm a happy reader. Cathy Yardley is a new author to me and I'm excited to check out other books she has written.
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley is the third standalone in the Green Valley Library series by smartypants romance. A book obsessed librarian and a morally gray biker, yes please 🙋 I devoured this book.
Thuy (when pronounced sounds like twee) is fiercely loyal to her best friend Maddy and would do anything for her even if that means giving up her life and moving to a farm in the country. She didn't have the best childhood but has put that in the past and worked hard to become the strong smart woman she is. Thuy grew up surrounded by gangs and witnessed some horrible things before she separated herself from that life, so she's more than a bit hesitant when she discovers an attraction to Maddy's brother Drill who's a member of the local MC crew in Green Valley. Maddy's brother Drill joined The Wraiths when he was 16 and their relationship has been broken since. After their father passes, Drill has the chance to come into some money and The Wraiths want it for themselves. Will he risk his pregnant sister and the captivating Thuy to help his brothers get what they want or is he finally done living for a crew who doesn't feel like the family it used to be.
"He looked better than apple pie, and had a helluva lot more kick."
I wish I had a librarian like Thuy when I was growing up. She finds a home at the Green Valley library where she bonds with the teens and expands their reading. She takes books seriously and could talk about them endlessly and can recommend a book to practically anyone. She's strong, smart, and such an amazing friend to Maddy. Drill is a diesel of a man with blue eyes and a sexy smile. He is a man use to doing the wrong thing without a care but once he gets his sister back in his life and the new addition of Thuy he starts to care about the consequences of his actions. Thuy and Drills relationship is sweet in a way even though the sexual tension is thick. They easily open up to each other, trade barbs, and Thuy even gets him hooked on a book. When they give in to their attraction and come together physically its sensual and steamy.
He reached out , stroking her cheek.
"You're my weakness," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "I can't have anybody hurt you Thuy. I just can't."
As for how Prose Before Bros fits into the Green Valley universe. There may not be any Winston Brothers sightings in this one but there are other friendly faces and the main characters visit popular favorite spots like Genie's Bar , the Piggly Wiggly and Daisy's nut hut.
I really enjoy novels with bookish characters and literary references sprinkled within and I really enjoy q good MC book where the hero who wants more to his life , smash those two together and I'm a happy reader. Cathy Yardley is a new author to me and I'm excited to check out other books she has written.
November 5, 2019
ARC of this book was very generously provided by the author.
I will be the first person to tell you I am not a huge fan of the motorcycle club genre. Not because I think there is anything wrong with it. It just wasn't something that ever appealed to me as a reader. And honestly when I requested the ARC I did not know what this book was about, but I have enjoyed Cathy Yardley's books in the past and I was intrigued by the title. I also have not read the other books in the series but I definitely intend to now.
I have to say I really, really enjoyed Prose Before Bros. Cathy Yardley totally keys into my nerdy girl side with the references she makes and the interests her characters typically have in her books. Also, two words...library porn! No, this isn't to say there is library sex in this book because there isn't, but just the main character being a librarian and all the talk about the library...yeah, I find that sexy!
The main character, Thuy, is fantastic. She is a loyal friend, who is willing to give up her current existence to help her very pregnant best friend run a farm in the middle of nowhere and having no knowledge whatsoever about farming. I don't think I could do that! But, Thuy is also an exceptionally strong person. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say she managed to find a way to get herself out of a very bad situation having to do with her family and that has given her the strength of character to know when to stand up for herself and what she believes in.
The romance between Thuy and Drill is also super cute. It is a tiny bit insta-love and I know some people don't really like that, but the author does a really good job of balancing that with the other themes in the book. She also does a good job of giving you Drill's point of view and what his life has been like up until then and why he felt he had to make some of the choices he has made and while the end of the book wasn't too surprising once the author reveals a certain tidbit of information, I felt it was ultimately satisfying and enjoyable.
So, if you like reading about strong, sexy, smart female characters (Thuy's friend Maddie also happens to fit this bill) and talk about libraries and other geeky/nerdy stuff, and yeah, also a sexy bad guy type hero, then I highly recommend you give this book a try.
I will be the first person to tell you I am not a huge fan of the motorcycle club genre. Not because I think there is anything wrong with it. It just wasn't something that ever appealed to me as a reader. And honestly when I requested the ARC I did not know what this book was about, but I have enjoyed Cathy Yardley's books in the past and I was intrigued by the title. I also have not read the other books in the series but I definitely intend to now.
I have to say I really, really enjoyed Prose Before Bros. Cathy Yardley totally keys into my nerdy girl side with the references she makes and the interests her characters typically have in her books. Also, two words...library porn! No, this isn't to say there is library sex in this book because there isn't, but just the main character being a librarian and all the talk about the library...yeah, I find that sexy!
The main character, Thuy, is fantastic. She is a loyal friend, who is willing to give up her current existence to help her very pregnant best friend run a farm in the middle of nowhere and having no knowledge whatsoever about farming. I don't think I could do that! But, Thuy is also an exceptionally strong person. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say she managed to find a way to get herself out of a very bad situation having to do with her family and that has given her the strength of character to know when to stand up for herself and what she believes in.
The romance between Thuy and Drill is also super cute. It is a tiny bit insta-love and I know some people don't really like that, but the author does a really good job of balancing that with the other themes in the book. She also does a good job of giving you Drill's point of view and what his life has been like up until then and why he felt he had to make some of the choices he has made and while the end of the book wasn't too surprising once the author reveals a certain tidbit of information, I felt it was ultimately satisfying and enjoyable.
So, if you like reading about strong, sexy, smart female characters (Thuy's friend Maddie also happens to fit this bill) and talk about libraries and other geeky/nerdy stuff, and yeah, also a sexy bad guy type hero, then I highly recommend you give this book a try.
November 9, 2019
I had NO idea I wanted Drill's story until I started reading this book. As one of the higher ups in the Iron Wraiths, Drill has been a background character in plenty of the goings on around Green Valley and, as it turns out, he's not as bad as the company he keeps would indicate.
In fact, when the guy manages to separate himself from them, he's not half bad at all. Maddy's situation and Thuy's presence while helping her out might have something to do with that. Or just, you know, a general sense of unease as to the direction the Wraiths have been heading since the shakeup that left a power vacuum in their leadership.
What I'm trying to say it that there's a lot going on in Drill's life and he's got to figure things out before anything happens he can't come back from.
As for Thuy, she's a big city woman trying to make things work in a small town. She's 100% behind helping her BFF out in her time of need and her attraction to Maddy's brother is sort of inconvenient, timing-wise, but not necessarily unwelcome. Given her past, she's well aware of what she's getting into by becoming involved with Drill and she's...torn. Because the potential for bad things is high, but it miiiight be worth it.
I'm still loving Green Valley and all the sweet, sad, dangerous things that happen behind closed doors. Drill and Thuy rocked it all. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
In fact, when the guy manages to separate himself from them, he's not half bad at all. Maddy's situation and Thuy's presence while helping her out might have something to do with that. Or just, you know, a general sense of unease as to the direction the Wraiths have been heading since the shakeup that left a power vacuum in their leadership.
What I'm trying to say it that there's a lot going on in Drill's life and he's got to figure things out before anything happens he can't come back from.
As for Thuy, she's a big city woman trying to make things work in a small town. She's 100% behind helping her BFF out in her time of need and her attraction to Maddy's brother is sort of inconvenient, timing-wise, but not necessarily unwelcome. Given her past, she's well aware of what she's getting into by becoming involved with Drill and she's...torn. Because the potential for bad things is high, but it miiiight be worth it.
I'm still loving Green Valley and all the sweet, sad, dangerous things that happen behind closed doors. Drill and Thuy rocked it all. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 13, 2019
The was an excellent addition to the Smartypants Romance world. Cathy Yardley brought her characters to life in Green Valley, and it feels like you are in a Penny Reid book. The writing in the book is excellent, and it flows remarkably. I could not put this book down, and stayed up way past my bedtime to read. Once I started, this book drew you in and played out like a movie in my head.
Thuy is a librarian (and has the degree to prove it), and Drill (Teddy) is the current enforcer for the Iron Wraiths. The trope for this book is harder to define, there is a semi enemies to lovers theme, but their attraction and chemistry soon changes everything.
The way that Drill wanted to read and discuss books with her and for her, just made me swoon. He was excited about reading, after 16 years of not reading anything. It just gave me all the feels, when he was becoming more and more invested in the book (like any true bookworm - staying up late/all night to read).
I especially loved how Thuy not only became the hero, but she also stood up for what she believed in and how it could help the community in regards to the library. It's worth a note that the representation of the previous Green Valley Library characters were spot on. The title itself couldn't be more fitting!
This series continues to cement the excellence of all the Smartypants Romance authors, and I can't wait to see where it goes next!
Thuy is a librarian (and has the degree to prove it), and Drill (Teddy) is the current enforcer for the Iron Wraiths. The trope for this book is harder to define, there is a semi enemies to lovers theme, but their attraction and chemistry soon changes everything.
The way that Drill wanted to read and discuss books with her and for her, just made me swoon. He was excited about reading, after 16 years of not reading anything. It just gave me all the feels, when he was becoming more and more invested in the book (like any true bookworm - staying up late/all night to read).
I especially loved how Thuy not only became the hero, but she also stood up for what she believed in and how it could help the community in regards to the library. It's worth a note that the representation of the previous Green Valley Library characters were spot on. The title itself couldn't be more fitting!
This series continues to cement the excellence of all the Smartypants Romance authors, and I can't wait to see where it goes next!
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October 26, 2019Thuy is AMAZING!!!!
April 29, 2020
In brief: I never fully believed in the story or the romance.
***
The long version: This book did not work for me at all. I struggled to buy into what this author was selling. I made it to about 40% before skim reading remaining chapters.
Not all fictional characters can or should be redeemed, but I feel like many of these Smartypants books are trying to do just that. I don't want that. Based on my knowledge of Iron Wraith characters from previous Penny Reid books, as well as what we learn about Teddy 'Drill' Blount in this book, I am happy for them to remain as the bad guys in this fictional world.
Thuy Nguyen's character also had me scratching my head. Even knowing why her friendship with Maddy Blount (Drill's sister) was strong, I never fully understood her life. In the blink of an eye she drops her old life, turns her back on her education and career to follow Maddy to a town where she initially has no career prospects and no income. Is this the barometer for BFFs these days?
There's a romance in here some place but I skipped over most of these parts. I just did not feel the attraction Thuy and Drill supposedly felt for each other.
The final nail in the coffin was the ongoing lecture about small town libraries and librarians. Once upon a time, Penny Reid wrote books that, with skill, offered up interesting information about topics I knew little to nothing about. Her recent books, and by association, some of the Smartypants books, have chosen to hammer home to readers an agenda. I find this a turn off. Greater finesse and a lighter hand is needed.
Thumbs up for the scene with Karen. That gave me a laugh.
ARC courtesy of Social Butterfly PR & Smartypants Romance
***
The long version: This book did not work for me at all. I struggled to buy into what this author was selling. I made it to about 40% before skim reading remaining chapters.
Not all fictional characters can or should be redeemed, but I feel like many of these Smartypants books are trying to do just that. I don't want that. Based on my knowledge of Iron Wraith characters from previous Penny Reid books, as well as what we learn about Teddy 'Drill' Blount in this book, I am happy for them to remain as the bad guys in this fictional world.
Thuy Nguyen's character also had me scratching my head. Even knowing why her friendship with Maddy Blount (Drill's sister) was strong, I never fully understood her life. In the blink of an eye she drops her old life, turns her back on her education and career to follow Maddy to a town where she initially has no career prospects and no income. Is this the barometer for BFFs these days?
There's a romance in here some place but I skipped over most of these parts. I just did not feel the attraction Thuy and Drill supposedly felt for each other.
The final nail in the coffin was the ongoing lecture about small town libraries and librarians. Once upon a time, Penny Reid wrote books that, with skill, offered up interesting information about topics I knew little to nothing about. Her recent books, and by association, some of the Smartypants books, have chosen to hammer home to readers an agenda. I find this a turn off. Greater finesse and a lighter hand is needed.
Thumbs up for the scene with Karen. That gave me a laugh.
ARC courtesy of Social Butterfly PR & Smartypants Romance
November 15, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via SmartyPants Romance and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Cathy Yardly has done a brilliant job of putting across a hero, from a traditionally villainous background; and redeem him in ways that you can only thank his leading lady for! :D
Drill, a native of the Green Valley and a member of the Iron Wraith, has started having doubts, far and few in between right now, but he still has doubts over Iron Wraith’s current status. The Wraiths have been his family for the last 16 years; but when he is hit with a double whammy – that his father is dead and his sister is back in town; he is in a bind. He needs to make his sister leave and use the funds from his childhood home for the Wraiths; he doesn’t expect to be hit with a couple surprises along the way – that his sister is pregnant and that her best friend catches his eye and fascination like no other women ever has!
Thuy Nguyen (kudos on the name I can’t pronounce but already love!) is a city girl – she loves the basic facilities cities provide, like WiFi – but she has moved to a farm, in a small town to help her bestest friend, Maddy in the whole wide world; was a small sacrifice to make. The fact that she seems to be falling for her best friend’s older biker brother wasn’t exactly part of the plan.
This unique romance between a librarian and a biker is nothing short of an emotional experience – I adored how even years and distance couldn’t diminish the love Drill had for his sister and Thuy; she was such a brilliant female inspiration; a librarian by trade, I loved how non – judgemental she was and how expertly she handled Drill and every complication that came with him.
Drill and Thuy’s relationship was, inspite of their own rough and traumatic at times childhood, one for the ages – especially considering how absolutely impossible their situation seemed to be, and how they clawed their way to a HEA!
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October 18, 2019
I had v mixed feelings about starting this book. On the one hand it was a Green Valley book by Cathy Yardley. A book based on one of my favourite series written by the author who introduced me to the world of contemporary romance. Before Level Up I was all about the historical romances. Not anymore!
On the other hand, it's about Drill, a member of the Wraiths. I just do not understand readers who find members of a criminal motorcycle gang attractive. I can't get past the drug dealing, violence and potential for sexual assault. In fact it's my only criticism of the Winston Brother series. I really disliked how Cletus gave up his plans to bring the Wraiths to justice. It just seemed selfish and short sighted.
So I was feeling some trepidation when I started this book. I need not have worried! Cathy Yardley repaid my trust and has written a beautiful novel. She does not shy away from the harsh realities of criminal motorcycle gangs. The Wraiths are a grim and evil group, and Drill did some awful things in his time with them. This isn't whitewashed or glossed over. Which means Drill's redemption is hard won but feels realistic and honest.
And the person partly responsible for this redemption is the fabulous Thuy. Thuy is the best kind of romance heroine. Understanding, loyal and badass. She rescues Drill again and again and I loved every second. She's also a librarian and so we get some great library advocacy. Much needed these days.
This book has it all. Redemption, found family, suspense, sex positivity, book appreciation and so much angst. And of course some steamy sex scenes. There is a genuine threat of danger running throughout the book and even though I knew there'd be an hea, I was still on the edge of my seat.
So although I still dislike reading about criminal MCs, I will make an exception for Drill. I'm not sure I'll feel the same about the other Wraiths though.. time will tell.
PS. This book also contained one of my favourite ever quotes about books:
“They are my favorite thing ever. They gave me a place to go when my life was shitty, and they have continually given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I read every single day. They’re my lifeline.”
Amen!
ARC kindly provided by author for an honest review.
On the other hand, it's about Drill, a member of the Wraiths. I just do not understand readers who find members of a criminal motorcycle gang attractive. I can't get past the drug dealing, violence and potential for sexual assault. In fact it's my only criticism of the Winston Brother series. I really disliked how Cletus gave up his plans to bring the Wraiths to justice. It just seemed selfish and short sighted.
So I was feeling some trepidation when I started this book. I need not have worried! Cathy Yardley repaid my trust and has written a beautiful novel. She does not shy away from the harsh realities of criminal motorcycle gangs. The Wraiths are a grim and evil group, and Drill did some awful things in his time with them. This isn't whitewashed or glossed over. Which means Drill's redemption is hard won but feels realistic and honest.
And the person partly responsible for this redemption is the fabulous Thuy. Thuy is the best kind of romance heroine. Understanding, loyal and badass. She rescues Drill again and again and I loved every second. She's also a librarian and so we get some great library advocacy. Much needed these days.
This book has it all. Redemption, found family, suspense, sex positivity, book appreciation and so much angst. And of course some steamy sex scenes. There is a genuine threat of danger running throughout the book and even though I knew there'd be an hea, I was still on the edge of my seat.
So although I still dislike reading about criminal MCs, I will make an exception for Drill. I'm not sure I'll feel the same about the other Wraiths though.. time will tell.
PS. This book also contained one of my favourite ever quotes about books:
“They are my favorite thing ever. They gave me a place to go when my life was shitty, and they have continually given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I read every single day. They’re my lifeline.”
Amen!
ARC kindly provided by author for an honest review.
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