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What started as a shelter for the weak, the defenseless, the brave, the survivors, soon became a family’s legacy. Their protection became a town’s mission.
Jason + Kelly
He's known her since middle school. He fought for her attention from his best friend. Their shared bond in Matt's family business has brought them closer together until jealousy and one night changes everything.
Matt + Erika
Torn by responsibility and destiny, they think they have it all with their future planned until they don't. Her ghosts are back to haunt her. He can't save her this time. The family business always comes first.

150 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2020

10 people are currently reading
308 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Brooks

11 books1,081 followers
Author also writes under Ashton Brooks

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5 stars
48 (57%)
4 stars
24 (28%)
3 stars
9 (10%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,254 reviews317 followers
December 4, 2020
Plot: ★★★★
Writing: ★★★★
Romance: ★★★★
Heroes: ★★★★
Heroines: ★★★★
Steam: ★★★★
Angst: ★★★★

One of my 2020 reading goals was to try new authors, and in my search for them, I came across A.M. Brooks, and I fell in love. From the moment I started reading The Midwest Boys series—I was hooked, and just like with the first two books—I devoured this one in a day.

In #Rogue, we are back in Savage Likes, but this time A.M. Brooks takes us back to where it all started, giving us the answers we needed from the first two books and also helping us to understand more why things are in the present.

We already know what happened between Jason and Kelly, but in this book, we get a more in-depth look at their story, plus a little bit more insight into Erika and Matt's relationship as well.

Although this book is just a prequel, it has everything you've come to expect of the author's work; angst, emotions, and so much hotness! It will leave you breathless and dying for more.

#Rogue is a gift for the fans, a story to keep us entertained while we wait for the next book in the series, and also an opportunity for new readers to fall in love with the Midwest Boys and A.M. Brooks's words.
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,237 reviews613 followers
November 27, 2020


Knowing what we know..knowing the future, knowing whats going to happen..I felt a lump in my throat the entire time I was reading this book.

I have a love/hate feeling when author’s decide to write a prequel after giving us two books already. It’s like “Are you trying to kill me with your words? Because let’s not pretend that we don’t know what is going to happen here ok?”..but on the flip side, I’m like “Thank you for giving us more 😭”. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is that..it’s actually ..no no…it’s mostly love towards the author for giving us more.

#Rogue: The Midwest Boys Beginning (Midwest Boys #0.5) by A.M. Brooks is tragic. Why you ask? Because we get to read about where it all began and everything feels more real and I love/hate their love story.
Profile Image for Alicia Andrews.
373 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2020
*I received a copy of #Rogue in return for a honest review

Oh My!!! A.M. Brooks blew me away with her words and her story. I am in absolute LOVE with this series and #Rogue helps open your eyes and makes you understand in more detail the life they live and the more detail from #MNGirl and My#MNGirl.

You MUST read this series!!!!

Full Review-https://aliciasbookblog106921670.word...
1,577 reviews27 followers
February 3, 2021
#Rogue - Where we go back to where it all began... And all I can say, is Wow!!

#MNGirl was my first read by this author and it blew me away! So I've been eagerly awaiting new releases and when I seen book 3 would be a prequel, I was delighted - I LOVE going back to the very beginning!!
And this didn't disappoint! We get Jason and Kelly's story - I wanted to scream! And Matt and Erika's story - damn I was so sad!

I'm saying nothing about the actual storyline because that's just wrong! But I will say that I really enjoyed this book, I was instantly addicted. Brooks has a way of writing that pulls you in without even realising, I sat down this morning and suddenly hours had passed and the dreaded words - The End, appeared!! So be prepared to loose yourself when you start this!!

So excited for the next one!!




*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for colelovesreading_nz.
247 reviews7 followers
November 26, 2020
I love being taken back to where it all started.
The sneak peek into the lives of where it all began and where it keeps going is the best!
Reading #Rogue makes me want to read books one and two all over again. I can’t get enough.
This comes highly recommended.
Profile Image for DanielleAndHerSmutBooks.
450 reviews54 followers
November 28, 2020
This book is essentially a short prequel to The Midwest Boys series.
It has been released after the 1st 2 books (#MNGirl and My #MNGirl), and it works to read in release order, but I definitely recommend, if you haven't started the series...read this first.
If you have started the series...if you want to know how everything started, how things played out for Matt, Jason, and Kelly then I definitely recommend you read this.

This prequel is exactly that. It gives more insight into how Rogue was started. Gives more insight into the relationships between Matt, Jason and Kelly. I almost feel a need to go back and re-read #MNGirl and My #MNGirl. And I definitely can't wait for the next two installments!!

This is a series that I recommend reading. I have reviews posted of both installments that are out already.
1,250 reviews18 followers
November 29, 2020
If I could give this book a hundred stars I would. Oh my I absolutely loved this book. I so wasn't ready for it to be over. So many fantastic characters. I loved Matthew, Kelly and Jason, what a wonderful trio. I love unique stories and this is definitely one of those stories. The premise behind this story just blows my mind. This story was packed full of emotions and the author definitely made you feel them all. From trust, love, lust and betrayal. you felt them all. I most definitely wasn't ready for this book to end. Now I need the next book.
2,704 reviews25 followers
November 30, 2020
4*
Matthew, Jason, and kelly are helping their families look after the people protected by the company. All hoping to bring new ideas and ways to better things.
Jason & Kelly are becoming closer and finally admitting their feelings, unfortunately not everyone is happy and set out to ruin things.
I enjoyed reading this book and loved the characters I can't wait to read more from them especially Matthew and Erika
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,882 reviews90 followers
December 3, 2020
A great prequel to the MIdwest Boys series. I am glad the author decided to write this book as it gives us insight on the parentals in the series
Profile Image for Amanda Davanzati.
694 reviews25 followers
December 3, 2020
I am truly amazed how AM Brooks can pull out all of your emotions from you heart and put them all into one book. She seriously did it again, a phenomenal job!

The book is completely everything and more. In this book, it goes back to the beginning to explain the story of Jason and Kelly. Even though we know the story from reading #MNGirl and My #MNGirl, we get a more in depth look of the details of their story. I don't want to give too much away, but let me just tell you that even when the scenes that hurt my heart to read, they were worth it. We get to see all the happy, sad, and loving moments between Jason and Kelly. Not only did we get Jason and Kelly's story we got a brief description of Matt and Erika's story as well. The same goes for them, you get all of the happy, sad and loving moments shown to you. We finally understand more about why the way things are now in the present. The all around factory that truly takes the cake is that all of them just want the best and to be able to help people when they are in trouble.

I am seriously OBSESSED with this series and the obsession keeps growing more and more with each book that is released. I am so looking forward to more of this world, more of these characters, and more of just every little detail I can get. Thank you AM Brooks for creating this world, I will forever tell you how amazing it is and how much I love it and how I want to live in Savage Lakes!!
Profile Image for Aisha.
483 reviews18 followers
December 3, 2020
description

The book has a smart writing that captivates the reader since the first page. With an evident knowledge of psychological illnesses, the story never gets you bored giving you extensive psychological explanations. Those are brief and profound at the same time.

A story with exceptional secondary characters, organic scene transitions and fluid prose, Ms. Brooks has another hit with this book. Even though I'm not fan of late prequels, #Rogue, the Beginning came at the perfect moment. Highly recommended.

I received an Advanced Reading Copy from Ms. Brooks, Netgalley and The Next Step PR in exchange of my honest review. Big thanks for your trust.

Full review here:
https://aishasbookworld.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Kandace Denys (bookish_kayy).
1,256 reviews
December 2, 2020
Want to know how Rogue really started? This will tell you for sure.
I have obviously been hooked on this series, and finally(after 2 other books) have the real backstory in my hands.
For new readers of the series, I’d recommend starting with this one.
How it started, the loves that bloomed, how they fell apart, leading us all into where it begins in book one of the series.
My heart broke for all of these characters, the decisions they had to make, the pain that they all endured.
I’d recommend.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,001 reviews
December 1, 2020
This story is a prequel to the Midwest Boys Series. I loved every single word!! Knowing what I do from books 1 & 2, it helped put things into perspective. You gain a better understanding of the group that started it all. A.M. Brooks knows how to pull your heart strings, and that’s exactly what she did in this book. My heart ached for these characters. I love them all even more.
208 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2020
The title of this book pretty much says it all - # Rogue: The Midwest Boys Beginning. This book goes back to the beginning of two best friends Matt and Kelly growing up and Jason joining the twosome in junior high. Their adventures and decisions they made back then reflect in the two previous books #MN Girl and #My MN Girl and tell of how Rogue came to be. This book answers questions from the first two books and I would recommend reading it first if you are not already deeply involved in the series. I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating.
Profile Image for Heidi Watson.
81 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2020
I honestly wasn’t ready for this book. To go back where it began. To know what happens in the future ... I read this book covered in goosebumps and feeling everything. This is the first series I’ve read from this author and I absolutely fell in love. I loved the prequel, but I loathed it too. Makes you understand what you’ve already read in the first two books. I highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Sydney.
421 reviews29 followers
December 2, 2020
“I’ve been yours for a long time.”

Wow. I kind of knew this was going to be a heartbreaking book. For those of you all caught up with the Midwest Boys, you know that Matt & Erika and Kelly & Jason don’t have it easy and are still waiting on their HEA’s. #ROGUE takes readers back in time and explores the beginnings of the Rogue operation as we know it, as well as Matt, Erika, Kelly, And Jason’s journey with love.

I love high school sweetheart stories. Jason and Kelly are long-time friends and lovers, but their story is such a tragic one. I’m going to be thinking about them for quite a while. Matt and Erika are an interesting couple as well. I appreciated the additional background information on those two since their relationship has been shrouded in mystery so far.

A.M. Brooks writes their stories very well. She captures all of the angst, young love, and heartbreak. I had tears in my eyes and felt my heart aching for both couples.

“I’m…I’m drowning here. I can’t. I can’t breathe. I just need you, please forgive me.”

This prequel snatched up my heart. I quickly became invested in these couples, and I’m rooting for them now more than ever.

I am honored to have received an ARC of this book to read and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Daniela .
349 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2020
Wow!! This book took us back to where everything started.

I was addicted from the beginning, I'm already in love with this series, and #Rogue gave me something I wasn't aware I needed; this book helps you understand everything in more detail.

The bond between Jason, Kelly, and Matt is honestly beautiful, they are a true family to each other, but I loved Jason and Kelly; their story is emotionally gripping, I couldn't get enough. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions and actual tears with all the happy, sad, and loving moments. And even though we got just a little bit of Matt and Erika, it was so worth it. I was not ready for the end, but I wouldn't change a thing.

Another amazing story by A.M. Brooks and I can't wait to get more of this world.
This is a must-read !!
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,239 reviews46 followers
December 3, 2020
I'm normally someone who likes to read books in order; this series flies in the face of that rule. Reading books 1 & 2 first before this book actually set up this book so well. You know the ending but you don't know the journey they all take.

I will be honest, I wasn't sure I would like the Midwest Boys series when I signed up for it. But I was willing to give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did. These stories have converted me to loving the Midwest Boys! And all of their stories!

We've met Jason and Kelly in books 1 & 2 but now we get to read their story. And peeks of Erika and Matt's story. Which after meeting Jason and Kelly, I'm glad we got to read their story and how they got there.

I'm sure hoping that Matt and Erika's story is next!
Profile Image for Laura.
366 reviews
December 3, 2020
Jason and Kelly

Reading there story is so emotionally gripping. I think I cried through the last bit of it. Of course we’ve all had our glimpse into the future. But nothing truly prepares you for the real pain of it all. I loved this story....the real was of pain, blackmail, and not a HEA. We now know what started it all and they really had a great love. Who doesn’t want that.

Matt and Erika

Matt and Erika’s is too quick to be anything. Although they are married it seems like a dream or your in a fog a d can’t wake. She still suffers from what happened before ROGUE. And it messes things up when on a mission. Things do go rogue a d people get hurt

They all four live years in hurt and betrayal. Brooks is such an amazing writer to make you feel all of this and so much more.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,336 reviews146 followers
December 3, 2020
This was a great little back story novella giving you insight to what the parents went through to get to the point of where all the secrets were starting to come to light in My #MNGirl. Very cleverly done.

Looking forward to seeing what happens next now we are all up to date with history.
Profile Image for Aracely.
924 reviews34 followers
December 2, 2020
This book is mostly about Kelly and Jason, I’m not really into this couple, but there’s things I definitely liked to talk about.I’ll write a longer review from the blog.

I would love to read a book about Matt and Erika!!! Please :)
Profile Image for Live, Laugh, Love .
428 reviews17 followers
December 1, 2020
Oh my heart! This prequel brought tears to my eyes. Learning how things all started.
Profile Image for Kiki_HeartReader.
261 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2024
Aww this Prequel was soo heartbreaking!! But i loved every second of it!! All I keep thinking is I need more from these 2 couples!!!

At first i didn't know if i was supposed to read the first 2 books before this one. But I decided to read book 1 before reading this one and then go on to book 2 #my MNGirl.

I think for me it was a good choice although, Erika doesnt appear nor is mentioned at all in the first book. Just like the 1st book I read, i could not put this down! It was too short in my opinion. I loved these characters and I do hope they find their HEA in the upcoming books i will read. I do wish they were the main characters though lol but Im loving what I'm reading!!!



AM Brooks is definitely talented in creating such real characters where you cant help but feel for them on all sides.
Profile Image for ReadingInPyjamas.
732 reviews
December 3, 2020
#Rogue takes us back to the past, to get a better understanding of the relationship between the principal members of the organization. This prequel focuses especially on Kelly and Jason, and their love story. But we also get some insight into Matt and Erika's relationship.

To say that this was an emotional read, it would be an understatement. I won't give up the plotline because it's a fairly short book, but we get to see how Kelly and Jason fell in love and also how their relationship fell apart. Their love story started out so sweet, but Jason's irrational jealousy and his tense family situation made things between them complicated. Also, the bond between Matt, Kelly, and Jason was beautifully portrayed. They had each other's back no matter what.

#Rogue is definitely a must-read before diving into the series. As for those who already read book one and two, I highly recommend picking up this prequel to get a clearer picture of how it all began.
Profile Image for Evie_Book_Revs *Evie Book Reviews*.
378 reviews27 followers
January 6, 2021
Wow, what a dynamic prologue!💥💔

In this short story, there was great character development, and unique world building aspects for all the main characters. I was left wanting to know more about Jason and Kelly, more so than anything else. As for Matt and Erika, well that remains to be seen, all of which I hope gets resolved in the upcoming books.

While this was a book about the background of Rogue—a vigilante organization intended to serve the greater good—I was definitely left with many unanswered questions at the end; cliffhangers is all the spice needed to head for the next book in the Midwest Boys series—#MNGirl!

If notable plot twists, and steamy romances are appealing to you, then I highly recommend exploring this series.

This was a Read It & Review It I voluntarily chose. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Micheala.
1,269 reviews81 followers
December 3, 2020
ARC received from The Next Step PR.. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.

I love prequel stories as much as the next person, but they do have a time and place. I do feel the author giving us this story was the right time. While her series remains strong without it, this bonus prequel story definitely adds to it.

While nothing of this book is a surprise, it is a wonderful perspective that goes a bit more in-depth than the present books, while also giving a bit of Erika and Matt’s story too.

It’s an eye-opening story and definitely an interesting look into why things are how they are.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,786 reviews171 followers
December 6, 2020
This series is one of my absolute favorites! I was so excited to read on how it all began. I read this book in one sitting my heart in my throat throughout the whole story . This story was so emotionally gripping I felt it in my heart hell my soul the pain the betrayal the blackmail ugh the longing between these couples especially Jason and Kelly we see how it all began. Can’t wait for more from this author in this series! Definitely recommend this but be prepared it’s gonna hurt .


** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book **
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
832 reviews
October 5, 2021
An Interesting Prequel…

For being a prequel,I’m still pretty confused. I feel like I had to make a lot of assumptions to understand the family business. Which there are still pieces missing for me there. Then we go from Jason & Kelly’s points of view to the story about Matt & Erika - where it was very wham bam. I’m going to continue to maybe have some loops closed.
1,813 reviews11 followers
January 4, 2021
A terrific addition to this outstanding series full of romance, intrigue and danger. The start of Rogue and its founders. Back to the beginning with Jason, Kelly, Matt and Erika. We've met their kids in the previous stories and it's fantastic to see where it all began. Jason and Kelly's backstory is emotional and heartbreaking and sets up to affect their children's lives in devastating ways. There's some romance in the mix with heart pounding passion and steam. I loved Matt from the beginning of this series and I still love him. Such a heroic hunk always fighting the good fight. Yum! And my girl, Erika. What a fierce gal with some heavy baggage. I can't wait for more stories in this fabulous series. I want some more of those Midwest Boys and their fantastic girls. Please give me Silas' story. Rogue ❤️! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
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