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Cocky Hero Club
Broody Brit
Dear Axel,
It is incredibly stupid to write this text while I’m drunk. But what’s the saying? No gain, no pain. Or, no pain, no shame... Whatever. You know what I mean. And let’s face it. There’s no way I would be doing this if I was stone-cold sober. But since I’m plastered? To hell with it.
I want you.
I know. Crazy, right? Not only am I your temporary roommate but I’m a chatty nurse from Providence with an impeccable bedside manner and secrets. You’re a broody, commitment-phobe sculptor from England who communicates in grunts and single syllables. Not to mention, you’re returning home in several weeks. And yet, from the moment you dragged me for being a Swiftie, I’ve wanted to climb you like my personal jungle gym.
There’s no future for us. I’m not even sure I like you half the time. But that doesn’t stop me from hungering for those same hands that bend and shape metal to bend and shape me. So in all my drunken glory, I guess what I’m trying to say is if you want me, I’m yours. For the next few weeks until you return across the pond and we resume our lives as before. No strings. No demands. No regrets.
So meet me in the kitchen where all this started.
Or don’t.
It’s your decision.
Not that it matters. It’s not like I’m going to do something monumentally dumb like hit send on this text.
--Zenobia
It is incredibly stupid to write this text while I’m drunk. But what’s the saying? No gain, no pain. Or, no pain, no shame... Whatever. You know what I mean. And let’s face it. There’s no way I would be doing this if I was stone-cold sober. But since I’m plastered? To hell with it.
I want you.
I know. Crazy, right? Not only am I your temporary roommate but I’m a chatty nurse from Providence with an impeccable bedside manner and secrets. You’re a broody, commitment-phobe sculptor from England who communicates in grunts and single syllables. Not to mention, you’re returning home in several weeks. And yet, from the moment you dragged me for being a Swiftie, I’ve wanted to climb you like my personal jungle gym.
There’s no future for us. I’m not even sure I like you half the time. But that doesn’t stop me from hungering for those same hands that bend and shape metal to bend and shape me. So in all my drunken glory, I guess what I’m trying to say is if you want me, I’m yours. For the next few weeks until you return across the pond and we resume our lives as before. No strings. No demands. No regrets.
So meet me in the kitchen where all this started.
Or don’t.
It’s your decision.
Not that it matters. It’s not like I’m going to do something monumentally dumb like hit send on this text.
--Zenobia
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2021
144 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
168 books2,140 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 2, 2021
4 stars
I love a book with a grumpy hero and a strong heroine. This one was great. The perfect amount of emotion, steam, and a bit of angst. I loved both Axel and Zenobia.
Axel is an artist from overseas and Zenobia is a nurse. Both are staying with friends, Axel while he’s in the states, and Zenobia while her apartment is worked on. Did I mention they were staying with the same friend? And unaware at first? Yikes LOL
I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other, trust each other, and take down the walls they both had up. I especially loved Zenobia’s back story and how that all worked out. I would have loved more of them as a couple or a longer epilogue, but overall this was fantastic!
I love a book with a grumpy hero and a strong heroine. This one was great. The perfect amount of emotion, steam, and a bit of angst. I loved both Axel and Zenobia.
Axel is an artist from overseas and Zenobia is a nurse. Both are staying with friends, Axel while he’s in the states, and Zenobia while her apartment is worked on. Did I mention they were staying with the same friend? And unaware at first? Yikes LOL
I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other, trust each other, and take down the walls they both had up. I especially loved Zenobia’s back story and how that all worked out. I would have loved more of them as a couple or a longer epilogue, but overall this was fantastic!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Will Throne & Aria Addison
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 6h 12m
June 28, 2021
5 stars!
Man did I not want this book to end! Naima Simone has quickly become one of my favorite authors! Her writing has such a unique quality to it that I simply have come to crave. The way she writes her men, especially of the tattooed broody variety has quickly become my undoing. Her heroines are strong, sexy, feminine and smart. They can handle their own, getting the job done, and yet desire to be cherished. There’s something about just letting go, and allowing yourself to be dominated (giving your overworked mind a break), in the bedroom. Naima’s writing is my special kind of catnip.
Axel & Zenobia have quickly become some of my favorite characters.
“Axel. His name is Axel Wright. It’s gritty. Unique. A little bit dirty. Sexy as hell.”
This man was my absolute undoing. The Broody, suffer in silence type that has been through unimaginable pain only to drown himself in his art to escape coming head on with his issues..yeah, Naima writes that VERY well. I love the way he itches, literally craves to touch Zenobia, and all her gorgeous features.
“One glance and the insatiable urge to touch could transform a man into an animal or a supplicant. I’ve been both for my art. Never for a woman.”
“My fingers are itching to grab hold of a pencil and draw. Draw her face, a conglomeration of proud angles, regal slants and lascivious curves. As an artist, I’m fascinated by that face. As a man, I want to fuck it.”
I love how Zenobia craved and hungered for Axel’s hands to bend and shape her like he did metal to make his art. I love men that work with their hands.
“He doesn’t just use his mouth and hands to pleasure me. His whole body is a tool, a conduit, an instrument devoted to me.”
This is a story of soul healing. Of allowing someone to break through the fortress created to protect and shield from pain whether you want them to or not. The right person has the tool needed to chip away at these defenses. This is what I loved seeing unfolded on the pages of this book.
“Though my d*ck pounds with the need to be balls-deep inside her, I wait, savoring the beauty of our differences. My large frame to her petite build. My angles to her curves. My paleness to her darkness. My vulnerability to her strength. She’s the perfect foil to all that I am, and it humbles me.”
“What would a successful, ball-breaking, big-hearted nurse want with a selectively mute, abrasive, socially inept sculptor?” You have to read and find out.
Man did I not want this book to end! Naima Simone has quickly become one of my favorite authors! Her writing has such a unique quality to it that I simply have come to crave. The way she writes her men, especially of the tattooed broody variety has quickly become my undoing. Her heroines are strong, sexy, feminine and smart. They can handle their own, getting the job done, and yet desire to be cherished. There’s something about just letting go, and allowing yourself to be dominated (giving your overworked mind a break), in the bedroom. Naima’s writing is my special kind of catnip.
Axel & Zenobia have quickly become some of my favorite characters.
“Axel. His name is Axel Wright. It’s gritty. Unique. A little bit dirty. Sexy as hell.”
This man was my absolute undoing. The Broody, suffer in silence type that has been through unimaginable pain only to drown himself in his art to escape coming head on with his issues..yeah, Naima writes that VERY well. I love the way he itches, literally craves to touch Zenobia, and all her gorgeous features.
“One glance and the insatiable urge to touch could transform a man into an animal or a supplicant. I’ve been both for my art. Never for a woman.”
“My fingers are itching to grab hold of a pencil and draw. Draw her face, a conglomeration of proud angles, regal slants and lascivious curves. As an artist, I’m fascinated by that face. As a man, I want to fuck it.”
I love how Zenobia craved and hungered for Axel’s hands to bend and shape her like he did metal to make his art. I love men that work with their hands.
“He doesn’t just use his mouth and hands to pleasure me. His whole body is a tool, a conduit, an instrument devoted to me.”
This is a story of soul healing. Of allowing someone to break through the fortress created to protect and shield from pain whether you want them to or not. The right person has the tool needed to chip away at these defenses. This is what I loved seeing unfolded on the pages of this book.
“Though my d*ck pounds with the need to be balls-deep inside her, I wait, savoring the beauty of our differences. My large frame to her petite build. My angles to her curves. My paleness to her darkness. My vulnerability to her strength. She’s the perfect foil to all that I am, and it humbles me.”
“What would a successful, ball-breaking, big-hearted nurse want with a selectively mute, abrasive, socially inept sculptor?” You have to read and find out.
July 2, 2021
Broody Brit
● metal sculptor / nurse
● friends to lovers
● forced proximity (unexpectingly sharing a mutual friends house)
● dual pov
I think I must be in a mood because this book was an okay read for me. I really wanted to love it like my friends who gave it 4 and 5 stars but I couldn't get there.
● metal sculptor / nurse
● friends to lovers
● forced proximity (unexpectingly sharing a mutual friends house)
● dual pov
I think I must be in a mood because this book was an okay read for me. I really wanted to love it like my friends who gave it 4 and 5 stars but I couldn't get there.
Audio book source: Audible
Narrator: Will Thorne & Aria Addison
Length: 6H 12M
July 27, 2021
3.5 - 3.75 ⭐️
RTC
RTC
May 27, 2022
3 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Zenobia and Axel have to share a mutual friend's home.
CW: Grief, Teen Pregnancy, Adoption, Friends with Benefits
Video review available in Week 14: Apr 3 – Apr 9, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Zenobia and Axel have to share a mutual friend's home.
CW: Grief, Teen Pregnancy, Adoption, Friends with Benefits
Video review available in Week 14: Apr 3 – Apr 9, 2022, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
July 8, 2021
This was a great story. Zenobia is a down on her luck nurse trying to come to terms with her lot in life. When an unfortunate plumbing issue causes her to flee her apartment her good friend being out of town and loaning her apartment is a blessing. Her friend didn't mention that they also had another guess in the sexy artist Axel.
From the moment the pair meet sparks fly. But what happens when those sparks combust? Maybe the broody artist is just what Zenobia needs.
From the moment the pair meet sparks fly. But what happens when those sparks combust? Maybe the broody artist is just what Zenobia needs.
June 27, 2021
The cover to this book spoke to me. It told me this story would have torturous moments or circumstances. Since I rarely read blurbs, okay like almost never lol, I count on covers to do the work for me. This cover pulled me in, and I am happy to report that everything it told me was delivered in the story! #winning
First, I have to say that I really enjoyed the flow of the storyline and its unfolding. It felt organic and even kismet. I liked that the relationship was more on the sensual side also because it also fit the cover. The individual circumstances to both leads could have caused this story to be deeply angsty and possibly dark, but the author made a choice to make it more of an emotional dive they both navigated for each other and with each other to a HEA. That probably sounds ridiculous without a little detail but I’m not about that. If you want to know what I mean, read the book *wink* And you should because it is a well thought out plot that captivates and seduces the reader. It is relatable and very believable. Well, at least it was to me :)
First, I have to say that I really enjoyed the flow of the storyline and its unfolding. It felt organic and even kismet. I liked that the relationship was more on the sensual side also because it also fit the cover. The individual circumstances to both leads could have caused this story to be deeply angsty and possibly dark, but the author made a choice to make it more of an emotional dive they both navigated for each other and with each other to a HEA. That probably sounds ridiculous without a little detail but I’m not about that. If you want to know what I mean, read the book *wink* And you should because it is a well thought out plot that captivates and seduces the reader. It is relatable and very believable. Well, at least it was to me :)
July 1, 2021
4+ "Selfless"
This was great. Naima Simone always delivers more than I was expecting. Happy reading!
This was great. Naima Simone always delivers more than I was expecting. Happy reading!
July 2, 2021
Love and Healing
Wow. I really enjoyed this one! It had so much more depth than I was anticipating. Loss and Grief is a very powerful thing especially when it occurs in your youth. Not all families grow stronger or deal with it in a supportive manner.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators were okay. There was a lisp from the female narrator that I kept hearing but the guys accent was good.
I really liked Zenobia and found her to be relatable. She’s strong, resilient and vocal. I was pulling for her the entire book because she deserved to be seen and loved. Axel took a minute to get used to since he was the grumpy artist. But I always root for love and healing.
This is probably my favorite Naima Simone story because there was really good character development and growth in this story. I love stories with layers as well a lot of heat! Plus, It had humor so I found myself chuckling at times.
May I add that I loved Z’s emotional connection with her work and that she went to counseling. I am always impressed when an author presents counseling a viable option to help characters process trauma. Bravo Naima Simone.
Wow. I really enjoyed this one! It had so much more depth than I was anticipating. Loss and Grief is a very powerful thing especially when it occurs in your youth. Not all families grow stronger or deal with it in a supportive manner.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators were okay. There was a lisp from the female narrator that I kept hearing but the guys accent was good.
I really liked Zenobia and found her to be relatable. She’s strong, resilient and vocal. I was pulling for her the entire book because she deserved to be seen and loved. Axel took a minute to get used to since he was the grumpy artist. But I always root for love and healing.
This is probably my favorite Naima Simone story because there was really good character development and growth in this story. I love stories with layers as well a lot of heat! Plus, It had humor so I found myself chuckling at times.
May I add that I loved Z’s emotional connection with her work and that she went to counseling. I am always impressed when an author presents counseling a viable option to help characters process trauma. Bravo Naima Simone.
June 14, 2021
Ooof this book, hit me right in the feels.
First of all, Zenobia Hester. Nurse, newly single, living in her friends' guest room because her own apartment is need of repairs, secretly loves Taylor Swift. I loved her. I loved the internal monologue. It was so perfect and brilliant and really gave insight into who she was as a character. But Zenobia has some deep, dark secrets, specifically related to the baby she gave up for adoption when she was 16. I thought that storyline was done really well and it was heavy and painful and just really gutted me.
Axel Wright is a British metal artist and he carries his own demons, relating to the death of his older brother in a drowning accident when they were kids. As a result of that, he feels pushed away by his own family, as if they ended up with the wrong son. He has a lot of internalized issues about feeling unworthy and it carries over into his relationships, romantic and unromantic.
I really liked this pairing a lot and it was very steamy but also deeply emotional and full of longing and angst. If I had one issue, I wish the ending was not so abrupt and also, having Zenobia come out of a relationship just weeks past before she gets together with Axel seems a little quick. But aside from that, this book was excellent and unputdownable (yes, that's totally a word) and I really enjoyed it.
Content notes: (as an aside, I'm going to use content notes from now on instead of content warnings because I don't want to imply judgment - I just want to inform the reader of issues that might cause them discomfort for whatever reason).
1. Teenage pregnancy
2. Child put up for adoption
3. Problematic parental relationships
4. Death of a child (hero's older brother) - happens off page in the past;
5. Heroine works as an ER nurse and there are mentions of children with traumatic injuries and death
6. Reference to heroine's ex fiancé cheating
I think (I hope) I've covered most of the content notes and if I come across more that I missed, I'll definitely be adding them in.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher, the review is all mine.
First of all, Zenobia Hester. Nurse, newly single, living in her friends' guest room because her own apartment is need of repairs, secretly loves Taylor Swift. I loved her. I loved the internal monologue. It was so perfect and brilliant and really gave insight into who she was as a character. But Zenobia has some deep, dark secrets, specifically related to the baby she gave up for adoption when she was 16. I thought that storyline was done really well and it was heavy and painful and just really gutted me.
Axel Wright is a British metal artist and he carries his own demons, relating to the death of his older brother in a drowning accident when they were kids. As a result of that, he feels pushed away by his own family, as if they ended up with the wrong son. He has a lot of internalized issues about feeling unworthy and it carries over into his relationships, romantic and unromantic.
I really liked this pairing a lot and it was very steamy but also deeply emotional and full of longing and angst. If I had one issue, I wish the ending was not so abrupt and also, having Zenobia come out of a relationship just weeks past before she gets together with Axel seems a little quick. But aside from that, this book was excellent and unputdownable (yes, that's totally a word) and I really enjoyed it.
Content notes: (as an aside, I'm going to use content notes from now on instead of content warnings because I don't want to imply judgment - I just want to inform the reader of issues that might cause them discomfort for whatever reason).
1. Teenage pregnancy
2. Child put up for adoption
3. Problematic parental relationships
4. Death of a child (hero's older brother) - happens off page in the past;
5. Heroine works as an ER nurse and there are mentions of children with traumatic injuries and death
6. Reference to heroine's ex fiancé cheating
I think (I hope) I've covered most of the content notes and if I come across more that I missed, I'll definitely be adding them in.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher, the review is all mine.
June 14, 2021
Naima Simone.
Grumpy hero.
Strong but vulnerable heroine.
Guaranteed sexy times to set the pages on fire.
Isn’t that enough to get you to read? If not, I’ll add that this is an awesome story where the characters both have pasts they’re coming to terms with, and their romance is off the charts!
Grumpy hero.
Strong but vulnerable heroine.
Guaranteed sexy times to set the pages on fire.
Isn’t that enough to get you to read? If not, I’ll add that this is an awesome story where the characters both have pasts they’re coming to terms with, and their romance is off the charts!
June 13, 2021
Broody Brit was simply awesome. It was hot, steamy and full of heart. I loved Axel and Zenobia’s story. I loved how their friendship and relationship developed. I especially loved that they saw each other, truly saw each other. I adored it and definitely recommend it.
Copy provided by PR company
Copy provided by PR company
June 27, 2021
This is a contemporary romance between Axel, who is a metal sculpture artist, and Zenobia who is a nurse. This is a COCKY HERO CLUB novel set in the COCKY BASTARD world, which was created and written by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. I have no previous experience with those two authors' work, or the work from which this novella was derived.
Tropes: forced proximity, we'll bang it out of our system, friends to lovers, roommates, opposites attract
I'm of two minds about this book. On one hand, the sentences and sentence structure were clunky at times, and that is not what I expect from Naima Simone. Her work usually just 'flows' and a good I’d say 70% of this book does flow; it reads real easy. But the other 30% reads like it was a struggle to write. One the other hand, this is sexy and sweet, and surprisingly deep. Axel is hot Viking of a brooding, grunting hero, while Zenobia is a fierce, gorgeous Amazon woman with a very soft centre. I enjoyed watching them support each other, while navigating some very difficult personal terrain.
CW: chronic illness (asthma), asthma attack requiring hospital treatment, teenage pregnancy (off page, in the past), giving a child up for adoption (off page), unsupportive parents, reconnecting with a biological child, loss of a sibling (off page, in the past), unprotected sex without discussion of their health backgrounds (although that information is conveyed later in the book)
Personal Note: I have scoliosis, serious enough to have needed multiple spinal fusion surgeries. This line hauled me WAY out of the story, and were this a personal review I would have docked another star for how awful it made me feel: "Probably find a sterner spine on a worm with a fucked up case of scoliosis."
I received an ARC in return for a fair review. I am friends with the author on social media.
Tropes: forced proximity, we'll bang it out of our system, friends to lovers, roommates, opposites attract
I'm of two minds about this book. On one hand, the sentences and sentence structure were clunky at times, and that is not what I expect from Naima Simone. Her work usually just 'flows' and a good I’d say 70% of this book does flow; it reads real easy. But the other 30% reads like it was a struggle to write. One the other hand, this is sexy and sweet, and surprisingly deep. Axel is hot Viking of a brooding, grunting hero, while Zenobia is a fierce, gorgeous Amazon woman with a very soft centre. I enjoyed watching them support each other, while navigating some very difficult personal terrain.
CW: chronic illness (asthma), asthma attack requiring hospital treatment, teenage pregnancy (off page, in the past), giving a child up for adoption (off page), unsupportive parents, reconnecting with a biological child, loss of a sibling (off page, in the past), unprotected sex without discussion of their health backgrounds (although that information is conveyed later in the book)
Personal Note: I have scoliosis, serious enough to have needed multiple spinal fusion surgeries. This line hauled me WAY out of the story, and were this a personal review I would have docked another star for how awful it made me feel: "Probably find a sterner spine on a worm with a fucked up case of scoliosis."
I received an ARC in return for a fair review. I am friends with the author on social media.
July 17, 2021
DNF at 70%
Didn't like him and especially didn't like her...
"Fuck polite. Polite can go get gang-banged like adult star on Pornhub." - said by her. 
June 24, 2021
BROODY BRIT by Naima Simone is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story line in the multi-authored Cocky Hero Club series inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s BRITISH BEDMATE. This is thirty year old, British sculptor Axel Wright, and twenty-eight year old, American registered nurse Zenobia Hester’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Zenobia and Axel) BROODY BRIT follows the building romance and relationship between thirty year old British sculptor Axel Wright, and twenty-eight year old registered murder Zenobia Hester. Zenobia’s life is spiralling out of control-her ex boyfriend is in love with another woman; broken pipes and a two week eviction from her apartment; the past coming full circle from both sides of the coin, and accepting the offer to stay at Simon and Bridget’s home finds Zenobia facing a sexy, British sculptor who wants nothing to do with an unannounced roommate. Enter Axel Wright, and the man with whom Zenobia will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zenobia and Axel, and the potential fall-out as Axel’s past refuses to let go, and the return of Simon reinforces the potential for another broken heart.
Axel Wright is in America preparing for an upcoming show. Our hero knows loss, and has struggled for the last eighteen years to move beyond the horrific memories of that fateful day. Meeting Zenobia Hester begins to thaw a heart that has refused to move forward, a heart that wants more than he believes he deserves. Twelve years earlier Zenobia Hester’s life imploded, and in the ensuing years, our heroine has struggled to gain access to the who of her past but a patient at the hospital reminds Zenobia that the past is not far behind, and Axel figures out the truth before anyone else.
The relationship between Zenobia and Axel begins acrimoniously as the ‘broody’ Axel struggles with the roommate he never expected to see. Battling between head and heart, Axel tries to ignore the ache in his chest, a ache for someone and something he lost. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We re introduced to Zenobia’s ex boyfriend James, and his girlfriend Jenna, as well as Dr. Simon and Bridget Hogue; and young accident patient Bethany Mavis.
BROODY BRIT is a story of heart break and loss; family and grief; friendships, relationships, secrets, hope and love. The premise is emotional ; the characters are vulnerable and struggling; the romance is seductive and captivating.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Zenobia and Axel) BROODY BRIT follows the building romance and relationship between thirty year old British sculptor Axel Wright, and twenty-eight year old registered murder Zenobia Hester. Zenobia’s life is spiralling out of control-her ex boyfriend is in love with another woman; broken pipes and a two week eviction from her apartment; the past coming full circle from both sides of the coin, and accepting the offer to stay at Simon and Bridget’s home finds Zenobia facing a sexy, British sculptor who wants nothing to do with an unannounced roommate. Enter Axel Wright, and the man with whom Zenobia will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Zenobia and Axel, and the potential fall-out as Axel’s past refuses to let go, and the return of Simon reinforces the potential for another broken heart.
Axel Wright is in America preparing for an upcoming show. Our hero knows loss, and has struggled for the last eighteen years to move beyond the horrific memories of that fateful day. Meeting Zenobia Hester begins to thaw a heart that has refused to move forward, a heart that wants more than he believes he deserves. Twelve years earlier Zenobia Hester’s life imploded, and in the ensuing years, our heroine has struggled to gain access to the who of her past but a patient at the hospital reminds Zenobia that the past is not far behind, and Axel figures out the truth before anyone else.
The relationship between Zenobia and Axel begins acrimoniously as the ‘broody’ Axel struggles with the roommate he never expected to see. Battling between head and heart, Axel tries to ignore the ache in his chest, a ache for someone and something he lost. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We re introduced to Zenobia’s ex boyfriend James, and his girlfriend Jenna, as well as Dr. Simon and Bridget Hogue; and young accident patient Bethany Mavis.
BROODY BRIT is a story of heart break and loss; family and grief; friendships, relationships, secrets, hope and love. The premise is emotional ; the characters are vulnerable and struggling; the romance is seductive and captivating.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 25, 2021
This was my first book by Naima Simone and I was not disappointed.
I've come to notice that I'm a fan of the broody/grumpy hero and sunshine/strong heroine and this story had that in spades. It's not a long story and it does take a little bit for the characters to get together, but it's all worth it. The tension, the getting to know one another and the opposites attract? All done so well.
Axel and Zenobia are two characters that have been thrown together in a living situation unbeknownst to them. Axel is visiting from London as an artist that needs a place to stay so while his pseudo brother is on vacation, he is staying in their home. Meanwhile, Zenobia is having issues with her apartment, so her friend has offered their place while they are on vacation. When Zenobia wakes to see a tall, tattooed Viking in the kitchen, both of their plans are all shook up.
This story isn't super long and it takes place over a few days, but I loved experiencing the build up of the characters and them getting to know one another. While Axel is a little quiet, he is all alpha and protective and has walls built around him because of his past and Zenobia sees right through everything. She just may be the person to break through. Meanwhile, Zenobia also has a past and it comes to play big time in this story. She may tell people like it is and she may have this positive demeanor, but she also is protecting her heart. It's been broken by more people than she would like to admit.
I enjoyed these characters and liked their story. I liked seeing the representation and the past of Zenobia's. I wish we got a little more of an ending or more epilogue. Maybe that's because I wanted more of these characters. They were both so likable (even if one was broody). I liked that we got Z's past and how it was intertwined with her present and with her relationship with Axel.
Overall, I feel like we were just getting to the "good stuff" and just touched the surface. I wanted more of these two because they just fit and they worked. Give me more of these two!!
I've come to notice that I'm a fan of the broody/grumpy hero and sunshine/strong heroine and this story had that in spades. It's not a long story and it does take a little bit for the characters to get together, but it's all worth it. The tension, the getting to know one another and the opposites attract? All done so well.
Axel and Zenobia are two characters that have been thrown together in a living situation unbeknownst to them. Axel is visiting from London as an artist that needs a place to stay so while his pseudo brother is on vacation, he is staying in their home. Meanwhile, Zenobia is having issues with her apartment, so her friend has offered their place while they are on vacation. When Zenobia wakes to see a tall, tattooed Viking in the kitchen, both of their plans are all shook up.
This story isn't super long and it takes place over a few days, but I loved experiencing the build up of the characters and them getting to know one another. While Axel is a little quiet, he is all alpha and protective and has walls built around him because of his past and Zenobia sees right through everything. She just may be the person to break through. Meanwhile, Zenobia also has a past and it comes to play big time in this story. She may tell people like it is and she may have this positive demeanor, but she also is protecting her heart. It's been broken by more people than she would like to admit.
I enjoyed these characters and liked their story. I liked seeing the representation and the past of Zenobia's. I wish we got a little more of an ending or more epilogue. Maybe that's because I wanted more of these characters. They were both so likable (even if one was broody). I liked that we got Z's past and how it was intertwined with her present and with her relationship with Axel.
Overall, I feel like we were just getting to the "good stuff" and just touched the surface. I wanted more of these two because they just fit and they worked. Give me more of these two!!
June 28, 2021
Naima Simone’s Broody Brit is inspired by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s British Bedmate. I’ve never read them before. I know! I know! Bridget and Simon make appearances in the story and now I want to read about their love affair.
Zenobia Hester is a 28-year-old emergency room nurse at Memorial Hospital trying to overcome her past. She’s also dealing with recently being dumped by her long-term, live-in boyfriend for another nurse at the hospital. I can’t forget about the recent flooding of her apartment that left it a smelly mess, and her temporarily homeless for a few weeks.
Axel Wright is a 30-year-old British art sculptor. He is the younger brother of Simon’s childhood best friend, Blake, who gave his life to save Simon. Axel is relatively a shy man of few words. He has always used art as his safe haven. He isn’t close to his parents or anyone for that matter. In fact, he feels as though his parents wish that it was he who died, and not their beloved son Blake. Axel is asthmatic and believes people view him as weak for being so. He is a rising star in the art world and is scheduled to have his first New York gallery show in a few months. This is what brings him to Providence, Rhode Island.
Simon offers to let Axel live in the apartment over their garage for the next several months while he creates sculptures for his gallery showing. At the same time, Bridget offers to let Zen stay at their house while her apartment is being repaired and cleaned. Bridget, Simon, and their kids go on vacation, and forget to mention to Zen and Axel about the other, or that they will be sharing the house. What results is a hilariously funny meet-cute.
I immediately loved Zen and Axel. They are both characters who burrowed themselves into my heart. The chemistry between these two...It’s like a lit match being drawn near a stick of dynamite. When they come together, the result is a 10 on the Richter scale. Their coupling is hot, intense, passion-filled, and loving.
Really, there’s just nothing to say. Broody Brit is classic Naima Simone. Zenobia is FIERCE. She will make you laugh with her inner NSFW dialogue. She'll make you laugh with her interactions with Axel. While at times she exudes confidence, there's a part of her that's shattered, desperate to be whole. Axel is a man of more grunts than words. But when he speaks, he's heartfelt, deep, and profound. He's so much more than he gives himself credit for. Broody Brit was truly an amazing story that’s best read with an ice-cold glass of water nearby.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Not even God can change the past and let the future take care of itself.”
“There’s such beauty inside you, you know that? It just amazes me.”
“In the battle between pride and love, there aren’t any clear winners.”
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
Zenobia Hester is a 28-year-old emergency room nurse at Memorial Hospital trying to overcome her past. She’s also dealing with recently being dumped by her long-term, live-in boyfriend for another nurse at the hospital. I can’t forget about the recent flooding of her apartment that left it a smelly mess, and her temporarily homeless for a few weeks.
Axel Wright is a 30-year-old British art sculptor. He is the younger brother of Simon’s childhood best friend, Blake, who gave his life to save Simon. Axel is relatively a shy man of few words. He has always used art as his safe haven. He isn’t close to his parents or anyone for that matter. In fact, he feels as though his parents wish that it was he who died, and not their beloved son Blake. Axel is asthmatic and believes people view him as weak for being so. He is a rising star in the art world and is scheduled to have his first New York gallery show in a few months. This is what brings him to Providence, Rhode Island.
Simon offers to let Axel live in the apartment over their garage for the next several months while he creates sculptures for his gallery showing. At the same time, Bridget offers to let Zen stay at their house while her apartment is being repaired and cleaned. Bridget, Simon, and their kids go on vacation, and forget to mention to Zen and Axel about the other, or that they will be sharing the house. What results is a hilariously funny meet-cute.
I immediately loved Zen and Axel. They are both characters who burrowed themselves into my heart. The chemistry between these two...It’s like a lit match being drawn near a stick of dynamite. When they come together, the result is a 10 on the Richter scale. Their coupling is hot, intense, passion-filled, and loving.
Really, there’s just nothing to say. Broody Brit is classic Naima Simone. Zenobia is FIERCE. She will make you laugh with her inner NSFW dialogue. She'll make you laugh with her interactions with Axel. While at times she exudes confidence, there's a part of her that's shattered, desperate to be whole. Axel is a man of more grunts than words. But when he speaks, he's heartfelt, deep, and profound. He's so much more than he gives himself credit for. Broody Brit was truly an amazing story that’s best read with an ice-cold glass of water nearby.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Not even God can change the past and let the future take care of itself.”
“There’s such beauty inside you, you know that? It just amazes me.”
“In the battle between pride and love, there aren’t any clear winners.”
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**
June 30, 2021
I loved Axel and Zenobia together SOOOOO much, they just worked so well! 💛 Will add more of my thoughts later!
June 9, 2021
I FLIPPING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! From the first moment author Naima Simone teased this book on her Facebook page, I was hooked. Hot, broody, British, tatted artist Axel Wright meets ER nurse Zenobia Hester under less than glamorous circumstances. (Let’s just say Taylor Swift and flying food make cause for an interesting meet cute moment). Broody Brit is part of the Cocky Hero Club world of Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland so it was great getting to revisit those characters.
For anyone who is a fan of Pippa Grant’s character, Ares Berger, you might want to check out Axel. He doesn’t have much to say, but when he does, he gets you all up in your feelings. I just wish there was an epilogue featuring Axel’s NY gallery showing. But all in all, the wait was definitely worth the time to read. This is probably my most favorite book from Naima Simone and Axel will always be one of my top book boyfriends!!
For anyone who is a fan of Pippa Grant’s character, Ares Berger, you might want to check out Axel. He doesn’t have much to say, but when he does, he gets you all up in your feelings. I just wish there was an epilogue featuring Axel’s NY gallery showing. But all in all, the wait was definitely worth the time to read. This is probably my most favorite book from Naima Simone and Axel will always be one of my top book boyfriends!!
June 27, 2021
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / AUDIO
Zenobia's life circumstances have her staying with her friends Bridget and Simon (from British Bedmate) when she finds out, in a very unsettling way, that she's got a roommie there. A very hot, monosyllabic, Brit roommate who growls at her about her taste in music (yuck, Taylor Swift - I don't blame him for growling!) and her taste in food (grits). But though Axel seems unmoved by her other than having disdain for her choices, he's really just a wounded artist who is as attracted to her as she is to him. But will she be able to let him go when their "arrangement" comes to a screeching halt, prompted by his brutally cold words?
Axel is highly damaged by his past, and it's made him retreat into himself. He keeps people at a distance, too afraid of being rejected or abandoned, that he does it first, in hurtful ways. But, after Simon gives him a talking to, will he come to realize just how much he's gotten wrong, and how much he'll be missing if he let's lie what happened with Zenobia?
Broody Brit is the perfect example of why I love Naima's writing - two lovable, complex characters, hot chemistry, and an emotional connection that stands above the physical. About the only thing that could have made it better is if there were an epilogue, because I wanted lots more of Zenobia and Axel together. This is definitely a very worthy addition to the Cocky Hero Club.
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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February 4, 2023
This started great. A sassy nurse and a broody Viking-looking hottie in forced proximity? Put it in my veins!
But there was so much going on. First, the writing was all exposition and metaphors. Some of it was truly hilarious but after a while I got impatient. There was an adoptive daughter and other woman drama, the hero had asthma and survivor's guilt and it was just a lot to unpack in this short format. Also, he was her pet and if there was ever a less sexy nickname I can't think of it. I got bored and skimmed most of it.
Tropes
Forced Proximity
Grumpy hero
⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
But there was so much going on. First, the writing was all exposition and metaphors. Some of it was truly hilarious but after a while I got impatient. There was an adoptive daughter and other woman drama, the hero had asthma and survivor's guilt and it was just a lot to unpack in this short format. Also, he was her pet and if there was ever a less sexy nickname I can't think of it. I got bored and skimmed most of it.
Tropes
Forced Proximity
Grumpy hero
⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
July 2, 2021
I can’t even begin to explain all the ways this book burrowed into my heart. It is perfection. Zenobia is giving and funny and badass and so wonderful but also hurting. Axel is big and broody and doesn’t talk much but it’s a brilliant artist and also broken in many ways. They are hotter than hot together but watching the softness is what I loved. It was amazing and I didn’t want it to end!!!
July 20, 2021
I kept seeing people talking about this book so I took a chance on this new to me author and I was not let down! I am a sucker for a Brit and I'm familiar with the world this takes place in so I had no problem reading this basically in one sitting!
Now to check out this author's backlist!
Now to check out this author's backlist!
September 11, 2021
TW/CW: Death of a Sibling, Teen Pregnancy/Adoption, medical content, asthma attack, cheating
Did not expect to feel sooooo many emotions!! Bring tissues!!
Did not expect to feel sooooo many emotions!! Bring tissues!!
July 20, 2021
Broody/grumpy hero was actually a sweetheart
December 20, 2025
I needed a happily ever after epilogue 😭🥰
June 27, 2021
This was a fantastic read. Smoking hot, of course, but also quite emotional in places. Readers will fall in love with these characters so much, they won’t be able to stop from losing themselves right alongside the POV character, feeling much more than they expected to feel when the story first began.
I laughed, I cried, I loved.
So, so good.
*Full review: https://okiedreams.com/broody-brit-by...*
I laughed, I cried, I loved.
So, so good.
*Full review: https://okiedreams.com/broody-brit-by...*
March 19, 2025
The first time I read this book it was on KU. It wasn’t long after that I purchased it as I knew it was a reread book. And sure enough I still love it just as much as I did the first time I read it.
(**)(**)(**)(**)(**)(**)(**)
If given only one word to describe this book it would be beautiful. It’s exactly the kind of book I love and read and reread.
Zenobia is our heroine. She’s staying at friends of hers while they are on vacation as her own apartment is being worked on. She’s a nurse in the Emergency Department and she loves her job though it can be very stressful. And she’s a wonderful heroine who I adore. She meets hero Axel in an unusual way. She’s making breakfast one morning, singing a Taylor Swift song at the top of her lungs when she turns around, sees a Viking and threatens him with grits. The Viking is Axel though he’s not really a Viking, just looks like one. Seems he also was invited to stay at her friends home, the husband is Axel’s best friend. Axel turned them down, then changed his mind at the last minute and arrived from England late the night before. Things don’t get off to the best start. He accuses her in his British accent of being a Swiftie. That she NOT, it was just the song itself she really liked.
So it looks like they are going to be roomies for the next couple of weeks until her apartment is done. Axel is an artist who works with metal, mostly scrap metal he finds and turns it into incredibly beautiful works of art. He’s going to have his own show in NewYork so he’s staying in the US. And Axel absolutely breaks my heart. He’s the very best hero I’ve read in a long, long time. His beloved brother drowned a number of years previously and his parents withdrew from him, leaving him thinking his parents wished it was him rather than his brother. He was quite sickly growing up, was quiet without many friends and he has continued with that belief. But he grew up to be gorgeous, though he doesn’t see it, and working with heavy metals has helped him beef up. So the Axel on the outside doesn’t match the Axel on the inside.
Once things are cleared up to who’s who between he and Zenobia, things develop quickly between them. They are both wildly attracted to each other though Axel doesn’t see himself as nearly good enough for her. And though on a physical level things are good, it goes much deeper. Zenobia really sees the inner Axel and is blown away by him. And she confesses things to him she has never told anyone else. They are open and honest with each other and I’m so impressed with that. There are no surprise secrets to break them apart. For me this book is perfection.
Though I have a small number of books in my TBR pile, this is the first one I’ve read but it’s 100% not going to be my last. I’m shocked she’s not on many readers best author lists if her other books are as well written and enjoyable as Broody Britt. It’s beautiful.
(**)(**)(**)(**)(**)(**)(**)
If given only one word to describe this book it would be beautiful. It’s exactly the kind of book I love and read and reread.
Zenobia is our heroine. She’s staying at friends of hers while they are on vacation as her own apartment is being worked on. She’s a nurse in the Emergency Department and she loves her job though it can be very stressful. And she’s a wonderful heroine who I adore. She meets hero Axel in an unusual way. She’s making breakfast one morning, singing a Taylor Swift song at the top of her lungs when she turns around, sees a Viking and threatens him with grits. The Viking is Axel though he’s not really a Viking, just looks like one. Seems he also was invited to stay at her friends home, the husband is Axel’s best friend. Axel turned them down, then changed his mind at the last minute and arrived from England late the night before. Things don’t get off to the best start. He accuses her in his British accent of being a Swiftie. That she NOT, it was just the song itself she really liked.
So it looks like they are going to be roomies for the next couple of weeks until her apartment is done. Axel is an artist who works with metal, mostly scrap metal he finds and turns it into incredibly beautiful works of art. He’s going to have his own show in NewYork so he’s staying in the US. And Axel absolutely breaks my heart. He’s the very best hero I’ve read in a long, long time. His beloved brother drowned a number of years previously and his parents withdrew from him, leaving him thinking his parents wished it was him rather than his brother. He was quite sickly growing up, was quiet without many friends and he has continued with that belief. But he grew up to be gorgeous, though he doesn’t see it, and working with heavy metals has helped him beef up. So the Axel on the outside doesn’t match the Axel on the inside.
Once things are cleared up to who’s who between he and Zenobia, things develop quickly between them. They are both wildly attracted to each other though Axel doesn’t see himself as nearly good enough for her. And though on a physical level things are good, it goes much deeper. Zenobia really sees the inner Axel and is blown away by him. And she confesses things to him she has never told anyone else. They are open and honest with each other and I’m so impressed with that. There are no surprise secrets to break them apart. For me this book is perfection.
Though I have a small number of books in my TBR pile, this is the first one I’ve read but it’s 100% not going to be my last. I’m shocked she’s not on many readers best author lists if her other books are as well written and enjoyable as Broody Britt. It’s beautiful.
July 1, 2021
I bought this book because the man on the cover is hot and I am a big Naima Simone fan.
Zenobia, a seasoned nurse and Axel, a British metal sculptor find themselves sharing their mutual friends' house due to poor planning.
After a confrontational first encounter, sparks fly! The taciturn artist cannot deny his attraction to the down-on-her-luck but strong, mouthy yet sensitive woman.
Both Zenobia and Axel hide a tragic past that bring them closer. They can understand each other with few words and even less judgement. But will their sizzling attraction lead to something permanent?...
It was an easy enough read, but I found the constant use of coarse language a little off putting. Naima is way above expressions as:
"Polite can go get gang-banged like an adult star on Pornhub."
"Somebody really needs to arse fuck me with a goddamn enema for this sudden case of verbal diarrhea."
“...I hope you both contract a particularly virulent and stubborn STD from a bag of diseased dicks...”
The author's been more introspective and witty before. The story also didn't flow as smoothly as it could have (and to be honest, I didn't really like the H & h). I beleive the secondary characters (Simon, Calliope etc.) are "established" in another series, but all I could think about was
Quick read that I'm sure many would enjoy, but not a standout for me.
Zenobia, a seasoned nurse and Axel, a British metal sculptor find themselves sharing their mutual friends' house due to poor planning.
After a confrontational first encounter, sparks fly! The taciturn artist cannot deny his attraction to the down-on-her-luck but strong, mouthy yet sensitive woman.
Both Zenobia and Axel hide a tragic past that bring them closer. They can understand each other with few words and even less judgement. But will their sizzling attraction lead to something permanent?...
It was an easy enough read, but I found the constant use of coarse language a little off putting. Naima is way above expressions as:
"Polite can go get gang-banged like an adult star on Pornhub."
"Somebody really needs to arse fuck me with a goddamn enema for this sudden case of verbal diarrhea."
“...I hope you both contract a particularly virulent and stubborn STD from a bag of diseased dicks...”
The author's been more introspective and witty before. The story also didn't flow as smoothly as it could have (and to be honest, I didn't really like the H & h). I beleive the secondary characters (Simon, Calliope etc.) are "established" in another series, but all I could think about was
Quick read that I'm sure many would enjoy, but not a standout for me.
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