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The Painted Daisies #3
Cherry Brandy
For years, Special Agent Holden Kent has been my broody, unshakable shadow. To him, I’m nothing but an assignment—a reckless rock star he’s babysitting on his way to the Presidential detail.
But every time his stormy gaze finds mine, it sparks heat under my skin, awakening cravings I swore I didn’t need.
When the hate group targeting my father turns its fury on me, the threat is impossible to ignore. Suddenly, it seems my bandmate’s murder might not have been random—and I may be the next mark. Forced into hiding with only Holden to protect me and one bed to share, the line between duty and desire blurs.
I was never meant to want my bodyguard. He was never meant to touch his client.
But passion this dangerous doesn’t care about rules… and it could cost us everything.
Behind the spotlight, the greatest battles are for love.
Start The Painted Daisies today and discover fiery rock stars and the men who’d burn the world for them as they claim the justice and love they deserve.
But every time his stormy gaze finds mine, it sparks heat under my skin, awakening cravings I swore I didn’t need.
When the hate group targeting my father turns its fury on me, the threat is impossible to ignore. Suddenly, it seems my bandmate’s murder might not have been random—and I may be the next mark. Forced into hiding with only Holden to protect me and one bed to share, the line between duty and desire blurs.
I was never meant to want my bodyguard. He was never meant to touch his client.
But passion this dangerous doesn’t care about rules… and it could cost us everything.
Behind the spotlight, the greatest battles are for love.
Start The Painted Daisies today and discover fiery rock stars and the men who’d burn the world for them as they claim the justice and love they deserve.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2023
114 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Evans
32 books1,325 followersAward-winning author LJ Evans lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's written compulsively since she was a little girl, often getting derailed from what she should be doing by a song lyric that sends her scrambling to jot a scene down.
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.
Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.
Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com
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November 7, 2023
Cherry Brandy is book three in The Painted Daisies series by L.J. Evans. This series revolves around an all girl rock band, each book focuses on a different member but there is mystery that runs throughout the series tying them all together. While you could pick up enough to be able to read this as a stand alone, you would have a better connection to the characters if you read them in order.
Now is fan girling time! OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!!! This book!!! Every book in this series ramps up a little higher. This book is AMAZING!!! I don’t know how L.J. does it. The plot is complex, the characters are beautifully written. The suspense was crazy. All of it was just wonderful.
Leya Singh is twenty six years old and is the sitar player in the band. She is also the Vice President’s daughter. The band is on a three week break so she is home with her family. Leya was informally matched when she was fifteen years old as is tradition in her family. An arranged marriage was a way to enter into a union with someone who was your perfect match in every way, taking lust out of the equation. Only as she got older, she felt less and less confidence in her decision. She felt nothing around him. She barely even knew him. In contrast, she felt EVERYTHING when she was around the head of her security detail, the man that went with her everywhere. The man her family would never approve of.
Special Agent Holden Kent is twenty nine years old. He has been Leya’s bodyguard for two years. And for two years, he has fought against the electricity that zaps between them. Since Holden was a child, he has always known he wanted to work for the Secret Service as his father did. His goal being to be on the president’s service. He’s so close. He can’t give in to these feelings and throw it all away.
“He’d vowed to protect her. So he would. Even if that meant saving her from himself.”
There is a hate group, For Greater Tomorrows, that is threatening the Vice President. Now they have focused on Leya. To keep both she and her family safe, Leya and Holden are forced to flee. In hiding, in a cabin with only one bed, they both fight against their feelings until it becomes too much. They only have each other to depend on, to trust. They are finally able to allow themselves to see the true person they are, and the possibilities of a future, of love. Only once they are out of their bubble, will their feelings survive the real world? That is, if they make it out!
This book!! I couldn’t put it down! LJ’s writing is so beautiful. And the way she sets up each book, with the chapters building up to the peak and then the chapters afterwards. It’s hard to explain but I love the way she did it. I loved Holden and Leya together. If you haven’t started this series yet, I can’t urge you strongly enough to start now! You will fall in love with these diverse women who love so strongly. And with the men who will give up anything and everything to keep them safe. The next book in the series will be Blue Marguerite and I am so excited. I can’t wait to have it in my greedy little hands.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Now is fan girling time! OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!!! This book!!! Every book in this series ramps up a little higher. This book is AMAZING!!! I don’t know how L.J. does it. The plot is complex, the characters are beautifully written. The suspense was crazy. All of it was just wonderful.
Leya Singh is twenty six years old and is the sitar player in the band. She is also the Vice President’s daughter. The band is on a three week break so she is home with her family. Leya was informally matched when she was fifteen years old as is tradition in her family. An arranged marriage was a way to enter into a union with someone who was your perfect match in every way, taking lust out of the equation. Only as she got older, she felt less and less confidence in her decision. She felt nothing around him. She barely even knew him. In contrast, she felt EVERYTHING when she was around the head of her security detail, the man that went with her everywhere. The man her family would never approve of.
Special Agent Holden Kent is twenty nine years old. He has been Leya’s bodyguard for two years. And for two years, he has fought against the electricity that zaps between them. Since Holden was a child, he has always known he wanted to work for the Secret Service as his father did. His goal being to be on the president’s service. He’s so close. He can’t give in to these feelings and throw it all away.
“He’d vowed to protect her. So he would. Even if that meant saving her from himself.”
There is a hate group, For Greater Tomorrows, that is threatening the Vice President. Now they have focused on Leya. To keep both she and her family safe, Leya and Holden are forced to flee. In hiding, in a cabin with only one bed, they both fight against their feelings until it becomes too much. They only have each other to depend on, to trust. They are finally able to allow themselves to see the true person they are, and the possibilities of a future, of love. Only once they are out of their bubble, will their feelings survive the real world? That is, if they make it out!
This book!! I couldn’t put it down! LJ’s writing is so beautiful. And the way she sets up each book, with the chapters building up to the peak and then the chapters afterwards. It’s hard to explain but I love the way she did it. I loved Holden and Leya together. If you haven’t started this series yet, I can’t urge you strongly enough to start now! You will fall in love with these diverse women who love so strongly. And with the men who will give up anything and everything to keep them safe. The next book in the series will be Blue Marguerite and I am so excited. I can’t wait to have it in my greedy little hands.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 4, 2023
It's a beautifully written romantic thriller that keeps you on the edge of the seat at all times. Infused with political Intrigue and corruption of power, this story could be true and perhaps has been and looking at past few years, this scary scenario is explored in detail by Ms Evans.
This latest one from her delivers on all counts.
It has forbidden romance with all the drama. Everything that can go wrong between goes horribly topsy-turvy.
There's car chases, reckless crashes, bullets fly and adrenaline pumps at thermo nuclear speed.
A race around the country trying to dodge people hell bent on destroying everything is the central theme.
But LJ takes it to the next level by skillfully weaving the predominant problem facing today's America - bigotry and racism.
It's very delicately handled and masterfully written. All throughout the stabilizing family dynamic, so important in Indian culture, was explored and detailed with great precision and integrity.
Generally I see typical Bollywood movies loosely translated and catered to the rest of the world, but LJ makes the story her own. Treading with respect and authenticity, she has been fabulous in penning a transitional world with modern day threats.
I was the sensitivity reader and she listened to my feedback with grace and politeness.
I'm so happy the readers will get to explore Indian culture in a modern setting
5 stars for Avenger Man
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This latest one from her delivers on all counts.
It has forbidden romance with all the drama. Everything that can go wrong between goes horribly topsy-turvy.
There's car chases, reckless crashes, bullets fly and adrenaline pumps at thermo nuclear speed.
A race around the country trying to dodge people hell bent on destroying everything is the central theme.
But LJ takes it to the next level by skillfully weaving the predominant problem facing today's America - bigotry and racism.
It's very delicately handled and masterfully written. All throughout the stabilizing family dynamic, so important in Indian culture, was explored and detailed with great precision and integrity.
Generally I see typical Bollywood movies loosely translated and catered to the rest of the world, but LJ makes the story her own. Treading with respect and authenticity, she has been fabulous in penning a transitional world with modern day threats.
I was the sensitivity reader and she listened to my feedback with grace and politeness.
I'm so happy the readers will get to explore Indian culture in a modern setting
5 stars for Avenger Man
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
May 15, 2023
I've come to associate L.J. Evans with slow burn romance but good god what have you done with this? The tension, danger, urgency to keep her safe at all cost?!
Every book brings something new to the table. And Holden brought one of my favorite characters in LJ's writing history so far. It was painful to watch him denying himself and Leya the passion and love they were feeling, but he knew he needed to keep her safe. I was going bonkers while I waited for every single kiss, touch to happen. To tell you the truth I'm not even mad that there are not many spicy scenes, because the flow of the story was perfect without it.
And here we are still nowhere near to finding out who the killer is. Hopefully I'll get some clue in the next book because not knowing is driving me crazy.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Every book brings something new to the table. And Holden brought one of my favorite characters in LJ's writing history so far. It was painful to watch him denying himself and Leya the passion and love they were feeling, but he knew he needed to keep her safe. I was going bonkers while I waited for every single kiss, touch to happen. To tell you the truth I'm not even mad that there are not many spicy scenes, because the flow of the story was perfect without it.
And here we are still nowhere near to finding out who the killer is. Hopefully I'll get some clue in the next book because not knowing is driving me crazy.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
May 17, 2023
While this book is a standalone in an interconnected series, it is best read in order to follow the underlying mystery that was the death of the sixth Daisy.
It was so hard to both savor this book and want to rush through reading it. Leya and Holden's story was full of intrigue, mystery, and forbidden love. It delved into touchy subjects such as corruption, racism, and politics.
Leya is a strong, vibrant, independent woman. She's tolerated her Secret Service detail using wit and sarcasm if only to tamp down her true feelings for him. Holden is a dedicated, goal- and task-oriented, straight-laced Secret Service member. His task is to protect Leya at any cost. He relied on his instincts to make calculated risks. When they are forced together in close proximity, the walls come down between them and they share many conversations and deep-seated feelings. Together they help each other see a future together, one where they are happily doing the things they love.
This series just gets better and better as the stories unfold. I may like this one just a wee bit more because Holden's mother is named Vera (after me and I dare anyone to tell me it isn't so).
Only a few more weeks to dive into Adria's story. We're getting closer to solving the overarching mystery!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
It was so hard to both savor this book and want to rush through reading it. Leya and Holden's story was full of intrigue, mystery, and forbidden love. It delved into touchy subjects such as corruption, racism, and politics.
Leya is a strong, vibrant, independent woman. She's tolerated her Secret Service detail using wit and sarcasm if only to tamp down her true feelings for him. Holden is a dedicated, goal- and task-oriented, straight-laced Secret Service member. His task is to protect Leya at any cost. He relied on his instincts to make calculated risks. When they are forced together in close proximity, the walls come down between them and they share many conversations and deep-seated feelings. Together they help each other see a future together, one where they are happily doing the things they love.
This series just gets better and better as the stories unfold. I may like this one just a wee bit more because Holden's mother is named Vera (after me and I dare anyone to tell me it isn't so).
Only a few more weeks to dive into Adria's story. We're getting closer to solving the overarching mystery!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
May 17, 2023
I couldn’t read this fast enough. Holden has spent his whole life preparing for life as a Secret Service Agent but he wasn’t prepared for Leya. Leya too had her life mapped out and she made difficult and unpopular decisions but she never wavered once she listened to her heart. Life is funny….it throws us curve balls that alter our whole future and sometimes that future is so much better than we could’ve ever imagined. For me a great book is one I’m thinking about even when I’m not reading, it’s a book I can’t wait to get back to after work, it’s a book I’m willing to sacrifice sleep for….Cherry Brandy was definitely all those things and more! I absolutely love that LJ Evans sprinkled cultural information throughout this book…that was a definite bonus.
May 4, 2023
The joy and happiness this book brings will fill your heart to bursting! Leya and Holden find love when they least expect it and in turn, find their true path in life.
Leya is a strong and caring woman with a beautiful soul. I love her artistic nature and how freely she shares her beliefs. Holden is an honor bound man with lists of goals he wants to accomplish, but he realizes that there's so much more life to live. These two unlikely lovers complete one another in a way no one else could. Holden tries to fight their soul deep connection because of the many consequences their relationship would bring. As they get to know one another better, they both realize that together they can get through any consequence.
Holden is a fierce protector and all around amazing man. He fights to keep Leya safe, both physically and emotionally. Leya helps Holden to see a whole new life for himself, one of love and happiness. These two are just everything! I couldn't get enough! I love how they blend their lives together so perfectly and love with their whole beings. This series just keeps getting better. Chef's kiss!!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Leya is a strong and caring woman with a beautiful soul. I love her artistic nature and how freely she shares her beliefs. Holden is an honor bound man with lists of goals he wants to accomplish, but he realizes that there's so much more life to live. These two unlikely lovers complete one another in a way no one else could. Holden tries to fight their soul deep connection because of the many consequences their relationship would bring. As they get to know one another better, they both realize that together they can get through any consequence.
Holden is a fierce protector and all around amazing man. He fights to keep Leya safe, both physically and emotionally. Leya helps Holden to see a whole new life for himself, one of love and happiness. These two are just everything! I couldn't get enough! I love how they blend their lives together so perfectly and love with their whole beings. This series just keeps getting better. Chef's kiss!!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 7, 2023
I’m absolutely obsessed with this series, I love each book more than the last and yet all the same amount. I will be sad when this series is over that I can say for certain. I love the secret service agent, (vice) president’s daughter trope, and especially the bodyguard trope. Leya and Holden are so perfect together, I love that while Holden keeps his distance as her bodyguard, they body have a decent amount of respect and understanding of each other, even if it’s all unspoken.
I loved learning more about Leya’s culture and seeing her POV after listening to her comment on love in the past two books. It really showcases who she is, what she believes in, and her reasoning for all of her thoughts. Holden’s respect for her culture and beliefs is absolutely amazing and it made me cry a few times’!
The suspense plot line had me hooked and I guessed totally wrong, but it brought a decent amount of drama, and plenty of heartbreak as many people are going to relate to what is happening to Leya. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I loved learning more about Leya’s culture and seeing her POV after listening to her comment on love in the past two books. It really showcases who she is, what she believes in, and her reasoning for all of her thoughts. Holden’s respect for her culture and beliefs is absolutely amazing and it made me cry a few times’!
The suspense plot line had me hooked and I guessed totally wrong, but it brought a decent amount of drama, and plenty of heartbreak as many people are going to relate to what is happening to Leya. I can’t wait to read the next book!
June 19, 2023
I sound like a broken record, but every book in this series gets better and better, and Cherry Brandy is my new favorite.
I saw something simmering between Leya and Holden from the beginning but didn't know how deep it went for them both. This bodyguard, slow-burn romance lit up every page, and I loved when they were on the run and had to role play, and found no pretending was needed - at all. I am in awe at how LJ Evans crafted this series. The overarching mystery weeded through each book connects each story yet they all stand on their own with their own intrigue and danger. I melted into a puddle over Special Agent Holden Kent and have a massive girl crush on Leya. And I adored the Last One You Loved cross over. All the stars in the sky for this awesome story!
I saw something simmering between Leya and Holden from the beginning but didn't know how deep it went for them both. This bodyguard, slow-burn romance lit up every page, and I loved when they were on the run and had to role play, and found no pretending was needed - at all. I am in awe at how LJ Evans crafted this series. The overarching mystery weeded through each book connects each story yet they all stand on their own with their own intrigue and danger. I melted into a puddle over Special Agent Holden Kent and have a massive girl crush on Leya. And I adored the Last One You Loved cross over. All the stars in the sky for this awesome story!
January 9, 2024
Cherry Brandy (The Painted Daisies, #3) is a suspenseful read with romance sprinkled through the pages. I love everything this author writes and this book is a With a unsolved mystery from previous books, this one brings more unexpected twists. L. J. Evans weaves this forbidden love romance with a mysterious arc that keeps you on your toes. A beautiful romance with two people from different backgrounds and culture that come together in this angsty read. Another great book with a hea in this exciting series. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 18, 2023
"All the pieces of your life came together to bring you to me."
This is the third book in the series, and while it wasn’t my favorite, if you like the idea of finding your fated mate, the one you’re supposed to spend your life with, then I guarantee you’ll love this book.
"When he looked at her…it was like he saw everything. Every pore, every vein, every muscle. But more importantly, every thought and wish."
It’s really hard not to love Holden. He kind of makes it impossible. I love his protective streak, which clearly comes not only from his job but also from the connection he has with Leya. I love that he would gladly take a bullet for her. For them.
"Strong. Vibrant. Leya."
Leya was harder for me. On the one hand, I loved reading more about her culture, and I love the way she is. On the other hand, she read like an 18–20-year-old. She wasn’t very mature, she seemed flighty at times, and she was too sheltered. I found it hard to believe her age.
"A job. The protectee. The person he’d give his life for but not someone he’d lose everything for."
Holden is the Secret Service agent assigned to protect Leya, the vice president’s daughter, so he’s not supposed to catch feelings. Neither is she. She’s his charge, and he’s her protector. But they’ve grown accustomed to being together, and while they banter all the time, there are feelings there. Lust and chemistry? Yes, of course. But also more than that.
"I can’t do that. I can’t protect you if you keep looking at me like that."
"Maybe protection isn’t what I need,"
When Leya needs to run away because she’s being targeted for her heritage, Holden is there for her, just like he’s always been. And their close proximity is going to make it so much harder for them to pretend that nothing’s happening, even though they’re aware they shouldn’t and that the repercussions can be serious for both of them.
"He only cared about the soft gasp that escaped her as he swooped back in to take every single breath she gave. They were his. He was never giving them back."
I feel like I need to mention that the book is absolutely, 100% slow burn, and it only has one sex scene—which is very tame—at around 90%. If you’re into steamier books, this may not be for you.
I also had an issue with the suspense part of the book. I needed suspension of disbelief to be able to read it because some of it felt absolutely far-fetched to me, unlike previous LJ Evans books.
"You. Me. That’s all that matters. Not what others label us. Not what our parents think. Not our jobs, or where we live, or who the media thinks we are. Just us."
That being said, I loved the two of them together. I loved it when they were able to forget who they were for a while and pretend like they were someone else with a simpler life. I loved how connected they were. I’m a firm believer in soulmates, so I think it helped me love their story.
"There is only you. For the rest of my life. For all my next lives. Until time stops."
Their HEA was beautiful. Two totally different people, with two very different cultures and backgrounds coming together simply because of love. It just goes to show what love can do if you let it.
This is the third book in the series, and while it wasn’t my favorite, if you like the idea of finding your fated mate, the one you’re supposed to spend your life with, then I guarantee you’ll love this book.
"When he looked at her…it was like he saw everything. Every pore, every vein, every muscle. But more importantly, every thought and wish."
It’s really hard not to love Holden. He kind of makes it impossible. I love his protective streak, which clearly comes not only from his job but also from the connection he has with Leya. I love that he would gladly take a bullet for her. For them.
"Strong. Vibrant. Leya."
Leya was harder for me. On the one hand, I loved reading more about her culture, and I love the way she is. On the other hand, she read like an 18–20-year-old. She wasn’t very mature, she seemed flighty at times, and she was too sheltered. I found it hard to believe her age.
"A job. The protectee. The person he’d give his life for but not someone he’d lose everything for."
Holden is the Secret Service agent assigned to protect Leya, the vice president’s daughter, so he’s not supposed to catch feelings. Neither is she. She’s his charge, and he’s her protector. But they’ve grown accustomed to being together, and while they banter all the time, there are feelings there. Lust and chemistry? Yes, of course. But also more than that.
"I can’t do that. I can’t protect you if you keep looking at me like that."
"Maybe protection isn’t what I need,"
When Leya needs to run away because she’s being targeted for her heritage, Holden is there for her, just like he’s always been. And their close proximity is going to make it so much harder for them to pretend that nothing’s happening, even though they’re aware they shouldn’t and that the repercussions can be serious for both of them.
"He only cared about the soft gasp that escaped her as he swooped back in to take every single breath she gave. They were his. He was never giving them back."
I feel like I need to mention that the book is absolutely, 100% slow burn, and it only has one sex scene—which is very tame—at around 90%. If you’re into steamier books, this may not be for you.
I also had an issue with the suspense part of the book. I needed suspension of disbelief to be able to read it because some of it felt absolutely far-fetched to me, unlike previous LJ Evans books.
"You. Me. That’s all that matters. Not what others label us. Not what our parents think. Not our jobs, or where we live, or who the media thinks we are. Just us."
That being said, I loved the two of them together. I loved it when they were able to forget who they were for a while and pretend like they were someone else with a simpler life. I loved how connected they were. I’m a firm believer in soulmates, so I think it helped me love their story.
"There is only you. For the rest of my life. For all my next lives. Until time stops."
Their HEA was beautiful. Two totally different people, with two very different cultures and backgrounds coming together simply because of love. It just goes to show what love can do if you let it.
May 24, 2023
4.5 Stars
‘When he looked at her…it was like he saw everything. Every pore, every vein, every muscle. But more importantly, every thought and wish – even the ones she thrust into the recesses of her mind, locking them away.’
Cherry Brandy by L.J. Evans is the third book in The Painted Daisies series and once again this Author wowed us, this time with Holden and Leya’s story. This series is so well written and utterly compelling. We just can’t get enough. Every book has a standalone romance making you feel content when finishing, yet anxious for more clues in the murder from book one. The continuing suspense and thrilling storyline continue, and we still have no clue who the murderer is, but we do have our very own theories from the clues dotted here and there. What we do know for sure is that LJ Evans knows how to write suspense, high emotion, and swoony slow build romances. The tension and the chemistry are off the charts.
“I need to protect you. Do you understand that?...I can’t do that. I can’t protect you if you keep looking at me like that.”
Leya Singh is another important member of The Painted Daisies, however, she is also the daughter of the Vice President so has her own security detail which includes Holden Kent aka Captain Annoying. The forbidden heat between them is all consuming and we felt their chemistry and soul searing attraction. When horrific events occur, Holden must go into hiding with Leya and their relationship becomes so intense neither stands a chance at leaving the other alone. We felt their passion every step of the way and were rooting for them when the consequences of their relationship fell at their feet.
‘Leya had lived too long in the shadows of other great people, and now she wanted to be the sun. She wanted to be the light. The flame. The one burning, demanding others to take notice.’
We cannot recommend this series highly enough, it has everything a reader would want in their suspense romance and every single book in this series has felt different and new, despite the overreaching murder mystery. What a treat it is for us to read The Painted Daisies series where each bandmember is getting their happy ever after, we truly feel like we’re coming home to loved ones every time we start a new book. Only two more books to go and we just know we’ll miss them all once it’s over.
‘For the first time in his life, he’d completely lost control, understanding what addiction truly felt like, being drawn over and over again to the one thing you knew would tear your world apart.’
#TBBSeriesRec #RockStarRomance #ForbiddenRomance #Suspense
Ebook
Paperback
May 14, 2023
Stunning Story of Choosing to Take the Leap
Snuggling in with the next book in a series you can’t get enough of is always a wonderful feeling. When the book drops you into an emotionally charged thrill ride, rife with page-turning intensity, vivid imagery, and characters you will never ever get enough of, you must be reading a book from LJ Evans’s Painted Daisies series. And when characters who quietly worked their way into my mind in books one and two steal my heart in book three, I’m left sitting here trying to write a review while recovering from a massive book hangover.
Not just another bodyguard romance, Cherry Brandy is a stunning slow burn, incendiary love story, made so much more intense because of the overarching plot woven between the books and characters in the series. Evans provides even more backstory and layers to the Daisies continuous plot line, while still developing a beautiful love story between Holden and Leya that blooms into characters and events as vivid as the auras Leya sees. They jump off the page and into your heart from the very beginning.
And while there is the usual opposites attract angst between Leya and Holden, the true beauty of their relationship is how all-in they are once they recognize and understand their true feelings for each other. There is something really wonderful about an external conflict that shows the main characters how incredibly perfect they are for each other.
Cherry Brandy is a deeply honest story, fraught with emotions that live within the confines of socially charged themes. Evans does a fantastic job of weaving those dilemmas, concerns, and fears into the characters and story, without being heavy-handed, patronizing, or preachy. The struggles are part of who the characters are as individuals, and the ways they approach and resolve them with determination, strength and trust—in themselves and each other—creates an even deeper bond between the characters, and between the characters and the reader as well.
While Cherry Brandy has its own self-contained story-line and HEA, I feel it is definitely best read within the continuum of the Painted Daisies series. And since all three books so far have been absolutely spectacular, and I have no doubt the remaining two will be equally as enthralling, reading the entire series should be a forgone conclusion for every romance reader.
Snuggling in with the next book in a series you can’t get enough of is always a wonderful feeling. When the book drops you into an emotionally charged thrill ride, rife with page-turning intensity, vivid imagery, and characters you will never ever get enough of, you must be reading a book from LJ Evans’s Painted Daisies series. And when characters who quietly worked their way into my mind in books one and two steal my heart in book three, I’m left sitting here trying to write a review while recovering from a massive book hangover.
Not just another bodyguard romance, Cherry Brandy is a stunning slow burn, incendiary love story, made so much more intense because of the overarching plot woven between the books and characters in the series. Evans provides even more backstory and layers to the Daisies continuous plot line, while still developing a beautiful love story between Holden and Leya that blooms into characters and events as vivid as the auras Leya sees. They jump off the page and into your heart from the very beginning.
And while there is the usual opposites attract angst between Leya and Holden, the true beauty of their relationship is how all-in they are once they recognize and understand their true feelings for each other. There is something really wonderful about an external conflict that shows the main characters how incredibly perfect they are for each other.
Cherry Brandy is a deeply honest story, fraught with emotions that live within the confines of socially charged themes. Evans does a fantastic job of weaving those dilemmas, concerns, and fears into the characters and story, without being heavy-handed, patronizing, or preachy. The struggles are part of who the characters are as individuals, and the ways they approach and resolve them with determination, strength and trust—in themselves and each other—creates an even deeper bond between the characters, and between the characters and the reader as well.
While Cherry Brandy has its own self-contained story-line and HEA, I feel it is definitely best read within the continuum of the Painted Daisies series. And since all three books so far have been absolutely spectacular, and I have no doubt the remaining two will be equally as enthralling, reading the entire series should be a forgone conclusion for every romance reader.
May 16, 2023
Leya Singh is the Sitar player for the Painted Daisies, and she loves being in the band and traveling with them on their concert tour. She’s also the Vice President’s daughter which means she has a Secret Service detail traveling with her. True to her Indian heritage, she is committed to an arranged marriage to a man she barely knows and feels nothing for. It’s time for her to set a wedding date but she no longer wants this arranged marriage. For the last two years, she’s been attracted to her primary Secret Service agent, Holden. Much to her frustration, he keeps himself closed off from her, always remaining a professional who won’t allow her to get close.
Holden Kent has known his whole life he would be in the Secret Service, eventually on the President’s detail. His sense of duty, loyalty, dedication, and professionalism are beyond reproach. He has lists of goals that he carries with him. He’s not going to let his growing attraction to Leya get in the way of his future. But he remains determined to protect her and keep her safe.
When threatening letters are once again being sent, it’s not known if it is Landry Kim’s murderer surfacing again or the hate group “For A Greater Tomorrow”. When threatening texts are sent to Leya and the Singhs, and a bomb goes off near her sister's school, Holden convinces his Secret Service boss that Leya needs to be taken to a safe place. But as the danger increases and they are barely able to stay one step ahead of their attackers, Holden and Leya grow closer until he realizes he wants her in his life. Will their growing love survive when the danger is over and they go back to their lives?
LJ Evans does an excellent job of writing about bigotry and terrorism that handles the realities of today while being sensitive to her readers’ reactions. “Cherry Brandy” is the third book in the Painted Daisies series and each story is better than the last. There is a common thread of mystery, intrigue, and danger throughout the books that keeps me reading late into the night. While “Cherry Brand” can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading “Sweet Memory” and “Green Jewel” first so the mystery intertwined throughout the series will make sense. I’m excited to read book four “Blue Marguerite” next month!
Holden Kent has known his whole life he would be in the Secret Service, eventually on the President’s detail. His sense of duty, loyalty, dedication, and professionalism are beyond reproach. He has lists of goals that he carries with him. He’s not going to let his growing attraction to Leya get in the way of his future. But he remains determined to protect her and keep her safe.
When threatening letters are once again being sent, it’s not known if it is Landry Kim’s murderer surfacing again or the hate group “For A Greater Tomorrow”. When threatening texts are sent to Leya and the Singhs, and a bomb goes off near her sister's school, Holden convinces his Secret Service boss that Leya needs to be taken to a safe place. But as the danger increases and they are barely able to stay one step ahead of their attackers, Holden and Leya grow closer until he realizes he wants her in his life. Will their growing love survive when the danger is over and they go back to their lives?
LJ Evans does an excellent job of writing about bigotry and terrorism that handles the realities of today while being sensitive to her readers’ reactions. “Cherry Brandy” is the third book in the Painted Daisies series and each story is better than the last. There is a common thread of mystery, intrigue, and danger throughout the books that keeps me reading late into the night. While “Cherry Brand” can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading “Sweet Memory” and “Green Jewel” first so the mystery intertwined throughout the series will make sense. I’m excited to read book four “Blue Marguerite” next month!
May 18, 2023
You know that feeling when you start a series that is amazing, and you're clearly going to keep reading (because who stops an amazing series?!), but there is that niggling feeling that the next book couldn't possibly be as good as the ones you've read so far. Right? They can't all be that good...can they? Well, with this series they can. I seriously fall head over heels for each and every book that releases. The chemistry is off the charts, the suspense has me on the edge of my seat flipping pages as fast as possible, and the mystery has me playing a serious game of Nancy Drew. I'm hooked, and when this series is over, I might actually need a Bookaholics Anonymous.
Leya and Holden are romantic suspense perfection. He's her bodyguard who tries not to let her be more than the job, she's the rockstar who tries not to be the impulsive disaster her mother thinks she is, but fate just keeps pushing them closer. Their forbidden romance, slow burn nearly set my Kindle on fire, because those SPARKS! I went through all the feels while reading, but there wasn't a single minute in this book where I didn't want them to be together.
These characters not only had chemistry, they had so much personality on their own. Holden was the fierce protector, but he also had to come to terms with the fact that life might not turn out as planned if he chose Leya...but could it be better? And Leya had to shift her entire view on love. While she was planning for an arranged (but not forced) marriage, could there be something even better waiting for her than the life she had been expecting? Could she go against tradition and risk letting her mother down yet again for something so unexpected? Watching both of these characters grow throughout this book was amazing. LJ Evans is such an amazing storyteller that even though these characters live lives completely unlike mine, I felt like they were my best friends.
Long time fans of LJ Evans will also love the Easter eggs you'll find while reading. I was so excited to see some of my favorites make an appearance in this book!! As with the rest of this series, you do not want to miss this book!
Leya and Holden are romantic suspense perfection. He's her bodyguard who tries not to let her be more than the job, she's the rockstar who tries not to be the impulsive disaster her mother thinks she is, but fate just keeps pushing them closer. Their forbidden romance, slow burn nearly set my Kindle on fire, because those SPARKS! I went through all the feels while reading, but there wasn't a single minute in this book where I didn't want them to be together.
These characters not only had chemistry, they had so much personality on their own. Holden was the fierce protector, but he also had to come to terms with the fact that life might not turn out as planned if he chose Leya...but could it be better? And Leya had to shift her entire view on love. While she was planning for an arranged (but not forced) marriage, could there be something even better waiting for her than the life she had been expecting? Could she go against tradition and risk letting her mother down yet again for something so unexpected? Watching both of these characters grow throughout this book was amazing. LJ Evans is such an amazing storyteller that even though these characters live lives completely unlike mine, I felt like they were my best friends.
Long time fans of LJ Evans will also love the Easter eggs you'll find while reading. I was so excited to see some of my favorites make an appearance in this book!! As with the rest of this series, you do not want to miss this book!
May 13, 2023
Cherry Brandy is the third book in the Painted Daisies series by L.J. Evans featuring the much anticipated story of Leya and Holden! Leya is caught between her love and respect for her cultural traditions and an unprecedented attraction and connection she feels for her bodyguard, Holden. As danger swirls around them, will they cling to each other, or will all the obstacles and threats that stand in their way rip them apart for good?
Words cannot express how amazing this series is!! You can’t beat the world building, the attention to detail, and the unique and authentic characters! It was a joy to learn about Leya’s Indian traditions from her perspective and watch her struggle with whether Holden could fit in with it or not. I cannot imagine the weight of fearing a choice between love and family. While she and Holden seem very different, they face a similar struggle in that his entire identity is wrapped up in his job, which is threatened by his feelings for her. Both these characters are just awesome, and together they light the pages on fire!! They are both strong, independent characters, yet they show such compassion and respect for each other! The suspense angle has been cutting edge from the beginning of the series, but this book seems to raise the bar even higher! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading, and highlighting any little thing I thought might be a clue!😂 With this book, we have the racially motivated threats against Leya and her family to contend with as well. Are they perpetrated by the terrorist group as it appears? Is it connected to everything else? So many questions!!🤪 If you love romantic suspense with compelling characters, steamy chemistry, tons of action, witty banter, and lots of fun detective work, you will LOVE this book!! I urge you to read Sweet Memory and Green Jewel first though! The last two books all be out in June and July. I cannot wait!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
#ljevans #ljevansbooks #ljevansauthor #thepainteddaisies #booksinspiredbysongs #ContemporaryRomance #romanticsuspense #romancenovel #cherrybrandy #bookrecs #ARCreview #bookreview
Words cannot express how amazing this series is!! You can’t beat the world building, the attention to detail, and the unique and authentic characters! It was a joy to learn about Leya’s Indian traditions from her perspective and watch her struggle with whether Holden could fit in with it or not. I cannot imagine the weight of fearing a choice between love and family. While she and Holden seem very different, they face a similar struggle in that his entire identity is wrapped up in his job, which is threatened by his feelings for her. Both these characters are just awesome, and together they light the pages on fire!! They are both strong, independent characters, yet they show such compassion and respect for each other! The suspense angle has been cutting edge from the beginning of the series, but this book seems to raise the bar even higher! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading, and highlighting any little thing I thought might be a clue!😂 With this book, we have the racially motivated threats against Leya and her family to contend with as well. Are they perpetrated by the terrorist group as it appears? Is it connected to everything else? So many questions!!🤪 If you love romantic suspense with compelling characters, steamy chemistry, tons of action, witty banter, and lots of fun detective work, you will LOVE this book!! I urge you to read Sweet Memory and Green Jewel first though! The last two books all be out in June and July. I cannot wait!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
#ljevans #ljevansbooks #ljevansauthor #thepainteddaisies #booksinspiredbysongs #ContemporaryRomance #romanticsuspense #romancenovel #cherrybrandy #bookrecs #ARCreview #bookreview
May 12, 2023
I love forbidden romances and Cherry Brandy is just that. Ms. Evans gives us Leya, the vice president's daughter and her secret service bodyguard, Special Agent Holden Kent. We knew from the previous two books that there was some chemistry between them but his job of protecting her kept them apart. This book had me so engrossed that I kept trying to turn the page for more and more. The connection, feelings and love that the two of them shared were beautiful. Their story was one full of suspense, intrigue, true love and emotions. Ms. Evans always has a way of giving us a storyline that is utterly impossible to put down. Cherry Brandy had so many twists and turns that I needed to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.
Leya's life is in danger and Agent Kent is the only one that they both feel comfortable with in protecting her but things do not go as planned. Near misses, shootings, kidnappings, and threats all have both of them running for their lives. Who can they trust? How are they being found? Why are they after Leya? When she calls off the engagement that was arranged with her parents, how will her family react? Now Leya and Holden are forced to live together under one roof. Is this situation going to force their feelings to come to the surface and deal with them? Can Holden keep his feelings in check in order to keep her safe?
Ms. Evans writes a beautiful love story that grabs a hold of your heartstrings and never lets go. The way she pulls you in right from the start with the character's interactions, the details that are given and the way that her characters are ones that are easily relatable.
Although this book is a standalone, I do suggest picking up Sweet Memory and Green Jewels as you will get more of an understanding of why everyone is worried about Leya's safety and how the band members are more of a family and not just a band.
Leya's life is in danger and Agent Kent is the only one that they both feel comfortable with in protecting her but things do not go as planned. Near misses, shootings, kidnappings, and threats all have both of them running for their lives. Who can they trust? How are they being found? Why are they after Leya? When she calls off the engagement that was arranged with her parents, how will her family react? Now Leya and Holden are forced to live together under one roof. Is this situation going to force their feelings to come to the surface and deal with them? Can Holden keep his feelings in check in order to keep her safe?
Ms. Evans writes a beautiful love story that grabs a hold of your heartstrings and never lets go. The way she pulls you in right from the start with the character's interactions, the details that are given and the way that her characters are ones that are easily relatable.
Although this book is a standalone, I do suggest picking up Sweet Memory and Green Jewels as you will get more of an understanding of why everyone is worried about Leya's safety and how the band members are more of a family and not just a band.
May 18, 2023
“Lust wasn’t love. It was a flickering light that disappeared in an instant. A firework versus an eternal flame.”
Book 3 in The Painted Daisies series is here! We continue to try and find clues and figure out the mystery from Book 1 but we also focus on sitar player Leya Singh.
Leya being one of the daughters of the Vice-President of the United States always has a Secret Service agent in her shadows. Add that she’s a famous Rockstar, and what happened to her bandmate Landry and the racial hate group threatening her and her family, let’s just say she’s surrounded by SS agents 24/7.
One of them is Holden Kent. Holden has always dreamed of being Secret Service agent. He worked hard to get where he is now, this is his life.
Holden will do anything to continue being a SS agent and that includes ignoring attraction he has for Leya. Nothing is more off limits than having a relationship with your assignment.
Leya has been promised for marriage since she was 15 years old. She believes in “Jeevansathi- life partners, soulmates” but is also wary of love because people seem to confuse lust and love. Having said all that, she can’t ignore the fact that the one person who seems so wrong for her is the only person that seems to bring out strong feelings of want from her. The only person who lights her up from within is Holden.
And now with the threat looming even closer Holden is forced to take Leya into hiding.
With the close proximity and having to share one bed, they’re having to fight the strong attraction and chemistry between them.
This forbidden, slow burn, romantic suspense is so good!! Kept me on the edge of my seat! So action packed and not just in the bedroom 😉. But seriously, love how we’re trying to solve the mystery from Book 1 but also have some little mysteries for each band member. Love these ladies as a group but I also love getting to know each one of them and their journey to their HEAs.
Book 3 in The Painted Daisies series is here! We continue to try and find clues and figure out the mystery from Book 1 but we also focus on sitar player Leya Singh.
Leya being one of the daughters of the Vice-President of the United States always has a Secret Service agent in her shadows. Add that she’s a famous Rockstar, and what happened to her bandmate Landry and the racial hate group threatening her and her family, let’s just say she’s surrounded by SS agents 24/7.
One of them is Holden Kent. Holden has always dreamed of being Secret Service agent. He worked hard to get where he is now, this is his life.
Holden will do anything to continue being a SS agent and that includes ignoring attraction he has for Leya. Nothing is more off limits than having a relationship with your assignment.
Leya has been promised for marriage since she was 15 years old. She believes in “Jeevansathi- life partners, soulmates” but is also wary of love because people seem to confuse lust and love. Having said all that, she can’t ignore the fact that the one person who seems so wrong for her is the only person that seems to bring out strong feelings of want from her. The only person who lights her up from within is Holden.
And now with the threat looming even closer Holden is forced to take Leya into hiding.
With the close proximity and having to share one bed, they’re having to fight the strong attraction and chemistry between them.
This forbidden, slow burn, romantic suspense is so good!! Kept me on the edge of my seat! So action packed and not just in the bedroom 😉. But seriously, love how we’re trying to solve the mystery from Book 1 but also have some little mysteries for each band member. Love these ladies as a group but I also love getting to know each one of them and their journey to their HEAs.
May 15, 2023
Cherry Brandy (The Painted Daisies #3) by L.J. Evans is a contemporary forced-proximity bodyguard rockstar romantic suspense told in third person dual POV. It’s the third book of a series where each book will have a complete suspense plot and an HEA. There’s also a mystery that spans the entire series, so it’s best to read in order, starting with book one.
Cherry Brandy follows the relationship between Leya Singh, singer and sitar player for The Painted Daisies and the Vice President’s daughter, and Special Agent Holden Kent, the Secret Service agent assigned as her protective detail.
Ever since her bandmate, Landry, was murdered, Leya has suspected that she was the intended victim that night. When a violent hate group targeting her father sets its sights on her, Leya’s fears seem to be confirmed.
A dangerous close call forces Holden to take her into hiding, and despite a mutual attraction, he’s determined to keep a professional distance so he can protect her at all costs. But staying away from Leya is difficult when they’re in such close quarters.
I loved Leya and Holden’s story! As characters, they're both likable, fully formed, and relatable. I loved their bantery interactions and the progression of their relationship as Holden’s resolve began to crumble and they both eventually gave in to their feelings. Cherry Brandy is a fantastic addition to the series, full of action and suspense. I can’t wait to read Blue Marguerite next.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Cherry Brandy follows the relationship between Leya Singh, singer and sitar player for The Painted Daisies and the Vice President’s daughter, and Special Agent Holden Kent, the Secret Service agent assigned as her protective detail.
Ever since her bandmate, Landry, was murdered, Leya has suspected that she was the intended victim that night. When a violent hate group targeting her father sets its sights on her, Leya’s fears seem to be confirmed.
A dangerous close call forces Holden to take her into hiding, and despite a mutual attraction, he’s determined to keep a professional distance so he can protect her at all costs. But staying away from Leya is difficult when they’re in such close quarters.
I loved Leya and Holden’s story! As characters, they're both likable, fully formed, and relatable. I loved their bantery interactions and the progression of their relationship as Holden’s resolve began to crumble and they both eventually gave in to their feelings. Cherry Brandy is a fantastic addition to the series, full of action and suspense. I can’t wait to read Blue Marguerite next.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
May 9, 2023
WOW, LJ Evans has done it again. Every book she writes is just fantastic. Book three of the Painted Daisies, Cherry Brandy, continue the myoglobin who murdered Landry Kim while also solving the mystery of who is targeting the Second Family.
The Second Family is being targeted by a hate group for their Indian heritage. Leya Singh, the vice president’s daughter, is being called out by a white supremacy group for her friendship with the All-American/boy next door, son of the President. When the threats come too close to her family, Leya is forced to go into hiding with her lead USSS agent Holden Kent. Leya and Holden have a love:hate relationship, they are each very attracted to the other but each has very good reasons for hating the attraction.
This is a romantic suspense novel so you know Holden and Leya find their HEA in the end, but the path to get there is fraught with obstacles such at car chases, shootings and kidnapping.
With each Painted Daisy novel I read I have a new favorite couple. One of the best things about the Painted Daisies series is the diversity of the characters. Each of the Daisies have different ethnic heritages, Ms. Evans explores each character’s ethnic traditions in s very thoughtful way.
If you haven’t started the Painted Daisies series yet, start it NOW! I love everything LJ Evans has written, but the Painted Daisies are unique and special - my favorite series so far.
The Second Family is being targeted by a hate group for their Indian heritage. Leya Singh, the vice president’s daughter, is being called out by a white supremacy group for her friendship with the All-American/boy next door, son of the President. When the threats come too close to her family, Leya is forced to go into hiding with her lead USSS agent Holden Kent. Leya and Holden have a love:hate relationship, they are each very attracted to the other but each has very good reasons for hating the attraction.
This is a romantic suspense novel so you know Holden and Leya find their HEA in the end, but the path to get there is fraught with obstacles such at car chases, shootings and kidnapping.
With each Painted Daisy novel I read I have a new favorite couple. One of the best things about the Painted Daisies series is the diversity of the characters. Each of the Daisies have different ethnic heritages, Ms. Evans explores each character’s ethnic traditions in s very thoughtful way.
If you haven’t started the Painted Daisies series yet, start it NOW! I love everything LJ Evans has written, but the Painted Daisies are unique and special - my favorite series so far.
May 11, 2023
I have a book hangover. Not just from Cherry Brandy, which is a-ma-zing, but from this series. I am so invested in The Painted Daisies. This strong, independent, diverse group of women who need their heroes just as much as the heroes need to be saved by their heroines.
I fell in love with Holden and Leya in the prologue. While they don’t start out with a foundation of friendship, having been with each other for 2yrs they have a deep level of understanding of each other and I loved their dynamic.
The forbidden tension between them at the beginning is breath taking and heart breaking; LJ Evans has a way of writing that has you feeling every emotion alongside her characters. Cherry Brandy is a rollercoaster of emotion and just when I am all comfortable in the swoony goodness that is an in-love Holden and Leya, *bam* I am hit with more tension and heart racing nerves.
I fell hard for Holden – behind his serious US Secret Service façade is a guy who is cheeky, cocky, sweet and so thoughtful. Leya’s character is infused with a beautiful depth of culture and an ability to see the world in an array of spectacular colour.
This is a really slow burn but with the tension, love and intimacy that pours from the pages between these two, their story has you forgetting that they are going slow. I am looking forward to the last two books in this series and then it will definitely be on my re-read list.
I fell in love with Holden and Leya in the prologue. While they don’t start out with a foundation of friendship, having been with each other for 2yrs they have a deep level of understanding of each other and I loved their dynamic.
The forbidden tension between them at the beginning is breath taking and heart breaking; LJ Evans has a way of writing that has you feeling every emotion alongside her characters. Cherry Brandy is a rollercoaster of emotion and just when I am all comfortable in the swoony goodness that is an in-love Holden and Leya, *bam* I am hit with more tension and heart racing nerves.
I fell hard for Holden – behind his serious US Secret Service façade is a guy who is cheeky, cocky, sweet and so thoughtful. Leya’s character is infused with a beautiful depth of culture and an ability to see the world in an array of spectacular colour.
This is a really slow burn but with the tension, love and intimacy that pours from the pages between these two, their story has you forgetting that they are going slow. I am looking forward to the last two books in this series and then it will definitely be on my re-read list.
May 17, 2023
I'm all for the members of The Painted Daisies to find the men who compliment them, but seriously, I'm truly dying inside to get all the answers to the underlying suspense plot of who killed their friend/bandmate and the why of it. Leya is a member of the #GIRLPOWER (my term for it) band, but she's also the daughter of VP of the United States of America so there's an extra amount of danger added in, which is why she ends up with the mouthwatering hot Special Agent, Holden Kent protecting her, and he does take his job very seriously. Holden is doing what he needs to do to protect Leya from the threat of a group who hates her father, plus he's very close to realizing his dream of joining the top of the food chain for Secret Service Agents who protect POTUS if things go right. Little did either of them ever imagine the connection they would have, especially since she's promised to another (arranged of course) so when they have to go on the run & land somewhere to hide out, the close proximity will escalate things at some point. I LOVED this fast paced story, and this couple, but as I'm still dying inside for answers about the murder, the twists really got the heart rate going with the kicker of danger stalking her. I've loved LJ Evans' writing style since I first read one of her stories but seriously, she's totally on the rise with each new book, and this series is already EPIC! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 26, 2023
It is a true testament to an author's skill when you fall in love with each successive book, and with each successive character and couple, a little more than the last one you read. (You know, the last one that you had sworn was your very favorite ever, and nothing would ever be able to top it?!). LJ Evans, without a doubt, has mad skills! I'm afraid to say that Leya and Holden's story just might be my very favorite.
Leya is the sitar player for The Painted Daisies, and she is the daughter of the Vice President of The United States. She is such a fascinating and dynamic character! In the tradition of her Indian culture, she believes in jeevansathi-life partners and soulmates who will be together through many lifetimes. She doesn't believe in instant love; she believes there is a tried-and-true process to finding your match. Having been promised to Krish since she was 15, and being a strong, public advocate for arranged marriages, (but against child marriages), her attraction to Holden is unexpected and unwelcome.
Holden has known he wants to be the lead Secret Service agent assigned to the president since he was seven years old, and he has spent every minute since then focused on that goal, sacrificing all but his relationship with his family. Having been assigned to protect the daughter of the VPOTUS from the threats that surround her, he is just a blink away from achieving his lifelong goal. Falling for his protectee was never part of his plan. His attraction to Leya is unexpected and unwelcome.
This book is such a phenomenal slow burn! It has so many of the things I love in a romance book: protector/bodyguard romance, forced proximity, forbidden romance, and the action and suspense are off the charts! It was absolutely thrilling suspense woven into an incredibly beautiful love story. Seeing Leya and Holden struggle to fight the love that defied everything they thought they wanted in their lives and then realize what they were truly meant for was such a breathtaking and inspiring thing.
The Painted Daisies series has been such a captivating series so far! The suspense of each book has been done so well, and the clues to the greater mystery woven throughout the books has been masterfully done, but I think one of my favorite parts of the series is how well the characters have been developed. Having glimpses into their cultures, watching the bits and pieces we've learned about each one of them grow into the deep, rich characters we fall in love with has been amazing.
Cherry Brandy is book 3 in The Painted Daisies series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend it be read as part of the series because of the mystery that runs throughout all 5 books. I highly recommend this book and this entire series. HIGHLY! Is 20-STARS a thing?!
I received an ARC at my request.
Leya is the sitar player for The Painted Daisies, and she is the daughter of the Vice President of The United States. She is such a fascinating and dynamic character! In the tradition of her Indian culture, she believes in jeevansathi-life partners and soulmates who will be together through many lifetimes. She doesn't believe in instant love; she believes there is a tried-and-true process to finding your match. Having been promised to Krish since she was 15, and being a strong, public advocate for arranged marriages, (but against child marriages), her attraction to Holden is unexpected and unwelcome.
Holden has known he wants to be the lead Secret Service agent assigned to the president since he was seven years old, and he has spent every minute since then focused on that goal, sacrificing all but his relationship with his family. Having been assigned to protect the daughter of the VPOTUS from the threats that surround her, he is just a blink away from achieving his lifelong goal. Falling for his protectee was never part of his plan. His attraction to Leya is unexpected and unwelcome.
This book is such a phenomenal slow burn! It has so many of the things I love in a romance book: protector/bodyguard romance, forced proximity, forbidden romance, and the action and suspense are off the charts! It was absolutely thrilling suspense woven into an incredibly beautiful love story. Seeing Leya and Holden struggle to fight the love that defied everything they thought they wanted in their lives and then realize what they were truly meant for was such a breathtaking and inspiring thing.
The Painted Daisies series has been such a captivating series so far! The suspense of each book has been done so well, and the clues to the greater mystery woven throughout the books has been masterfully done, but I think one of my favorite parts of the series is how well the characters have been developed. Having glimpses into their cultures, watching the bits and pieces we've learned about each one of them grow into the deep, rich characters we fall in love with has been amazing.
Cherry Brandy is book 3 in The Painted Daisies series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend it be read as part of the series because of the mystery that runs throughout all 5 books. I highly recommend this book and this entire series. HIGHLY! Is 20-STARS a thing?!
I received an ARC at my request.
May 20, 2023
Another clever blend of mind games and breathtaking emotion in the latest installment of the Painted Daisies Series by L.J. Evans. Romantic suspense at its best with a continuing plot and overlapping characters but with a different couple featured in each book.
Just prior to starting this book, I finished reading about the Hatley crew in The Last One You Love (also by Evans), so I was happily surprised to revisit their ranch while they extended a helping hand and lodging to the bodyguard and his protectee as they sought a safe haven.
From book to book, the suspense continues to intensify. No one can be trusted. Whodunit is anybody's guess. And there are two more books to go. The unknown is killing me. Thank goodness that there’s a new release each month.
The plot is gripping, the dialogue is sharp, the thrill of danger first-rate and with two exceptional lead characters, the payoff is terrific!
Admittedly, there’s a bit of repetition scattered here and there throughout the story but not enough to file a complaint. I was hooked from beginning to end! And each book just keeps getting better.
One of my favorite genres and L. J. Evans delivers the kind of high-wire suspense and romance that keeps a reader totally engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
Three’s the charm with Cherry Brandy.
June 10, 2023
4.5 Stars
‘When he looked at her…it was like he saw everything. Every pore, every vein, every muscle. But more importantly, every thought and wish – even the ones she thrust into the recesses of her mind, locking them away.’
Cherry Brandy by L.J. Evans is the third book in The Painted Daisies series and once again this Author wowed us, this time with Holden and Leya’s story. This series is so well written and utterly compelling. We just can’t get enough. Every book has a standalone romance making you feel content when finishing, yet anxious for more clues in the murder from book one. The continuing suspense and thrilling storyline continue, and we still have no clue who the murderer is, but we do have our very own theories from the clues dotted here and there. What we do know for sure is that LJ Evans knows how to write suspense, high emotion, and swoony slow build romances. The tension and the chemistry are off the charts.
“I need to protect you. Do you understand that?...I can’t do that. I can’t protect you if you keep looking at me like that.”
Leya Singh is another important member of The Painted Daisies, however, she is also the daughter of the Vice President so has her own security detail which includes Holden Kent aka Captain Annoying. The forbidden heat between them is all consuming and we felt their chemistry and soul searing attraction. When horrific events occur, Holden must go into hiding with Leya and their relationship becomes so intense neither stands a chance at leaving the other alone. We felt their passion every step of the way and were rooting for them when the consequences of their relationship fell at their feet.
‘Leya had lived too long in the shadows of other great people, and now she wanted to be the sun. She wanted to be the light. The flame. The one burning, demanding others to take notice.’
We cannot recommend this series highly enough, it has everything a reader would want in their suspense romance and every single book in this series has felt different and new, despite the overreaching murder mystery. What a treat it is for us to read The Painted Daisies series where each bandmember is getting their happy ever after, we truly feel like we’re coming home to loved ones every time we start a new book. Only two more books to go and we just know we’ll miss them all once it’s over.
‘For the first time in his life, he’d completely lost control, understanding what addiction truly felt like, being drawn over and over again to the one thing you knew would tear your world apart.’
#TBBSeriesRec #RockStarRomance #ForbiddenRomance #Suspense
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May 11, 2023
Well if you haven't been reading The Painted Daises series you have been missing out! Cherry Brandy is Leya's story and it is absolutely necessary to read these books in order. There is an ongoing mystery that is linked throughout the series so if not read in order a lot of the story will be confusing. Leya has a plan for her life. She has deep faith that following her parents tradition of a thoughtfully arranged marriage will be the best way for her to find a life of fulfilling love in her marriage. She has been promised to a family friend since she was a young teen but now she is 26 and he parents would like her to make a serious commitment towards her future. Leya has a couple problems with committing one being her attraction to her personal secret service guard Holden. Holden has been planning to be USSS since he was 7 years old. His father was USSS and he has been focusing his entire 30 years to being the elite of the elite. His problem is that he is also attracted to his protectee. He has been entrusted with Leya Singh's safety for the past 2 years but now he doesn't know if he is the right person for the job because he cannot detach himself from thinking about her. Now that a hate group is upping their actions towards Leya, Holden must take her on the run for her safety but can he keep her safe from him? Slow burn and swoon worthy is how I describe their story. It was told from dual POV and guess what? The mystery still remains so bring on book 4!
May 12, 2023
A Great Suspenseful Romance!
This is the third book in the Painted Daisy series and continues with the story of Leya, the daughter of the vice-president in addition to being a member of the Painted Daisies rock band and her Secret Service agent, Holden.
Leya has always been suspicious of romantic love, seeing it as nothing more than a temporary lust that will fade. She has been promised to Krish since she was 15 years old but has become increasingly hesitant about actually getting married to him. Particularly after a kiss that was less than exciting. And she finds herself increasingly attracted to her stoic bodyguard.
Holden has had one goal his entire life: to be a top Secret Service agent and eventually becoming the president’s agent. In order to achieve his goals he needs to remain focused and emotionally detached. The longer he’s around Leya, the harder it becomes to ignore his feelings.
When Leya’s life is threatened and they go on the run together, they both find it increasingly difficult to keep their walls up.
This book is a fantastic blend of suspense, intrigue and romance, with an underlying mystery that runs through all of the Painted Daisies series. A great read!
This is the third book in the Painted Daisy series and continues with the story of Leya, the daughter of the vice-president in addition to being a member of the Painted Daisies rock band and her Secret Service agent, Holden.
Leya has always been suspicious of romantic love, seeing it as nothing more than a temporary lust that will fade. She has been promised to Krish since she was 15 years old but has become increasingly hesitant about actually getting married to him. Particularly after a kiss that was less than exciting. And she finds herself increasingly attracted to her stoic bodyguard.
Holden has had one goal his entire life: to be a top Secret Service agent and eventually becoming the president’s agent. In order to achieve his goals he needs to remain focused and emotionally detached. The longer he’s around Leya, the harder it becomes to ignore his feelings.
When Leya’s life is threatened and they go on the run together, they both find it increasingly difficult to keep their walls up.
This book is a fantastic blend of suspense, intrigue and romance, with an underlying mystery that runs through all of the Painted Daisies series. A great read!
May 17, 2023
Unlike the last two Painted Daisies books, I took my time with Cherry Brandy, I did not want to miss a single thing!
As with the whole series we are still trying to determine who Landry’s killer is and once again with LJ’s amazing writing we are given more twists and plot turns.
This book focuses on Leya Singh, Painted Daisies sitar player, and the daughter of the US Vice President. As such she has had the USSS guarding her, this is more to do with the radical group For Greater Tomorrows having targeted the family and their beliefs.
When events occur and headlines blow up it is decided that she goes into hiding for the short term, with her lead agent Holden Kent being very aware if the danger that she’s in. Due to what he believes is insider intel passing on locations to FGT, he goes rogue with Leya to protect her.
This is where the story really amps up and so does their relationship. It is something that they’ve both always denied in the past but they cannot deny it anymore. But will the decisions that Holden makes impair his protective judgment and in the end will their relationship be accepted by the world.
Is he her true Jeevansathi?
Another amazing story from LJ and you know what I cannot wait for book 4!
As with the whole series we are still trying to determine who Landry’s killer is and once again with LJ’s amazing writing we are given more twists and plot turns.
This book focuses on Leya Singh, Painted Daisies sitar player, and the daughter of the US Vice President. As such she has had the USSS guarding her, this is more to do with the radical group For Greater Tomorrows having targeted the family and their beliefs.
When events occur and headlines blow up it is decided that she goes into hiding for the short term, with her lead agent Holden Kent being very aware if the danger that she’s in. Due to what he believes is insider intel passing on locations to FGT, he goes rogue with Leya to protect her.
This is where the story really amps up and so does their relationship. It is something that they’ve both always denied in the past but they cannot deny it anymore. But will the decisions that Holden makes impair his protective judgment and in the end will their relationship be accepted by the world.
Is he her true Jeevansathi?
Another amazing story from LJ and you know what I cannot wait for book 4!
May 23, 2023
"𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬."
𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐘, the third book in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴 series by LJ Evans is Holden and Leya's story.
Leya and Holden have always secretly pined for each other and when Leya's life is threatened and they go on the run things become too hard to avoid and they finally give in to their burning desire for each other but when Leya gets kidnapped, Holden will do whatever it takes to get her back.
Holden and Leya have some great banter and undeniable chemistry that slowly grows in intensity and heat as they are forced closer and closer together. Holden and Leya are my favourite couple from 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴 series. I am loving this series but can not wait to figure out 'who did it' and more about who Angel Carter is.
Get ready for... musician (rockstar), law enforcement (secret service), forbidden, bodyguard, interracial, virgin, slow burn, and dual third-person point of view.
Content Warnings... kidnapping
5 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames | 2023 Top Read
*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐘, the third book in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴 series by LJ Evans is Holden and Leya's story.
Leya and Holden have always secretly pined for each other and when Leya's life is threatened and they go on the run things become too hard to avoid and they finally give in to their burning desire for each other but when Leya gets kidnapped, Holden will do whatever it takes to get her back.
Holden and Leya have some great banter and undeniable chemistry that slowly grows in intensity and heat as they are forced closer and closer together. Holden and Leya are my favourite couple from 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴 series. I am loving this series but can not wait to figure out 'who did it' and more about who Angel Carter is.
Get ready for... musician (rockstar), law enforcement (secret service), forbidden, bodyguard, interracial, virgin, slow burn, and dual third-person point of view.
Content Warnings... kidnapping
5 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames | 2023 Top Read
*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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May 16, 2023
LJ Evan’s writing continues to get better and better. Cherry Brandy is my top favorite book of hers. This book is so beautifully written and is filled with dedication, love, along with suspense/action.
Cherry Brandy is book 3 in the Painted Daisies series. This book takes you on a reading adventure…this is the most action filled of the series - so far. Your emotions will be all over the place as you are pulled into the story - there is tension, danger, angst, hidden feelings and passion.
Leya is a very determined young woman who is strong, determined to find out her killed her friend and puts herself into danger to try to get those answers.
Holden is her secret service agent who is having a major internal battle with his feelings for Leya. The banter, sass and fire between these two is amazing.
We receive answers around who was after Leya but the overall mystery is still there….can’t wait for the next two books to give us all the answers.
Highly recommend - fantastic read!!
Cherry Brandy is book 3 in the Painted Daisies series. This book takes you on a reading adventure…this is the most action filled of the series - so far. Your emotions will be all over the place as you are pulled into the story - there is tension, danger, angst, hidden feelings and passion.
Leya is a very determined young woman who is strong, determined to find out her killed her friend and puts herself into danger to try to get those answers.
Holden is her secret service agent who is having a major internal battle with his feelings for Leya. The banter, sass and fire between these two is amazing.
We receive answers around who was after Leya but the overall mystery is still there….can’t wait for the next two books to give us all the answers.
Highly recommend - fantastic read!!
May 17, 2023
the third book in the Painted Daisies series and I have to admit that I am loving this series of books. LJ Evans is a favorite author for me, and I am loving this. This is Leya’s book, and it’s a good one. And it’s a good one… Each book in this series is as good as the last. Every single member of the Painted Daisies is an amazing person, and they are all different with interesting pasts and stories. I love the bodyguard angle of this one. There’s so much to learn about each of them, and LJ Evans, she is just the one to tell these stories. Her skill as a story creator, and her unique ability to make every story something special and different keeps me waiting for each book.
Leya, one of the members of the band, and also the daughter of the vice president, is strong and independent… Holden is her secret service detail, and is a protector at heart. Put those two together, and on the run… and then watching them fall in love is just the tip of the iceberg in this book. There’s so much happening here that just makes it such a great read. Thank you LJ Evans for this
Leya, one of the members of the band, and also the daughter of the vice president, is strong and independent… Holden is her secret service detail, and is a protector at heart. Put those two together, and on the run… and then watching them fall in love is just the tip of the iceberg in this book. There’s so much happening here that just makes it such a great read. Thank you LJ Evans for this
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