Bain met Diana, a.k.a. Luce, the night before he was set to deploy to Afghanistan.
It’s not every day that you take your brother’s girlfriend to prom because he refuses to put out the effort.
That night was one of the best nights of his life and the next day, he leaves and doesn’t see her again.
But there are letters. Not many, but enough for them to form a connection.
Over the two-year deployment, they became great friends.
The best of friends—at least, as good of friends as you can be when it’s your brother’s wife.
Fast-forward six years and she still counts him as one of her greatest friends. Even going as far as to stick by him when he’s sent to prison because his own brother turned on him.
***
Luce had a crush on her then-boyfriend’s brother since way before she and Bain’s brother were married. From the moment he volunteered to take her to prom, she’d fallen.
Over the years, she’d tried to hide it. Tried to go on with her life and act like she loved her husband and only her husband. But as time went on and Braxton started to treat her more and more like crap, she realized the truth. Her husband wasn’t Bain. Her husband would never be him.
Hell, that’d been proven time and time again.
The smoking gun, though? The thing that made her realize it was time to leave?
When her husband stood by while she was assaulted, while the man she tried to act like was just a friend protected her. Then was sentenced to eight years in jail for it.
It was time to admit the truth.
Bain McDempsey was it for her. She just had to help him see it. Oh, and get him out of prison first.
Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
I thought I was ready for this story. I really wasn't. Lani Lynn Vale did taboo so right!
Diana (Luce) was Bain's brother's girlfriend. She came into his orbit when his brother refused to take her to prom. After the best night of his life (it was all platonic), he went into the Navy and decided to always have her back.
And despite being madly in love with Bain... Luce married his brother instead.
While the author tried to make the reasons behind that something we could all stomach, it made me queasy. It just didn't make sense for me, but it did fit the story so I went with it.
Six feet of dirt would look good on you. - Bain to Braxton
The brother was the same jerk he always was. One day, when she was being attacked, he ran like a coward and Bain came to her defence. It was Bain who served time for her. It was Bain who owned her. Shoot... he owned me too.
I loved the way Bain interacted with all of the people in his life, even his villainous brother. The men of the unclaimed MC are such great heroes, always there for each other, newfound family with all of the perks. I'm so excited to read all of their books!
After a ton of hilarious drama, Bain and Luce were well on their way to happily ever after and I couldn't be more thrilled for them.
Lani is coming in thick and fast with the dysfunctional family drama in the second instalment to her new series. I was here for it all.
Bain and Diana-aka-Luce met at an unconventional time where he saved the day and made her happy inspite of his selfish brother's shitty actions. That was the start of a blossoming friendship and connection that would stand the test of many shitty obstacles, for years to come.
Bain is a unaplogetically blunt protective and a sweet character. His attraction to Luce may appear to be a little out of order without context but contex is everything in their story. He from the beginning has shown up for his woman. He's protected, sacrificed and proved himself time and time again. His loyalty, his understanding and his assurance to her was everything. He was everything.
Luce is an intruiging character. She's introverted, at times a little shy and she struggles with her own mind. But she also isn't afraid to stand for herself, for the people she loves or for the things she wants in life. She shouldn't want Bain, but how could she not. He's everything and then some and he gives her the affirmations she deserved.
These two have a very dysfunctional start to say the least but none of that takes away from the undeniable connection they share or the crazy chemistry and tension that sat between them like a fucking storm. They were inevitable. For sure. And it showed.
Like always, Lani brings us fantastic characters that leave us laughing hard, swooning like crazy and always wanting more!. I'm so curious about what the rest of this series will bring. Especially after such a fantastic start!. This book brought us crazy, it made me frustrated. I laughed my arse of to many times to count. I rooted for a love that's been written since that day at prom and I was so over the moon with the ending I can't even.
What a fucking book. I'm never surprised that I love Lani's books. There is absolutely a reason why I've read her since 2013. That's nearly ten years of her. Every book bought and every book re-read. That's no joke of exaggeration.
She is my comfort blanket in books. I honestly can't wait for what's next. Oh how I wish I had it now to read!!
I finished this one and decided that the hero copped it worse than the heroine for once from LLV. I can’t understand the first marriage. Why did Luce marry the brother. Why does the brother set about to destroy Bain? Why did Bain end up in jail defending a woman attacked in a car park? With all their money which was mentioned on numerous occasions couldn’t they get a decent lawyer? All these questions! I didn’t mind the hero, I liked how LLV had the heroine kick butt when there was an intruder in the house. It was all junk food for the brain. I keep reading and then sitting on the fence for a rating as they aren’t bad just not best.🙃
Ahhhh, the family angst!!! I knew going in this one would be a doozy for me, but LLV managed to make me enjoy the hell out of it, that’s saying a LOT! Steamy, funny and with just the right amount of suspense, Good Trouble was a great addition to the Gator Bait MC!
Yes, the premise itself had some of my PERSONAL peeves, mainly that we have two characters that meet many years prior, instantly had a connection, recognised by both of them conscientiously, but still Diana went off and married Bain’s brother, Braxton – though I understand her reasoning in a little way – but there were plenty of men out there, besides the H’s brother, which raised the awkwardness level exponentially, and Bain, being the alpha he was, made no sense he didn’t take a stand way sooner, as there were plenty of years before his incarceration, to fight for what he wanted. There was also too many times, the brother not only being brought up between them, but all the drama residing in that was a bit off putting, imo, but wow, it sure amped up the angst, and I believe that was the intention.
The perfect man, for the imperfect woman.
Make your life something worth living.”
That behind said, and what ifs aside, I’m beyond happy Ms. Vale gave us their story in the ‘present’, starting our insight immediately after Bain’s release. This way we could enjoy their blossoming relationship well after Diana (aka Luce) and Braxton’s divorce. Bain, like all other Gator Bait MC, though being an ex con, so kind of a morally grey character, I loved his fierce protectiveness of Diana, and his moral compass.
Diana’s depression and her struggles really rang close to home, so I got her, in many ways, and was beyond sympathetic with her inner turmoils. That aside, there were plenty of times I laughed in their interactions, not only as couple but also as group, proof once again of Lani Lynn Vale’s addictive writing style. Can’t freaking wait for the rest of the gang to have their stories!!!
You’re everything and anything I could’ve ever wanted.
“This may not be easy, but nothing worth something is.”
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
There were a few times I found myself laughing while reading this one, all due to the relationship between Bain, Braxton and Diana/Luce. It all basically comes down to Braxton is a whiney little bitch, who thinks the whole world should revolve around him and he will do what it takes to make it happen. I fully believe that he gaslit the latest teenager to do what she did, all so Braxton could benefit. I'm glad that it didn't happen and that Luce was there to stop Braxton at the hospital. I thought the Braxton we saw at the end of the book was finally reaping what he had sown, I just wish it had been worse.
Bain and Luce were great! I was so happy when she took a chance on Bain, she and he, deserved all the happiness they could find.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bain McDempsey is a fantasy come to life. Protective alpha male goodness. Everything you could ever want in a partner. But he’s not her partner his dushbag brother is.
Luce “Diana” thinks she’s not good enough for Bain. He’s always been there for her when she desperately needs him but he’s out of her league.
“Find that special person. Find that thing in life that makes you happy. Whether it be a person, a job, or a pet. But find it and hold on tight. And never let it go.”
There are some seriously crazy things happening that just keep those pages flying.
This new series by LLV is is just one more reason that Ms, Vale is at the top of of my go to list and no matter what she writes it’s 5 Star spectacular.
Diana first met Braxton when she was fifteen, they dated on and off until they were eighteen. Bain met Diana, ‘Luce’, the night prior to being deployed. It’s not every day that you take your brother’s eighteen and a half, girlfriend to prom because Braxton refused to accompany her. Fast-forward a few years, she married Braxton.
That night was one of the best nights of his life. Fast-forward six years and she still counts him as one of her greatest friends. Even going as far as to stick by him when he’s sent to prison because his own brother turned on him. • • • Luce had a crush on her then-boyfriend’s brother since way before she and Bain’s brother were married. From the moment he volunteered to take her to prom, she’d fallen.
Bain, being discharged from the military due to a loss of hearing in his right ear. He got a job in private security, she went to him because she thought someone was stalking her, Braxton, didn’t believe her. Bain caught them and accidentally killed one of them. They charged him with manslaughter, because Braxton accused him by saying, “My brother did it. He murdered him with his own hands. On purpose. As in, excessively and without restraint murdered him.” Braxton hid.
Six years ago, Bain went to prison for a crime that he committed in an effort to protect ‘Luce’ as he fondly nicknamed her in honour of her likeness to Lucille Ball.
“You’re telling me your brother told the cop that you were excessive, that your brother’s eyewitness testimony was used against you? That’s why you got prison time for that. Because of what your brother did and said. It’s obvious that he thought that you would go down for it. He wanted to make sure of it.” “That’s why I filed for divorce. It wasn’t that he left me to fend for myself. It wasn’t that I’d found him cheating, again, with a young girl that was barely of age. It wasn’t that he was a narcissist and couldn’t finish his day without making sure mine was complete sh*t. I couldn’t be with a person that treats his family like that”.
Nine years ago, at eighteen Braxton refused to accompany his girlfriend to the prom despite renting a tux and a hummer for the event. Whereas, Bain (two years his senior), on leave from the navy offers to be her date.
When she met Braxton, she thought he was great but quickly learnt there was something odd about him. The first time she became aware that Braxton wasn’t her person was when she attended the prom with Bain. Braxton had repeatedly promised to take her to the prom. He exercising refused the day of because he wanted to teach her a lesson. As in, don’t ever question him. He never gave her a straight answer about why he didn’t want to go. Just that he didn’t. When Bain realised how much it meant to her, he offered to take her.
They’ve been divorced for years now. She’d stopped sleeping with Braxton months before Bain went to prison. She simply didn’t… like him, as a person, or a husband. And definitely not as someone she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with. He was a coward and started to cheat. And eventually, when he got the first girl pregnant—and no, the one currently behind me wasn’t the first girl—I’d decided it was time for us to call it quits.
Braxton has gotten three teenagers pregnant and he’s abandoned them all. Telly yanked her hand. “What are you talking about, Hilary?” “I’m talking about you being the third teenager he’s gotten pregnant in the last three years. You weren’t the reason they broke up, you are at the end of the line of a long line of casual flings and broken promises. If you think that he’ll stay with you once the baby is here, you’re wrong. He’ll leave just like he’s done with all the rest.” So that had happened. Twice now. With a third on the horizon. Braxton got a girl pregnant. He stayed around long enough for the girl to think that he cared. Then he deserted her at the most vulnerable time—as she was about to give birth. It’d happened twice now. It was like Braxton had a penchant for pregnant women, because the moment the pregnancy was over? So were they.
Braxton refused to take care of the child that he created, saying he was going to drop it off at the fire station at his first opportunity. The baby’s mother is in jail for running Bain over with his own car. Braxton took a life insurance policy out on him when he was imprisoned and Telly, after the hit was called off on Diana, decided that the next best thing was to collect Bain’s life insurance claim.
Their parents disowned him because when Luce made it to the hospital, Braxton was adamantly barking orders for the doctors and nurses to stop exercising extraordinary measures to keep Bain alive. He resorted to lying and said that Bain had a DNR when that didn’t work.
No abundance of drama, merely an abundance of stupidity.
Lani Lynn Vale writes it and I read it. One thing about this author is she takes liberties and isn’t afraid to do it. She allows her characters to live in the gray. Sometimes their choices aren’t the ones that people agree with or think are right, but they do it because it is what makes them happy and what is right.
Bain and Diana (Luce to Bain) met when she was dating his brother. She had a crush on Bain, but because she was with Braxton and he is older than them, she never did anything about it. She stayed with Braxton for reasons that aren’t really the best, but at the same time make sense. But Braxton truly showed her the type of person he is, and they divorced. Luce kept in touch with his family and when Bain when to jail protecting her, she was a little bit heartbroken.
Bain is out now, and while there is some push and pull, she isn’t going to let him go eer again. I love Vale’s work and the way she creates these relationships. They both have a little bit of a possessive vibe, and I am okay with it. Things aren’t easy because there are some outside forces that don’t want them to be happy, but don’t’ worry all is taken care of. There is humor, there is suspense, there is dirty talk. All in all, this book is exactly what I wanted and needed.
Bain and Diana (Luce) are up next, and with Good Trouble comes boatloads of family drama and dysfunction.
Bain and Luce have been dancing around one another since she was dating his brother while in highschool and he was about to deploy while in the military. And, going to the prom together while she’s dating his brother is only the start of the drama. From there, they became friends, even as Luce married his brother. But everything changes the night Bain kills a man to save Luce’s life, and his own brother turns on him, sending him to jail. But years later, now that Bain is out of prison, Luce is finally ready to admit what she has known all along . . . . she always should have been with Bain rather than his brother.
So. Much. Dysfunction! That is definitely the theme of this book, and it all swirls around Bain’s brother, Baxter. We’re talking about jealousy, betrayal, threats, baby mamma’s and danger all over the place. But, throughout all of this, we finally see Luce and Bain come together, get to understand why Luce made the decisions that she did, and watch them heat up every page of the book as they finally decide to go for it regardless of what others may think.
Incredibly steamy, as this couple is super hot and filled with lots of crazy events as well as glimpses of the rest of the Gator Bait MC, Good Trouble is a whole lot of fun! 4 stars!
I loved the relationship between Bain and Luce. Luce has been attracted to Bain since the day he took her to her prom. But Luce didn’t think she was worthy of anything good in her life. That is why she married Braxton, his brother. Bain was going to show her she was very worthy. Bain loved Luce since he first laid eyes on her, but could he convince her she can be happy? This book had all the feels! Can’t wait for the next one!
Sooo good! Love loved Bain and his Luce! The story had a lot of who is the bad guy vibes and kept me pushing as fast as I could to the HEA. The connection with these two was right from the start. It was crappy the stuff they had to go though but they were both so tough and I knew they would weather the storms they had. There was some steam but it never over shadowed the plot of the story. I didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait for more of this series. 4.5 stars
Hmmm it seems that everyone's life would be simpler with Braxton in it! But Bain and Luce finally, finally get their time and nothing will stop Bain from claiming his woman. I love this crazy band of misfits, their sassy women and even the new Sheriff, Sunny.
4.5⭐️ This next installment of the Gator Bait MC focuses on Bain and Diana, otherwise known as Luce. The events that these two have gone through over the years are unbelievable (and unforgivable in my opinion!). How a brother can do such vile things to his own blood is mind blowing. I’m just thankful that Luce found her voice after the divorce and stood her ground. She is definitely an unforgettable character! I loved everything about her, including her struggles with depression. Lani seems to be putting more real life issues in her books and I am appreciative of that. It brings such a real feel to her amazing stories. I am looking forward to what these Gator Bait boys will bring to life next!
I really enjoyed this one-dysfunctional family, brother's ex wife, and a crazy pregnant lady. Bain and Diana were so good together and her struggles with depression made her very relatable.
"Sometimes I feel I've got to / Run away, I've got to / Get away from the pain you drive into the heart of me." -Soft Cell & Diana (a.k.a. Luce) to Braxton
With a name like Braxton, you know he's going to be a little s#!t. Gosh. So. We have a story of a girl, who decides she's worthless because of depression. She marries the dumba$$ brother instead of the nice one, gets cheated on, and finally leaves. Meanwhile, the nice brother, Bane, gets f'ed over by the dufuss brother, Braxton, and ends up in jail for it. When it's time to get out, Luce is all his. And it doesn't take long either. They just have to navigate Braxton and his new crazed barely-legal baby mama drama. Cuz, goodness, that man is an a$$. Well, with a name like Braxton, you know he's a punk. It's like the new Kyle. lol
This is a more fun LLV book, one that doesn't require a bunch of thinking. It's just one for enjoyment. Bane and Luce are a fun couple, and I loved them together. The new MC, not MC are coming together quiet nicely, and the guys are starting to stand out more than they did in the original book. Overall, I really just liked it. The ending was sweet, though This series is really growing on me, and I really am looking forward to the next one.
I just don't have the time to do long LLV reviews anymore, unfortunately. I have to manage my time better because of the piles of work I have to do, and this is one of the first things to go. Sorry, guys. 'Til next time.
Another great read by Lani Lynn Vale! If you’re looking for your next book that will be hard to put down look no further! This one was a quick read! I loved Bain and Luce! This book had everything you expect from a LLV book! It had strong family connections, suspense and action. This is a true standalone and can be read before the first! I can’t wait for the next book!! I definitely recommend this one!
This book had everything you'd expect from a LLV book - family connections, strong characters, suspense, and a little bit of action. This was a really quick read and I loved Bain and Luce and seeing all the other characters involved. This can definitely be read as a standalone! Definitely recommend.
Diana aka Luce and Bain started as just friends. He was originally just her boyfriend's brother, but when Bain stepped up for her when her boyfriend bailed on her, it got him sent to prison. Now he's out and Luce's come to the realization that the brother she really loves is Bain, not Braxton. But if a psychotic pregnant woman and Bain's own douchey brother have their say, they will never become more than friends, never live long enough to be together.
Luce and Bain are really perfect for each other. Throughout all the craziness and drama, he's her absolute rock, even while he's gone. He helps her work through her demons, he calms her sometimes chaotic inner voice, and she in turn is there for him, stands tall when his own brother and his psycho girlfriend try to do away with him. I've been loving this MC. The guys are intriguing, none without their faults, and the women they fall for are equally interesting. I can't wait for the next couple to fall when Cute But Psycho is released.
When it comes to emotionally intense tales full of heart and soul, tales that pull you in courtesy of characters you can see yourself in, I know I can always count on Lani Lynn Vale to put me through the wringer...in a really good way. With this new series Ms. Vale has crafted another winner, another tale of a romance meant to be, and the incredible journey it took to get there! With each turn of the page my heart was warmed, my anger was fueled, and a smile was put on my face, all while I was falling in love with this unforgettable main couple.
Bain McDempsey has been a part of Luce's life since she was a teen, brother to her boyfriend and her knight in shining armor on the night of her prom. From that moment on he's always been there for her, no matter the thousands of miles separating them. He's a great friend, saying exactly what she needs to hear as she deals with her own demons. He's a strong support to her, uber protective, both mentally and physically...especially when she's assaulted and he's the one who comes to her rescue (instead of her husband-his brother). His actions that day had him making the ultimate sacrifice for Luce and his words and deeds throughout the story made me love him all the more as he proved himself the quintessential hero. He's a sweet and sexy man, one who subtly and boldly showed his feelings to the world regarding Luce and who easily earned his place on my list of book boyfriends.
Luce too is an unforgettable part of this pairing with a chemistry that crackled from the very start. She was drawn to Bain from the very beginning, won over by his kind heart and caring words. She never felt worthy of him though, battling the demons in her head, which had her settling for Bain's brother. Years of unhappiness, battles with her depression, finally had her coming out the other side though in an emotionally satisfying revelation that had her finally going after what her heart knew all along...that she and Bain were meant to be. It's a difficult life journey for Luce, one that Ms. Vale realistically and respectfully depicted and that had me aching for her when the thoughts in her head became particularly weighty. On a whole she's an immensely likable heroine, brave and loyal, and I was cheering her on every step of the way as she bravely battled every high and low thrown her way.
By the turn of the final page I was exhausted, but satisfied, by all that came before in this angst-fueled journey of friends to lovers. The main couple captivated me from the very start, invested me in their unwavering connection to one another, showing them to be there for each other when they needed support most. Their love was meant to be and I was so happy to see them both fighting for their HEA as the story took even more dangerous turns. Theirs was a hard-fought journey to HEA, a journey that played with every one of my emotions, and left me in awe once again at the knots the talented Ms. Vale twists us readers into. Along with this unforgettable main couple was a character you definitely booed...Bain's brother, Braxton. He was despicable and cruel, fueled the negativity in Luce's mind, and I hated him for everything he did to her and his own brother. Later in the story danger once again comes for Luce and Bain in scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat along with keeping me guessing. From exhilaration to steamy encounters to laugh out loud moments...this book has it all and it has me excited for what comes next. The interactions between the members of the Gator Bait MC were brotherly, supportive, with witty and playful banter that made them feel like a family. Though this branch of the family was a bit dysfunctional at first they quickly showed themselves to be decadently delightful in a romance that still makes me smile for how perfectly imperfect Bain and Luce are!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Bain met Diana, a.k.a. Luce, the night before he was set to deploy to Afghanistan. Ir's not every day that you take your brother's girlfriend to prom because he refuses to put out the effort. That night was one of the best night of his life and the next day he leaves and doesn't see her again. But there are letters. Not many, but enough for them to form a connection. Over the two-year deployment, they became great friends. The best of friends-at least, as good of friends as you can be when it's your brother's wife. Fast forward six years and she still counts him as one of her greatest friends. Even going as far as to stick by him when he's sent to prison because his own brother turned him in. Luce had a crush on her then-boyfriend's brother since way before she and Bain's brother were married. From the moment he volunteered to take her to prom, she'd fallen. Over the years, she's tried to hide it. Tried to go on with her life and act like she loved her husband and only her husband. But as time went on and Braxton started to treat her more and more like crap, she realized the truth. Her husband wasn't Bain. Her husband would never be him. That had been proved time and time again. The smoking gun though? The thing that made her realize it was time to leave? When her husband stood by while she was assaulted, while the man she tried to act like was just a friend protected her. Then was sentenced to eight years in jail for it. It was time to admit the truth. Bain McDempsey was it for her. She just had to help him see it. Oh, and get him out of prison first.
This is the story to Bain and Diana (Luce). She was his brother's girlfriend and when his brother refused to take her to the prom he stepped up and did it himself. Ironically he had the best night of his life with Luce at the prom. The next day though he left for a deployment with the Navy to the middle east. But he knew before he left that he would always have her back. However while knowing that she was madly in love with Bain Luce married Braxton instead. Now here is where I was all what the actual heck are you doing woman!! I wasn't really crazy about her reasoning when you that madly in love with someone else. She knew he was awful, and the moment he refused to go to prom with her would have been it for me. But alas she did marry the guy and I think it made me not have so much sympathy for her. She made her bed knowing that his own brother wasn't crazy about him as a person either. She even gets attacked and he runs like to chicken he is and left her there being attacked. UGH I hated him with such a passion. Bain had to save her and he paid the ultimate price for it thanks to his no good brother. I can't tell you much more about this story than that or I am going to spoil something. I loved Bain. Loved him from the very beginning and he and Luce were absolutely amazing together no matter what they had to go through to get to where they both wanted to be.
Bain met Diana the night his brother refused to take her to the prom. After a standoff Bain offered to take her. After all she looked like she really wanted to go and Braxton, his brother, was being a jerk. That night ended up being the best night of Bain’s life in his words. Don’t worry it was all platonic. That was also the night he gave Diana the nickname Luce.
For Luce, Bain is everything his brother isn’t. He’s the man she is in love with but she marries his brother while Bain goes off to do Navy things. They do keep in touch and remain friends. I will say that sometimes Lani Lynn Vale writes things that make my poor stomach clench. I can’t imagine marrying Braxton after falling in love with Bain. However, she had her reasons and it all fits well with the story line.
When Luce is attacked it’s Bain who steps in to defend her and ends up going to prison for her. It’s after this that she divorces Braxton. So we get all of this mostly from Luce telling others and a prologue of the prom.
We get Bain and Luce seeing one another again on the day he comes home from prison. It is clear from the beginning that he was not told a lot of things. He’s pissed too. I love the way he interacts with people. If he doesn’t like you he doesn’t even pretend to be nice.
Things happen that bring them even closer and let me tell you the chemistry they had you could feel burning off the pages from the moment their eyes met. If two characters were ever just fated to be together it was them. I love that and I love the way they both see the other in ways that no one else can.
Luce struggles with her mental health and Bain doesn’t belittle her for it. He’s there standing beside when she needs him to be and at her back always. Luce doesn’t feel the need to say anything about how Bain interacts with other people. Although there are plenty of women who would.
Braxton was a jerk from day one and honestly he never got any better. I hated him so much. Although, let me say there is a point where I almost felt sorry for him. Especially with the fact that he has kids he doesn’t see. I also kind of felt like there may be more to him than he shows.
I will say this book had plenty of crazy in it and I loved every second of it. There were also plenty of hilarious moments in the book as well. The unclaimed MC make everything more interesting. The fact they don’t really want to be one but act like one is great. They have a newfound family that is slowly still finding its way and I can’t wait to find out what the next book brings us.
Freaking obsessed! I don’t know if it’s because I’ve read basically every book LLV has put out, or just that I can’t get enough of her books, but I swear each book is better and has me more sucked in and hooked than the last, and this one was no exception. Bain and Diana met when she dated Bain’s younger brother. Obvious it wasn’t a good relationship, he pulls through for her when his brother blows her off for prom and Bain steps in, and thus starts the chemistry and feelings these two have for each other. Things take a different level between them when Bain saves Diana from a stalker in which her now-husband (Bain’s brother) doesn’t take seriously, he also plays a part in Bain going to prison for saving her, which gives Diana what she needs to move on and get a divorce. Years later, Bain is finally released from prison, and when he sees Diana, he decides he’s taking his shot with her, especially when she’s attacked days after his release, and they realize someone is after Diana yet again. This book had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing until the last moments – I was still shocked that one person wasn’t actually behind everything that happened, and it’s things like that which makes it an epic book for me. I truly cannot wait for the next book in the series, or really any book that LLV comes out with! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
“Every single time you were around, my eyes were always on you. Every little thing you ever did or said, or the way you acted? I was aware.” 🖤 Review: Good Trouble by Lani Lynn Vale. Gator Bait MC book 2. 🖤 One thing I love about Lani’s books (and I think I’ve already said this before…) is how the main male characters, are always protective, possessive, dirty talkers and so in love the lady. And to say that Bain is like that is an understatement, the man is head over heels by his Luce, even when she was married to his awful, awful brother.
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell that this story has major forbidden/taboo vibes, obviously there’s no cheating by the main characters, that’s not how Lani works. But this forbidden aspect was what drove me to read super fast the book, I totally loved how it was written and the mutual respect and adoration Bain and Luce had. It was also written the worse brother to existence, I think Bain’s brother (who will remain unnamed) he was exchanged in the maternity, gosh.
Bain even went to jail for protecting Luce and when he’s finally free, it’s game on. They gravitate to each other, their friendship is pure and their love so raw and permanent. Of course there’s plenty of action, some drama and craziness that goes in their way, which I always like.
As usual the Gator Bait MC group are super supportive of their owns and I’m super curious over the third book in the series, I’m anxious for the release.
I was blissfully, happily back among the Gator Bait MC and it’s hard to know how to describe how fun this book was… The drama. The twists. Oh the twists, people! Rarely is a relationship a straight line – any time of relationship – but Bain and Diana (aka Luce) had a road with some wild curveballs… I need more words but the story says it all…
And those curveballs? Wild is an understatement really. Good ones, some not so good and others just really awful came together in a page-turner of a romance. Reunited, nothing was going to keep them apart. Not convention. Not exes. Not even those that came out of left field. Bain was my hero from the start, having Luce’s back in all ways and situations. Luce, on the other hand, took everything with such grace, even when she came out swinging…
Vying for my favourite elements of this story was Bain’s parents. They were endearing, hilarious and calm and tempered in their acceptance and love. If ‘parents’ could be an award category – fictional or otherwise – I vote for them.
I couldn’t wait to dive in and I was incredibly unhappy when it was all over. This author’s humourous take on love and life, while serving up word deliciousness once again, continues to (joyfully) feed my reading addiction…
When I started this newest book by LLV I had no idea that I was going to connect with our Heroine Luce in so many ways. She’s a young woman that has so much potential but has this seeded depression that at times is paralyzing. As I was reading certain parts of this book I could totally relate with her and how her emotions guided her life. And the biggest turning point of her life is the night Bain steps up to take her to her Prom because his scummy brother, who’s Luce’s boyfriend, and I use that term loosely, didn’t want to go. This one moment in time sets these two up for a future romance that is intense, combustible, filled with every emotion possible and a love neither expected or thought they deserved.
Bain is a man that has spent time in jail and when we find out the what’s and why’s of it, I swear I was so pissed because, who does that??? And when he gets out, his first order of business is Luce and making her his… and as much as Luce didn’t think she deserved this man, he does everything possible to prove her wrong. There are so many moving parts in this book. There’s the suspense of things that are happening in their small town and let me tell you, there’s some serious machinations going on in this town… and I LOVED every minute!
While Bain and Luce are experiencing their love, the family dynamics going on had my eyes widening! This story moves a pretty rapid pace which fits these two because once Bain is back in town, there’s nothing that’s going to stop him both from getting Luce to be his and getting back at those that wronged him while also being part of the MC that isn’t really an MC… I find this one of the things that had me chuckling throughout the book.
Needless to say, we’re only on book two of this series and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this small town!
Good Trouble by Lani Lynn Vale hits the ground running. This series keeps getting better and better. The web of mischief this crew is getting into is so good. And the brotherhood of this crew shows through time and time again. I love this series so much.
Bain McDempsey met his person years before Diana, a.k.a. Luce would ever be his. His dreamy girl Luce belonged to his brother. Someone who did not want her nor, did he deserve her. Everyone in his family adored her but Braxton.
Braxton cannot stand his ex-wife Diana. He also knows Bain loves her and would be the best person for her. Normally, this kind of book would not be my jam. But the way Lani wrote Bain and Luce's story. I was utterly pulling for them from the minute they met.
Luce has had it rough. Her husband treated her like a dog. He absolutely hated her. She finally leaves him but battles a severe case of depression and thinks she is not worthy of anyone.
Bain is there letting her know that she is worthy. He is her constant. This book is filled with ups and downs. Twists and turns. But one thing is for sure, Bain is the type of person we all need.
I cannot wait to see where Lani takes the rest of this series.
Looking for a book with a military hero who'd go to jail if it meant keeping his woman safe?
Or a book with a determined, self-sufficient woman who goes after what she wants?
Need something with drama, action, and a psycho villain?
Well... that is definitely Good Trouble! Bain is this super big teddy bear - with fangs. He's sweet and caring when it comes to his parents and his woman. Anyone who dares to hurt those he loves better have their affairs in order. Sure, that makes him like pretty much every romance hero out there, but isn't that what we love about these books? The imperfectly perfect her?
Luce has her own issues, not to mention an ex-husband who is quite the piece of work! But Bain brings out her best qualities and loves her exactly as she is. She's tough when she needs to be. Brave. Fierce. And loyal. Honestly, I think she's now my favorite LLV heroine. She's amazing.
I'd planned to start this book, then set it aside so I could actually sleep. I should have known better. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Lani Lynn Vale has done it yet again. Seriously. This book is all kinds of amazing.
*I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good Trouble is the second book in the Gator Bait series by Lani Lynn Vale. We met Bain in Nobody Cares Unless You're Pretty and I loved his story! It's a very complicated one! He saved his brother's girlfriend and went to jail for it. Now he's out and back home and he never stopped caring for Diana, or Luce as he calls her. She married his brother, but they are divorced. Diana never forgot Bain or what he did to save her. Her ex is a total jackass and she's glad that's over. Now that Bain is back she can't stop thinking about him. And it's not helping that he seems to be everywhere she is. The pull is too strong to fight. Bain doesn’t care what his brother thinks. His parents love her already. Now he just has to convince Luce to take the chance. When she realizes that Bain is the balm to her soul. The happiness that helps her depression and the man who lights he body on fire, she's all in! Now they just have to deal with someone trying to kill her and him. But they are stronger together and they can get through anything. I loved Bain and Luce. He's so funny and sexy and loving. She's independent, smart and knows what she wants to do with her life. I loved his parents and how fierce they are! We get to see more of the other men and I'm excited for all their stories!