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Brazen Bulls Birthright #5
Restless
Like his older brother, Jacob Jessup is a legacy patch in the Brazen Bulls MC. Their father, Rad, was a legend in his time, and he left big bootprints to fill. Though his brother fills them easily, Jay has always struggled to measure up.
He hasn’t found where he fits in the club, and he hasn’t found a way to earn anyone’s respect. Not even his father’s. He’s sure no one thinks he’ll ever be anything but a screwup. Stewing in his failures and resentments, he’s grown bitter and combative.
One night, after getting bounced for fighting at their usual haunt, Jay and his buddy wander into an unfamiliar corner bar. Behind the taps is a beautiful woman who catches Jay’s eye at once, but there are about a hundred reasons he couldn’t possibly have a shot with her.
Petra Maros has built a comfortable life for herself. She owns her business and her apartment, she has a community of good friends and a loving relationship with her doting father. She isn’t living her dream, but she’s made something good and real of her life nonetheless.
Her father is struggling, though, and the consequences of his mistakes threaten to upend his life and Petra’s. She’s doing everything she can to pull him back from the brink, but she’s alone in the effort and losing hope.
One night, a couple of young guys swagger into Petra’s bar. They aren’t her usual clientele, and they look like trouble. But as they sit down and strike up a conversation, she realizes she might have judged them too harshly. One in particular draws Petra’s attention; he’s brash and full of attitude, but there’s something soft in his eyes.
At first glance, Jay and Petra are the unlikeliest of couples. But what’s on the surface is just the cover of the book.
Love comes when they settle into each other’s story.
He hasn’t found where he fits in the club, and he hasn’t found a way to earn anyone’s respect. Not even his father’s. He’s sure no one thinks he’ll ever be anything but a screwup. Stewing in his failures and resentments, he’s grown bitter and combative.
One night, after getting bounced for fighting at their usual haunt, Jay and his buddy wander into an unfamiliar corner bar. Behind the taps is a beautiful woman who catches Jay’s eye at once, but there are about a hundred reasons he couldn’t possibly have a shot with her.
Petra Maros has built a comfortable life for herself. She owns her business and her apartment, she has a community of good friends and a loving relationship with her doting father. She isn’t living her dream, but she’s made something good and real of her life nonetheless.
Her father is struggling, though, and the consequences of his mistakes threaten to upend his life and Petra’s. She’s doing everything she can to pull him back from the brink, but she’s alone in the effort and losing hope.
One night, a couple of young guys swagger into Petra’s bar. They aren’t her usual clientele, and they look like trouble. But as they sit down and strike up a conversation, she realizes she might have judged them too harshly. One in particular draws Petra’s attention; he’s brash and full of attitude, but there’s something soft in his eyes.
At first glance, Jay and Petra are the unlikeliest of couples. But what’s on the surface is just the cover of the book.
Love comes when they settle into each other’s story.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2022
17 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,418 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 8, 2022
Its still susan so it was a ok read.
But i am so sick of men with issues in that series. So big potential wasted.
Its second generation, i was expecting that there will be more banter and frienship between pathes, funny stories about them growing up together, and its like only by the end of the book ots like oh yes i love my club and we are familu? Wtf?
But i am so sick of men with issues in that series. So big potential wasted.
Its second generation, i was expecting that there will be more banter and frienship between pathes, funny stories about them growing up together, and its like only by the end of the book ots like oh yes i love my club and we are familu? Wtf?
August 5, 2022
Another must read installment of the Brazen Bulls Birthright series. Jay's story is so unexpected in the absolute best way and will do nothing short of surprise and awe you.
More to come but a definite must read!
More to come but a definite must read!
August 25, 2022
3.5 stars. I loved that Jake found his way, loved him. I also loved the lovely patrons of Gertrude’s.
November 30, 2022
bittersweet
Loved this book, loved this series but feel sad that this is the end of the series! I LOVED Jake and Petra as a couple. Initially they seemed mismatched and I was kind of thinking about them the way Jake did: what could they possibly have in common? With the wide age gap (Petra is 9 years older than Jake), how could this possibly work? Sure, they had great sexual chemistry, but would that be enough? But Susan always writes these multifaceted characters, so who the characters initially seem to be is just the surface stuff, there are lots and lots of layers to unpack. I also love how Susan infuses her characters with lots of complexities: the story takes place in Petra’s queer bar/bookstore (what a great idea, BTW), Petra is bi, her bartender and former partner is nonbinary, and Jake is the poster child for someone with a chip on his shoulder and low self-esteem. He also seems to suffer from anxiety as well. I really loved the complexity of Petra’s relationship with her former partner Dre. So many authors who include queer characters present them as unidimensional side kicks who are either wisecracking foils for the lead character or saints. Susan’s characters aren’t saints or sinners but flawed characters that aren’t always in the healthiest relationships, just like everyone else.
My favorite part of all of Susan’s books are watching the characters fall in love, it’s exquisite! I love the steamy sex scenes but I love the vulnerability and emotional intimacy of the characters best, no one writes these scenes better! As usual, once I started this book I couldn’t put it down, so instead of grading papers and writing grant reports I’m sitting in front of a fireplace, drinking tea and reading this book. I’m not sure how Susan decides when it’s time to end a series but she always leaves you wanting more (just one more book, pretty please?) I’m sad to see the Brazen Bull world end but I hope Susan writes another MC romance series, they’re the best!
Loved this book, loved this series but feel sad that this is the end of the series! I LOVED Jake and Petra as a couple. Initially they seemed mismatched and I was kind of thinking about them the way Jake did: what could they possibly have in common? With the wide age gap (Petra is 9 years older than Jake), how could this possibly work? Sure, they had great sexual chemistry, but would that be enough? But Susan always writes these multifaceted characters, so who the characters initially seem to be is just the surface stuff, there are lots and lots of layers to unpack. I also love how Susan infuses her characters with lots of complexities: the story takes place in Petra’s queer bar/bookstore (what a great idea, BTW), Petra is bi, her bartender and former partner is nonbinary, and Jake is the poster child for someone with a chip on his shoulder and low self-esteem. He also seems to suffer from anxiety as well. I really loved the complexity of Petra’s relationship with her former partner Dre. So many authors who include queer characters present them as unidimensional side kicks who are either wisecracking foils for the lead character or saints. Susan’s characters aren’t saints or sinners but flawed characters that aren’t always in the healthiest relationships, just like everyone else.
My favorite part of all of Susan’s books are watching the characters fall in love, it’s exquisite! I love the steamy sex scenes but I love the vulnerability and emotional intimacy of the characters best, no one writes these scenes better! As usual, once I started this book I couldn’t put it down, so instead of grading papers and writing grant reports I’m sitting in front of a fireplace, drinking tea and reading this book. I’m not sure how Susan decides when it’s time to end a series but she always leaves you wanting more (just one more book, pretty please?) I’m sad to see the Brazen Bull world end but I hope Susan writes another MC romance series, they’re the best!
August 9, 2022
Great, Great Read
No one writes like Susan Fanetti. She hits every emotional tone and nuance. The story was heartbreakingly wonderful. Just literally finished and sad to say so. So good!
No one writes like Susan Fanetti. She hits every emotional tone and nuance. The story was heartbreakingly wonderful. Just literally finished and sad to say so. So good!
May 3, 2023
I went into this book not caring one bit for Jake. When I was finished I can't say that my opinion changed much. By the time he became a more likeable character it was to late. He was a pouty cry baby and felt like he was always being compared to his brother. He never took that it was his actions as to why people had no faith in him.
As for Petra I didn't get at all. I didn't feel they actually had a connection. Plus the whole they them was confusing at first. Then when it clicked I just was over it.
I sure as shit didn't get the whole situation when they were traveling and the guys who pulled up to start something coming to JJ for the confrontation and not going to the leader just didn't add up for me. I get it was a way for JJ to show what he was capable of but it's not how the ranking goes. The top dog always addresses the top dog not the low man on the totem pole.
I have been disappointed in a lot of the leading men in this series. They have so many issues and seem more teenage issues then older men. Seem very immature.
As for Petra I didn't get at all. I didn't feel they actually had a connection. Plus the whole they them was confusing at first. Then when it clicked I just was over it.
I sure as shit didn't get the whole situation when they were traveling and the guys who pulled up to start something coming to JJ for the confrontation and not going to the leader just didn't add up for me. I get it was a way for JJ to show what he was capable of but it's not how the ranking goes. The top dog always addresses the top dog not the low man on the totem pole.
I have been disappointed in a lot of the leading men in this series. They have so many issues and seem more teenage issues then older men. Seem very immature.
February 20, 2023
I have always enjoyed Susan Fanetti’s biker series. Good solid stories.
But I really enjoyed this book. Maybe even my fave of the BBB series. JJ annoyed me in the earlier books but he really came into his own in this one and I found myself loving him too.
I would not have paired these two together but the story was beautiful and their relationship was just the sweetest. Age gap but in reverse. I would love to have seen an epilogue much further in the future to see where they ended up.
Petra was a great character, really solid for JJ and the pairing was awesome.
The sad story with her father was a solid build to test their steadiness as a couple and I loved how Petra was mature enough to see past JJ’s age and see who he was not what he had.
But I really enjoyed this book. Maybe even my fave of the BBB series. JJ annoyed me in the earlier books but he really came into his own in this one and I found myself loving him too.
I would not have paired these two together but the story was beautiful and their relationship was just the sweetest. Age gap but in reverse. I would love to have seen an epilogue much further in the future to see where they ended up.
Petra was a great character, really solid for JJ and the pairing was awesome.
The sad story with her father was a solid build to test their steadiness as a couple and I loved how Petra was mature enough to see past JJ’s age and see who he was not what he had.
January 23, 2024
This story was touching in several ways and I even got choked up several times, as there are definitely themes of grief and what love and family (your real and your chosen) should look like, so I enjoyed it as I do all Susan Fanetti books, but I think I have realized lately that I'm just getting old and unfortunately have a lot more trouble getting into books with NA main characters who are at an age where I just struggle to relate to them and I get more easily annoyed/frustrated by their ways of handling (or not handling) their feelings and emotions as well as their actions and ways of relating to others. What I found really special in this book was the relationship between Jay and his mom, which I thought was really sweet and moving.
December 20, 2022
It was good to finally get into Jacob's head and find out what he's really thinking. Up to this point he came across like a hot-headed little, selfish shithead. I actually like him now. He came across as an innocent child at times which was endearing. I loved Petra. She really knows who she is and her patience and understanding of Jacob was also endearing. He has a great family, ie. Willa, Rad and Zach. The one person I did not like at all was Dre - what an asshole they were!!!!! Even before it happened I knew something was coming with her father....what a sad, sad, shame.
August 7, 2022
Different but good
This book is a little different in The typical Bulls series but I still liked it. Tho, I get a little aggravated at Eight but he's just being the Eight we all know and love\hate.
I did wish Jay didn't doubt himself so much but that a typical at that ago so I get it.
Love Petra. She's good ole lady material.
Can't wait for the next book.
This book is a little different in The typical Bulls series but I still liked it. Tho, I get a little aggravated at Eight but he's just being the Eight we all know and love\hate.
I did wish Jay didn't doubt himself so much but that a typical at that ago so I get it.
Love Petra. She's good ole lady material.
Can't wait for the next book.
November 27, 2025
And we’re back!!
It’s been a minute….but that’s summer for you.
I picked up a book by a favourite author to get me out of my dry spell. I haven’t had much time, but I made some time for this gem.
This is classic new age Susan Fanetti and did not disappoint. It was exactly what I needed.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
It’s been a minute….but that’s summer for you.
I picked up a book by a favourite author to get me out of my dry spell. I haven’t had much time, but I made some time for this gem.
This is classic new age Susan Fanetti and did not disappoint. It was exactly what I needed.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
September 10, 2022
I don't know. I would have liked some Brazen Bulls action in this. But you get to know JJ and his troubles in life. I was mad at Rad. I was happy he was close to Zach again. Petra's story broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2023
3.5 stars. Another good read in this series. I had a hard time getting into this one in the beginning. Wish there was more storyline on Petra and Dre's relationship problems. Loved Jake! On to the next one...
August 12, 2022
4-4.5
June 25, 2024
I was so excited for Jay’s book and looking forward to seeing him become his own man but I just didn’t like Petra for him. I just didn’t like her character at all.
January 3, 2024
3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews