Estranged

Bradley Brothers #1

by Jason Collins

ALEX:

I’m no stranger to being betrayed by family. I got my first dose at sixteen when my homophobic grandfather threw me out and my brothers sat back and watched it happen.

Becoming a doctor proved I didn’t need anyone else, and I never looked back—until the miserable old man passed and left millions to my estranged so-called brothers. But I’m prepared to fight for myself this time, and I’ve got a secret weapon to help me do it.

Enter Justin: my new lawyer. One look at him and legal advice plummets down the list of what I want him to give me.

But I’ve always been fine on my own, far away from here. So why does leaving again—without Justin—feel impossible?

JUSTIN:

When Alex Bradley stepped into my office, all I could think about was him stepping out of his clothes.

Not exactly the best start for an attorney-client relationship.

It’s bad enough that I’m representing my new obsession in a messy inheritance lawsuit against his brothers. But small-town life has a nasty gift for me—the snake of an attorney Alex’s brothers hired to fight me? My own father.

You don’t have to be a lawyer to come up with a thousand reasons this can never work. But for the first time in my life, my brain is at odds with my heart—and other parts of my body. And this is one argument I don’t think my brain has a shot at winning.

This is the first book in the Bradley Brothers series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.

Genres: M M Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2022

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big-city doctor Alex Bradley returns home to the reading of his grandfather's will. Living in a conservative small town, Alex and his two brothers Colby and Jase were orphaned at a fairly young age - and then raised by their very old-fashioned grandfather. When Alex is caught kissing the parson's son at age 16, Alex is thrown out of the house and forced to make his own way in life. Returning fifteen years later, Alex isn't surprised to learn that he has been disinherited. Still full of rage and fire after all those years away, Alex partially blames his brothers for not doing anything to help support his cause. Vowing revenge, Alex hires local attorney Justin Harrison to get his fair share of the family estate. The more he works with the gorgeous lawyer, however, the more he falls under the man's calming and reconciliatory spell. Through all the family discord, Alex and Justin become interested in one another, and a physical relationship soon evolves. But what happens when the court proceedings are complete and Alex has to go back to his job in the city?

Estranged is a fabulous romance…one of the author's very best in my opinion! The emotions in this book are off the scale! Alex has been living on his own for fifteen years making his own way in life - allowing neither means nor love from his remaining family. His inner persona is palpable and seething - he has been done a grave wrong and now his family must pay. Justin, although in direct competition with his own lawyer father, has a far different outlook on his own family drama - one that he hopes to instill in Alex's situation. I especially liked Justin's conciliatory approach -not only to Alex's family drama, but towards Alex's own personal demons as well.

The plot of this novel is extremely engrossing and entertaining, and the character development is beyond the scale in excellence!!

Highly recommended! 5 stars!!

[Jennifer Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this start of a new trilogy by Jason Collins. Alex has been estranged from his family since he was 16, forced out by a cold-hearted homophobic grandfather, guardian to Alex and his two brothers. When his brothers stand by and let it happen (scared kids themselves), he takes off and claws his own way to a life he's proud of. After being gone for 15 years, Alex is back in his hometown for the reading of his grandfather's will. Unsurprisingly, he finds himself needing a lawyer of his own, in order to claim his rightful share. Justin is one of two lawyers in town - his father being the other, and of course, representing the grandfather. Justin hasn't seen Alex since high school, and the combustion of chemistry between them when they are face to face for the first time is delicious. They are simply unable to resist each other, regardless of being attorney and client, and the steamy and emotional fall into love is my favorite kind of read. The angst throughout most of the book comes from the brothers finding their way back to each other, and it's all very understandable, given how young they all were when Alex left. But the resolution happens, families are strengthened, and we get to know a little bit about Alex's two brothers, who will each have their own upcoming books. Another lovely read from Jason Collins.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'm typically a big fan of Jason Collins and usually easily fall in love with his characters but I have to admit I struggled a bit with this one. Alex was a bit confusing for me, I didn't always understand where he (and his anger) were coming from. Yes, he has had it rough, getting thrown out for being gay and having to make it own his own. But, he's done it, in a big way, and when his grandfather passes he returns home to claim his share of the inheritance. He's prepared to fight for it too, hiring Justin as his lawyer to represent him against his brothers. And to make it even more complicated, Justin's father is the other lawyer in town and is representing his grandfather's estate. Justin and his father have their own complicated relationship as well.

This premise really has all the makings of a good, drama-filled read, and it had it's moments but after getting to know Alex's brothers a lot of the feelings didn't quite make sense to me. But, as I continued to read I did start to like Alex more, as he started to listen and grow and open up to more than just his own reality. Justin is a great match for him in that sense, he's able to ground Alex when is being a hot head and give him genuine love. So, it's definitely a growing up, forgiveness story more than anything for me. I'm definitely curious about Alex's brothers and where their journeys will take them.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family, is family no matter what. Alex, has come a long way from when his GrandPa kicked him out of his home for being gay. He became a doctor on his own while driving a heavy load of baggage behind him. He returned after 15 years, for the reading of his GrandPa's will and the millions of inheritance money. He would be facing his two brothers, Colby the oldest and Jace, the youngest. He last remembers their faces as they stood by as his GrandDad told him to pack a bag and get out. His Dad, Sam had built the farm, the business and he felt he was entitled to his share. Justin, is a lawyer in the town with only two lawyers, his Dad being the other one with the large practice. Alex is facing his attraction to Justin along with the complexities of the will and seeing his brothers after 15 years. Emotions are high, tensions are higher. There are lots of secrets within both Alex's and Justin's families. Lots of intrigue. Will we get solutions? Will we get reconciliations? Will Alex be able to put his bitterness to rest? Good story, your heart is out and exposed for a bit. Nicely done.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After living on the streets after being thrown out of his house by his grandfather, Alex worked hard to finish school, graduate college and became a doctor. When his grandfather dies, Alex goes back to his hometown to hear about the will and to confront his brothers. He is disinhearated , getting nothing of his fathers ranch. Justin is one of two lawyers in town and is hired by Alex. Of course there is family drama between brothers but also between Justin and his father, the opposing lawyer.

From the first glance, Alex and Justin are attracted and for the first few hours fight it. Soon desire becomes so much more. This HEA is sweet and an easy read. Just the right amount of heat, feelings to keep you reading. Enjoy!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TLF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great 1st book of the series

Alex Bradley was all about seeking some sort of retribution for his grandfather having kicked him out at 16 for being gay. The old man has died and Alex cut out of an inheritance that was as much his as his brothers to whom his grandfather left it. Alex needed a lawyer and his small hometown had two Sam who was his brothers lawyer and his son Justin who Alex hired. Sparks fly between Justin and Alex but can they remain professional. This was a good start to the series with estranged family drama ,low angst between the MC's and a HEA. Alex brother Colby looks like he is going to have quite a story so I hope that's the next book in the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex goes home for the reading of his grandfathers will & finds out he was cut out because grandpa threw him out @ 16 for being gay. Alex hates his brothers for never sticking up for him when it happened & still blames them. He hires an attorney, Justin, to go after what's rightfully his. As he goes through the steps he finds love & forgiveness with Justin & his brothers. This was a light, easy read & a good beginning to a new series. I was offered an ARC for an honest opinion. Looking forward to the next one.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex has come back home with a giant chip on his shoulder. It was understandable but he lashes out without thought. Justin has his own family issues but I think he has come to a healthier place when dealing with them. There are lots of spicy moments but some heartfelt conversations. I liked that there are bridges rebuilt and I'm crossing my fingers that Alex's oldest brother gets his story next.
Highly recommended author

[Sara Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex has been kicked out and away from his family for quite some time and only now returns to see his brothers for the reading of their grandfather’s will. This starts a story of love and acceptance when Alex has to fight for his share of his father’s legacy. I loved the quick insta-lust affair of Alex and his lawyer Justin in their journey for what Alex deserves, not just his fair share but Justin and family. ***I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.***

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Estranged. It was an insta-love with all the good feels and heat to go with it. Alex and Justin have to battle with more than just estranged family members and the law. They have to work their way to a HEA. Which is always a guarantee with this author. Loved it. Can't wait for the next one.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect book of letting go & mending heart and soul! Anger eats within, set the best free

Justin a local lawyer with more then small town charm. Alex a doctor is finding his inner peace and finally getting his dreams. M M romance. One would thunk rising above diversity is a true gift.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I understood Alex completely, his anger was justified, his only family in the world threw him out and he had to fend for himself, that's not easy to do, especially as a teenager. Justin was so sweet, he was understanding and for Alex to stay. Everyone figured their things out at the end and I loved that

[Karen Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Start to a new series. This is Alex and Justin's story, Alex has had a rough few years in which he was kicked out of home, now back to claim his inheritance and what a shock that is.
Great story.

[SaintDelicate _Edits · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars The Bradley brothers got a carefully drawn up story in this one. I legit can’t wait to find out Colby’s story and the younger brother’s. Separately of course, my goodness. Wonderful story and wow, I found myself rooting for the brothers to just be a family.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. It was kinda okay. Approximately a third of the book felt like gratuitous sex scenes that never ended. The second third was Justin being suspicious of his dad. The last third was Alex showing rage issues with his brothers. I would have gone 2.5 stars.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALEX AND JUSTIN

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Alex was kicked out of his home by his grandfather when he was sixteen for being caught with another boy. He struggled and became a doctor despite his estrangement from his family. He blames his brothers for not sticking up for him. He has carried his anger for fifteen years until he meets his lawyer, Justin, another gay person in the small town. I liked how Justin taught Alex how to get over his anger so that he could be in a healthy relationship with his brothers and then took his own advice for his relationship with his father. A book to make one think.

[devil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a series. Justin was a great character, and exactly who Alex needed in his life. Really enjoyed the ending. It's worth a read.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

It was decent very sexy but a little quick on the falling in love. I did not feel any resolution of brothers.

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex memaafkan mendiang kakeknya tapi karena dikemas secara tidak epik terlihat seperti Alex tidak tulus.