Queen B’s Decree: Brielle was a wonderful character. Strong without being a bully, gentle without being a pushover. She’s had a pretty rough life but her personality and optimism was refreshing to read. She was full of unconditional love just waiting to be bestowed upon others.
She was perfect for Royce. He’s hidden behind his insecurities for so long that he needed someone gentle and strong enough to withstand his emotional lashing out. As anyone could have expected, he did his best to push her away, even while he was mentally screaming for her to stay.
And of course she did, we wouldn’t have a happy ending without it. But I was disappointed with it. I needed more groveling. Royce really was a giant dick. Sometimes I feel like romance novels are extraordinarily forgiving towards characters that haven’t appropriately apologized, especially male heroes. Maybe I’m seeing a bias that isn’t there because I tend to hold grudges towards my fictional characters, but the “hero is a dick but heroine forgives him immediately” trope is getting old for me.
Regardless, this was a great end to the series (except Bass??? I need his story too) and I was hooked immediately. Meagan Brandy’s characters are always so full of depth and the steam factor is just *chef’s kiss* right. Hope to read more from her.
Book: Break Me by Meagan Brandy
Series: Brayshaw High #5
Genre: High School/New Adult
Hotness: medium-hot salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: bully, angst