Saving Brad (The Kennedy Boys #5)

What a character journey Siobhan has taken Brad on over the course of this series. And this speaks to something Siobhan is SO incredibly gifted at – shes great at taking really flawed characters who have made bad and/or hurtful decisions and she puts them on a redemptive journey- she somehow has us as readers dislike them and then empathize and love them. Truly, only a talented character writer could evolve a character in a way where we believe they have truly evolved- to where we see them in a different light. I know a lot of people were excited to get Brads book, but I wasnt yet sold on him- even though hes worked to make amends. But after this book, wow, Im totally in love with him- but he didnt make it easy. Siobhan not only has him evolve- mature as the result of his prior experiences- but she also lets us into just his soul, what drives his actions. And man, it broke my soul to see him devolve so much from the Brad we know and know he can be.

And Rachel isnt really in a good place either-burying her baggage in her partying. Like Brad, we dont know the whole story- there is so much more going on with Rachel – and a character that we once saw as weak or unraveling you now see as a strong survivor. An embattled fighter. My heart hurts for her pain. Both of them just ripped it right out of my chest- which is why their story is so special. They understand and see each other- and by helping the other heal they can help themselves heal. This is some INTENSE connection.

This has been the most triggering subject matter of the series- so take note. But I loved this story- WAY more than I thought I would, I figured Brad wouldnt light me up like Kyler, but I think Brad has buried himself deeper in my heart- the goodness, the strength of this man, it gets to me. And they are so perfectly paired, Brad and Rachel, two beautifully broken souls only whole in their togetherness. Oh my heart!

Holy mother of trigger warning folks! There was tons of detailed conversations of horrendous/super sick sexual and mental abuse, as well as one attempted rape/abuse that actually occurs during the story. Saving Brad was an incredibly tough read, one I was not prepared for.

Can I say how wonderful it was to finally get an answer about what went down between Brad and Rachel?? There was so much hostility and unsaid questions that I could not wait to have answered.

Full disclosure, I did not like Brad basically at all when the book started! I loved him so much in the Kyler series, he was one of my favorite characters and I was so excited for him to get his own book and HEA. But I could not stand him in this story. Really, he was such a terrible person, going out of his way to be horrible to all the women he used. And he used a LOT of women with no concern or repercussions- the entire first half of the book was basically his sexcapades. The sweet boy that I grew to love and root for did not exist here and I was really disappointed. He really did a 180 though and by the end of the book he was the wonderful boy I had originally met, but man it was a tough uphill battle to get there.

Rachel on the other hand was such a great character and I loved her. She was so very damaged and scared but tried so hard for everything she did and was such a great friend. I was glad I finally got the opportunity to meet her and learn who she was not through Faye. I did want to shake her a little every time Brad treated her like trash and she still came back to him (it made me wonder if it was due to her past though). I am really glad that she decided to come forward with her story and that she sought the help she so desperately needed.

I listened to the audiobook version and I was not enthused by the experience because this was basically sex with a little bit of plot. It was awkward for me to listen to, especially in public, I just don’t like having sex narrated to me. I know others really enjoy it but steamy audiobooks and dirty talk don’t work out for me. The female narrator was amazing though, with her cute Irish accent and great emoting. The male narrator was ok, but his other character voices were odd- especially Kyler’s voice sounded almost feminine.

Wow!! I absolutely adore the Kennedy boys series theres nothing better to put a smile on your face than siobhan Daviss stories I love this womans work! I finished this story a few days ago and I still have a smile on my face thinking about it

For those of you who have read the previous books in the series know that brad isnt in a good place his family are hiding because of his fathers crimes and after helping ky out in the previous books fell for his girl faye brad and kys friendship is put through the ringer

I felt so bad for brad hes been through so much being left by his family and falling for the girl he cant have my heart just went out to him

Rachel fayes best friend from Ireland moves to America to start a new life and try to move on from her past but what happens when the past wont let her go? Rachel has a big secret thats slowly eating away at her shes terrified to tell anyone Rachel and Brad didnt exactly get off to a good start but there is something between them their sexual chemistry was off the charts as they grow closer they start to develop feelings towards one another and I loved how fiercely protective Brad became towards Rachel

Rachel didnt just save Brad they saved each other! If you love swoon romances with lots angst and drama I highly recommend you read this series you wont regret it

FIVE STARS

Okay first things first…. Saving Brad is part of the Kennedy Boys series (book 5), and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone I would highly recommend reading the other books in this series. There are several books in this series that can be read as standalone novels and I always recommend reading the others, but this one in particular I feel is much better when read after the first 3 Kennedy Boys series books around Kyler and Faye.

If you have already read the first 4 books in this series you will know that Brad isn’t blood related to the Kennedy family which the series is centered around, however as an honorary member of the family I am so glad that Brad got his own book! Also if you have read any of my reviews for the first 3 books you will know I have had a soft spot for Brad from the beginning.

BUT in this book you really see the broken side of Brad, his vulnerability and you see how this affects his relationships with those around him. Essentially he is lost, and there is little sign of the Brad we know and love from the previous books in the first parts of his own story. There are slivers of light peeking through though and throughout the book I was rooting for his real nature to come through.

Enter Rachel. She comes back into the Kennedy series like a whirlwind, and somehow manages to keep Brad on his toes – something he is not used to. All the while dealing with her own mess and internal struggles. They literally save each other – but that’s not to say it’s an easy ride, because let’s face it, when is it easy in the Kennedy world?

Another aspect I love about this book in particular is that is shows a fairly healthy friendship between a male and female character which I will leave unnamed in the review so you can read this for yourself. But it’s really nice to read about a male and a female who are close friends with no ulterior motives or it have started because it’s the best friends partner.

I could go on because I love these two so much and this is probably my favourite of the Kennedy Boys series to date. But I will let you make up your own mind.

Saving Brad by Siobhan Davis is book 5 in the Kennedy Boys series and can be read as a standalone.

Because Im done being a victim. Im a survivor. And its finally time to start living my life. – Rachel

I have eagerly awaited Brads story and my heart has broken for him several times already in the series as weve seen the difficulties hes had to deal with. I know some readers may hate Brad for the things hes said and done when it comes to Faye and Kyler but I really feel for the guy and wanted him to get his own HEA.

This book is addictive, captivating and memorable. It is the best book of the series so far and Ive already re-read it as I cant get enough of Brad and Rachel who are perfect for each other. Siobhan Davis has created another amazing story that you won’t want to put down!

As with all of the Kennedy Boys books, we get glimpses of the other family members in this story and I love that we get to see how they are all doing and are given hints of whats still to come for Kyler and Kalvins brothers. Next up in the series will be Kaden and Im looking forward to learning more about one of the older brothers who we know less about than the others.

*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own

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