Synopsis:
Maya Augustine needed to disappear—her life depended on it. When her path led her to the middle-of-nowhere Virginia, she found the perfect place to hide. A woman on the run, Maya had no business befriending anyone, let alone allowing herself to become involved with a man … especially after her last experience. Even so, she couldn’t help but become obsessed with the bruised, battered, and beautiful killer who walked into her life.
Grady Cain reached rock bottom. His past finally caught up with him, causing him to lose his edge at work and in life. Spiraling down a desperate path of remorse and guilt, Grady wasn’t expecting his refuge to come in the form of a woman. Day in—day out, she was the only thing he’d allowed himself to think about. To focus on. To consume him.
One was running. The other had nothing to run to.
Until these troubled souls crossed paths…
And two paths became one.
Warning: This author is a mom who runs a PG-13 home. This book is not PG-13. She would literally keel over and die if anyone under the age of 18 read this book. If you’re not of age, save an author from an untimely death and go read Harry Potter. He’s awesome.
My Review:
“Baby, the path I’ve walked to get to you? I’m never going back.”
HOLY MOLY!! If you don’t have Brynne Asher on your radar, you need to read her books ASAP!! ‘Paths’ is the second book in the Killers series but it can be read as a standalone without missing anything but I HIGHLY recommend the first book in this series. And I think Grady Cain has now zoomed to the top of my list of favorite book boyfriends!! Ex-military, uber-protective, bossy, smart and funny…perfection!!
Grady has his eyes on Maya, a server at the local winery. She’s a beauty, very athletic and hardworking but very mysterious. She is hiding out from an ex-fiancée and is trying to fly under the radar. She is a physical therapist but is working both as a waitress and as the activities director at a retirement home.
Grady and Maya dance around each other at first, even though she has been eyeing him as well. Reluctant to jump into another relationship, she tries to keep her distance but senses that Grady is a keeper. Grady gives Maya space at first but he is drawn to her quiet beauty and strength, once once he learns of her past, well, there was no stopping him from doing whatever it takes to keep Maya safe. Mixed in with the romance and suspense is just enough humor to keep the tone realistic and light.
Right after I take his order, I resume spying on him from the backroom. And I’ve spied enough that, even to myself, I’m reaching creeper status. Ugh. Creepers are weird and I’m becoming one.
Oh and the sexy times in this book are simply delicious!! Two words: Grady Cain. Grady and Maya’s chemistry is perfect. This is some heart-pounding stuff, y’all, and it really doesn’t get any better than this.
“Don’t worry, you told me everything important—other than the fact you played the flute.”
I can’t keep the grin off my face.
“This means you’re good with your mouth. Bonus.”
Grady is careful not to move too fast but when it looks like Maya’s past is going to catch up to her, Grady lets her know he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe. *Swoon.* Maya sees a loneliness in Grady and when he finally opens up to her, it is magic!!
I lose my smile and mean it when I say, “Don’t call me a carrot cake. That’s rude.”
She grins broadly, taking a step back and throws her arms out low. “How about zucchini bread?”
“Now you’re just being cruel.” I move closer, making her take a few steps backward up her small porch.
‘Paths’ is a swoony, sexxxy, fast-paced story that is filled with strong, Alpha males, small-town characters and strong, resilient women. What more cold you ask for? I am reluctant to make comparisons to the Queen of the Alpha Male, Kristen Ashley, but Brynne Asher writes some irresistible Alphas herself. Highly recommend this book and this series!
Favorite quotes:
“Do anything for you, Maya. You’ll never know how you saved me from myself. I was at my lowest, had no one.”
“Even if I thought I knew before, now I know. Don’t want anyone else besides you for the rest of my days.”
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
About the Author:
Brynne Asher lives in the Midwest with her husband, three children and her perfect dog. When she isn’t creating pretend people and relationships in her head, she’s running her kids around and doing laundry. She enjoys decorating and shopping, and is always seeking the best deal. A perfect day in “Brynne World” ends in front of an outdoor fire with family, friends, s’mores, and a delicious cocktail.
This sounds really good, going to have to read!