New Release + Review: GIFTS (THE KILLERS #3) by BRYNNE ASHER

 

Synopsis:

 

No one would say Keelie Lockhart isn’t determined.  Taking on the role of both mom and dad to her two young kids, she’s managing life the best she can.  Saddled with a century-old dilapidated farmhouse she can’t afford, a bevy of goats, two dogs, and a geriatric donkey, the last thing she has time for is a man—even if that man is a knight whose shining armor comes in the form of worn-in jeans and work boots.
Controlled, methodical, and focused—Asa Hollingsworth takes charge of everything in life.  Working close to home after years away, he finally has the time to focus on his kids.  Little does he know, a chance meeting with a petite, strawberry-blonde stranded on the side of the road, would intertwine their lives in a way he’d never want to untangle.
But when school bullies turn into something much worse, Asa starts to dig around.  He never dreams the troubles lurking in the hallways of the local high school would shake his family to its core.  With drug dealers lurking, bullets flying, and threats coming from every angle, Asa must do everything he can to protect the ones he loves.
Because in the end, there’s nothing more precious than the gift of life.
Warning:  Oh, I’m sorry, that’s a fake ID.  If you’re not eighteen, consider yourself bounced and walk away from my books.  I’ll gladly welcome you back when you become a legit adult.  That is, unless you’re my parents or my children.  If so, walk away and don’t come back.  You don’t need to know what’s in my head.

 

My Review:

 

“This is just the start, baby.”

Mamas, raise your boys to grow up like Asa. Holy hot single dad!! If bossy Alpha males are your jam, you’ll LOVE ‘Gifts’! I’m still sobbing from the Epilogue. Highly recommend!

This book has the elusive “it” factor that makes my heart race and my eyes tear up. Between laughing out loud. Oh and also it features a hot single dad who’s over 40 and a 35 year old heroine with two children. This is my favorite book of the ‘Killers’ series but it can totally be read as a standalone. Jump right in and meet Brynne Asher!! This author NEEDS to be on your radar!!

This book had it all for me. Possessive Alpha, a smart and feisty heroine, real-life situations and very sweet and touching moments. If you love contemporary romance, you will LOVE this book!! Keelie was especially funny and very relatable.

“I have a date.

Tonight.

At five o’clock.

Am I that old that I have to go on a date at five o’clock? Thirty-five is not old. Who the hell is she fixing me up with that wants to go on a date at five o’clock? I know it’s been forever since I’ve been on a date, but five o’clock is for senior citizens—not women in their mid-thirties.

I’m ready to write off my first attempt at getting back into the game after more than a decade. I’ve decided the game sucks and I will be pleased as punch to sit on the sidelines. Others can go watch Netflix and fuck themselves for all I care.”

I absolutely LOVED Asa! He is raising two teenagers and has retired from his former very dangerous life. He doesn’t have time to beat around the bush! He meets Keelie and in true Alpha fashion, makes his intentions very clear.

“Keelie?” Her brows pucker under the bill of her blue baseball hat. “Hmm?”

I lower my voice. “We’re adults. I don’t need to date to know what I want.”

Did I mention that I loved Asa? He adores his kids but his daughter Emma is having a very rough time in high school. Only later does Asa find out the reason why. Keelie also has her hands full, with a full-time job, young children and a house filled with animals. But Asa accepts it all.

I lean in and we’re as close as we’ve been all night. “You date someone to figure out what you want. I know what I want and I think you do, too. It’s the gift of life, Keelie. We just need to embrace it.”

Asa moves quickly in all things and when he sees an opportunity to be closer to Kellie and her family, he takes it. Keel’s first husband was a great father but a terrible partner and she has trust issues, to put it mildly.

“I have to warn you. I was using my kids as an excuse. You have to know that I’m a bit of a mess. More than a bit really. I’m just … I don’t know …” I sigh. “Fucked up.”

He presses his hips into my stomach and I feel the long, hard length of his cock when he smiles down at me. “Is it too soon to want to unfuck you by fucking you?”

There’s a very fast-paced storyline that’s reminiscent of the Rock Chick series but at the heart of it all is the relationship between Keelie and Asa. This is a very witty, very sexy read that will satisfy every romance reader! I just loved these two together and actually cried at the Epilogue. Don’t miss this one! ‘Gifts’ is romance at its best.

Favorite quote:

Touching a man for the first time in what seems like an eternity. My heart strums as his breath feathers across my face.
Oxygen.
Heartbeats.
Life.
But more than all that combined…
Trust.

(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 is running her kids around and doing laundry. She enjoys cooking, decorating, shopping at outlet malls as well as online 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.