ARC Review: I’m sharing my review of a sequel book I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy for!
The Preston Brothers Series is a spin-off of the More Than Series
Other books in the series:
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Series: Preston Brothers
This series is a spinoff of the More Than Series.
Author: Jay McLean
# of Books: 5 (Full Reading Order)
Book Order: Connected but Chronological Events
Complete?: No
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Drama, Coming of Age
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: November 2016 – ongoing
Source & Format: Author–eARC
Read my review of the rest of the series HERE!
My Expectations?
If I’m in the mood to have a book tear my heart apart and then remind me why love can fix things, Jay McLean is my go-to author. No one writes trauma, healing, family and love like her. So I was eager to get Liam’s story because I couldn’t wait to uncover how the past shaped Liam into the guy we meet in the other brothers’ novels.
What I Liked:
–How Assumptions Shape People–
One thing I appreciated about this story was how the past bullying shaped the two leads into who they are today. The trauma from being targeted by other people in the past and how that made them strong in some respects, but flawed in others, was an interesting character development to watch unfold. It just reminded me that your actions, even if they feel minimal or harmless to you, can negatively impact someone’s life. Assumptions and perceptions can be damaging. I really enjoyed watching Addy and Liam come to grips with that as they got reacquainted.
What I Didn’t Like:
–Flip From Friends to Lovers Seemed Quick–
A good portion of this book is spent with Liam and Addy circling each other from afar as they try to navigate the past and the present. It had this slow burn to it that I was really enjoying. But there is this one scene that kinda gets the ball rolling for the romance and it just felt slightly out of character for Liam. For a guy who had been so tentative and distance, he just went from shy to 100% cocky and it just felt like a side of him that I didn’t see. And I get that he has had these unresolved feelings for Addy for years and in slow burn romances you need that spark to ignite it all. I just didn’t love how this one played out.
Rating for Liam: 4/5
Lucas 5/5 | Logan 4.5/5 | Leo 4/5 | Liam 4/5
If you’re looking for a book to rip you apart and put you together (in the best way possible of course!), this series is the one for you!
Read if You Like: drama, emotional reads
Avoid if You: dislike high school based New Adult romances
- More Than This by Jay McLean (More Than Series #1)
- Keep Me Still by Casey Quinn (Keep Me Still Series #1)
- Rome by Jay Crownover (Marked Men Series #2)
Synopsis for Liam (from Goodreads):
Hatred comes in waves.
But love? Love is a tsunami.
—
Liam Preston was five the first time he laid eyes on Adelaide Baker.
Eight by the time he found the courage to actually speak to her.
By ten, she’d ruined his entire existence.
And at fourteen, he got his revenge—a single decision that drove her out of town for good.
Or so he thought.Five years later, she’s back.
Not just back in town, but back in his life—and forced into close proximity.
Now, there’s no escaping the past.
No avoiding the memories, the damage they caused, or the secrets they tried to bury.
And worse? No hiding the desire that clouds their disdain.
Uncovering the truth could bring them closer together…
If it doesn’t first tear them apart.
