Going into this book, I expected Tillian would have my heart, but it was Brooks who grabbed it with both hands and wouldn't let go. I've read every book in this series so far and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. The MCs of this entire series will always stay with me, but I think Brooks will be especially present in my mind for a long time.
From the blurb:
People always claim that I'm mysterious. Aloof. Casual. That's exactly how I want it. The less people really see, the easier it is to lie to them, to convince them that I'm not a direct product of my upbringing and the world I grew up in.
I see everything that goes on around me. Learning someone's strengths and weaknesses is second nature to me. Where I'm from, everything is a game and the only acceptable outcome is to be the winner, even if you have to lie, manipulate, and give away parts of yourself.
Maybe that's why I feel empty everyday. But they'll never know because I have my shit together.
Until I didn’t.
I was ready to put off my future for a while and try to enjoy college.
Until I couldn’t.
I was committed to surface level relationships and was an expert at remaining unattached.
Until him.
He breaks through all my defenses and he doesn't even know he's doing it. He's the calm in my storm, the moonlight above the dark pit inside of me. But I can't have him. I'll break him and I can never let that happen, even if it means denying myself the one thing I've ever wanted enough to question my life, my parents, and their world.
I can't have him. That's all that matters in the end.
GreenwingReads review:
Check your TWs, because there is a lot packed into this story.
At the beginning of the story, we see Brooks as a good time guy, grateful for his privilege, and kind to everyone, if mischievous. But that is only scratching the surface. He is so much deeper and his full character is revealed gradually. His initial pursuit of Tillian is to sate his curiosity. Even Brooks isn't prepared for the depth of feeling that develops between them and has Brooks questioning the carefully crafted life his parents have laid out for him.
Tillian has his own struggles and issues, but he is a rock for Brooks. He put up with a lot and proved to be unshakeable. Tillian's strength allowed Brooks to discover his own.
One thing Emory does well, is write awful parents. Each book in this series shows how parents with misguided intentions and beliefs can utterly destroy their children. It's hard to read from a parent's perspective because boy did it make me ragey. Then I had to go hug each of my kids and assure them they can be whoever they want to be. This story was an emotional ride, but the payoff at the end is worth it. Also loved all the cameos by the guys from the previous books. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Defend Me is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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