More bookworm than Barbie, Reese Shepard is completely caught off guard when the most beautiful man she has ever seen in her life steps in and pretends to be her boyfriend when some creep won’t leave her alone.
She assumes that it’s the last time that she’ll see the chivalrous stranger, but soon he is everywhere she is. And before she knows what’s happening, the two of them are spending all their free time together bonding over their love of the ocean, scary movies, and homemade cookies.
Reese knows that a guy like Brodie Pierce could have any woman he wants and that becomes even more apparent when she finds out that he’s a pro hockey player that’s worth millions of dollars. So to save herself from the potential heartbreak she places him firmly in the friend zone.
If only he’d stay there.
The infuriating man starts pushing for more, lots more, and the worst part is she wants to give it all to him including her heart.
Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.
Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.
Had I known this had a freaking 25-year-old virgin paired with a hockey player who has been with soooo many women, I wouldn't have read this novella and spent time on it, at all! But alas, that freaking info was dropped two chapters before the end. 🙄
Anyway, Reese's stupid decision in the beginning not to tell her mom that she's leaving because her ex was cheating on her with her future stepsister is so f*cking annoying. They should have known about the betrayal, because the image that the witch woman was showing isn't really her at all. She's not a good person; she's a snake and a conniving b*tch all the way through. 😡
As for Brodie (32), I feel like the issue why he and his ex broke up was brushed off entirely. Apparently his ex didn't like the women's attention he's getting because he's a famous player. The ex was not insecure, but she's uncomfortable with the fact that Brodie never says no to these women and is gladly encouraging their flirting. 😤
He might not have cheated on her, but he freaking disrespected her with the way he handled his popularity and the women's flirting. He didn't show his ex that he cares for her or that he listens to her concerns. He let fame get into his head and let it ruin their relationship. I'm just glad his ex dumped him, because the way I see it, he didn't deserve her at all (or Reese for that matter, but whatever).
I also hated the fact that he loved his ex and was hurt by their breakup. He also said he had loved other women too, but that ex was the one he loved the most. So I guess he had no problems falling in love, huh?? Then, how did he know that what he was feeling for Reese was the real deal and that she was the one for him? Annoying. 🙄
Reese, on the other hand, has never loved anyone before. Sure, she cared for her ex, but the love she has for him is more like a best friend than a lover. She loves the idea of love but never got the chance to experience it until Brodie. 🤧
Overall, this novella pissed the crap out of me, hence this rant. I'm obviously not a fan of it, but other readers might find this more up their alley. 🤷♀️
5 Stars! (ARC provided by 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press)
Reese Shepard is a bookworm who is often a bit on the nerdy side and awkward. When her life is suddenly turned upside down, she moves from Minnesota to Florida looking for a fresh start. She's studied Marine biology and is hoping to get into the marine veterinary program at the University of Miami in the fall. She's been in Miami about a month, and although it's been an adjustment, she likes it there. When she crosses paths with a gorgeous stranger that comes to her rescue she could easily develop a crush, but assumes he's just kind to everyone. Soon he's everywhere she turns, and they start spending time together. They share an easy connection and an undeniable attraction. Brodie Larsen is a pro hockey player in the NHL who could be out of her league, but makes it clear he wants her. Will Reese follow her heart, or keep him in the friend zone?
Brodie by Aurora Rose Reynolds is an Until Her, 1001 Dark Nights standalone novella. It's an opposites attract, friends to lovers, sports romance full of humor, amazing chemistry and plenty of swoon. I really loved this story and these characters! It's a short, sweet, sexy novella with all the BOOM! <333
There is absolutely nothing better than getting lost and swept up in an Aurora Rose Reynolds book and let me tell you, Brodie does not disappoint. Do not let the length of this book fool you. It might be a novella, but this book packs a serious punch and will leave you with all the feels…
Reese Shephard’s life is going according to plan until she finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Shattered by his betrayal, Reese seeks solace with her aunt, determined to put her past behind her. What she didn’t plan on was Brodie. When Brodie swoops in and rescues Reese from a creepy guy at the pool, it sets off a chain reaction. Fate keeps finding ways to intervene and pull these two characters together and only time will tell if Reese is willing to put her heart on the line once again.
Reese and Brodie’s relationship might start off as insta-love, but the author did a terrific job building their connection and exploring their chemistry. There is so much more to this novella than meets the eye and this book delivers with its signature writing, romance, and just the right amount of drama. If you’re looking for a short and sexy read that packs a punch, you won’t want to miss Brodie.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Getting lost in an Aurora Rose Reynolds book is an unparalleled experience, and Brodie is no exception. Don't be misled by the book's length; although it may be a novella, it delivers a powerful impact and will leave you brimming with emotions.
Reese Shephard's life was on track until a devastating discovery: her boyfriend with another woman. Heartbroken, she turns to her aunt for comfort, ready to leave her past behind. Enter Brodie, the unexpected hero who saves Reese from an unsettling encounter at the pool, sparking a series of serendipitous events that keep drawing them together. As Reese contemplates risking her heart again, their story unfolds.
Beginning as a whirlwind romance, Reese and Brodie's connection deepens, masterfully crafted by the author's exploration of their intense chemistry. This novella offers more than just a fleeting romance; it's a journey filled with passion, drama, and the promise of love. For those in search of a quick yet profound read, "Brodie" is a must-read that delivers a powerful emotional punch.
The best part about this novella is we get solid couple time. I love nothing better than to read a couple spending time with each other versus the constant drama keeping them apart. This is why this author is an auto buy for me. Loved it.
This has everything you’d want from a story in the 1001 collection. PLUS, it’s got everything you’ve come to expect, hope for, and maybe demand to have from Aurora herself! Seriously. If you know her works already, you’ll love the tie in to someone else. Or a few someones. If you don’t know her works already, you’re about to be sucked into the ARR world of “give me more now” and you won’t regret that trip. You also won’t feel lost at all.
Reese is kind of excellent. She’s smart, strong, unwilling to listen to nonsense, and trying her best to enjoy life. She is so admirable in her “nope, not gonna go there again” stance on someone who should’ve been a friend, as well as someone else who should’ve wanted to be family. And when she meets Brodie, he sort of puts his foot in his mouth. But just for a second. Once they straighten out why assuming is bad, it’s full speed ahead! Brodie wants Reese in his life, and he doesn’t care how he gets her. Reese, luckily, is a tad into Brodie also, so they are perfectly matched.
I loved this quick read and already can’t wait for more from this author. And fast!
I love a good strangers to friends to lovers romance and this didn’t disappoint. Brodie and Reese’s chemistry was so good. Brodie was just so perfect, so sweet and protective, I couldn’t get enough of him.
I loved this story. Their meet cute, when she figures out who he is, when her ex shows up… everything about it was perfect. It was a quick, easy read that fit in perfectly with how much time I had.
When Brodie Larsen steps up to help a girl named Reese Shepard near the pool, they end up hitting it off. Both are new to FL and seem to have made a connection. This is a sweet strangers to lovers novella set in the until her world. Part of the 1001 dark nights collection. A feel good romance. Told in first person and dual POV
Aurora Rose Reynolds is one of my absolute instant one click authors. It doesn’t matter if she is writing a full novel or instructions on applying haemorrhoid cream, I’m buying it and reading it immediately. So as soon as Until Brodie dropped on my kindle completely out of the blue, I jumped straight in without checking the blurb or knowing a single thing about it. These 1001 nights novellas have introduced me to a lot of new authors and series that I might not have necessarily picked up otherwise. As well as giving me some bonus books in some favourite authors worlds.
I have zero regrets with my choice to pick this up, except it’s made me want more. Because as much as I loved these characters and found their story entertaining, I didn’t get enough. And I don’t really feel like it’s a true introduction to this authors work. Despite the fact it’s a four-star read and I inhaled it in a sitting, it feels like it’s missing all the things I love most about ARR.
The insta love was there between the characters and I loved them just as instantly. But we didn’t get the full growling, possessive, protective, over the top alpha in Brodie. I think if the book was longer, he definitely had the potential to be an amazing alpha hero, he just didn’t get to show it. Reese was a sweetheart and I loved that she had a backbone but that she didn’t let her hurt or her pride derail her plans for her future.
Luckily for me we have another ARR book releasing soon that’s longer than a novella because I need so many more words.
When Reece is betrayed by her best friend/recently turned boyfriend she fled to Florida seeking solace from her aunt and determined to put the pieces of her life back together, finishing her studies whilst working at the aquarium. When a handsome stranger comes to her rescue down by the pool one day the pair begin chatting, quickly discovering that they’re both new to Florida, and that they share a lot in common.
Professional hockey player Brodie finds it refreshing that the beautiful stranger whose aide he came to doesn’t recognise him nor throw does she throw herself at him like most woman usually do. As they begin to spend more time together the pair grow closer, but despite their attraction towards one another, Reece puts him in the friend zone. But if anything Brodie’s persistent, going for what he wants, and he wants Reece. When the pair finally give in to their feelings sparks fly and there’s no going back, these two were meant to be together.
I loved watching how their relationship progressed, going from complete strangers to friends then lovers. This was such a sweet romance, with the right amount of chemistry and spice for a short story. The two part epilogue left me with a happy heart, and it wrapped up Reece and Brodie’s story perfectly.
Brodie is such a sweet short romance, I loved it!!! Reese and Brodie meet when a guy keeps hitting on her and he rescues her by pretending to be her boyfriend. Then they start spending time together and bonding. Reese is trying to protect her heart but Brodie is determined to get out of the friend zone. This novella has so many sweet moments! I love that Brodie and Reese instantly connect and the fact that even though both of them don’t want a romantic relationship they can’t stop wanting to be with each other. Of course when they cross the line it’s hot!! Brodie is always protective and sweet and I love him for it. He definitely becomes possessive after they are officially together but in the best way. Reese is sweet and funny and I love that she’s a little bit of a nerd. This is set in the Until world and even though I will always recommend all those books, you can definitely read this novella by itself. It’s the perfect short summer read!!
Read if you like: 💕 strangers to friends to lovers 💕 professional athlete mmc (hockey player) 💕 virgin heroine 💕 he falls first 💕 nerdy girl x jock 💕 adorable giant dog
This book did not disappoint at all. Brodie and Reese’s story was just perfect. I loved how the author provided the back story just enough to bring you up to date. While everything in the relationship moved fast, it didn’t feel rushed. You receive the full story to an amazing boom.
This was a sweet book. After heartache and betrayal, meeting someone new was the last on her mind, but he swooped in, a quick friendship turned to more. A great show of ARR’s work and to get you to read her other amazing books.
I'm still swooning overe Brodie and Reese. Especially Brodie lol!
When Reese finds her boyfriend in bed with another girl, she decides to upend her life and move in with her aunt. Brodie and Reese meet first at the pool where he rescues her from unwanted attention.
I genuinly enjoyed this story. It was sweet, charming and such a feel good romance novel!
We have a saying in England, "Good things come in small packages." Brodie has a good storyline, and great characters, I never wanted it to end. Brodie is in the NHL, and Reece is a college graduate. They meet when Brodie rescues Reece from unwanted attention, and they have instant chemistry. I absolutely loved "Brodie", and I thoroughly recommend that everybody read it. Well done, Aurora 💗
When Reese's best friend turned more breaks her heart, she knows she has to get out of their small town and away from Kirk and her soon to be stepsister. Now she's living with her adored aunt, working, and avoiding her entire family so she can heal her heart. Then Brodie happens to her. This man. This sweet, gorgeous man shows up as first her neighbor, then her rescuer, and her heart is melting for him. Still, she knows a girl like her doesn't stand a chance of being with a guy like him, so she places him firmly in that dreaded friend zone. Now they're bonding, getting to know each other, and becoming fast friends. But what happens when she starts to want more? Even when she finds out he's not just her hot friend/protector? That's he's a famous, rich hockey player?
Brodie cannot believe his visceral, instant reaction to this beautiful woman at the pool. Warding off the jerk who seems he doesn't understand when a woman isn't interested, brings him firmly into Reese's life. He wants to be more than just the guy who rescued her, more than just her friend, but he's supposed to be focusing on hockey, right? His heart isn't giving him a choice, though, and now he's determined to be Reese's everything. If only she'd let him...
Oh my! Reese and Brodie are so freaking adorable. Though this is a shorter story, the way they go from strangers to friends to everything doesn't feel rushed or incomplete, it's a complete, fleshed out love story. I love how instantly Brodie wants to be with Reese, but knows he can't overwhelm her or go ott with her, instead as calmly as he can, he woos her and steals her heart just as she stole his when he laid his eyes on her the first time. I want many, many more stories about Brodie and Reese now!
Is there a book that she writes that doesn't instantly captivate you and keep you flipping the page till the last one? This is how if feel about every single book she has written but especially the Until Series. This one starts out with Reese getting her heart broken by her childhood best friend/recently turned boyfriend and her soon to be step sister. Being more upset about loosing her very best friend then the actual betrayal of actual cheating, Reese feels the only thing left for her to do is get far away from the situation so 2 months later after graduation she flees to Florida to live with her Aunt. She also is working a job at an aquarium waiting to see if she got in one of the best Veterinarian schools for Marine life. She is not looking for romance but sometimes it just lands in our lap when we are not looking.
Bodie who you will recall was in Willows story, and not a very well liked character, totally redeems himself by showing that loosing a good woman like Willow was one huge mistake. His flirting ways with star struck fans has ended. He as well is not looking for anything serious, especially with the new hockey season starting soon. But one look at Reese has hhim rethinking it all. How often does.it happen you meet someone with a mutual instant attraction, a great connection. Also in his case that a woman doesn’t recognize him and then is suddenly throwing her self at a famous hockey player. Instead Reese finds out he is famous and couldn’t care less, she just enjoys his company. So Brodie just knows this is a once in a lifetime connection, and he can't let that kind of woman go.
Can instant attraction, chemistry and that spark just be put on the back burner for a friendship? Or can they let go of their past to build a future together? You will just have to grab this book and find out.
Brodie (32 yrs old) is connected to others in this series, I think, but it is a blur to me as to how. Anyway, he is a reformed self-centered a-hole, mostly b/c he is an ex-boyfriend that took his former girl for granted when he was younger (leaving room for a better alpha hero to take the reins). And ironically, Brodie's heroine, Reese, in this piece, is a young 25yr old who flees her home town because her childhood-friend-turned sweetheart acted like the same a-hole Brodie used to be, only a lot more.
This quickie features a meet-cute of Brodie swooping in to save the day as Reese is a bit harassed by a guy who won't take "I'm not interested" for an answer. Brodie exhibits some protective behavior but for the most part his and Rees' relationship develops in a Netflix&Chill sort of way. It's cute and with this being a quickie, no big drama or conflict happens after the initial. Cute and trucking steadily to HEA
Overall, the reader gets what is promised; Brodie remains true and falls hard (but absurdly quick even for a novella). It's cardboard and though this happens with ARR, a lot of times there is spark, banter or situation/angst that make stories at least interesting.
Ah well. This did not appease me. When I read ARR, I always want the protector hero. This delivers with that, to an extent. But, I also expect an attempt at "compelling" or some strong Alpha-male vibes making me tingle in my romance reader haze. Happy Reading.
Brodie by Aurora Rose Reynolds is a delightful addition to the Until Her series, showcasing a charming romance that balances sweetness with a touch of tension.
The story follows Reese Shepard, a self-proclaimed bookworm, who finds herself unexpectedly swept off her feet by Brodie Pierce, a handsome pro hockey player. Their relationship begins with a spontaneous act of chivalry when Brodie steps in to help Reese fend off an unwanted admirer[3][4]. This initial encounter sparks a connection that quickly evolves into a deeper bond as they discover shared interests, including a love for the ocean and homemade cookies.
Reynolds excels at developing the chemistry between Reese and Brodie, making their instant attraction feel both believable and engaging. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of Reese's feelings as she grapples with her desire for Brodie while trying to protect herself from potential heartbreak. This internal conflict adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical romance.
While the pacing is brisk, which is expected in a novella format, the emotional stakes are well-crafted, keeping readers invested in the characters' journey. The supporting cast adds a lighthearted touch, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, Brodie is a heartwarming read that combines humor, romance, and relatable characters. It's a perfect pick for fans of contemporary romance looking for a quick yet satisfying escape. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging storytelling and well-developed characters.
Boom! Another great romantic read by Aurora Rose Reynolds (ARR)! Until Brodie has everything I love about the Until Series! Classic ARR; hot sexy alpha males, intelligent females, chemistry and lots of steamy stuff. A great go-to! A fun & sexy read! Until Brodie is a 1001 Dark Nights standalone novella making it a quick read, but it feels like a full story.
Tropes include opposites attract, friends to lovers, he-falls-first, and sports romance. I loved Brodie. He is swoony, sexy and just such a considerate guy. A professional hockey player who falls fast for Reese. As he gets to know her, he falls even harder. Reese is kind and gentle with big goals and dreams. She is happy with her nose in a book. Coming off of a bad relationship, she is hesitant to jump into anything new. A self-proclaimed book nerd! I honestly think that her character is a picture of some of the amazing readers/fans. Brodie is persistent in his pursuit of Reese. Charming, sweet and protective! And of course, there is the giant lovable dog as well.
Enjoy Until Brodie by the beach or pool. What a great way to spend you day!
This book was excellent but I think it would have been better if it was a full length novel. I loved both of the main characters but I wanted the story to be more fleshed out than the length of the novel allowed for.
Reese lost her boyfriend and best friend in one fell swoop when the boy she was dating for a few months who she had been friends with her whole life cheats on her with her future stepsister. She gets out of town as fast as she can and creates a new life with her aunt where she meets Brodie. She tries to keep him as a friend but Brodie wants more and she finds she can’t resist him.
I loved both Reese and Brodie. I loved them so much that I wanted more. They were so cute that I wanted to see all of the cute moments and the buildup of their romance. The story was already so good but it would have been made better with more depth.
I will also say that the side stories that brought Reese to this point in her life where she meets Brodie deserved better conclusions in my opinion. I wanted to see them get theirs and for Reese to have a little bit of revenge. It wasn’t really that kind of story but I felt like it called for that.
I would definitely read this story again and I really enjoyed it.