Vines (The Killers Book 1)

Good story, but…. Spoiler alert!!I wish the author wrote chapters about the proposal, wedding, and meeting his mother and brother. After spending so much time reading the story, I would have loved those extra happy moments for the main characters. I thought when he surprised her with the baby cow that there would be a ring or that moment of proposal

“The Killers” series by author Brynne Asher has been popping up in my recommendations for a while now, however as Bookbub and Goodreads often do, a book part way through the series was what kept showing up in my inbox. As such, after reading through the descriptions, I thankfully realized I needed to start at the beginning. Therefore, even though this one is from 2016, it was my first foray into anything written by Asher so I wanted to get it right from the start.   And I was definitely not disappointed as here with “Vines” (the first installment of her now seven book series); Asher offers an intelligently written, military themed, suspenseful ride of nail biting intrigue, danger, and emotional growth.Based in Virginia among the network of old money, politicians, and military elite connected to nearby Washington D.C., the author crafts a captivating story of two people, Addy and Crew, both running from the past in hopes of creating a new future.  Addy is a business woman, hiding in plain site after the death of her beloved mother brings her far from her west coast home. A home she willingly abandons after she stumbles upon a struggling winery and realizes she can make a fresh start on her own and hopefully fulfill her mother’s dream of being free from the violent past that haunted them both.  However, unbeknownst to Addy is a man with an ability to turn her world upside down, Crew. A ghost within the world of government contractors, who after years of highly dangerous missions thinks he’s found the perfect property to begin his “retirement” in the middle of nowhere. However he too is unaware of the neighbor right next door to him. A woman who has the potential to put him and his new crew in just as much danger of being discovered as his presence has to out her, a combination that ultimately explodes bringing death and darkness crashing back into both their lives.   What follows is an intricately woven story world full of who-done-it twists and turns. So many twists in fact, you may find yourself a bit lost in parts and going back to reference earlier bits in order to keep it all straight. Beyond this though, what you will find is a luscious tale overall full of as much danger and edge-of-your-seat action as it is full of vibrant, emotionally rich characters. It is a heartfelt and surprisingly relatable storyline given the subject matter that will often have you sitting back and pondering how fear and mistrust can rule our lives, often in ways we aren’t even fully aware of. And in keeping with the theme of trust and control throughout, Asher brilliantly inlays a subplot rich with D/S overtones that will titillate your senses while also making you understand why both Addy and Crew need this facet in order to wholly function as member of the “normal” world.     I loved how subtle this book was and have to say, all the folks who have given this book one and two star reviews calling it a bad version of fifty shades are truly, truly missing the point. The underlying BDSM theme here actually has nothing to do with the style of overt sexuality portrayed within such vanilla tilted erotica as fifty shades. Here it is about emotional control and giving one the freedom to let go and just exist within the realm of two lives that are often beyond what either Addy or Crew can govern. It is about Crew’s need to give Addy the gift of trust and security, something she has never had. It is about Addy’s ability to afford Crew a sense of control that brings pleasure and positively instead of the death and darkness his control normal requires of him. It is about their combined desire to fully connect with another person in a way that allows them to express needs that have always been hidden because of the circumstances of their lives. And it was beautiful to watch them both unfold and grow as the book wound slowly through each and every event. A truly wonderful portrayal of the emotional side of something too often portrayed for the acts alone. Brava to Asher! I look forward to diving into book two!

I really loved this! It’s a beautiful story of broken hurting people who make it. 🥰 Fairly easy read - and while o was confused for a little while (since we don’t understand what’s happening in the first little bit….) it was intriguing enough for me to keep reading and highlight several of my favorite - LAUGH OUT LOUD and have people look at me moments.

I am new to Brynne Asher's books. I will certainly continue this series. She has done a great job of world building. As I have traveled to this area of Virginia, it is detailed and true. She has created a group of characters that make you invested in their well-being. Crew and Addy/Abby are two souls who have known loss and are learning how to live. I look forward to reading more about these characters and this world.

I loved this book so much! While the spice scenes were not on a level I normally enjoy reading, the overall story more than made up for it! I fell hard for Crew because the man was *chef's kiss*, and more! Loved Addy as well, beautiful soul that she is. And the cows! 😆 Loved reading about the sassy cows!

Give me my own Crew! ❤️ Can we also admire Addy she's so great. I love their chemistry and relationship. They were really meant for each other.This is the first book I read from Ms. Asher and I'm so really looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.

This is my first book by Brynne, and I was not disappointed. I read/listened to this one and with Jason Clarke in my ear made it even better. The storyline was damn good and I'm not much for suspense or military romance but the female character made that part disappear. Loved the Cow's

Sexy and a good story line just what I was in the mood for! My first time reading B. Asher. I'll read more

What an excellent book this has a great mix between love story and action. And not too heavy in the sex but very tastefully written. Often books can go OFF on the sex and not in a good way.I loved the mix of characters with humour thrown in, I could visualise myself in the tasting room and sitting eating supper playing poker.I'm looking forward to reading ALL the books and pleased I guessed about a book about Grady and Maya.ILooking forward excited for to Evan and Mary's story along with Asa's and the recruits too what a bonus especially Jarvis aka The Machine.It would be a great Box set to read them all!!

This is book 1 of the series and is standalone - no cliffhanger. This was my first book by Brynne Asher and it won't be my last.Both Addy and Crew have a past they want to forget.Addy was a strong character, she was not a pushover at all. She's used to relying on herself but has found a family in the vineyard employees. She was easygoing and easy to like. She does seem to accept Crew's interference in her life without much complaint or resistance which was a little hard to understand with him being so mysterious and a complete stranger.Crew was an alpha male through and through, most likely from his job, and he did seem to push the boundaries a few times with his overprotectiveness, but he redeemed himself with how much he cared for Addy.This book is steamy, with an instant attraction and chemistry between the main characters, but there are also several side characters who add to the story really well.The book also has suspense, stemming from Addy and Crew's history which ends with a little nail-biting. But then we also get a HEA epilogue.

I’m so pleased I’ve found this author. I read fast and run out of my favourite authors so quickly. I’m always trying new ones but Brynne Asher is definitely going to be up there with my favourites.Too often books this long are filled with fluff or way too many details that aren’t needed and then repeated throughout. I was kept interested through the whole of the book and that isn’t easy.On to the next in this series.

Addy is trying to live a quiet life on her vineyard and it seems to be going well until she meets her new neighbor Crew. Crew is starting a new life, trying to get a little distance between him and his past, but to get out of his old life he needs to continue certain aspects by training his successors. Crew’s past is very complicated and dangerous and when he meets Addy she seems like her life has been anything but, but looks can be deceiving. When her past and his collide their new relationship is tested to its limits. This story is very hot and there is a lot of suspense which makes it one of my favourite types of books. This book was on my TBR for a while as lots of people had recommended it, but I think the cover put me off a bit. This is a new author to me and cover didn’t grab my attention, but now if wish I hadn’t taken so long to read it!

Astoundingly good this is a tale for all true romantics. Sensual and steamy with a high level of angst that makes you hold your breath, this is a hypnotic page turner. ELECTRIFYING STUFF. Like a really good action story with your soulmate romance? Then this is for you. One word of warning though - this is VERY difficult to put down. 💕💘❤💋💞