Vines: A Killers Novel (The Killers)

Stayed up all night to finish! Lol worth it! Good story lots of intriguing things and romance with sex. Happy reading😊

“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!

Vines is the first book in the Killers series and it is a wild ride! I loved the characters Crew and Addison, their meet cute, all things cows, and the wild thrilling ride Ms. Asher takes us on as their story develops. I had the added pleasure of listening to Jason Clarke and Kit Swann narrate these fabulous characters. The suspense and drama combined with humor and heartbreaking emotion kept me glued to this story until the end. I loved the relationship between Addison’s found family and her growing connection to Crew. I can’t wait to listen to book two in this series.

The first time I read Vines, I wasn't evolved enough to write reviews. But I was far enough along in my literary adaptation to know that Brynne Asher's stories deserved to be reread. So, here I am, revisiting Whitetail Farms for Addy's wine, a walk with the Black Baldies, a little bowl of freshly picked Petit Manseng, poker with friends, and Crew Vega's perfect dimple. Err. I mean voice. Because I listened to the audiobook this time, and eventually - housekeeping resolved - I followed along with the two narrators. Jason Clark has that eargasm-voice for which I had to apologize to my husband, as I didn't have enough shame to stop listening. Hubzy's grin had "I forgive you" all over it. Kit Swann (Addy) can make you swoon as well. While enjoying this character reunion, I was in my comfort zone. The funnies were still hilarious, the bad guys still horrendous, the steam engines were still HOT, the action still harrowing, and the ending still as happy as ever. Go ahead and give Vines a go. And then, go again. Listen, too, if you can. Evolve with me.

I had high hopes for this series. Two different companies as neighbors with distinct backgrounds drawing them together. Characters were building their own backgrounds. Humor came alive. There's romance and intrigue like advertised but then it's all spoiled when the author can't get out the bedroom. I blame the publisher, whether it was their idea or not. I'm scrolling through 20 pages at a time. You lost me. Other characters are never mentioned again and life is hunky dory. Killers was a bad idea.

4.25 ⭐️’s for Vines by Brynne Asher. This book is a dark romance novel and is book 1 in The Killers series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for character development. There is good character development throughout the book. I feel as though I know the characters. I am emotionally invested in Crew and Addy as they are lovable til the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for plot/storyline. This book is a trope of sorts but also unique within the trope. It kept my interest throughout. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for grammar, spelling and word choice. This is a well written dark romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the spice factor. It was a slow burn of sorts. The sexual tension is good. When the characters get together, sparks fly. If you don’t think sexual tension is a part of the spice, your rating on this might be lower. This is a good book. I enjoy a good man-in-black-ops book. I enjoyed it so much I will read book 2 which is about Grady.

Romantic suspense is one of my favorite tropes. Brynne Asher is one of the best. This is the story that led me to down the Brynne Asher path, so I recently did a relisten to it and had to share how much I loved this and the entire series. This story gripped me from the beginning. Addy buys a struggling vineyard, complete with cows, and is determined to move on from the past and make a go of it. Little did she know her new neighbor is Crew Vega. A government ‘contractor’ who is settling into retirement until he discovers a threat to his neighbor. The story is fast paced with action, twists, humor, spice and COWS. The characters are well written, and you root for them from the beginning. The emotional struggles both Crew and Addy are dealing with were even better experienced in audio. Kit Swann and Jason Clarke were brilliant, and I can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series. The novella included is a nice bonus.

Lots of action, suspense, and love scenes, just what I like. Excited to read the rest of the guys stories. Thank you, Michelle S.