Reviews

Bren by Toby Wise

jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review

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5.0

Well this was the cutest freaking thing ever! Andras and Bren have been dancing around each other for far too long it seems. Neither one wants to make the first move, which is frustrating because basically that's all that was keeping them apart. It isn't until Bren is "reincarnated" via his phoenix nature that things finally begin to go in a forward direction relationship wise.

Younger Bren was so fun. He didn't have the qualms his former older self did about waiting for the right time. His phoenix knew Andras was his mate and that was good enough for him to go full speed ahead. It was sweet how Andras wanted to make sure this was truly something Bren wanted and not just him clinging to him because his phoenix did at a vulnerable time in his life. I also loved the fact that once a phoenix finds their mate that they can make the decision to grow old together. It really solidified their HEA in the end for me.

necahual's review

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

xanthe87's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 Bren is a sweet incubus/phoenix shifter romance with a dose of amnesia, the brother's best friend trope and a good amount of pining between the two. It's also the final book of the series so all three brother's will have their HEA and a wonderful group of people who have become a found family for them.
Andras has seen both of his brothers find their mates and is so happy for them but also a tiny bit jealous. However, he has Bren to look on and dream about, and there is the occasional hint that he also feels the same about Andras. He has been attracted to Andras since they first met but is waiting on him to show interest before making a move so as not to push himself on the incubus. It feels like they have several moments of will they, won't they but it's not until Bren is pushed into his regeneration that things change for them.
There is a good amount of chemistry between the two men and I enjoyed Bren's sense of humour, unexpected because he is the 'old man' of the group, especially considering the number of times he has moulted. His younger self definitely has a bigger sense of freedom and brings about the change that the two men need but Andras still needs to be sure as phoenix shifters take a while for their memories to return. It's good to be back with this group of supernaturals and how easily they all fit together. You can feel how much they all have come to care for one and other and I am hoping that there is more to come for other characters that we have met.
Toby is a fantastic writer, especially when it comes to these shorter, paranormal, found family series. So much is packed into the book and it moves along at a good pace, keeping me entertained and engaged with the relationship between the MC's.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review. 
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