caszriel's review against another edition
4.0
Initial thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! Lots of amazing scenes and shocking secrets. It's good to see more of the Brad from Finding Kyler for sure, I certainly missed that guy.
————————————————————
~I received an e-ARC from the author and willingly reviewed it~
Brad McConaughey is a mess. He's in love with his best friend's girlfriend, and she's madly in love with his best friend, not him. Unable to forget about his feelings for Faye, Brad spends his nights drinking and partying in an attempt to forget about her. Rachel O'Kelly is running from her past. She's in America to make a fresh start and hopes to leave her demons in Ireland. But what happens if they follow her overseas? Saving Brad is a story about two people who have been hurt way too many times finally finding some good in their lives.
This book's story is quite different from the previous ones, but it's a little similar to the start of Kyler and Faye's story. The different approach made me enjoy it more because it wasn't a "repeat" of the previous books, but something more genuine. There's a lot of hurt in Brad and Rachel's pasts which Siobhan Davis conveys extremely well with her eloquent writing. The drama could've been brought out a little more, but the main points of the story were all well executed.
I really felt for Rachel, and while I guessed wrong about him, I'd like to think that I was quite close. Both Rachel and Brad's stores are quite tragic, and it's sad to think that a lot of people in the world are going through similar things. Kaitlyn isn't a major part of the book but I felt for her, she adds a lot to the backstory. Lauren is a really awesome character too, she clearly cares a lot about Rachel. Perhaps she could've played a larger role. Ryan is a great guy and he's an honourable character.
Saving Brad is full of surprises and twists. Siobhan Davis slowly coaxes the best versions of Rachel and Brad out of their shells, and allows the real versions of them to meet and fall in love. This is no ordinary romance, these characters are not ordinary people. There's so much meaning behind every gesture, every word because they're both hurting deeply. I definitely enjoyed this one, from the characters to the plot to the romance. For everyone who desperately needs and deserves a second chance, Saving Brad is the book where people eventually forgive and forget.
————————————————————
~I received an e-ARC from the author and willingly reviewed it~
Brad McConaughey is a mess. He's in love with his best friend's girlfriend, and she's madly in love with his best friend, not him. Unable to forget about his feelings for Faye, Brad spends his nights drinking and partying in an attempt to forget about her. Rachel O'Kelly is running from her past. She's in America to make a fresh start and hopes to leave her demons in Ireland. But what happens if they follow her overseas? Saving Brad is a story about two people who have been hurt way too many times finally finding some good in their lives.
This book's story is quite different from the previous ones, but it's a little similar to the start of Kyler and Faye's story. The different approach made me enjoy it more because it wasn't a "repeat" of the previous books, but something more genuine. There's a lot of hurt in Brad and Rachel's pasts which Siobhan Davis conveys extremely well with her eloquent writing. The drama could've been brought out a little more, but the main points of the story were all well executed.
I really felt for Rachel, and while I guessed wrong about him, I'd like to think that I was quite close. Both Rachel and Brad's stores are quite tragic, and it's sad to think that a lot of people in the world are going through similar things. Kaitlyn isn't a major part of the book but I felt for her, she adds a lot to the backstory. Lauren is a really awesome character too, she clearly cares a lot about Rachel. Perhaps she could've played a larger role. Ryan is a great guy and he's an honourable character.
Saving Brad is full of surprises and twists. Siobhan Davis slowly coaxes the best versions of Rachel and Brad out of their shells, and allows the real versions of them to meet and fall in love. This is no ordinary romance, these characters are not ordinary people. There's so much meaning behind every gesture, every word because they're both hurting deeply. I definitely enjoyed this one, from the characters to the plot to the romance. For everyone who desperately needs and deserves a second chance, Saving Brad is the book where people eventually forgive and forget.
kfriend's review
5.0
What a character journey Siobhan has taken Brad on over the course of this series. And this speaks to something Siobhan is SO incredibly gifted at - she’s great at taking really flawed characters who have made bad and/or hurtful decisions and she puts them on a redemptive journey- she somehow has us as readers dislike them and then empathize and love them. Truly, only a talented character writer could evolve a character in a way where we believe they have truly evolved- to where we see them in a different light. I know a lot of people were excited to get Brad’s book, but I wasn’t yet sold on him- even though he’s worked to make amends. But after this book, wow, I’m totally in love with him- but he didn’t make it easy. Siobhan not only has him evolve- mature as the result of his prior experiences- but she also lets us into just his soul, what drives his actions. And man, it broke my soul to see him devolve so much from the Brad we know and know he can be.
And Rachel isn’t really in a good place either-burying her baggage in her partying. Like Brad, we don’t know the whole story- there is so much more going on with Rachel - and a character that we once saw as weak or unraveling you now see as a strong survivor. An embattled fighter. My heart hurts for her pain. Both of them just ripped it right out of my chest- which is why their story is so special. They understand and see each other- and by helping the other heal they can help themselves heal. This is some INTENSE connection.
This has been the most triggering subject matter of the series- so take note. But I loved this story- WAY more than I thought I would, I figured Brad wouldn’t light me up like Kyler, but I think Brad has buried himself deeper in my heart- the goodness, the strength of this man, it gets to me. And they are so perfectly paired, Brad and Rachel, two beautifully broken souls only whole in their togetherness. Oh my heart!
And Rachel isn’t really in a good place either-burying her baggage in her partying. Like Brad, we don’t know the whole story- there is so much more going on with Rachel - and a character that we once saw as weak or unraveling you now see as a strong survivor. An embattled fighter. My heart hurts for her pain. Both of them just ripped it right out of my chest- which is why their story is so special. They understand and see each other- and by helping the other heal they can help themselves heal. This is some INTENSE connection.
This has been the most triggering subject matter of the series- so take note. But I loved this story- WAY more than I thought I would, I figured Brad wouldn’t light me up like Kyler, but I think Brad has buried himself deeper in my heart- the goodness, the strength of this man, it gets to me. And they are so perfectly paired, Brad and Rachel, two beautifully broken souls only whole in their togetherness. Oh my heart!
angelastone's review
4.0
3.75-4. I really liked getting to see more of Brad in this series. Seeing him redeem himself and work through everything was great.
bookworm0094's review
5.0
Every book in this series has had me hooked from the get go and this story was no different. I was very excited to find out that Brad was going to get his own book after the events that took place in the first three books. I was eager to see how his story would go. I loved this story and stayed up all night to finish it. It had so many shocking twists, suspense, and off the chart chemistry.
hollyannebrady's review
5.0
Saving Brad is the 5th book in The Kennedy Boys. You do not need to read this books in order, but I suggest you do, because you get a lot of background info on the characters, as well as other characters in the book. This story is told from Brad and Rachel's POV. This book is an enemies to lovers romance.
Brad is Kyler's best friend, and Rachel is Faye's friend. Brad had a crush on Faye during the first three books, which brought a bunch of tension between him and Kyler. Rachel and Brad hooked up when she was in town and then she went back to Ireland.
Now she is back for school and they are at odds with each other. I loved the banter between the two characters! Even though Brad has feelings for Faye still, he feels he can breathe easier and gets a sense of relief he's never felt before when he is around Rachel.
I love the character development in this book. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to start the next one in the series!
Brad is Kyler's best friend, and Rachel is Faye's friend. Brad had a crush on Faye during the first three books, which brought a bunch of tension between him and Kyler. Rachel and Brad hooked up when she was in town and then she went back to Ireland.
Now she is back for school and they are at odds with each other. I loved the banter between the two characters! Even though Brad has feelings for Faye still, he feels he can breathe easier and gets a sense of relief he's never felt before when he is around Rachel.
I love the character development in this book. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to start the next one in the series!
babblingchatterreads's review
4.0
Continuing on with The Kennedy Boys Series the author still keeps us intrigued with her characters. This time around we have the story of Kyler's best friend Brad McConaughey and Faye's best friend Rachel O'Kelly's enemies to lovers story.
Throughout the series thus far we are always made aware of Brad being in love with Kyler's girlfriend, Faye. It was a dysfunctional love triangle of sorts that everyone in the family including Faye is made aware of. To top it off his family is off in hiding and feels alone until the Kennedy family takes him in. Faye has recently moved to the states and making a new life thanks to the assistant of the Kennedys'. She too has some demons she keeps to herself and not even her best friend knows what is going on with her.
An unexpected night between Brad and Rachel to let go and clear the minds of what they are going through begins a love hate chemistry. The downside...knowing that Brad is in love with Faye and the constant obstacles from their personal background are holding back to being more for themselves. The people affected are the ones that care about them the most. To let off steam it is the connection between Brad and Rachel that makes their troubles temporary go away. To add they begin putting on an act to family make it look like life is good.
The story will take you on a ride that will have you breaking for both Brad and Rachel. The want to see two broken people to have more in their lives. In order to do that they have to risk opening up and see that there is more to life than hiding behind feelings and actions. Their story was a saving grace and will have you believe that anything is possible.
Throughout the series thus far we are always made aware of Brad being in love with Kyler's girlfriend, Faye. It was a dysfunctional love triangle of sorts that everyone in the family including Faye is made aware of. To top it off his family is off in hiding and feels alone until the Kennedy family takes him in. Faye has recently moved to the states and making a new life thanks to the assistant of the Kennedys'. She too has some demons she keeps to herself and not even her best friend knows what is going on with her.
An unexpected night between Brad and Rachel to let go and clear the minds of what they are going through begins a love hate chemistry. The downside...knowing that Brad is in love with Faye and the constant obstacles from their personal background are holding back to being more for themselves. The people affected are the ones that care about them the most. To let off steam it is the connection between Brad and Rachel that makes their troubles temporary go away. To add they begin putting on an act to family make it look like life is good.
The story will take you on a ride that will have you breaking for both Brad and Rachel. The want to see two broken people to have more in their lives. In order to do that they have to risk opening up and see that there is more to life than hiding behind feelings and actions. Their story was a saving grace and will have you believe that anything is possible.
sunshinetori18's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this story so much! They just work so good together. Love how they worked though their own issues together and finally realized what the other really meant to them. Enemies to lovers is my jam!
casseyt's review
4.0
This was the Kennedy Boys book I was waiting for. And while Brad isn't a Kennedy, technically, he might as well be. It was so great to see the return of the Brad from book 1 and 2 in the series. He is by far the nicest and considerate person in the world that makes up the Kennedy Boys story. He really should have gotten the girl, but it works that he didn't because he now has the right girl for him.
This can be read as a stand-alone novel, but having read the others makes the return of Brad as we got to know him before that much sweeter.
*I am a lucky fish, and on the authors ARC team*
This can be read as a stand-alone novel, but having read the others makes the return of Brad as we got to know him before that much sweeter.
*I am a lucky fish, and on the authors ARC team*
momwithareadingproblem's review
5.0
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Oh my heart!!!! Saving Brad by Siobhan Davis is the fifth installment in her The Kennedy Boys which follows one family and their relationships. Seriously these books are so addicting! I may not usually read or enjoy contemporary but Siobhan Davis has written such a compelling, dramatic series full of angst that I just cannot sit down.
As the title suggests, Brad, the other side of the Faye/Ky triangle, is the main focus. I’ll be honest, I really liked Brad at the beginning of the series and may have shipped him with Faye more than once. I felt like his character was so tragic. He lost everything: his best friend, his family, his fortune, even his dreams were at stake. He was just so sad that my heart ached for him throughout the series thus far. Now nearly two years after the end of [b:Keeping Kyler|35173354|Keeping Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #3)|Siobhan Davis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495223501s/35173354.jpg|53578435], Brad has really lost himself. When the book begins, he’s nearly unrecognizable from the character Faye met in [b:Finding Kyler|35173351|Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #1)|Siobhan Davis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495223487s/35173351.jpg|53428748]. He’s unintentionally (and sometimes intentionally) mean, still pining for his best friend’s girl, and drinking his pain away. Not a very attractive side of him.
Then enters Rachel. Of Faye’s two Irish girlfriends, she’s the one that intrigues me the most. Her history is shrouded in mystery. She’s been seriously hurt in the past and has told no one of it. Like Brad, she’s spent most of her teenage years having sex and drinking away her pain. Now with her family’s recent good luck, she’s at a place where she can start over and disappear. Rachel is finding herself, gaining confidence, and showing a little vulnerability. But what endears her to me is how she recognizes Brad’s pain when those that are closest to him seem to ignore it.
The plot of this story really revolves around the growth of both characters and is moved along by the drama that surrounds them. Unlike the other books in this series, I felt like Rachel and Brad’s drama flows naturally with the story. It adds to their characters and helps to understand them better. Like the other books, there are many twists and surprises along the way and I was very surprised by Rachel’s reveal. I had an idea what it was but not the whom. (sorry I know that’s vague, but no spoilers from me)
Overall I loved Saving Brad! I devoured it. I started it before bed one night with the intention of reading one or two chapters, 6 hours later I was teary eyed and finished. I couldn’t sit it down and needed lots of coffee the next morning but it was totally worth it! If you enjoy contemporary romance, filled with angst and drama and surprise twists and turns, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest reading it after the first three books of the series so you can understand the characters better. Also of note, this is a new adult book and I do not recommend for those under 18. There are some graphic sexual scenes, foul language and some triggers. Be aware before you read!
Oh my heart!!!! Saving Brad by Siobhan Davis is the fifth installment in her The Kennedy Boys which follows one family and their relationships. Seriously these books are so addicting! I may not usually read or enjoy contemporary but Siobhan Davis has written such a compelling, dramatic series full of angst that I just cannot sit down.
As the title suggests, Brad, the other side of the Faye/Ky triangle, is the main focus. I’ll be honest, I really liked Brad at the beginning of the series and may have shipped him with Faye more than once. I felt like his character was so tragic. He lost everything: his best friend, his family, his fortune, even his dreams were at stake. He was just so sad that my heart ached for him throughout the series thus far. Now nearly two years after the end of [b:Keeping Kyler|35173354|Keeping Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #3)|Siobhan Davis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495223501s/35173354.jpg|53578435], Brad has really lost himself. When the book begins, he’s nearly unrecognizable from the character Faye met in [b:Finding Kyler|35173351|Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys, #1)|Siobhan Davis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495223487s/35173351.jpg|53428748]. He’s unintentionally (and sometimes intentionally) mean, still pining for his best friend’s girl, and drinking his pain away. Not a very attractive side of him.
Then enters Rachel. Of Faye’s two Irish girlfriends, she’s the one that intrigues me the most. Her history is shrouded in mystery. She’s been seriously hurt in the past and has told no one of it. Like Brad, she’s spent most of her teenage years having sex and drinking away her pain. Now with her family’s recent good luck, she’s at a place where she can start over and disappear. Rachel is finding herself, gaining confidence, and showing a little vulnerability. But what endears her to me is how she recognizes Brad’s pain when those that are closest to him seem to ignore it.
The plot of this story really revolves around the growth of both characters and is moved along by the drama that surrounds them. Unlike the other books in this series, I felt like Rachel and Brad’s drama flows naturally with the story. It adds to their characters and helps to understand them better. Like the other books, there are many twists and surprises along the way and I was very surprised by Rachel’s reveal. I had an idea what it was but not the whom. (sorry I know that’s vague, but no spoilers from me)
Overall I loved Saving Brad! I devoured it. I started it before bed one night with the intention of reading one or two chapters, 6 hours later I was teary eyed and finished. I couldn’t sit it down and needed lots of coffee the next morning but it was totally worth it! If you enjoy contemporary romance, filled with angst and drama and surprise twists and turns, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest reading it after the first three books of the series so you can understand the characters better. Also of note, this is a new adult book and I do not recommend for those under 18. There are some graphic sexual scenes, foul language and some triggers. Be aware before you read!