A Top 15 Amazon Bestseller# 1 in Sports RomanceFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Meagan Brandy comes an enemies-to-lovers, New Adult Romance full of morally corrupt and power-driven teenagers.
“Girls like you aren’t exactly welcomed at a place like this, so keep your head down and look the other way.”Those were the exact words of my social worker when she dropped me in my … exactly welcomed at a place like this, so keep your head down and look the other way.”
Those were the exact words of my social worker when she dropped me in my newest hellhole, a place for “troubled teens”.
I didn’t listen, and now I’m on their radar.
They expect me to play along in their games of hierarchy, to fall in line in the social order they’ve deemed me fit.
Too bad for them, I don’t follow rules.
Too bad for me, they’re determined to make sure I do.
Inconceivably attractive and treated like kings…these are the boys of Brayshaw High.
And I’m the girl who got in their way.
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This is book ONE in a THREE book series.more
4.5 STARS
Contemporary; Young Adult/New Adult; Enemies-to-lovers; Sports Romance
First person, dual-POV
Book #1 of Brayshaw trilogy.
“He told me family was choice, not a burden of birth. He said it was up to me to find the feeling and never to settle for less than what I wanted.”
by Raven
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Addictiveness: 5/5 The highest level! I’ve been obsessed with this book. I read it for the first time two weeks ago, went straight into the second book and came back to read it again, to write this review (my first review after 15 months hiatus). I’ve been searching almost daily for news on when book 3 is coming out. Can’t wait!!!
Character: hero 4.5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 3/5 Yes! My favorite part about a book is character development. In this book they are the stars. We have two main characters, the hero and the heroine; two major secondary characters that are almost as important then the main; and several others mildly important to the story. For an antagonist we have one bigger one, and several minors that are always part of the high school bullying stories.
“Big and bold, fearless by nature and loyal by choice. A man undeterred by a female’s body. Rare as f***.”
by Raven
“He’s a words man, an observant bastard with a fighter’s instinct. He digs in deep and forces you to face yourself, demands strength and craves fearlessness.”
by Raven
The hero, Maddoc, is a complex character. He is the leader of his triad with his brothers, he is the leader of his basketball team and he is the leader of his entire town. He is a teenager, with teen actions and reactions, but at the same time, he is this huge force that in a mob style way, is the ruler of his town, representing his dad, that is jail. He is used to rule, to command and be heard and he was not ready for a girl that didn’t accept his ruling. He is a bit too bossy for me, really over the top, but inside this fictional town, it makes perfect sense.
“She’s more than a f*****g wet dream–she’s a porn star come to life. She’s like a real-life Snow White, only better. More hair to pull on.”
by Maddoc
“I’m the daughter of a whore, dirty by default. Guilty by association.”
by Raven
The heroine, Raven/Rae/RaeRae, is my favorite character. Yes, she is impulsive and harsh, but if we take in consideration her life, she is a result of that. She is amazing! She is fierce, loyal, wild, free. She is lost and looking for a place/a home, without even knowing. She fights, with her fist, with her words, with everything she has. She is not a damsel in distress, and she is a teenager. Like most teens, lots of times she chooses the stupid choice. She is compassionate and loving and she knows what each of her boys needs. Yes, boys!
I could write another book about Royce and Captain. They are not only secondary characters, they are part of the triad-quartet of the book. This book would have no true meaning whitout them. Royce is the playful, worrier of the group. Captain is the nurturer, the one that thinks and give good advice. Their relationship as brothers is great and the bond they are building with Raven is touching.
As Raven says:
“… the female presence they so desperately crave. Someone for Captain to care for, someone for Royce to worry about, someone for Maddoc to protect.”
Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, subtitle 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I like that this cover has been made specifically for this book. The title refers to the triad of boys that runs Brayshaw, at the same time Raven is the one on spotlight. As background overlapping we see the boys playing basketball. The colors used are wild and dark at the same time, like Raven and the boys personalities. The subtitle couldn’t be better to describe the heroine. Loved it! Would buy this book by its cover without reading the blurb.
Freshness: Is not really fresh, it has the same formula of most teen angst drama stories out there, but I like the added variations. I like the idea of the Brayshaw home and how is building up.
Plot: believable 3.5/5, conflict 3.5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 3/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Great opening and major cliffhanger ending. Still unsure oof the conflict and dialogues well written. Fast-paced with a superb family foundation to make this really enjoyable. Amazing setting with a good subplot. The twist was unexpected. Most of all, this is a story of bonds, of creating a true family, even outside of the “norm”. This is a story of love. Not just romance, but true love among brothers, friends, people that complete each other.
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 5/5 The chemistry is there from the beginning. They look at each other and they create fire. They are explosive. At the same time, the author, took us in a journey. They didn’t become a couple from the beginning, they worked for it, even at the end they have an agreement for NOW only. The heat is ON! Really this teenagers sex lives are hot. I guess I was really dumb at this age, because they are having very mature sex here. Wow! Cold-shower-needing heat!
Writing Style: This was my first book from the author and I’m in love. I love her writing style. I love the way characters were created, setting was conceived and romance was constructed. Can’t wait for more!!!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Plot: By the end of the first book, the conflict is still a bit muddy. Is a hard concept to understand this family feud sort of mob-owned town. Also, these 17 years old teenagers act like 30 years old. The lack of a cool adult, a believable responsible person in this entire story is weird. From the principal, to a bad social worker, to a weak caretaker, the adults here are disposable.
Freshness: Is not really fresh, it has the same formula of most teen angst drama stories out there. I guess is a formula that I love and I don’t get tired of reading, so for me it works. 🙂
MY THOUGHTS
I’m a character reader. I love series with amazing characters story arch. These characters stuck on my brain. I would love to be friends with Raven and meet these boys.
This is not a complete book. You should not read this thinking you will end it with any kind of closure. This is a work in progress. Literally the first two, three episodes of a tv show. It end with a huge cliffhanger.
31.5/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 4.5 Cover: 5 Freshness: 3.5 Plot: 4 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4.5
Action 4/5 Angst 5/5 Darkness 3/5 Humor 0/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 2/5
Would I recommend? Yes. A must read for everyone that likes angst teenage romance.
Would I re-read this book? YES!
Would I re-read this series? Sure.
Would I read more from the author? I’m really looking forward to do it.
You may read this because you like YA/NA romance; you SHOULD read this because you like angst within your romance; you MUST read this for kickass heroine and badass heroes.
Five Bray stars for Raven, Maddoc, Royce, and Captain !!!
Where do I start, after I reviewed “Trouble at Brayshaw High” the second book in this series?!
Yeah, that only can happen to someone like me !
So, let’s go from the beginning…
This is the first book I’ve read by Meagan Brandy and…
I won’t say that I loved it because that would be a lie and I don’t like lying to people, especially when I write about books.
I adore this book so much that the first time when I will order my package from Amazon there will be this series (probably all three books because by then “Reign of Brayshaw High” will be available).
Yes, I love that much this book that I want to own paperback copy!
Honestly, I didn’t read the blurb before I decided to read it. I only knew that is YA with some bully elements and rich kids. So, I gave it a chance.
Before that, for the first time, I found out about this series on Instagram when I saw that a few bookstagrammers wrote about these books and how much they loved them.
Then I went here, which is from the one side mistake and from the other good thing (if you’re like me). When I saw that some people really, truly dislike this book, I knew that I need to read it because I probably like it (or love it ).
“Boys of Brayshaw High” is the book which becomes your obsession from the first page.
The book counts around 400 pages but I felt like it was only 100 because when you’re reading an interesting book you forget about time, about a place and everything.
And that happened to me.
I had a feeling that I was in Raven’s skin and that rarely happens to me.
So, you know what that means !
I really don’t know whose I love more… Raven and the three boys stole my heart and I got it back.
Raven is the female character for which you hope that can be your best friend because of her self-confidence and that she always says what she thinks.
And after all, protects the people that means something to her (even she won’t admit that).
From the other side, boys are the perfect picture of bad boys, but they so much more than that and their protective attitude for Raven showed that.
I’m glad that I gave the chance to this book because I found a new author, Meagan Brandy, whose books I will read with pleasure !
If you’re looking for a book that you’ll read in one day and that makes to want more, this book is absolutely perfect for you!
Highly recommended!!!
I’ve had this one on my Kindle since it came out and finally decided to give it a try…and now I’m sitting here wondering why I waited so long!!! OMG what a ride that was. So many twists and turns. I have no idea what’s going on with this group of boys and I’m dying to find out. Maddoc, Royce and Captain are going to end up going down on my list of favorite characters. They have such an unbreakable bond. Raven…loved her spunk and feisty nature – but did not like all the stupid decisions she was making. I get it…rough upbringing, doesn’t trust anyone. I hope she didn’t screw things up so bad they can’t be fixed.
This was my first read by Meagan Brandy – and man she is good!!! I’m chomping at the bit for the next in the series.
WTH!! BoBH is newest bookworld/booktown I have been swept away into and I’m floored! Meagan Brandy has me! Hook, line and sinker. This cr-aaa-zy world. In it’s “Outsiders like” feel, but in a rich, snobby and uppity town. You have the one side, the Kingdom Brayshaw side ruled by the Brayshaw boys. Maddoc, Royce, and Captain. Gods among mere men, on the basketball courts. Just like Moses parting the Red Sea these boys walk the halls and the students part a path, panties practically drop and with one look the masses gather to do their bidding. All the guys, want to be them or at the very least, never get on their bad side. All the girls wanna get with them.
They are gorgeous, rich, bad boys, and loyal to each other like no other. They are “Brothers” though not by blood.
“Family runs deeper than blood.”
The “Other” side is Graven. Collins Graven. Pretty Preppy boy extraordinaire. There is family rivalries between the Brayshaw‘ s and the Graven’s for decades. There is a whole lot of history and I think we will learn more and more as the series goes on. Collins is the Graven Prep basketball star and all around d-bag. He and the Brayshaw boys are constantly ruffling each other’s feathers and adding a girl into the mix is add to the hatred between them. Right?
Now, Raven Carver. She is a whole other mess those boys never saw coming, nor wanted too!
She grew up tough and rough. Her vain nasty momma and deplorable living conditions demanded it. Then at seventeen, a social worker shows up and removes her from the hell hole she was raised in and sends her to a group home called the Bray House , full of misfit foster kiddos about to age out of the system- run by a house momma named Maybell. I love my Mysterious Maybell!
“Girls like you aren’t exactly welcomed at a place like this, so keep your head down and look the other way.”
Raven’s kick A** , gorgeous and a fierce and ready fighter. She trusts know one or nothing, but is very loyal herself. She’s unapologetic in her don’t give a “F” attitude! For such a loner she actually has a very protective nature and “snitches get stitches attitude”.
Those Brayshaw boys are determined to break down her walls, or break her trying. What are their motives though?
I love the unique relationship surrounding the three boys and Raven. The witty banter, the suspense. The smokin hot chemistry. Good god the push and pull! Slow burn, deliciousness.HOLY DOODLE Y’ALL!
There is so much more going in this book, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. We have barely begun to see the tip of the iceberg on this amazing series, in book one here. I can only imagine the Shit Storm that is on our way between the Brayshaw boys and Graven as we move forward. I can’t wait to see how Raven plays into all this. I know all is most definitely NOT as is seems and my brain is already swarming with theories. When you think you have it figured out, Meagan flips that shit and you realize you know NOTHING. Lol
This book will become an obsession, literally. You will finish is and moments later be like “I need the other book now”. That cliffhanger! It’s a doozy! Get this book! ASAP
My cr8zysockbookblock overall ratings for this book!
– OBSESSED!! One of those times five stars is not enough,and plus I’m REBEL AF so SIX stars it is. GET THIS BOOK!!
– This book was hot, Sexual Tension for days. So much push and pull. There is a cabin scene that wet dreams are made of my friends!
Cliffhanger Warning-EPIC CLIFFY!
Wow! This book , such an epic read from start to finish. I love YA and Brandy nails it!
We follow Raven, the troubled teen who’s been removed from her home into the town, Brayshaw, where she meets three alpha boys that she tries to stay away from but they pull her in anyway. Maddoc, Royce & Captain, run the town but also have an air of mystery round them that peaks Raven’s interest. Brady flawlessly writes these guys with such mystery and power, you can’t help but love them all.
I was so frustrated with the sexual tension between Raven and Maddoc, it’s a slow, slow build but they definitely make your stomach flip!
I just loved Raven, such a strong female character, she’s had a hard life and although she doesn’t think things through and acts on impulse, her loyalty and love for these boys has her in my heart even though I want to scream at her “don’t do it” in the last few pages.
I devoured this book and could not put it down. It’s full of angst, mystery, teenagers being teenagers and will take you on a crazy ride of emotions.
I am so ready for book two!!
____________________
Overall Ratings;
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
4.5 stars
Boys of Brayshaw High is the first book in the Brayshaw series, and I can’t wait to read more!
This book is a bit of everything all rolled into one, with twists and turns, ups and downs, and enough excitement to keep you hooked. I was pulled in from the very beginning and, honestly, I think I still am. It was so much more than I was expecting, and after hearing people rave about it for months my expectations were pretty high. It definitely exceeded them, and I have a feeling things are just going to get better as the series progresses.
I loved these characters! They were all so incredibly developed and way more than first meets the eye. Throughout the book, each seemed to come into their own, and we learned a teeny bit more of who they are on their own and together. I will fully admit to my new girl crush on Raven, she’s strong, independent & totally badass. Maddoc, Royce & Captain are all broody and alpha, until you get to know them and realize teach one is hiding behind a mask. Their bond is thicker than blood, and when tested their devotion is unwavering. I’m really excited to delve deeper into each in the upcoming books.
One of my favorite parts of this book is that it’s not the typical romance book I normally read. It’s not a guy & girl and their path to romance. Meagan Brandy has created a world that revolves around family, whether by blood or by chance, true friendship and protecting those around you at all costs. The relationships between Raven & the boys as a whole, with each individually, and the boys themselves are all explored giving the reader a truly unique experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to what happens next! I highly recommend this book, but please note – it is a series and MUST be read in order.
I have heard so much about Boys of Brayshaw High by Meagan Brandy and was excited to read it. The story was an angst-filled, emotional and captivating. Raven, Rae, was a tough as nails heroine. She was strong and feisty and stood her ground. The boys of Brayshaw rule everything and everyone around them. They could be cruel and rude, but they can also be protective and possessive. They want Rae to fall in line, but she follows no one rules! Maddoc and Rae’s chemistry was intense and off the charts. Boys of Brayshaw by Meagan Brandy was full of drama and angst and that ending!
Happy reading!
Raven or Rae Carver is a seventeen year old who has had it tough, moving to a new school she comes across Maddoc, Royce and Captain who are the three top dogs at Brayshaw High. Then the games really begin.
Rae is a ‘tough as nails’ girl who values her independence above all else. She’s feisty and unafraid to stand up for herself and others as well. I thoroughly enjoyed her character but wanted to run away with her at times as she brought the protective mumma bear side out in me. The three boys brought the same instinct out too but for different reasons they are all so different and I loved how Rae pegged them so quickly. These guys are very precious too.
This is an incredible story and one in which you become totally invested in very quickly. You simply can’t stop reading and then when you get to the end you think, no… don’t do it!
Book two is on my kindle and I am heading in straight away.
Thought I had already done a review for this amazing book!
Every time I read this book I fall more and more in love with it and the strong willed characters within.
This book starts the series off with a bang, with so many twists and turns your head will be spinning.
One click now and read the book everyone is talking about!
I had no idea that when I started this book, I would fall head over heels in love with the characters how I did. From the Brayshaw brothers, right down to Raven, they captured and enamored me.
I will say Raven pissed me off frequently throughout the whole book, her stubbornness and recklessness were as irritating as it was understandable. The four of them fit well, like a perfectly layered PB&J sandwich. The only thing stopping them from completely sealing the deal is the fact that the boys grew up with something Raven has never known and doesn’t know how to perceive it. The boys grew up knowing love and loyalty; they have always had each other to rely on, Raven grew up fending for herself. While I can understand why she reacted in certain situations, the frustration is still just as intense. She needs to come to terms and accept that what she wants is love, security, trust, and a solid foundation; she needs to let go of her fear and allow what the Brayshaw brothers are trying to offer her, it’s just as hard for them as it is for her.
I will say of the three brothers Royce is my favorite. I love and adore all brothers, and I agree with the Maddoc and Raven pairing, but Royce is my absolute favorite brother/character. Great job Meagan, on creating such a strong, independent; yet vulnerable characters.
I am looking forward to reading more of the Brayshaw brothers. #TeamBrayshaw
OMG this series is ahhmazing! As you can tell from the time of this post I am hooked and could not put this down until I finished. All the feels with this one. My husband thinks I’m a loon because I’ve laughed, cried, and hit the couch in anger today while reading this.
Raven gets shipped off to yet another school and forced into an all-girls home after getting kicked out for fighting once again. But this time is different. She walked into Brayshaw territory and everyone in town is expected to fall in line. Too bad for them Raven has been fighting to survive all her life and she isn’t giving in to some rich assholes. Little does she know the she’s the pawn in a much bigger game set in motion before she was even born. But the Bradshaws have never come up against someone like Raven and she isn’t going to follow anyone’s rules but her own.
This is my first Meagan Brandy read and I’m totally a fan. This is the start of a great series.
Wow! This was one heck of a book. It draws you in at page one and doesn’t let go. Raven is an amazing character with demons but a true heart of gold. The story was flawless in it’s execution. I want book 2 like yesterday.
I loved this story. It had me intrigued from the very beginning and captivated me the next. This story was amazing!!! I devoured this book in one sitting and I can’t wait to read the next book. This one ended with a major cliffhanger. Brayshaws v’s Gravens and the rivalry between the two is just the beginning. I absolutely loved Raven. She had a backbone and wasn’t scared to stand up to anyone and she handled things as she seen fit. No matter who it was and how much power they held. Royce, Maddoc and Captain were characters I disliked in the beginning but they have defintiely wormed their way in. I also enjoyed Ms. Maybell, Ms. Vega, Bass, Vienna and Victoria. This story has angst, rivalry, secrets, power plays, back and forth banter, laugh out loud moments and so much more. I’m definitely look forward to reading the next book.
I don’t even know how to describe my absolute love for this book! I haven’t been this enraptured in a book in awhile and could not put it down! I was hooked, I couldn’t think about anything else but this story, these character, everything that is Meagan Brandy and this crazy amazing world.
I love Raven. This bada**, take no crap, but also vulnerable girl (even if she doesn’t let others see it). She does what she wants and won’t apologize for it. She a loner and likes it that way. Until 3 boys flip her world upside down. Where she never used to care about anyone and preferred it that way, now she has 3 boys she cares about more that she cares to admit, and despite everything in her that protests against it, she’s willing to risk everything to protect them.
“I’m more one to disappoint, living proof some of us really were built without the love tick.” “Love tick?” “Yup. Something beats in there, but it’s incapable of giving, unworthy of receiving. Just a little off.”
Then there are the Brayshaw boys…gosh damn! There’s Royce, the funny goofy guy that needs to protect. There’s Captain, the quiet loving loyal to a fault man. And lastly, there’s Maddoc, the alpha, the calculating one, the one that’s quiet but deadly.
“Someone for Captain to care for,
someone for Royce to worry about,
someone for Maddoc to protect.”
All three have this inseparable bond that not only makes them a threat to others, but a protection to each other. Because while their bond might not be blood, they are brothers and family all the way through. “Family runs deeper than blood” and that is exactly what it is for them (including Raven, even if she doesn’t see it.
“We want you here more than we should. All fucking three of us. Maybe even enough to force you to stay if you try to leave.”
This book, the twists and turns, the angst, the push and pull. Everything about this book draws me in, has me completely captivated, and utterly in love. The dynamic between the boys, between Raven and the boys, between Raven and Maddoc, everything is just so completely compelling and perfect. I truly believe this will be a book I will always remember, never forget, always go back to, and always recommend.
Meagan Brandy, you slayed me with your words in the best way possible. You made me fall in love with your story, your characters, your world. And now I’m in a rabbit hole I’ll never, and don’t want to, come out of.
Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow!!! Did I say Wow? Having read all of Meagan Brandy’s previous books I was really really looking forward to meeting The Boys of Brayshaw and Raven!!
From the very being the character of Raven pulls you in, even from before the book released the teasers we were given didn’t do it any justice!! Raven is a strong heroine from a broken family and is placed in a home for troubled kids where she encounters The Bray Boys – Maddoc Royce and Captain. Maddoc and Raven develop this push/pull love/hate relationship where we get to see just how strong a character Raven is!! It is a page turner and without a doubt one of THE BEST books i’ve read so far this year!! I’ll even forgive the Cliffhanger as that was the best way to go with this story and characters
Raven hasn’t had an ideal life thus far. She doesn’t take crap from anybody and she does what she needs to survive. She isn’t afraid of a fight and doesn’t back down. When she gets moved from her mom’s home to a foster home and has to change high schools, she runs into three boys that give her a run for her money, one in particular.
Maddoc is the leader of the pack. On the outside he and his ‘brother’s seem like nothing more than bullies. When Raven starts at their school, they see her as trouble. She doesn’t back down when they come at her and they feel like she’s a threat to the hierarchy they’ve created. As certain situations arise, they realize that she isn’t what they thought she would be. When their world is threatened, they’ll stop at nothing to squash that threat, while they normally solve things as a group, Raven goes out on her own. Can she save the boys she’s grown to care for?
I saw a lot of teasers for the second book in this series, and was super intrigued so I read this book. Holy smokes, I was utterly blown away! This book reminded me so much of the Fallen Crest series by Tijan. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next, I couldn’t put this book down! Meagan absolutely kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I am impatiently awaiting the arrival of the second book in this series, because that cliffhanger at the end gutted me!
This book… this book blew my mind…and that is saying a lot as much as I read. It has so much packed into it. Raw emotion, Angst, a little darkness, Drama, a little bit of suspense, and a whole lot of yummy male goodness. Read this book. It is a cliffhanger, but don’t hold that against it. You won’t be sorry.
This totally action packed, drama filled new adult story pulled me right in. I’ve been hearing about it for awhile now and I’m so glad I gave it a shot. Raven is a no pucks given kinda girl, with walls ten miles high and so much attitude. She’s fighting against the social hierarchy at the new school and screwing up the order of things. The big bad trio of boys are all turned around from her. Especially one. And no one in town likes it. Problems come from all sides and it’s so good and interesting. I loved this and the eye catching cover it came in.
Amazon and Goodreads recommended this book and I have heard about this author but haven’t read anything from her yet. If you love Tijan’s books, you will definitely love this story.
BOBH is not a light hearted read and a very dark high school romance with suspense thrown in. This story is very complex but a page turner success that will have you salivating for more!
Read this book but expect more because this is a three book series so cliffhanger alert! I need a Maddoc, Captain, and Royce Sandwich now!