Fifteen years ago, I saw him.Seven years ago, I begged him.Locked in a twisted game of friends, I gave Theo Von Bremen everything.We were reckless.We were dangerous.We were crazy in love. Until he came along. Cade breathed fire into my soul, forever changing my direction. He was my salvation. I was his redemption. He became my mission.I became his Commander.But where does that leave Theo?Exactly … Commander.
But where does that leave Theo?
Exactly where I want him.
On his knees.
Commander in Briefs is the first book in the stand-alone series, Commander in Briefs.
more
5 out of the park stars! Wow I would of never guessed this is a debut novel the way this story is written. Instantly I’m loving the confident determined woman Anniston is and then you factor in the relationship she has with her best friend Theo that has been shared for years and it’s priceless, I would love to know this woman. What can I say without giving any spoilers away, I was captivated from the very beginning and never wanted to put my kindle down. Throughout the book we have a great mix of laughter, off the charts sexy scenes and yes even at times emotional tears because events that took place have touched my heart so deeply. I loved how we were given the POV of Ans, Theo and Cade. The pace was consistent throughout and I never felt lost as we switched between everyone. I am absolutely blown away by this story I know I’ve expressed how amazing this story is already but I can’t say it enough. This is a must read and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this new author and what comes about with Cade’s story because OMG you know I will be one clicking without a doubt. Beautifully written story and one of my top reads to date. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
When you begin a book by a debut author, you never know what to expect. You have no idea what the writing style will be like, if you will love the characters, or if you will be able to connect with the story in a way that touches your heart. I was nervous going into this book for all those reasons, but when I started reading, that anxiety quickly faded. By the time I had finished, I was completely blown away.
Commander in Briefs is unlike any novel I’ve ever read before. Having read over 300 romance novels in the past two years alone, that is really saying something. I started out reading it thinking I knew what kind of book it was going to be, but I was wrong. It was so much more than I could have ever expected.
Theo and Anniston have been attached at the hip since middle school. They call themselves best friends, but their feelings for one another have always run deeper than that. When Theo has to move away to begin his career in baseball, Anniston decides it’s time for her to take action. She wants Theo to take her virginity, and after some hesitation, he agrees. What he does afterwards completely crushes Anniston, and he winds up paying for it dearly.
Years later, they are locked in a twisted game of friends with benefits neither of them can win. Despite his colossal mistake, Theo is still the most important person in Anniston’s life. Her whole world revolves around him until she finds Cade, a homeless veteran, half dead in a ditch. Her true purpose becomes clear, and everything changes.
Theo is caught off guard by the shift in Anniston’s priorities, and he begins to panic. When she takes in more hot military men, it completely freaks him out. He decides it’s time to stop playing games and prove to Anniston that she belongs with him once and for all.
“Brace yourself, Anniston, I am about to blow this friendship to hell.”
If you are looking for a nice, sweet romance with perfect characters that always make the right decisions, or a story that can you can fit nicely into a box, this is not the book for you.
Theo is an asshole. I will tell you that right now, but I fell in love with him not only in spite of it, but because of it, too. His antics, jealous meltdowns, and crazy declarations of love had me cracking up and smiling the whole way through the book. I was angry at him for what he did to Ans in the beginning, but I was able to forgive him the same way she was. Underneath his cocky attitude, he is a good guy that loves Ans deeply and would do absolutely anything for her. There is no one more perfect for Anniston than Theo. To say I love his character would be an understatement. In fact, he has become one of my favorite heroes of all time.
Anniston is the kind of heroine I adore, and one you will never forget. She is as strong as they come, sassy, playful, determined, and loyal, but what I love most about her is her incredible heart. Honestly, I think I’m in love with Ans as much as Theo is. I usually find myself more drawn to the hero than the heroine in a story, so when one makes me fall for her the way Anniston did, I’m pleasantly surprised. Anniston is an amazing character. She is who I want to be when I grow up.
There are several other characters that play a big role in this story. The most prominent of which is Cade. I don’t know how anyone wouldn’t love him. Broken heroes get me everytime, and one as sweet and sexy as Cade is a guaranteed heartbreaker. We get to hear things from his point of view which just makes you want more of him. I can’t wait to dig deeper into his character in the next book and to see him get the HEA he truly deserves. As for the other characters, they all burrowed their way into my heart, and I think they will do the same to you. I almost wish Kristy would have made this a reverse harem so Anniston could have them all. Then, I could live vicariously through her! Lol
Commander in Briefs is a novel that accomplishes so much more than a typical romance. The first lines lured me in, the story held me hostage, and the characters stole my heart. If I didn’t know this was the author’s debut going in, I would have never guessed it. Kristy’s writing style is phenomenal, the characters are well developed, the story is unique, and the romance is hot! Not only is this Theo and Anniston’s love story, it’s also a story about friendship, unconventional family, and love for your fellow man.
One of my favorite books of the year! Congratulations to Kristy on a job well done and a debut novel she should be incredibly proud of!
I’m officially a Theo fan ..and Cades too and all the other guys from this book
I loved lovedlovedthis book
You’ve to read it! Like right now!
It was so funny and silly that I
roar with laughter all the time.
At first I was shocked about the beginning of this book and the strange behavior of the protagonists, but the longer I read the more I understood these lunatics Yeah I know, I should be afraid of myself
Theo is a crazy guy with a strange sense of humor
Don’t get me wrong, this book also has very serious dark themes, just mixed with so much childlike humor that sometimes the seriousness gets lost
Especially because of the asshole behavior of Von Bremen aka Theo (the main character) .
But, you know what? I love this asshole! He is spoiled, ridiculous, childish and behaves like a prince and yet incredibly charming, irresistible and lovable, simply too attractive and tempting to be resisted.
Then we have Aniston aka Ans, as Theo always calls her. She is like a mix of tornado and rollercoaster. Yes, I know that’s a funny comparison, but you haven’t read this book to understand the craziness of this couple , that’s still a very gentle comparison.
Do you know the worst, I would love to be like her
I’m currently reading book 2 (Cade ) and then comes number 3 from the series
Go and download that book, you have to read this. It’s definitely a must read
I give it 4.5*
I first read the third book in the series even though it can be read as a standalone I would suggest reading this first. This introduces you to a majority of the characters in the series but mainly focuses on the relationship between Theo, Anniston and Cade. This book made me laugh, cry and just fallen in love with all the characters and OMG the steamy hot sex. I loved it from beginning to end and it left me wanting more.
What an incredible debut novel by Kristy Marie!! Definitely a 5 Star Read! I absolutely loved Commander in Briefs. The relationship that Theo and Anniston share is beautiful; even though they both feel as though one moment shared years ago permanently put their relationship in the friend zone because they were too afraid of losing the other. You can just feel the love each of them has for the other but they continue to dance around the issue rather than address it which finally sets Anniston off too find herself without Theo. Cue the introduction of Cade.
Anniston finds Cade at his lowest point and brings him back to life. I secretly loved the way Anniston took care of Cade and had hoped that she would have taken their relationship a little bit further because once you meet Cade or Gorgeous as Anniston calls him you can’t help but fall in love with him. I wanted Anniston to make Theo suffer a bit for never making a move to solidify their relationship but she loved him to her very core and would never betray him in such a way.
Once Theo gets a dose of reality and the fact that Anniston was moving on with her life without him and he starts to panic; and goes running home to stake his claim. Thus begins the epic pissing contest between Theo and Cade; until Anniston whoops them both into shape and accepting the fact that they are both here to stay. Eventually, they both come to accept the other but the bantering and bickering continue which makes you fall in love with all three characters at every turn.
I love how strong Anniston is and how she seems to keep all those she loves grounded in a way that can’t really be explained; and I do know that I am so excited to see what comes next from Kristy Marie!!
Oh how I loved this book, it was such a fun and amazing book that definitely had all the feels and will have you laughing over the banter and swooning over hot and sexy Theo. And Anniston is amazing with her take no crap from anyone attitude. The two are them together make for an electrifying and power couple that you would want on your side. A MUST READ!!!!
4.4 stars
This book was very different than I thought it was going to be. The author did an exceptional job creating characters that felt like family. I wanted to get to know all of their stories. For awhile I couldn’t decide if I was #TeamTheo or #TeamCade. In the end, Theo won. That man was delicious. This book had one of my favorite quotes ever, “I am going to ride this man like he’s the last train to Hogwarts.”
Extremely sexy and heart stopping! Kristy Marie is now on my list for ‘auto buy authors’.
B E F O R E I R E A D T H E B O O K
Honestly, this was a blind read to me since I didn’t read the blurb in the first place. I read a couple teasers on the author’s Instagram account and I had a few impressions. I thought this was going to be set in a ship or a war zone and Anniston is literally a Commander. I thought this would be a love between two people with just a guy and his commander. I T H O U G H T W R O N G.
P L O T
The story is absolutely hilarious and steamy at the same time. Since I had no idea what this was about that’s why I was taken by surprise when four more veterans were taken under Anniston’s wing.
There’s an actual love triangle. Well, not a complete triangle. I don’t want to spoil you so I won’t say any more than that. I think the last time a read a love triangle was Twilight. I miss love triangles, people usually do insta love now or ‘first and second guy ain’t the one yet’ type of story. The love story plays well in this book I guarantee you that.
The one revelation that really made my heart swell for a certain character. It made me love the character even more. Don’t forget that scene at the end, it gave me goosebumps!
C H A R A C T E R S
First there’s Theo labeled as ‘the best friend’. He’s the comedian in the bunch and gets the best one liners in the book.
Second there’s Anniston who’s looking for a purpose in life. She’s the commander, she takes no shit from you, and it’s basically pointless to argue with her.
And then there’s Cade. Sweet, hot in many ways Cade.
Everyone has their own story to tell but right now we’re focused on these three. They mesh perfectly together and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m just glad no one died or no one has died yet, with six men under one roof and a woman to control them all.
W R I T I N G
All I could say is I W A N T M O R E O F K R I S T Y ‘ S W O R K.
Well there’s more though. (haha) It’s written in the alternative POVs of our main characters and it’s not confusing at all. The story is well told through three different sets of eyes.
O V E R A L L
This book is filled with laughs, a little heartbreak, and a hundred percent hope. I now have greater respect to veterans and when I do meet one (I hope), I’ll be sure to thank him.
If you haven’t read this book yet, be prepared for the heat and the six hot men under one roof. I cannot wait for the next book and be back in their world.
I would like to thank Kristy Marie for her amazing book and blessing us with her gift. Many thanks also to her PA, Jessica (IG: chatterbookbabe) who’s really awesome at her job and doesn’t mind me emailing her questions about the tour. You ladies are going to make wonderful things. Kristy’s Commanders are supper awesome too with their funny – and most of the time – sexy posts.
This has to be one of my favorite friends-to-lovers romances! There was so much more to this story than I expected and I fell in love!
Theo is a jerk! A manwhore when we first meet him! And boy can he push people’s buttons! He plays baseball. He’s totally hot. And beneath all that BS, he’s got a heart that has always belonged to her.
Anniston is a total ball buster! She’s snarky and sassy and expects everyone to listen to her. The men in her life can’t help but love her. She’s tough but with a gooey center.
She’s a doctor in sports medicine and she works for Theo. Anniston and Theo grew up together. They were always best friends. Their banter is fantastic and their chemistry is otherworldly. Their history and love runs deep. However, they have never been able to truly obliterate that line between friends and MORE.
Their love is complicated! Their attraction is completely unstoppable. Their inhibitions do not exist! This is their story of finding not only where they belong, but who they want by their side. And in the process of figuring out their happiness, they built an unlikely family with men who needed a hand up. Anniston was selfless and giving. And because of her past, she found her purpose and the perfect future.
First off I need to congratulate Kristy Marie on an absolutely brilliant book that is nothing less than a five star read, something that she should be very proud of herself for based on this being her debut novel. Commander in Briefs is a combination of sports, military, best friends and second chance romance so in short it has got it all. Anniston has been in love with her best friend forever but when Theo makes a decision that will impact both of them when he just doesn’t know how to process his feelings, Anniston will make him pay for that decision. Seven years on and just when Theo thinks he has got her where he needs her, Anniston stumbles across a veteran by the name of Cade. As things start to change and a very good looking Cade starts to play an important part in her life, Theo starts to feel threatened and feels like he is losing his girl. You will either be team Theo or team Cade and believe me I was Team Theo through and through. This story is gripping, hilarious at times, hot and steamy and very, very addictive. At times your heart will break for the main characters as each one of them struggles with aspects of their lives. Ultimately this story is about love in every form – whether it be about friends, lovers and just plain learning to love yourself. This was one of those stories that I didn’t want to end so needless to say I am so glad this is the first book in a series and cannot wait for the next one.
A fun friends to lovers story with several twists you don’t see coming.
I fell in love with this book from the very first page. The killer opening line and hilarious conversations had me practically inhaling all the words, highlighting almost every sentence and trying to contain, unsuccessfully, my fits of laughter. But beneath that witty banter, one can witness the depth of both Theo and Anniston’s personalities, the many issues in their complicated relationship but also the powerful love and connection they share since childhood.
One of the many things I loved about this book was the fact that all of the characters felt very real and relatable. Yes, they were acting childish at some points. And yes, I felt annoyed and disagreed with their behavior in a few instances, but that’s what makes them come to life even more, flaws and all; that’s what makes reading so entertaining and exhilarating. It’s really difficult to create the perfect hero that everyone swoons over. But it is an act of bravery and nearly impossible to create a character that is frustrating and immature at times and yet you can’t help falling in love with. #TeamTheo
Wonderful writing and an amazing debut that will definitely put Kristy Marie on your radar. I am looking forward to reading her next books!
Wow! I’m so shocked that this was Kristy Marie’s first novel. It was so well written, and really dives deep into all of the characters. Sometimes when a story is told in multi-POV’s you can get a bit lost, but Kristy did an amazing job giving each character a distinct voice. I don’t want to say much about the story, because it will definitely spoil it, but if you like contemporary romance that dives deep mixed with a second chance sports romance and a bit of a military contemporary, then you should DEFINITELY pick this one up and hang out with Anniston, Theo, and Cade! You won’t be sorry.
Commander in Briefs was my first book by Kristy Marie and I had no idea what I got myself into. I dove in, not even reading the blurb, even though it sounds intriguing. The blurb gives you a really good sense of what is about to come for you if you give this book a chance.
I really had a good time reading it. However I’m not quite sure how to rate it. Compared to other books I’ve read I would say it’s more like a 3.5 star book. Why? Mostly because the story takes a big turn (even though you could have sensed it coming) and I suddenly got the feeling I’m reading a totally different book as the one I started. That was a thing that didn’t really sit well with me. However, with this turn the book got a little more suspenseful.
“Three thousand, seven hundred, and seventy-nine. That is how many days I have known I love you.”
Anniston is a great heroine. She is strong, witty, self-confident, beautiful inside out and has a big mouth. She’s not taking shit from others and says/takes what she wants. So yes, she’s indeed a good commander! Sometimes her boldness feels like she covers her self-consciousness but I think this might be a totally normal thing. That makes her even more real.
“But, I can promise you that I will never stop trying to be the man you deserve. I have always loved you.”
Theo is an easy lovable a-class a-hole . Man, he really marked his territory well. From time to time it got a little annoying, his a-hole behavior. He cares deeply for Ans and even though he’s a star baseball player he’s got complexes he tries to cover with his bold a-hole behavior.
“Let me love you like you love me. Let me be your biggest fan.”
And I have really no idea why Ans put up with this. Well, actually I do. Because she loves him an he loves her so deeply that it hurts. They really are good together and have a great chemistry. Right from the beginning you could feel these two where made for each other. They are pushing and playing each other’s buttons like no other could do. That leads to a lot of hot sex scenes that made me blush.
“Be my teammate in this game of life.”
A thing that surprised me was the fact that the book was not only written in the POV of Ans and Theo but of Cade as well. I’m not really used to read a love story with more than two POVs. Not really sure if I like it here or not. It might fit. And I might have fallen for Cade so that I’m really looking forward reading his story/book soon!
Commander in Briefs is a witty, hot, hilarious love story that touches your heart.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Wow! What a great romance novel! I have to say when I first read the book blurb, I thought the storyline would be going in a totally different direction but boy, was I surprised and in a good way! The three main characters – Anniston, Theo (Teddy) & Cade were sooo easy to fall in love with! Anniston was such a feisty & smart woman, I loved the banter between her and Theo. They cracked me up a lot! I also enjoyed the progression of Cade’s personality and how he eventually came out of his shell. This book had all the feels in it! There were times I laughed out loud, there were moments that were so sentimental I had tears in my eyes and thinking to myself…Oooh, I want a man like that and then the ending just had me in happy tears! To me, a well written book will have all kinds of emotions within it and this one definitely delivers on that! Kudos to the author, Kristy Marie on a job well done! I can’t wait to read the next novel in this series and I highly recommend that you one-click this little gem!
Lucky I don’t like sleep….because Commander in Briefs had me awake all night. I could not put it down. “Just one more chapter” was said continuously until I hit the end.
This was not your traditional friends to lovers story. It was completely different to what I expected. BUT I LOVED IT. It was honestly a beautiful story.
Anniston was just an absolute gem. She has the biggest heart, embraces who she is, has no filter what so ever and is just down right hilarious. The way she opened up her home to those Marines honestly warmed my heart and how she went above and beyond to help every single one of them. I loved her banter with Theo and their back and forth. Their friendship/relationship was the definition of true love. They have insane chemistry and the scenes between them are seriously hot!! They are both just as dirty as one another. But in a good way… lol
Theo. I have a love/hate relationship with that man. There were so many moments that I just wanted to punch him. I agree that he didn’t deserve Anniston and it honestly made me annoyed at her at times that she put up with him.
Cade. Gorgeous Cade. Why tease us with him? Like seriously?! Come on!!
As much as I cried and was so happy by the end of this book, there was a part of me hoping that it would have gone in a slightly different direction.
I cannot wait to read Gorgeous and Drifter. I have fallen in love with all of those sweet men!
Ok so I’m just going to be frank in saying this is a book your probably either going to love or hate. I don’t think there’s a middle ground. Me personally? I loved it so much I’m finding it hard to put my feelings in to words. It was the most unexpected turn of events because I didn’t go in expecting to dislike it but I’m also a creature of habit so new to me authors take a minute for me to get used to. I was recommended this by a friend and honestly I’m so glad I was.
Theo and Annistons story is dysfunctional to say the least. They have been best friends for years but they’re also in love with each other and make no bones about hiding that fact. Infact they flaunt it. The thing is even though they’ve crossed about every friend line there ever was.. they haven’t jumped into relationship status simply because Anniston is making Theo pay for the sins of their past. I mean I get it and honestly it’s didn’t matter but that is why they aren’t together.
The dynamics of their relationship are muddled and unclear buts it’s feels right. Them together is just how it’s meant to be. Their journey is filled with passion, humour, love and understanding. It has many unexpected surprises along the way and it definitely is one of growth for all the characters in the most unexpected ways. I felt every feeling and by the end was emotionally exhausted but lord did I just love them and their crazy dysfunctional and completely outrageous shenanigans.
I believed in them, in their love even if at times it was surrounded by questionable antics. As characters there is so much more than meets the surface to all of them so don’t be fooled by the crazy you get at first because the more you read the better you understand the actions and the why they do it.
The story is seamlessly written and flows perfectly from one page to next. I was completely consumed in their world and invested in all the characters that joined along the way. It’s a rocky unpredictable journey with a little of everything but I can’t imagine a more perfect journey for those two outrageous characters.
Now I’m moving on to Cade’s story because lord knows I need that sexy major to get his HEA. I’m hoping it will be just as hawwwt to!.
When I first started this book after reading Pitcher I was a little disappointed, as I felt the depth of feelings Ans and Theo shared was lacking in compassion.
But then I kept going and this book completely blew me away.
The more we got to know Ans, Theo, Cade and the boys the more I fell in love with them all.
I honestly loved this book, and though trying at times I am so happy to have read it.
5 stars and a Oohrah
A Bit Crazy But It Got There In The End.
This series was recommended to me by two book buddies who loved Theo and Anniston. The story in itself was good. I liked the way it set up the foundation and what they hope to achieve here. And I love a sports romance, even is this was only a section of the plot. This story is more about trust and loyalty and believing in your own abilities. As much as I get that every couple has their own quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them unique, this couple takes it beyond at times that is a little mixed up. I understood they had a relationship that spanned over time and went through different circumstances but I felt they didn’t mature as they grew. I found it a little hard to believe the incident within the barn, that the marines would wait thirty minutes for Theo to arrive that should have taken an hour. I also think other things happened that didn’t feel authentic. I did however enjoy the epilogue and felt relief that they finally got their act together. I am also intrigued to see what is next with Cade.
I love how they have this warped friendship. And it is only crazy because it is built on year and years of love and crazy shenanigans. Ainsley and Theo have been best friends and in live with one another forever. But they play this game of cat and mouse with each other. After she takes in Cade and rehabs him back after finding him homeless. She seems to find her purpose in life in rescuing vets who are down on their luck and not being supported by the country the fought to protect. I love all the guys and how much love and devotion they have for her and one another.