The last thing any man wants to see is the woman of his dreams getting engaged to his brother…I thought I still had time to win Marlena back, but seeing the brother I despise lock his arm around her waist at his engagement party catches me completely off guard.
I can’t really blame her. She didn’t know he was my brother and I’m sure he never talks about me, but now that she knows, she’s … me, but now that she knows, she’s begging me to forget about our past. Well, she’s out of her mind if she thinks I’m going to let her get away from me that easily.
Most men are willing to sacrifice a greater love for the sake of other’s happiness, but the thing is, I’m not like most men. And that fiancée of his? She knows me better than anyone else, which means she also knows I’m not letting her go without a fight.
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Ohhh I love me a forbidden second chance romance read!!!
Buttt they always give me such heart palpatation’s…lol I freak out every time I read one, worried if I am going to be pissy about the outcome..haha But I am thinking out of everyone I have ever read, I have always been sooo happy with the ending. And I will say that My Fiancés Brother did not disappoint me. It was sooo freaking good!!!
Y’all I loved me some Vinney. He is sooo broken and soo angsty. Of course that angst is my fav as y’all know!! : )
Another 5 Star read by Shanora Wlliams for me down in the books!!!
Ohhh myyy gahhh…I almost forgot to mention…lets take a moment and swoon over this cover!!! Yeahh it is soo perfect for Vin!!! xoxo
My Fiance’s Brother is a second chance romance with a twist of the forbidden! Oh, what a read, it goes back and forth between the present and the past but it flows beautifully.
Vin is an addict – alcohol and drugs were his vices. Before his last rehab stint, Vin and Marley were in a loving relationship. They would drink and use drugs together, party, etc. These two truly loved each other. They knew what they have been through in life to get them to that stage for the most part. However, circumstances and events reach a point that Marley decides if she does not leave Vin they would not grow up. Vin is in rehab at this point when Marley breaks up with him.
Marley moves from the state and does not leave forwarding contact. Vin decides to stick his rehab this time, hoping it would get Marley back in his life.
Three years have past with no contact. Vin turns up to his estranged step-brother Lloyd’s engagement party and guess who is the bride to be……Marley!!!
Do these two still have feelings and that old connection? Or was the break-up three years ago the best thing and we leave the past in the past?
I want to add here that Lloyd is the opposite of Vin, he is a complete a-hole!
This writing is emotional and really goes into explaining the pain of the past. For me, the story was a page-turner but somehow lost a bit of its spark coming on to the end.
**spoiler alert**
100 Proof was so amazing to me in the beginning! It gave me everything I wanted, my eyes were glued to the pages and I couldn’t stop reading, it was perfect. I loved Vin!! He had such a tortured soul and he broke my heart just a little more, the further I kept reading on.
The beginning of his and Marley’s relationship was beautiful and messed up but it was real and that what I loved. Shanora didn’t try to sugar coat it. It was a messed up situation but it was their truth. They had each other when all they knew up until then was hatred and sadness. They were consumed in each other consumed in the drugs and they couldn’t see it chipping away at their relationship. Until one day it got too much.
Fast forward two and a half years later Vin is out of rehab and rebuilding his life again. He is finally pursuing his dream to open up a club with his best friend Zay. After all that is the thing that they were always good at! Throwing an awesome party. Vin plans to find Marley once the club is up and running to prove to her that he is stable and worthy enough to win her back.
Vin gets a call from his a&$hole brother Lloyd to come to his engagement party and act as his best man to make their mother happy. Vin loves his mother so much he would do anything for her especially after all the pain he put her through. He feels as though he owes her.
When he arrives at the engagement part Vin notices a woman standing beside his brother. A woman who is extremely familiar to him. Way too familiar. The second they catch eyes the angst goes up about 100 percent!!!
Turns out the woman Lloyd is marrying is the love of his life. Marley.
My face dropped right there!!!
I knew it was coming but honestly you won’t get it until you read the book. Lloyd is such a d&*%head it’s hard to believe anyone would want him!!
Anyway the minute Marley and Vin see each other its like they have never been apart. Vin is angry that of all people she would be marrying his brother and Marley cant believe that she is even in the same room as him.
Marley being engaged to Lloyd is just another reason that makes Vin more determined than ever to win her back.
I was in love with this book up until 80% — things just went down hill and we weren’t coming back up. Decisions were made that I didn’t agree with and in my opinion felt like they made zero sense. It angered me so much because I loved this book and it was on its way to being 5 stars!!!
Vin was the one constant throughout this whole book and I loved him even more for it. I’d definitely be interested in seeing a book about Zay.
This was a great second chance love story I just wish the ending could have followed through.
Audio Review from July 2019
Okay, so overall this was a decent story.
It was pretty slow with the main characters making any move towards being together and then the last third of the book it explodes.
The last 120 minutes had me riveted and not wanting to stop listening.
The ending was a total JUST DESSERTS move (as you expect it to be but it’s better!)
Gregory has a great voice and his slow drawl was perfect for Vincent. He nailed Lloyd’s a$$hole personality just perfectly.
Lacy Laurel has a bit of a lisp and it’s unique, she performed the main female character Marley quite well but her voice just isn’t my style.
This book absolutely blew me away. The emotion that Shanora Williams poured into every word was amazing. I felt all the angst and tension, the heartbreak and joy. The characters were so well developed I felt like I was right there with them. The plot was fast-paced and kept me glued to my Kindle. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone.
They say soulmates meet over and over again, until they get it right. Well this is exactly what happens with Marley and Vin. After dating for 4 years, Marley moves on while Vin is stuck where he is. They meet back up at an engagement party for Vin’s brother. Marley is the fiancee! Trying to hide their past does not work well for either of them and so begins a very emotions and heartfelt story. I fell hard for Vin. I always love the underdogs, and that is where Vin is sitting. He is full of regret, sadness and remorse. The perfect man to pull on your heartstrings. Mine were not the only heart strings that were pulled on. There is so much to love in this story. Shanora Williams delivers a romance that lingers long after the book is read.
Lacy Laurel and Gregory Salinas really bring this book to life. Through their narration, I got lost in the story and could not stop listening. Laurel brings Marley to life. A woman torn between her past and future, Laurel brings all of those struggles and emotions out. I felt them all, along with Marley. Salinas is fabulous with his narration of Vin. Vin is a complex character and struggling with so many deep emotions. Salinas really brings this all to life and my heart really broke for Vin. I look forward to hearing more from both narrators.
A roller coaster of emotions, twists, and turns that you won’t see them coming,
the story of Marlene and Vinny. I really enjoy my Fiance’s brother as I really didn’t expect so many things that happened that made the story even more intriguing and more enjoyable. the love between Marlene and Vinny was very intense no matter how much they tried to hide it and even trying to forget and start a new life but life kept bringing them together and making it impossible to forget about their past. I really didn’t expect the evilness of some of the characters. I really didn’t see that coming but it made perfect sense why Vinny was the way he was and why he separated himself from the people he loved. it brought me to tears and also made me smile once we finally understood the story of the main characters..
Shanora has a way with her words and stories making you want to keep reading and my fiance’s brother was not the exception it had all the perfect ingredients to make this story great. angst, love, intriguing moments and two amazing characters that will keep you wanting to know more and more about them..
great book, great characters, and great story!!
*AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *
Great, but………
I liked this story very much but the ending was to abrupt and I felt like revenge was not served for some people and the truth wasn’t revealed to other.
Otherwise I really enjoyed it.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good storyline that progresses nicely to a happy ending
Hot and emotional love scenes
Main characters was well described and developed in to realistic personalities but the secondary characters wasn’t easy to read
Narrators:
Clear pronunciation and read with feelings
5 stars overall
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t want this book to end because I instantly fell in love with these characters. They grew and they changed but they still deserved their second chance of being together. Their relationship is something that makes you believe there is a such thing as love. This book was everything. I cried, I laughed and was just all around so in love with the words this author wrote. This is one story everyone needs to read.
My Fiance’s Brother
By: Shanora Williams
Narrated by: Lacy Laurel, Gregory D. Salinas
This is my first book by Shanora Williams, and she now has a new fan! What a beautiful story! When I read the title, I figured this was going to be a naughty, the heroine is attracted to her future brother-in-law type of naughty, but to my surprise, it is a heart wrenching story of longing, loving and redemption. Marley and Vin dated for 3 years. When it was evident Vin’s addictions would rule his life, Marley left him and set out to move on with her life. But can that ever really happen? These two soulmates meet again and in the worst of circumstances. I loved Vin! His brokenness made so endearing, and his perseverance was unwavering. Marley is strong and wants to do what is best for her family. I have to say, there were times I wanted to smack her silly and tell her what to do, but I do love the way things shift and move in the story. It makes for an angsty, highly emotional book, making my heart ache and fill with love.
Lacy Laurel and Gregory Salinas give an amazing performance. Marley is full of emotion and the push/pull feelings are felt straight through with Laurel’s performance. You can just feel her passion towards Vin while being pulled to keep her commitment. Salinas has a smooth voice and I loved his portrayal of Vin. Vin is full of passion and perseverance, felt with his inflections. Together, they gave us a story of love not to be missed.
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I have the best book hangover after finishing 100 Proof!
This read was truly intoxicating! I couldn’t stop reading it and I didn’t want it to end!
Brilliant writing, this story had me on the edge of my seat wondering what’s was happening next and savoring every word!
The story of Vinny and Marley is the type of romance you know to expect the unexpected, and it may not be pretty!
When they meet at a party, sparks flew. Their combustible and tempestuous chemistry took me the reader on quite the emotional roller coaster ride.
Vinny was beautifully broken, and perfectly imperfect.
Is that good enough for Marley!
The best way to go into this read is by going blindly and experience their story!
Salud, Shanora for giving us this story with these characters!
I can’t wait for the next read.
Wow Mind Blowing read
Vin and Marley came from a total different family background.. a very significant different where both soul was trapped and suffered from it..
Vin was born into a high power society, rich.. well known where money is not a problem.. everything just a phone call away but yet he felt so out of place.. black sheep.. not good enough…Marley was in the other opposite where she grew up with a complicated horrible family… abusive father ..where her Mom was too scared to escape..
They met and both were trying to escape each other complicated life.. both were chasing the better life.. heartbreaking.. mistake .. hurt.. this book will tear you apart..
Can two broken soul be together despite their wound wasnt heal? Only love and sacrifice … I love how Shanora bring the two people together.. a second chance I may said.. My heart broke when to see this two people from such a different world can find love and comfort together… Love doesnt judge who you are.. it can happen to anybody despite their status..
This is a great love story about addiction and recovery and of forbidden love. It was an emotional roller coaster I didn’t want to end. There were many great plot twists I didn’t see coming and the reader feels all the highs and lows. The happily ever after was perfect.
I don’t like to give a bad review but there are times when a book is just so bad it can’t be helped. This is one of those books. While the concept was plausible the plot was poorly executed. While a good opportunity to educate on the positive aspects of drug and alcohol rehab was almost realized the use of poor grammar off-set any positive aspects of this book. This was touted as a New York Times bestselling author. Does the Times not have any standards when it comes to third- grade grammar? What are they not teaching in our schools today? If one needs an example I will give two: “me and Ryan” and “Zen and me”. Nothing makes me see red, or redlined, as much as this mistake.
Well my goodness!!!! I never thought Daddy Black would be replaced… But low and behold comes along Vinny. WOW What an emotional rollercoaster ride this one was. From the very first page to the last words on the last page I was engulfed in this story.
Vincent has had a crap of all life until that one party. The one where she was at. The way she danced, the way she was free, the way she talked to him. It’s a night that will never leave Vincent (Vinny). Three years later, she’s gone, left him at his lowest.
”I knew we were strong and rebellious. I knew we made the best love possible.”
Marley grew up in a house that was full of trouble. Always looking for the excuse to get out of the house. Whether it be a party, pulling extra shifts at the diner, anything to escape what was going on at ‘home’. When her BFF Noelle came to take her to a party, Marley never knew that this one night would change her life forever.
He was the sun, and as the helpless flower, I needed him.
He was the rain, nourishing my stem and petals, giving me life, growth, and strength.
The journey you go on with this story is one of love, hate, redemption and sacrifices. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
“What the hell are you doing to me Vinny?”
And, to this day, I still couldn’t find the answer to that complicated question.
Sweet. Intoxicating. Addictive.
Like 100 Proof Jack Whiskey.
I’m so drunk on the breathless love, the mounting passion, the painful angst that’s seeping into my very pores. It’s a phenomenal story about some very real, very flawed characters that are stuck in a maelstrom of life and cruel fate.
Vincent Chambers is besotted with Marlena Winters. One whiff of her sweet smell and he’s a goner. Like an addict he can’t get enough of her. Needs to drink from her sweet, sweet lips and body, get high on her , clutch her tight, like a drunk clutches his bottle of 100 Proof whiskey.
And then he crashes……or his entire life crashes. He goes through the painful procedure of cleansing himself…actually for her sake, it jolts him awake . To be a better man, for HER
Marley is already on a separate path. Away from Vin. She need to beat her addiction to Vinny too. away from her own drudgery of wants and needs. She HAS to sell her soul to the Devil.
But addicts are never fully cured are they ?
Vin was an addiction. He made me high with just the simple trace of his fingers, the caress of his soft lips on my skin. He intoxicated me in every way.
He was the sun, and as the helpless flower, I needed him. He was the rain, nourishing my stem and petals, giving me life, growth, and strength— giving me what his brother never could. He was like a bumblebee, sucking away my rare nectar to build his own honeycomb full of sticky, sweet passion and love. I was his whiskey and he was the glass. He needed me to fill his cup and to make him whole. He needed me just as much as I needed him, despite our differences and despite the downfalls.
Flower and bee.
Whiskey and glass.
Fire and ice.
We were unstoppable together, like a glass of 100 proof liquor.
Oh Gawwwd! The emotions and feels this story gives …it brought goosebumps to my flesh. Frustrating at times, I wanted to jump in the story and shake Marley so hard, but I understood her dilemma. Endearing people who were victims of their bad choices. I fell in love with Vinny and his drunk sorry ass.
I fell in love with Bob Marley and her shimmying to the music while painting, ass
I fell in love with the idea of their love.
5 100 proof stars
This book Gahhhh!!!. I found it hard to put down. It’s one of those that keeps you engrossed in the story from the first few pages until the last.
Vin and Marley these two are kind of toxic together to much drinking and getting high. Their relationship suffered after one to many crazy parties. But it was still clear to see how much they were addicted to each other.
This book tells their turbulent tale. It’s raw and definitely not pretty. Vin lost what he loved the most. Now she’s back and he won’t lose her again. Especially not to him.
I loved this story. You can’t help but get swept along. Vinny has made mistakes he’s not perfect but I really liked him. I found myself really feeling for him.
I also really like Marley even if I wanted to scream at her at times. I was like Nooooo do not do that. Even when I knew her reasons I wanted her to fight for her Man.
This book made me have so many emotions! I felt so bad for the struggle that Vin and Marley both had in their own live as well as together. I felt bad for how they truly wanted to be together but that she had her reason for staying away from him. But I’m glad that he finally didn’t let anything hold him back and just went for it! I absolutely couldn’t stop reading this book! I loved it!!