An enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis. Standalone with an HEA and no cliff-hanger.Brad I’m in love with my best friend’s girl.She knows it. He knows it. Everyone knows it.Faye will never be mine, but try telling that to my stupid heart. An endless rotation of girls streams in and out of my bedroom in a desperate attempt to forget her, but nothing eases the … in a desperate attempt to forget her, but nothing eases the horrid ache in my chest. Rejection isn’t anything new for me, but it hasn’t gotten any easier.
Until she reappears in my life. Like an out-of-control tornado. Storming in, all fierce and angry, ready to steamroll everything in her path. Rachel is trouble with a capital T bundled in a gorgeous, sexy, Irish package.
She pushes all the wrong buttons, and I can’t decide if I want to yell at her or kiss her.
I should steer clear.
But I’ve never been very good at taking my own advice. Especially when it comes to girls I can’t have and shouldn’t want.
Rachel
I need to escape.
To put as much distance between me and that monster so I can start living my life.
Yet, even the vast Atlantic Ocean isn’t enough to sever the connection. To allow me to forget how he’s ruined me. His hold is more than just physical. He has a vise grip on my head and my heart, and I can’t breathe, can’t think, can’t function.
So, I do everything to blot it out.
Until he reappears in my life.
Brad McConaughey. So hot. So infuriating. So in love with my best friend.
Every word out of Brad’s mouth makes me want to throat punch him or kick him in the nuts.
But he makes me feel, and I hate him for it. A part of me might actually love him for it.
I should keep my distance, but like destructive magnets, we are drawn together.
This isn’t going to end well.
I know it. He knows it.
But we’re powerless to resist.
Will I enjoy this book?
If you enjoy emotional, angsty, new adult romance with hot guys and a dash of drama set within a college backdrop then you should enjoy Saving Brad! Fans of this series have also enjoyed titles by Tijan, Erin Watt, Penelope Douglas, Ginger Scott, Jay McLean, Jillian Dodd, Sara Ney, Sara Wolf, Abbi Glines, Rachel Van Dyken, Chloe Walsh, and other similar authors.
While you don’t need to read the first four books in this series to enjoy Saving Brad, it is highly recommended. This book is only suitable for readers aged eighteen and older due to mature content, sexual situations, and language.
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I love the Kennedy boys, but this one didn’t pull me in like the others. I will definitely continue to read the rest of the books in the series.
5 Heartbreaking Stars
I am completely and utterly obsessed with this world that Siobhan has created. Every one of these stories tugs at your heart strings and leaves you on the edge of your seat, and this one is no different. I have been waiting for Brad’s book since I started this series. However, I do have to say adhere to the Trigger Warning with this one, it’s a doozy.
**He turns over, his hand reaching for me even in sleep, mumbling my name. That does something strange to my insides.**
Brad has always been a special character for me, when we are introduced to him it’s in some seriously negative light. But he pushed and pushed to make amends for the things he did. And after finding out the reasons why it made much more sense. He is completely selfless for so long and does so much to help Faye and Kyler. And he takes a dive after all the things happen through the first three books. He changes to a completely different person. One that not many like anymore. This broke my heart because I knew from the start how amazing he is. The reason he turns makes perfect sense and that too had my heart physically aching for this man.
**Brad is changing me, and that scares me as much as it enraptures me.**
Rachel is a mess, the girl drinks herself to oblivion all the time. And it’s hinted at through the first books that something is going on with her, she just hasn’t told anyone. I like Rachel she doesn’t apologize for who she is, and deep down she’s a great person. She’s just dealing with some serious demons. Once you find out why she is this way, you can see how strong she truly is. What she had to go through is enough to shatter your soul and never recover. But she doesn’t she survives, she is a survivor. Her and Brad find that the broken pieces in themselves are mended in each other. Their passion for each other and there inherent goodness heals both of their souls, which they so desperately needed.
**A layer of stress is alleviated at the bodily contact. Brad feeds my body, mind, and soul.**
I absolutely loved this story, it is not for everyone, seriously check out the trigger warning. But I loved it, Brad has been a favorite character of mine since the start and my heart needed to see him healing from what happened. And Siobhan did not disappoint. She takes these two broken souls and gives them what they need, and continues to show why she is a one click author for me.
WOW!!! Each book in this series just keeps getting better and better. I had a feeling Brad’s story was going to be emotional and angsty, but my goodness….so many emotions. Between Brad and Rachel this book was definitely a roller coaster of feelings and definitely the wildest of rides. Siobhan Davis did not skimp on the drama at all.
This book had ALL THE DRAMA. But on a serious note, Rachel’s very traumatic past was finally brought to light, and ultimately she was left with some peace and with a better relationship with her father and her friends. This book focuses a lot also on Brad and his feelings toward Faye and what is really behind them, and their impact on his current relationship with both Faye and Ky. I really enjoyed reading about the growth in Brad’s character as he addressed his own feelings and demons and worked to better himself and his situation and then became the man he needed to be, both for himself and for Rachel.
This book was well-written, full of twist and turns and had me fully engaged page to page. I cannot wait to see what the author has in store in the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Brad acted like kind of a jerk through a lot of it but when he finally let go of the jealousy and hurt and opened his eyes to his feelings for Rachel, he became a perfect book boyfriend. Rachel is a strong character, quite likable and very forgiving. Like the other books of this fab series, it’s an engaging, emotional story with some intense moments. 4.5 stars.
So happy for Brad! Really enjoyed that Ky and Faye played a huge part in this book 🙂 There were so many things that happened in this book – the suspense was making me read as fast as I could in the time I had. Brad and Rachel deserve each other and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I am sooooo happy Brad gets his happy ending. His tortured soul and reckless self-destruction over losing so much over and over again (man Siobhan really runs him through the emotional wringer up to this point) Brad needed saving (pretty much from himself) and the right girl to help him see that he wasn’t a constant f-up.
Saving Brad is a great addition to the Kennedy world. Brad has always been treated like one of the family, but the trouble is when you’re actually not, you always feel like an outsider. This is part of Brad’s inner struggle. He has plenty, but dealing with his self worth is one of them.
His family is gone, having left him because his father is a criminal at large and his mother and sisters went with him when he escaped overseas. To add to the pile of loathing, he can’t shake the feelings for his best friends girlfriend. This leads to a spiral of bad behavior, one which he can’t seem to drag himself out of. Deep down he wishes he was a better man, one like he was before his life imploded, but he has nothing to really prove to anyone, that is until another sassy girl arrives from Ireland.
Rachel, one of Faye’s BFF’s from Ireland, and Brad are the perfect kind of messed up for each other. She has a lot of inner demons she’s been dealing with and not in the healthiest of ways. When she notices that Brad is spiraling out of control, she can’t seem to stop herself from reaching out, sensing the same inner struggle that she herself often struggles with. It isn’t always easy, as Brad runs hot and cold on his emotions, but something keeps bringing her back, plus her own demons keep licking at her heels and his protective nature makes her feel safer than her own nightmares do.
With the Kennedy drama, suspense, and great love story Brad and Rachel help heal and save each other in this new adult romance.
While Saving Brad can be read as a standalone since Siobhan does a fantastic job catching up on any plot that could potentially be missing, I also think a reader would understand Brad’s headspace more if you’ve read the prior books.
I was so looking forward to brad’s story, he was really turning into someone I didn’t like and I figured once he found the person he was supposed to love the old bread would be back. I absolutely loved him and Rachel together. They both had some major family stuff going on in this book and really were there for each other. I love that we get the real brad back, he was my favorites from the start.
Brad has had a rough few years. He has been spiraling out of control since his parents fled the country. Rachel has secrets know one knows about. This book is just as much about saving Rachel as it is Brad. I loved the story. Your heart will break for all Rachel she has been through. Some secrets shouldn’t remain hidden.
THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS
This book does have some part that are very sensitive and maybe triggers. It is a wonderful book but please do not read if sexual assault triggers you.
I am so glad Brad got a story and has found true love. Honestly I was getting kinda sick of his pining after Faye. Rachel is perfect for him. I feel so bad for her having to deal with so much abuse by someone who should have been protecting her
I’m soooo glad in this book you finally learn what’s up with Rachel!! And man is it a doozy!! Brad and Rachel’s story is one you don’t wanna miss!!
It’s no secret that ever since Brad met Rachel there is no love lost between the two. They can’t stand each other. One hookup won’t change that. After all, he’s in love with Rachel’s best friend. When Rachel moves to the U.S. to get away from her past and make a new start for herself the last thing, she is interested in is a relationship. Brad is just the same, he’s going through girls at Harvard like it’s his job to try and erase Faye from his brain. Brad and Rachel try their best to avoid each other, but they can admit, their chemistry is off the charts. It’s everything outside of their bedroom activities that makes them not like each other. However, as the two-start spending more time together their attraction becomes hard to ignore. When both of their pasts come knocking, will they realize they are better together, or will Rachel’s past keep them apart forever?
Full disclosure, this book is not for everybody. There are a lot of triggers in this book, and I feel like for certain people it may not be the right book for them. With that being said, I will say that I absolutely LOVED IT! I’ve been waiting for Brad to get his happily ever after since we met him in the first book of the Kennedy Brother’s series. I’ve also been dying to know what secret Rachel has been hiding from all of her friends. This book was crazy, packed full of every emotion you can imagine; highs and lows, you name it this book has it! I think this book was tougher for me to read than the others because of everything that Rachel endured and how Brad acted towards her at the beginning. I don’t mean tough as in hard to read, I mean tough as in emotional. Certain parts I felt like my heart was being ripped out, and then others it was put back together. This was a great addition for the Kennedy Brother’s series, and I’m so happy Rachel and Brad ended up together!
I love this series and Brad finally gets his own story. He is an honorary Kennedy and he has also been in love with his best friend’s girl forever and needs to move on. Rachel is Faye’s best friend and she has moved to the states and is living with Faye. Her and Brad’s relationship brings a whole new level to the Kennedy series. It’s darker, grittier and full of raw emotion. It’s simply amazing!! This series just keeps getting better.
Rachel and Brad were important supporting characters in prior books of Siobhan Davis’ Kennedy Boys series. In this fifth installment of the series they get their (standalone) chance to take Center Stage. Take it they do, in a compelling tale of unexpected love with some really dark elements that, nevertheless, all somehow manage to work out to a beautiful HEA. I always thought of Rachel as someone to be concerned about, and never was a fan of Brad. This book has totally changed my view of them while still being totally true to the predecessor stories. Quite an achievement – and quite an excellent novel.
Highly recommended.
Saving Brad, by Siobhan Davis, is a most emotionally poignant story in the Kennedy Boys series. Although not technically a Kennedy, Brad has lived with them since his parents fled the country ahead of the law. Life hasn’t been easy for him, since he feels guilty for what his parents have done. Who better to take him in than the Kennedys who have so much love to give. Brad thinks he’s in love with his best friend Kyler’s girlfriend, Faye, and has so often dreamed about her being in love with him. Everything changes when Rachel, Faye’s friend from Ireland, decides to transfer to Harvard from the College of Art and Design in Dublin. Brad met her just a summer ago when the Kennedys vacationed in Ireland and to take Faye back to the place of her birth. Rachel hasn’t just come to the United States to go to school, she is hiding from someone dangerous. Her secret is too hideous to share, yet. She and Brad make in instant connection because of something hot that happened between them during that vacation. They begin to realize that they’re kindred spirits, taking out their deep-seated hostilities inappropriately. Watching them work through those difficulties and come to the realization that they can trust one another is impressive and touching. Saving Brad is a book in which anger develops into pleasure, fear turns into courage and despair becomes joy! Siobhan Davis writes books that are an emotional experience, to be sure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for free to give a voluntary honest review. This review contains only my own thoughts and opinions of this book.
Saving Brad was, in short, absolutely lovely. I have felt for the poor guy since the first book of the Kennedy brothers series, so I was very much looking forward to reading this book and finally see Brad catch a break, get his story and cure his pain. I was surprisingly happy over how good the book turned out, since the previous two, three books (although very good) did not reach the same potential as I had hoped.
It was new and interesting seeing the once sweet and understanding Brad turning into a “a**hole” as the book put it. Even if he was hinting at it in Loving Kalvin and in some of the other Kennedy brothers stories, we did not get to see much of that side of him and now having read Saving Brad I got a better understanding of him reading from his perspective, why he acted and behaved the way he did. It was also refreshing reading about a guy in the Kennedy universe that for once was not completely p***y whipped and could have a normal dialogue with the significant other without declarations and love speeches (except at some parts, but it was forgivable since it was only a few times). Even if the dialogues could turn, and did turn, ugly and spiteful at some points it only amped up the drama and since I love drama I absolutely got stuck heart and soul into this story.
When Rachel first appeared in Keeping Kyler I did not like her that much, to be honest. She felt a bit too over exaggerated and had the whole bestie and party girl stereotype such an extreme that she just became annoying and unreal for me. I got another side of her in Saving Brad that I like so much better. I guess it was because she felt more mature and toned down. The whole dark secret she held heavily only made me more intrigued over her and I liked that the fear that secret brought her also brought out Brads protective side and jealousy. It built up the relationship beautifully and it felt natural. I could really see how their flaws and struggles only made them better for each other and made themselves better. Over all a five star relationship!
As much as I liked Rachel and Brad, there were two individuals in particular that I started to dislike. Ky and Faye. They were really crappy friends towards Brad and the saddest part was that no one acknowledged that. Instead it was only and always Brad who shouldered the blame for things going south between the three of them. Sure, Brad had an all-consuming unhealthy obsession over Faye and that strained their friendship a lot. Here’s the thing though, Brad couldn’t help his feelings and Ky and Faye pretty much shoved their relationship in his face with their PDA around him (All. The. Time) and had no consideration towards him whatsoever, even when they both knew how he felt. So they must have known how hurtful it was for him to see them together like that, right? How about being good friends and toning it down in front of him? And since they did it in the apartment he and Kyler shared Brad had no way of escaping it either. He was pretty much trapped as the third miserable wheel. He had to walk on eggshells around them, because one wrong look or even a personal dialogue with Faye had Kyler pretty mush cursing the lice from a thousand camels upon him. At last when it became too much for Brad, Kyler, who is supposed to be his best friend, just abandoned him (although, he wasn’t there much for him before either). Well, not so strange it was strained between them, but I cannot see the logic behind it being fully Brads fault. In fact I see it as mostly Kyler’s fault, then Faye’s and lastly Brad.
Despite the whole horrible friends rant, I did really enjoy Saving Brad and I gladly give this book four stars! I can’t wait to read seducing Kaden!
I love the Kennedy Boys series. Most people who follow my reviews, tweets, blog posts, Facebook posts, etc, probably know this of me by now. BUT I had a hard time with starting this book. Going in I knew it wouldn’t be a favorite, because I’ve never been a fan of Brad. I even questioned why he was getting his own book if he was not a Kennedy! A novella ok, but a book? BUT I am a very big fan of Siobhan’s writing and I trusted her and tried to have an open mind. But, the first 30% of the book had me questioning my judgement!!! Ugh!! But then there was a shift in the story and things started to change, and I became very involved!!
I love Rachel!! She is a very strong person and throughout the book I came to like her even more!!! Whereas with Brad….I didn’t like him, not really at all!! But I came to like him. Rachel is good for him. They were good for each other.
Oh….I have to insert this here….I think Faye would be the coolest chic to have as a friend!! She’s an AWESOME, LOYAL, CARING friend and the girl is SOOO FUNNY!!!
Anyway, it was nice to see the old Brad….the one from book 1 of the Kennedy Boys series (Finding Kyler)….when he was such a sweetheart. If you haven’t read that book….holy crap! You. Are. Missing. Out.
So…if you asked me at 30% if I recommend it…well……BUT NOW IF YOU ASK ME, IM LIKE HELL YEAH!!! READ THIS BOOK!!!
I have loved Brad since meeting him in the first Kennedy brother’s book. I also wondered what Rachel”s story was after meeting her when she came to visit Faye. We finally got to learn both of their stories. We got to learn why Rachel drank as much as she did and what of her past she was hiding even from her best friends. We got to learn Brad”s struggles since his parents left him in the states while they fled the country. We also got to see him come to terms with his true feelings for Faye and finally realize he didn’t love her the way he thought he did but see that he wanted what her and Kyler shared. The best part was seeing that all were able to work out their relationships and remain friends.
As with all of Siobhan”s books I was sucked in from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down. I think I could have read the whole book in one setting if I wouldn’t have had other things I needed to do the day I sit down to read it. This series will not disappoint you and you will want to continue to read the next page to find out what’s going to happen next! I can’t wait for the rest of the series and getting to know more and more
This is Brad’s story and it’s a doozy. He and Rachel get off to a terrible start and it sure looks like things will never work out for them. Especially with Brad loving Faye. Brad learns about the monster in her past but does he stay in the past? Will Brad and Rachel find a love like Faye and Kyler? What is happening with Brad’s parents and his sisters? Will he ever see his family again after what his father did? You will have to read this fantastic book to find all the answers. Another spectacular read in this brilliant series. I cannot wait to read the stories for the other brothers. Another definite five-star read
First of all, Saving Brad is a standalone and you don’t have to, but I highly recommend reading the other books in the series because you are missing out by not spending more time with these amazing characters.
Now to my review:
This was a very emotional read for me. We have witnessed Brad’s journey down the path of self-destruction for a while now, but this is when he hits rock bottom. We have also received clues regarding Rachel’s own issues, but this is when we find out the nitty-gritty, and I promise you all that it is dark and heartbreakingly sad.
“Only this time, the heartache is joined by a new layer of guilt and self-revulsion. Does she feel that too? Does Rachel hate herself as much as I hate me?”
I found both Brad and Rachel to be very realistic in how they deal with their personal issues while living their lives. Both of our main characters go through periods of self-loathing, hopelessness, anger, shame, and guilt throughout this story. There are moments when irritability consumes Brad, causing him to lash out which were difficult to witness because I’ve been there before, and the guilt that comes afterwards can be unbearable. Rachel mostly distances herself from everyone she loves, choosing to suffer silently; again, this is another coping mechanism I am quite familiar with that only leads to a life of bitterness if not properly addressed.
After Siobhan exposes these characters’ truths, it is clear that Brad and Rachel are perfect for each other. However, get buckled up because the route to happiness for both Brad and Rachel is a very bumpy one. Even though there are many ups and downs with these two, I promise you that their chemistry is HOTTT!
—
“I was lost, but you found me.”
“We found each other.”
“I hold her hand to my mouth and plant a gentle kiss on her skin. ‘Let’s never lose sight of that.’”—This was one of my many swoon moments.
—
In order to break up some of the heaviness, Siobhan adds some humor as well as that Kennedy family drama I giddily anticipate with each story. Here is a little taste:
“I think I’ve heard it all now. The day I take romantic advice from Kent Kennedy is the day the world ends.”
Saving Brad also offers some much-needed closure regarding the repair of relationships with oneself and those with family and friends as well. The ongoing tension between the main characters and their loved ones in the previous books had my anxiety levels through the roof, and it was a major relief to be given those conclusions.
However, just when one main plot ends, another opens. The Epilogue is one of my favorite parts of Brad’s book because it perfectly delivers a glimpse at the life of our next Kennedy—Kaden. Where or where will Siobhan take us with this one? We can only wait and see!
So, I finished and reviewed this book awhile ago, but I recently listened to the audio, so I had a new look at how I feel about this story. I was surprised to find out that my feelings towards the story have changed. While I was listening, I began to realize that when I had originally read Saving Brad, I had done a lot of skimming. Skimming over the parts I wanted to get past because the content was something I don’t enjoy reading. I didn’t realize that I had done that so much when I read this book, so I felt I needed to refresh my review. Unfortunately, doing that has made me knock a star off. The book is still entertaining, and I still enjoy Siobhan Davis’ writing, but I just didn’t like the premise. The series is great, and there’s probably plenty of people that don’t have the same qualms that I do, so I’d still recommend the story. Maybe I’m just feeling more judgmental than when I previously reviewed this book. I’ll leave my original review because I still agree with it, but I’d like to mention some of the things that didn’t sit well with me too.
First the positive, the narrators of the audio did an excellent job. Especially the female narrator! She fits the character well. I believe she did the voice of Faye in the first 3 books of this series, and she did great then as well. I’d definitely recommend the audio if you choose to read this story.
So, as I was listening, I realized the whole beginning of Saving Brad was just gross. I actually didn’t enjoy the story until at least chapter 11 or so. I don’t like when authors add too much detail into the main character’s lives before they gain a clue. Also, I was extremely disappointed in how Brad treats Rachel, and she continues to put up with it and fall at his feet. It takes way too long for them to realize or admit that they care for each other. I didn’t like reading about Rachel debasing herself so much. While listening, I realized I was cringing at their sex scenes, and I realized because I felt like I just wanted Rachel to get help for how little she thinks of herself. I know she’s attracted to Brad, and she says she enjoys the sex, but how can she, when he’s a complete jerk to her. So, this was just causing me strife this time. The scenes were written fine, and I suppose they could be read as hot, but something in me just couldn’t enjoy them. Brad is forgiven way too quickly as well. Maybe I’m just not compassionate enough. I think I just found the characters too immature, which they are young, so I suppose that fits. Immature characters making immature decisions. I forget these are college kids. Brad isn’t in a frat, but I feel like he’s that type. Also, what the heck was up with mentioning one of Brad’s ex bed partners feeling up on Ky and him not pushing her away quickly. It had no place in the story; unless I missed it.
For the most part, what I said in my original review stands, but this time around, I realized I didn’t really find a liking for the main characters. If you like the previous books in this series, I say definitely give this one a go though. As I said earlier, the story is interesting and I may just being extra sensitive towards things. Maybe what I enjoy reading has changed some. Sorry for the long rant! I don’t want to deter anyone from trying out Siobhan Davis’ books because Davis has written some of my absolute favorite books, so definitely check it out for yourself.
Original Review –
Love Siobhan Davis’ writing! She knows how to write stories that draw you in, and keep you interested till the very end. Saving Brad is part of the Kennedy Boys series, and I’d recommend reading the previous books, but it isn’t absolutely necessary. Brad has been on my bad side for quite awhile in this series because of his manwhore ways, and his lack of maturity, but I still had hope for him going into this book. He did grow on me, but I still don’t like his excuses for his behavior. He needed to do a lot of growing up in this book, and it was good to see him realize that his attitude and actions aren’t doing him any favors. I wasn’t a huge fan of Rachel’s either from the previous books, but this book did help me understand her more. Brad and her are cute together; they don’t have the Faye and Kyler connection, but they have their moments. These 2 had a long way to go with me, and it’s really hard not to root for them with how Siobhan Davis writes their story, so in the end, I liked them both. Rachel is dealing with some heavy stuff in this book, and it’s great to see her realize her worth and stick up for herself. I liked the suspense element in the story, and of course, it’s super great to see more of Ky and Faye! I’m not too sure about the premise for the next book in this series, but Siobhan Davis is one of my favorite writers, so I’ll definitely check it out!