A review by caitlyntap
Be My Brayshaw by Meagan Brandy

5.0

“In case you weren’t sure, or had any doubt, don’t,”
I tell her, opening the door. “I love you with all that I am, and I’ll never stop.”

Okay, what the fuck was up with Maddoc in this book? Or more accurately, the lack thereof. I don’t even just mean his presence within the book. Where was his personality? Maddoc was literally my favourite character in the first three books so naturally, his absence aggravated me. Even though I knew this wasn’t his book, it was still strange to see both him and Raven on the outside. Maddoc’s only purpose in this book was to act as Raven’s shadow which damn near made me scream. Why? Just why? I still love Maddoc very much and when he was playing with Zoey, all his attention on her, my fragile little heart turned to mush. That was the most personality I got from him in the entire book. That one scene where I got more of Him, stands out for me more than any other character spending time with Zoey.

I’m conflicted. On one hand, this love story was both poignant and wonderful but I can’t help but feel equally disappointed and enraged by some of the things that happened. I did not agree nor enjoy the way Captain handled things when challenges were placed before him. I’m fully aware that all this drama could’ve been avoided if Victoria came out about everything in the beginning, but that’s just not how Meagan Brandy works, is it? Her plot twists are brilliant and I’m genuinely confused most of the time, having not focused on the plot LOL.

Anyway, I just hated how hot and cold Cap was with Vic. One second he couldn’t keep his hands off her and then next he would forbid her to leave her bloody room. Ughhhhhh, more than fucking anything, I hated how Cap would always give more of himself to Mallory. He even had the fucking audacity to believe Mallory’s word over Victoria’s after she so heartlessly abandoned her own damn child! I get that he was probably so blinded by rage that he just decided to kick Vic out of the mansion but after everything else she did, filling in the gaps, offering information to them and helping Zoey, he didn’t hesitate to throw her out.

Her eyes avoid mine, seeking out the night surrounding us as she repeats in a whisper, “I lied before... I’m not okay with pretending to be her.”

I cannot believe Captain would say something so harsh to Victoria and make her feel like an unworthy piece of shit! He constantly made her feel like she was second best and that Mallory was a better person. Mallory was scum from the ground. On the very unsatisfying topic of Mallory, her bullshit obsession with Victoria just made me roll my eyes so hard. Same with Mike. I wasn’t surprised when he was revealed as Victoria’s only “friend” in the Graven estate, having figured it out easily. I’m not going to lie, that plot line felt like a waste of energy to read. Obsessive friend who thinks he’s the only one who loves the caged girl and tries to steal her away blah, blah, blah. Mike was just… insignificant.

I can’t even wrap my head around how I’m feeling right now. My two favourite characters in this book were Royce and Victoria, two of which weren’t even on my radar in previous books. Given that Raven was pregnant, I guess there wasn’t much more she could do than take care of her unborn child but what about Cap & Maddoc. I mean, Maddoc was always my favourite and probably always will be but Cap is a different story. I gradually fell in love with his calm strength in the first two books but in Reign of Brayshaw, I slowly started to feel less for Captain and now, in his own damn book, he annoyed me more than the heroine and that is seriously saying something. That never happens for me. One way or another, I’m always choosing the guys side (do not ask why) but I just couldn’t stand for Cap’s bullshit.

I know I’ve been complaining and ranting for the most part of this review, but I swear I loved it. The book was just incredibly infuriating. Half the time, I think I was high on my disapproval for Captain’s actions that I didn’t fully embrace all the positive parts of the book. I shipped Cap & Vic during the start and middle of the book but when Mallory came into the picture, I got thrown off a lot. My feelings changed and I didn’t think Cap deserved Vic. A lot of things went downhill with the pair but Captain and Victoria are indeed endgame. I’m still just a teeny bit salty.

It pains me to say this because I genuinely loved everything that encapsulated “Brayshaw” and the unit they were, but this book just threw all that to the wind for me. In the first 3 books, the dynamics of the boys and Raven was spectacular! But… Victoria added into the mix felt a little forced. I remember reading the previous books and thinking that she fit perfect into the Brayshaw family however, that’s not at all how I felt during this book. Victoria reminding the reader that she was meant to be Brayshaw really just made me cringe and honestly, one book was not enough for me to see a strong relationship between Victoria and each of the Brayshaws.

On a more positive note, I adored Royce & Victoria’s friendship entirely! So much for Captain & Victoria. Royce & Victoria were the better relationship, fight me. Everyone was always giving Vic the cold shoulder, Royce included in the beginning, but eventually after she’d proven herself, Royce opened up. They had an honest friendship and when the whole Mallory shit went down, Royce supported Victoria. When they went to get drunk together to distract themselves, situation aside, I was so thankful to Royce for having Victoria’s back and going against his brothers.

“Family runs deeper than blood"

Last thing I want to mention is Captain, Victoria & Zoey. Ahhhhhhh even I can’t stop myself from melting. They have such a cute relationship! The times when Captain would lean on Victoria to help with Zoey or allow her to spend time with Zoey were so cute. It was a lot for my heart to handle. Both are so gentle and loving towards Zoey and Zoey herself is just so precious. Her bubbliness is contagious, even from outside of the book. Their whole little family owns my heart.

5 stars for my very, very problematic babies. I can't wait for Break Me Brayshaw which is Royce & Brielle’s story. The snippet we got into their story was very vague and what I want to know if why Royce sought her out in the first place and didn’t consult with his brothers. Very interesting and I’m excited because Royce Brayshaw is baby!