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Strays
He's a hot single dad with a troubled past and a chip on his shoulder.
She's a sassy grad student who has always lived a charmed life.
They couldn't be more opposite...
Before my sixteenth birthday I was kicked to the streets, condemned for a crime I didn’t commit.
Since then I've lived a solitary life and broken a few heads when I had to.
But that all has to change now.
Because I've just heard that I have a five-year-old son.
And this kid now has no one else in the world but me.
So it's time to step up and learn how to be a father.
Into this chaos walks Isabella Gentry.
She was warned to keep her distance.
I was the one who warned her.
She’s beautiful. She’s headstrong. She’s spoiled and pushy.
And, thanks to a weird chain of events, she’s my freaking roommate.
A part of me wants to turn her world upside down.
The rest of me wants to worship the ground she walks on.
This can go one of two ways.
Either I’ll decide be the worst version of myself.
Or I’ll surrender the past in order to build a family and a future.
And just maybe I’ll prove something.
That the guy everyone loves to hate might be redeemable yet...
She's a sassy grad student who has always lived a charmed life.
They couldn't be more opposite...
Before my sixteenth birthday I was kicked to the streets, condemned for a crime I didn’t commit.
Since then I've lived a solitary life and broken a few heads when I had to.
But that all has to change now.
Because I've just heard that I have a five-year-old son.
And this kid now has no one else in the world but me.
So it's time to step up and learn how to be a father.
Into this chaos walks Isabella Gentry.
She was warned to keep her distance.
I was the one who warned her.
She’s beautiful. She’s headstrong. She’s spoiled and pushy.
And, thanks to a weird chain of events, she’s my freaking roommate.
A part of me wants to turn her world upside down.
The rest of me wants to worship the ground she walks on.
This can go one of two ways.
Either I’ll decide be the worst version of myself.
Or I’ll surrender the past in order to build a family and a future.
And just maybe I’ll prove something.
That the guy everyone loves to hate might be redeemable yet...
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2021
397 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
Cora Brent
64 books3,662 followersI'm a huge fan of insta-love , grunge era flannel, my vintage Kenmore sewing machine, embroidered dishcloths and absolutely everything that has to do with 1980s pop culture (i.e. leg warmers, scrunchies, big hair, early Madonna, boom boxes, wood paneled walls, stonewash jeans, etc).
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
April 18, 2021
This was good, but it didn’t wow me like I’d hoped. With that said, I still enjoyed many things about it:
Rafe is a tatted up, sexy AF anti-hero,
he has a filthy mouth,
Oliver, his adorable son is a sweetie,
appearances from Deck Gentry (swoon),
and the supporting characters.
I read the first four books of the The Gentry Boys, and the first two of Gentry Generations. I don’t think any of those books need to be read in order to enjoy this one. You see some of the characters from those books in this story, but not enough to where it’ll confuse you. (IMO)
Izzy is the daughter of Declan Gentry. (I loved him in Fall, btw) I was excited to read her story. Her and Rafe couldn’t have been any more opposite. I loved the tension and banter between the two - he was mouthy and she was sassy.
Unfortunately, I felt there was more telling than showing, so I believe that was the reason I didn’t feel a spark between them. There was definitely sexual tension, but I didn’t feel that heart-pounding goodness like I need. I didn’t get hit in the feels with this one.
I am intrigued by Rafe’s brother, so I’ll definitely be reading his story (Long Lost.)
I see a lot of great reviews for this, so I’m confident many more readers will love it.
Rafe is a tatted up, sexy AF anti-hero,
he has a filthy mouth,
Oliver, his adorable son is a sweetie,
appearances from Deck Gentry (swoon),
and the supporting characters.
I read the first four books of the The Gentry Boys, and the first two of Gentry Generations. I don’t think any of those books need to be read in order to enjoy this one. You see some of the characters from those books in this story, but not enough to where it’ll confuse you. (IMO)
Izzy is the daughter of Declan Gentry. (I loved him in Fall, btw) I was excited to read her story. Her and Rafe couldn’t have been any more opposite. I loved the tension and banter between the two - he was mouthy and she was sassy.
Unfortunately, I felt there was more telling than showing, so I believe that was the reason I didn’t feel a spark between them. There was definitely sexual tension, but I didn’t feel that heart-pounding goodness like I need. I didn’t get hit in the feels with this one.
I am intrigued by Rafe’s brother, so I’ll definitely be reading his story (Long Lost.)
I see a lot of great reviews for this, so I’m confident many more readers will love it.
January 27, 2021
I've always loved Cora's books, and the way she makes the badass alpha men fall to a puddle of goo for their equally badass women, bit I have to say that this is her BEST book to date! I was a little nervous about Rafe at first, especially since he was depicted as an anti -hero, but my heart just broke for him. This young man never had a chance in life, and has been in and out of prison so many times that he thinks he has nothing to offer to the world or any one person. And when he learns he's going to be a father, he's steadfast in his belief that his son will be better off without someone like him in his life.. so he walks always in hopes of achieving just that. Until the word brings his little boy back into his life, and it my gosh I'm calling it now: Oliver is my favorite little kid ever. That boy is so freaking precious!!!
So obviously I was already getting emotional, but then Izzy (Decks daughter!!) Had to go and form the most beautiful bond with that little boy! Ugh, so many tears. I truly loved her relationship with Rafe, too. She was patient with him (as much as she could be) but she wasn't a pushover either. And when it came to the point where they could no longer deny their feelings for one another, my heart became all fluttery!! I seriously love these too so much!
I really loved how there was no big heartbreak or breakup here -- these were two people, seemingly opposites in every way, so loved each other and a little boy so fiercely, that they became the family they all needed. Do yourselves a favor and go one click this amazing book now!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
So obviously I was already getting emotional, but then Izzy (Decks daughter!!) Had to go and form the most beautiful bond with that little boy! Ugh, so many tears. I truly loved her relationship with Rafe, too. She was patient with him (as much as she could be) but she wasn't a pushover either. And when it came to the point where they could no longer deny their feelings for one another, my heart became all fluttery!! I seriously love these too so much!
I really loved how there was no big heartbreak or breakup here -- these were two people, seemingly opposites in every way, so loved each other and a little boy so fiercely, that they became the family they all needed. Do yourselves a favor and go one click this amazing book now!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
February 1, 2021
***4,5 "It's us from now on!!!" stars***
AVAILABLE NOW
“If ever there was a time in my life when I had the opportunity to step up and make a difference... this is it.”
This was my first book by Cora Brent, even though I'm lusting over her books for some time now and I can tell you with the hand upon my heart that this was a very beautiful ride... It really touched my soul!!!
I loved Rafe who was rough around the edges and I loved Izzy with her big heart...
These two had much work to do, but they proved us that they were good on their own, but great when they were together!!!!
"I'm not going to be the one to break you in."
Rafe was always the bad boy, the one with the chip on his shoulder since childhood... The one that was in and out of jail all the time for small crimes...
Five years ago, it was the last time that he was inside a cell and when he got outside, he learned something lifechanging... He was about to become a father at the age of twenty, but his lover didn't want him to be a part of his son's life...
Rafe knew that he wasn't a dad material and that he had nothing to offer to this child, so he just walked away...
"The Hempstead men.
We can make coffee tables and we can kill.
What a legacy."
At the present, Izzy is starting a new life away from her overbearing father... But from the first moment, the problems are starting to peel around her...
When she is at the edge of desperation, she is meeting a girl who is offering what she was craving... An apartment all to herself... But things aren't getting as she was imagining!!!
"Lust wars with common sense. I can't want him that way. It's out of the question."
Five years later and under strange circumstances, Rafe and his son are moving on a small town away from the one they were living in order to start their new life together. Their destination is this certain one because Rafe wants to be close to a person that used to mean something to him in his childhood... But he has a lot of grovelling to do in order to be forgiven for the past...
He just needs a home and people that he can count on them!!!
He just doesn't imagine that he will have to share a house with Isabella Gendry!!!
"Say hello to you father, Oliver."
That is and will always be the pivotal point. When a sad and angry little boy looked up at me. And I saw myself in his eyes.
Now, I think about life in a new way. I think about love. I think about a family.
Yes, these three are becoming roommates, but they have too much work to do ahead of them in order to survive on each other's orbit...
The everyday challenge is so big when Izzy and Rafe have two completely different personalities and add to that a difficult child....
There was sexual tension from the first moment, but they had to back away from their first insticts in order to survive...
I really loved the dynamic between these two!!!
"You said I'd hate you."
"And sometimes you might. God knows I'm easy to hate."
"Do you want to be hated?"
"No. Especially not by you."
"Then don't let me. Don't let me hate you, Rafe Hempstead."
Izzy was a cheerful girl who was demanding and dynamic. I loved the way she embraced little Oliver from the first moment. I loved how helpful she was toward Rafe, even though they weren't always on good terms...
Rafe was an underestimated character. Yep, he was rough, but at i told you in the beginning, only around the edges. Yes, when he was younger he had made many wrong decisions, but he was a good guy and he didn't deserve to be treated like a criminal all the time from the ones around him.
But what I really admired to him was how easily he embraced the role of the father and how true he was to that!!! His son became his life and he didn't stop fighting for him!!!!
"If directing traffic is something that gets her hot then she can navigate me to her heart's content."
"Every time he shows this tender side of unselfish devotion he claims a little bit more real estate in my heart."
Izzy and Rafe were perfect for each other, even though you couldn't see it from the first glance!!!
They were explosive together and they were good models for Oliver.
As for Oliver?? Yes, he was a difficult child, but his whole world changed in the blink of an eye, so it was inevitable to give hell to everyone and especially to Rafe!!! But I loved him!!! He was adorable!!!
I really enjoyed this story and of course, I want to learn more about the secondary characters that were surrounding them!!!
"Know what I hope? I hope that someday, a long time in the future, I'll be able to look back and instead of being ashamed of the way I spent the first twenty-five years of my life, I'll feel proud of the way I've lived the years since then."
**An ARC was provided for the exchange of an honest review**
AVAILABLE NOW
“If ever there was a time in my life when I had the opportunity to step up and make a difference... this is it.”
This was my first book by Cora Brent, even though I'm lusting over her books for some time now and I can tell you with the hand upon my heart that this was a very beautiful ride... It really touched my soul!!!
I loved Rafe who was rough around the edges and I loved Izzy with her big heart...
These two had much work to do, but they proved us that they were good on their own, but great when they were together!!!!
"I'm not going to be the one to break you in."
Rafe was always the bad boy, the one with the chip on his shoulder since childhood... The one that was in and out of jail all the time for small crimes...
Five years ago, it was the last time that he was inside a cell and when he got outside, he learned something lifechanging... He was about to become a father at the age of twenty, but his lover didn't want him to be a part of his son's life...
Rafe knew that he wasn't a dad material and that he had nothing to offer to this child, so he just walked away...
"The Hempstead men.
We can make coffee tables and we can kill.
What a legacy."
At the present, Izzy is starting a new life away from her overbearing father... But from the first moment, the problems are starting to peel around her...
When she is at the edge of desperation, she is meeting a girl who is offering what she was craving... An apartment all to herself... But things aren't getting as she was imagining!!!
"Lust wars with common sense. I can't want him that way. It's out of the question."
Five years later and under strange circumstances, Rafe and his son are moving on a small town away from the one they were living in order to start their new life together. Their destination is this certain one because Rafe wants to be close to a person that used to mean something to him in his childhood... But he has a lot of grovelling to do in order to be forgiven for the past...
He just needs a home and people that he can count on them!!!
He just doesn't imagine that he will have to share a house with Isabella Gendry!!!
"Say hello to you father, Oliver."
That is and will always be the pivotal point. When a sad and angry little boy looked up at me. And I saw myself in his eyes.
Now, I think about life in a new way. I think about love. I think about a family.
Yes, these three are becoming roommates, but they have too much work to do ahead of them in order to survive on each other's orbit...
The everyday challenge is so big when Izzy and Rafe have two completely different personalities and add to that a difficult child....
There was sexual tension from the first moment, but they had to back away from their first insticts in order to survive...
I really loved the dynamic between these two!!!
"You said I'd hate you."
"And sometimes you might. God knows I'm easy to hate."
"Do you want to be hated?"
"No. Especially not by you."
"Then don't let me. Don't let me hate you, Rafe Hempstead."
Izzy was a cheerful girl who was demanding and dynamic. I loved the way she embraced little Oliver from the first moment. I loved how helpful she was toward Rafe, even though they weren't always on good terms...
Rafe was an underestimated character. Yep, he was rough, but at i told you in the beginning, only around the edges. Yes, when he was younger he had made many wrong decisions, but he was a good guy and he didn't deserve to be treated like a criminal all the time from the ones around him.
But what I really admired to him was how easily he embraced the role of the father and how true he was to that!!! His son became his life and he didn't stop fighting for him!!!!
"If directing traffic is something that gets her hot then she can navigate me to her heart's content."
"Every time he shows this tender side of unselfish devotion he claims a little bit more real estate in my heart."
Izzy and Rafe were perfect for each other, even though you couldn't see it from the first glance!!!
They were explosive together and they were good models for Oliver.
As for Oliver?? Yes, he was a difficult child, but his whole world changed in the blink of an eye, so it was inevitable to give hell to everyone and especially to Rafe!!! But I loved him!!! He was adorable!!!
I really enjoyed this story and of course, I want to learn more about the secondary characters that were surrounding them!!!
"Know what I hope? I hope that someday, a long time in the future, I'll be able to look back and instead of being ashamed of the way I spent the first twenty-five years of my life, I'll feel proud of the way I've lived the years since then."
**An ARC was provided for the exchange of an honest review**
January 24, 2021
-Marie, ☆☆☆☆☆
I was absolutely hooked from the first few pages. I finished this book in one sitting. My kindle went everywhere with me.
Izzy needed to experience life on her own for the first time. Her parents were loving but her dad was a little overbearing. Moving from Arizona to Texas was a big leap. When she got to Texas all of her hopes were shut down when her apartment was given away. After indulging in some sweet treats and meeting Lana she now had a new place to live. Until there was a little hiccup that turned out to be a life changer.
Rafe, always the bad boy who was in and out of jail, didn’t have any responsibilities. Until he went to see a former hook-up who told him she was 8 months pregnant but didn’t want him in the baby's life. Well, circumstances changed and now Rafe had full custody of Oliver. He went to the one place that he had one family member left. He scored a great apartment until he learned so did Izzy.
Their chemistry was undeniable. Neither of them could fight back the temptation of one another. Then all good things progressed from there.
I was absolutely hooked from the first few pages. I finished this book in one sitting. My kindle went everywhere with me.
Izzy needed to experience life on her own for the first time. Her parents were loving but her dad was a little overbearing. Moving from Arizona to Texas was a big leap. When she got to Texas all of her hopes were shut down when her apartment was given away. After indulging in some sweet treats and meeting Lana she now had a new place to live. Until there was a little hiccup that turned out to be a life changer.
Rafe, always the bad boy who was in and out of jail, didn’t have any responsibilities. Until he went to see a former hook-up who told him she was 8 months pregnant but didn’t want him in the baby's life. Well, circumstances changed and now Rafe had full custody of Oliver. He went to the one place that he had one family member left. He scored a great apartment until he learned so did Izzy.
Their chemistry was undeniable. Neither of them could fight back the temptation of one another. Then all good things progressed from there.
January 27, 2021
4.5 stars
Rafe and Isabella were wonderful together. Rafe is definitely a bad boy redemption story and I loved every second of watching him grow and build his new life. I don’t always love stories with children, but Oliver and Rafe completely stole my heart. The nuances of their story together were so well done by Ms Brent. And on a lighter note, any book that gives me visits from Deck Gentry are a huge win.
I highly recommend this book and I think it works great as a jumping in point if you’re new to the Gentrys and Cora Brent and of course if you’ve read them before then it’s a must read.
Rafe and Isabella were wonderful together. Rafe is definitely a bad boy redemption story and I loved every second of watching him grow and build his new life. I don’t always love stories with children, but Oliver and Rafe completely stole my heart. The nuances of their story together were so well done by Ms Brent. And on a lighter note, any book that gives me visits from Deck Gentry are a huge win.
I highly recommend this book and I think it works great as a jumping in point if you’re new to the Gentrys and Cora Brent and of course if you’ve read them before then it’s a must read.
January 27, 2021
Sigh! Do read Cora Brent? If you don’t, well you are missing out. Strays would actually be a great place to start. After you are done, plan to want to go back and binge read “The Gentry’s”. Double sign. Soooo good.
This is Rafe and Izzy’s story. Ummm, OMG how do I tell you how much I love this story. It is an anti-hero, single parent romance. EEK some of my favorite troupes. Truthfully my mind was a little blown by the unique single parent backstory in this read. Wink. You have to read to understand. All I can say is plan to fall in love with Oliver. My momma heart hurts for him in so many ways.
Ok back to Rafe. Wow Wow Wow, talk about someone growing up and redeeming themselves. He is broken in so many ways but is working hard to dig himself out of the trenches to be the best dad he can be. He comes from a really sad childhood and is trying to figure out how to do better for his son.
Izzy does not fail me. How can she! She is a Gentry after all. Oh my heart. She lives up to her name. What she brings to this story is priceless. She not only takes us on a journey trying to deny her attraction to bad boy Rafe but she is A-MA-ZING with Oliver. Holy hotness when Rafe and Izzy decide to become a couple you will be fanning yourself.
This story is a full cast experience. You will get wonderful side characters from previous Cora Brent books. Eek. It adds even more perfection. This is the best story. It is five star worthy and more. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
This is Rafe and Izzy’s story. Ummm, OMG how do I tell you how much I love this story. It is an anti-hero, single parent romance. EEK some of my favorite troupes. Truthfully my mind was a little blown by the unique single parent backstory in this read. Wink. You have to read to understand. All I can say is plan to fall in love with Oliver. My momma heart hurts for him in so many ways.
Ok back to Rafe. Wow Wow Wow, talk about someone growing up and redeeming themselves. He is broken in so many ways but is working hard to dig himself out of the trenches to be the best dad he can be. He comes from a really sad childhood and is trying to figure out how to do better for his son.
Izzy does not fail me. How can she! She is a Gentry after all. Oh my heart. She lives up to her name. What she brings to this story is priceless. She not only takes us on a journey trying to deny her attraction to bad boy Rafe but she is A-MA-ZING with Oliver. Holy hotness when Rafe and Izzy decide to become a couple you will be fanning yourself.
This story is a full cast experience. You will get wonderful side characters from previous Cora Brent books. Eek. It adds even more perfection. This is the best story. It is five star worthy and more. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO
January 24, 2021
I am having a major book hangover today. STRAYS was a beautiful and intense "second chance at life" story by the always creative and sensitive Cora Brent. I absolutely adored Rafe and Izzy's story and the sequence of events that followed Rafe after his release from prison.
The Gentry family saga has always been a favorite of mine, and now this new generation of kids is proving to be just as exciting, steamy and drama-filled as their parents, aunts, and uncles were.
As with all of this author's works, we get a true sense of family values, sibling rivalry and emotions buried from the past. Parents who don't behave like they should, children who have to live with the scars, and a new generation determined not to make the same mistakes.
Full of sexual tension, fun banter and a cute kid who melts the hearts of everyone he meets. I absolutely loved this book!!
***** 5 ***** "we are not our parents' mistakes" stars
The Gentry family saga has always been a favorite of mine, and now this new generation of kids is proving to be just as exciting, steamy and drama-filled as their parents, aunts, and uncles were.
As with all of this author's works, we get a true sense of family values, sibling rivalry and emotions buried from the past. Parents who don't behave like they should, children who have to live with the scars, and a new generation determined not to make the same mistakes.
Full of sexual tension, fun banter and a cute kid who melts the hearts of everyone he meets. I absolutely loved this book!!
***** 5 ***** "we are not our parents' mistakes" stars
January 23, 2021
Rafe Hempstead is about to mess Deck Dentry’s Daughter. He knows he shouldn’t get Isabella “Izzy” Gentry involved in his life. After all, he is a single dad with a bad reputation trying to make a better life for them both but there is something about her he just can’t stop thinking about. When they end up in a interesting situation, Rafe doesn’t have a choice but to get to know Izzy. Poor Rafe, trying to reason with a five year old is really adorable. Can Izzy help him with his son? Maybe, she can even help Rafe find what he’s looking for. This is a really sweet, emotional and fun enemies to lovers romance. I loved the dynamic between Rafe and Oliver. Get ready to go back to Texas and see Gentry Family again. Told in dual POV
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
August 15, 2022
Ehh.... no fue la mejor de esta autora pero no me pareció mala tampoco.
Tenemos la historia de Rafe, vendria siendo como el 2do libro de Long Lost, porque los personajes están relacionados (Rafe es el hermano matón de Jonathan/Jay) y muchos personajes ahí salen en este también.
La protagonista, no me agradó mucho.
Pero, amé a Oliver... ese pequeñito me encantó!!
Rafe, no estuvo mal, fue una victima más de las circunstancias por la que pasó su familia y siempre quedará la incógnita de si su abuelo fue o no el asesino de los abuelos de Caris :/
Tenemos la historia de Rafe, vendria siendo como el 2do libro de Long Lost, porque los personajes están relacionados (Rafe es el hermano matón de Jonathan/Jay) y muchos personajes ahí salen en este también.
La protagonista, no me agradó mucho.
Pero, amé a Oliver... ese pequeñito me encantó!!
Rafe, no estuvo mal, fue una victima más de las circunstancias por la que pasó su familia y siempre quedará la incógnita de si su abuelo fue o no el asesino de los abuelos de Caris :/
February 4, 2021
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS**
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
I loved the Gentry Boys books, the Gentry's Generations books are hit or miss. I was curious how Izzy turned out because of her health issues in infancy and because Declan is her dad. He is my favorite Gentry by far.
I was not impressed with Izzy or Rafe. Oliver and his pain over losing his mom made the book. The most emotional part was the funeral held for Oliver's mom, Dana.
Yes there is attraction and both Izzy and Rafe are able to observe the other and the qualities that make them awesome people but honestly I don't feel the connection between them. Izzy says she feels safe, etc...you know the prerequisite trope of adjectives expressing why they end up falling for the guy but all i get is the sexual tension. Not a real, honest, love connection.
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
I loved the Gentry Boys books, the Gentry's Generations books are hit or miss. I was curious how Izzy turned out because of her health issues in infancy and because Declan is her dad. He is my favorite Gentry by far.
I was not impressed with Izzy or Rafe. Oliver and his pain over losing his mom made the book. The most emotional part was the funeral held for Oliver's mom, Dana.
Yes there is attraction and both Izzy and Rafe are able to observe the other and the qualities that make them awesome people but honestly I don't feel the connection between them. Izzy says she feels safe, etc...you know the prerequisite trope of adjectives expressing why they end up falling for the guy but all i get is the sexual tension. Not a real, honest, love connection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2021
* 4.5 Stars *
This book was everything I hoped for when I read the blurb.
Rafe is an ex con, single father with a criminal record. He is the tattooed bad boy girls can't resist..He is sexy, loyal, protective, smart, handsome, a dirty talker (my personal favorite) with a touch of arrogance.
Isabella or Izzy as she's called is a smart, beautiful, caring but a slightly spoiled grad student with little to no problems in life.
And Oliver bless his soul is a very sweet boy and ultimately the best part of the book.
When Oliver suddenly loses his mother, Rafe is saddled with a 5 year old, who he knows exists, but is left in his mother's care which at that time was believed to be the best under then circumstances. Rafe seeks out his brother whom he lost touch with years ago, so his son will know someone other than him as a family..
In a twist of fate, Izzy and Rafe become roommates and since then, the attraction and the tension between them simmers. Izzy is the typical good girl and Rafe is not who she expects to fall for.. So what happens when they are cooped up in the same house?
So this is the rough plot line and you know what I loved about this over all? There was no manufactured drama.. Contemporary romances especially one with single parents has lots of drama these days and as much as I loved it once, it is getting slightly tiring..
4.5 Stars because I thought it was unnecessarily long.
*ARC provided by Give me books PR in exchange for an honest review*
This book was everything I hoped for when I read the blurb.
Rafe is an ex con, single father with a criminal record. He is the tattooed bad boy girls can't resist..He is sexy, loyal, protective, smart, handsome, a dirty talker (my personal favorite) with a touch of arrogance.
Isabella or Izzy as she's called is a smart, beautiful, caring but a slightly spoiled grad student with little to no problems in life.
And Oliver bless his soul is a very sweet boy and ultimately the best part of the book.
When Oliver suddenly loses his mother, Rafe is saddled with a 5 year old, who he knows exists, but is left in his mother's care which at that time was believed to be the best under then circumstances. Rafe seeks out his brother whom he lost touch with years ago, so his son will know someone other than him as a family..
In a twist of fate, Izzy and Rafe become roommates and since then, the attraction and the tension between them simmers. Izzy is the typical good girl and Rafe is not who she expects to fall for.. So what happens when they are cooped up in the same house?
So this is the rough plot line and you know what I loved about this over all? There was no manufactured drama.. Contemporary romances especially one with single parents has lots of drama these days and as much as I loved it once, it is getting slightly tiring..
4.5 Stars because I thought it was unnecessarily long.
*ARC provided by Give me books PR in exchange for an honest review*
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January 28, 2021
There's so many things going on in this book, and they're all just wonderful. Two people falling in love. A man trying to be the best father he can be to a boy who is troubled and to whom he's a stranger to. Two brothers trying to find their way to a loving relationship with each other that they've never had before. It's all just everything and it's written so beautifully. 5 stars and best book I've read so far this year.
May 30, 2024
This was such a heartwarming story about love, redemption, and having a second chance at life.
Single Dad+Tortured Hero - Sign me the eff up already. Cherry on top of the cake is there is no third act breakup.
Rafe hasn't had a good life growing up, being known as the grandson of a murderer and treated like he would turn out the same way by the whole town. He got into trouble with the law for a crime he didn't commit and was abandoned by his family at sixteen. He did his best to survive by himself, doing what he needed to, even getting convicted and doing some time over the years.
When he finds out that a random hookup with Dana, who was married, resulted in her getting pregnant with his child, she assures him that she and her husband will raise the child as their own and will want for nothing. Knowing the condition of his own life and his past, Rafe is convinced that the best thing he can do for this kid is to walk away from it's life so the kid isn't tainted by him and everything he comes from.
But fate has other plans and he gets a call five years later that Dana has passed away and he now has custody of his son Oliver. He has no idea how, but he decides right then that he is going to do right by his kid since he is all Oliver has. So he packs up his life in Huston to get a fresh start away from his old life, where he can give Oliver everything he needs. He drives to Hutton, where he knows his brother stays, who he hasn't met in the last 10 years.
Isabella Gentry is a grad student who has moved to Hutton and is now looking for a place to stay. Due to some mix up, she ends up becoming Rafe and Oliver's roommate. Izzy can't help but form an instant bond with Oliver who is nice to everyone but Rafe. Rafe appreciates the help he gets from Izzy, his neighbors and his brother and fiancee while he gets used to his new normal and figures things out with his son. Knowing how much Oliver adores Izzy and given his own past, he knows that he could never be with someone like her, so he stays away from her but can't deny his attraction towards her.
As the story progresses, Rafe and Oliver's bond starts growing and he slowly starts getting more comfortable with Rafe. Rafe gives Oliver all the space and the time he needs to accept him and all the other changes that has happened in his life in such a short span of time. His relationship with Izzy also grows gradually while they both fall in love with Oliver and slowly bond over it. Rafe feels like he could dream of a better life and maybe for once, the things he wants aren't so out of reach after all.
Rafe was absolutely amazing. He was endlessly patient with Oliver and not once did he snap or lose his shit even when he was barely able to function. He made Oliver his only priority and did everything in his power to make him feel comfortable, safe and loved but at the same time didn't push Oliver to accept anything on Rafe's timeline. And though he appreciated the help he got from the others, he never tried to impose or push Oliver onto them to get some free time for himself or take advantage of their kindness. When it came to Izzy, he was at war with his own feelings of not being good enough for her but at the same time not wanting to have regrets by letting her go.
Isabella comes from a family where she was always loved and cherished and her parents are more like her best friends. She was kind, compassionate, understanding, and feisty. She helped Oliver and Rafe out in any way she could, but at the same time she wasn't a pushover and didn't let Rafe get away with things either. As they spend more time around each other, Izzy was able to see the man Rafe really is and not what he had done in his past. She never judged him for it either. She saw how Rafe gave up everything for Oliver and would do so over and over again.
Oliver was the most loved kid and he deserves that and more. He went through hell for a five year old kid. To lose his only parent and then to be thrust into all this chaos and being angry at the world and wanting his mother back but being unable to convey everything he was feeling. He lashes out at Rafe, gives him the cold shoulder, ignores him all cuz of his own grief and pain, but Rafe and everyone else helped him get better and took the necessary steps needed to do what was in his best interest. The progress between Oliver and Rafe was everything when he slowly let down his walls and started including Rafe in his life. The moment when he called Rafe dad for the first time got me so emotional.
I absolutely love Izzy's parents (who also have their own book that I'm definitely going to read). I loved the call between Rafe and Izzy's dad where he gives him advice as a father himself.
Rafe and Johnathan have always had a strained relationship. Rafe is remoreful of the way he treated his younger brother for years and Johnathan is wary of Rafe but gives him the benefit of the doubt for Oliver's sake. The siblings take their time to sort of the issues they've had for so long but they gradually work on it and towards building a better relationship.
Loved Lily and Shaun for how supportive and helpful they were to everyone. If they have their own book, I'm picking that up as well.
Single Dad+Tortured Hero - Sign me the eff up already. Cherry on top of the cake is there is no third act breakup.
Rafe hasn't had a good life growing up, being known as the grandson of a murderer and treated like he would turn out the same way by the whole town. He got into trouble with the law for a crime he didn't commit and was abandoned by his family at sixteen. He did his best to survive by himself, doing what he needed to, even getting convicted and doing some time over the years.
When he finds out that a random hookup with Dana, who was married, resulted in her getting pregnant with his child, she assures him that she and her husband will raise the child as their own and will want for nothing. Knowing the condition of his own life and his past, Rafe is convinced that the best thing he can do for this kid is to walk away from it's life so the kid isn't tainted by him and everything he comes from.
But fate has other plans and he gets a call five years later that Dana has passed away and he now has custody of his son Oliver. He has no idea how, but he decides right then that he is going to do right by his kid since he is all Oliver has. So he packs up his life in Huston to get a fresh start away from his old life, where he can give Oliver everything he needs. He drives to Hutton, where he knows his brother stays, who he hasn't met in the last 10 years.
Isabella Gentry is a grad student who has moved to Hutton and is now looking for a place to stay. Due to some mix up, she ends up becoming Rafe and Oliver's roommate. Izzy can't help but form an instant bond with Oliver who is nice to everyone but Rafe. Rafe appreciates the help he gets from Izzy, his neighbors and his brother and fiancee while he gets used to his new normal and figures things out with his son. Knowing how much Oliver adores Izzy and given his own past, he knows that he could never be with someone like her, so he stays away from her but can't deny his attraction towards her.
As the story progresses, Rafe and Oliver's bond starts growing and he slowly starts getting more comfortable with Rafe. Rafe gives Oliver all the space and the time he needs to accept him and all the other changes that has happened in his life in such a short span of time. His relationship with Izzy also grows gradually while they both fall in love with Oliver and slowly bond over it. Rafe feels like he could dream of a better life and maybe for once, the things he wants aren't so out of reach after all.
Rafe was absolutely amazing. He was endlessly patient with Oliver and not once did he snap or lose his shit even when he was barely able to function. He made Oliver his only priority and did everything in his power to make him feel comfortable, safe and loved but at the same time didn't push Oliver to accept anything on Rafe's timeline. And though he appreciated the help he got from the others, he never tried to impose or push Oliver onto them to get some free time for himself or take advantage of their kindness. When it came to Izzy, he was at war with his own feelings of not being good enough for her but at the same time not wanting to have regrets by letting her go.
Isabella comes from a family where she was always loved and cherished and her parents are more like her best friends. She was kind, compassionate, understanding, and feisty. She helped Oliver and Rafe out in any way she could, but at the same time she wasn't a pushover and didn't let Rafe get away with things either. As they spend more time around each other, Izzy was able to see the man Rafe really is and not what he had done in his past. She never judged him for it either. She saw how Rafe gave up everything for Oliver and would do so over and over again.
Oliver was the most loved kid and he deserves that and more. He went through hell for a five year old kid. To lose his only parent and then to be thrust into all this chaos and being angry at the world and wanting his mother back but being unable to convey everything he was feeling. He lashes out at Rafe, gives him the cold shoulder, ignores him all cuz of his own grief and pain, but Rafe and everyone else helped him get better and took the necessary steps needed to do what was in his best interest. The progress between Oliver and Rafe was everything when he slowly let down his walls and started including Rafe in his life. The moment when he called Rafe dad for the first time got me so emotional.
I absolutely love Izzy's parents (who also have their own book that I'm definitely going to read). I loved the call between Rafe and Izzy's dad where he gives him advice as a father himself.
Rafe and Johnathan have always had a strained relationship. Rafe is remoreful of the way he treated his younger brother for years and Johnathan is wary of Rafe but gives him the benefit of the doubt for Oliver's sake. The siblings take their time to sort of the issues they've had for so long but they gradually work on it and towards building a better relationship.
Loved Lily and Shaun for how supportive and helpful they were to everyone. If they have their own book, I'm picking that up as well.
January 27, 2021
In true Cora Brent fashion she gives us a story that grabs your heart and soul leaving you with ALL THE FEELS! This book was equal parts emotional, sweet and sexy that I had a hard time putting it down.
Rafe is the quintessential bad boy in and out of trouble not really knowing is path in life until he gets that fated call that will without a doubt change his life for good. Izzy is ready to make it on her own without being under her parents thumb and while staying far away from men. That is until a kink in her living arrangements throws her together with the one person who can melt panties off any female with his cocky smirk.
If you LOVE an incredible enemies to lovers romance with a side of single dad then I would say what are you waiting for.......read this book!! I laughed, I smiled, I cried and I swooned because this story has it all!
Rafe is the quintessential bad boy in and out of trouble not really knowing is path in life until he gets that fated call that will without a doubt change his life for good. Izzy is ready to make it on her own without being under her parents thumb and while staying far away from men. That is until a kink in her living arrangements throws her together with the one person who can melt panties off any female with his cocky smirk.
If you LOVE an incredible enemies to lovers romance with a side of single dad then I would say what are you waiting for.......read this book!! I laughed, I smiled, I cried and I swooned because this story has it all!
February 6, 2021
On paper Rafe and Izzy don't make much sense. He is an ex-con and she is a Gentry princess. Her dad, Deck, has spoiled her beyond belief. She did act kind of snotty to Rafe and I wasn't really all that fond of her in the beginning. She seemed to think she knew better than he did, which was a bit ridiculous. I did love Oliver and felt he added such a great dynamic to this story. Rafe was quick to step up and try to be better for his son. He didn't make excuses and seemed to have a low opinion of himself that didn't seem to be truly warranted. When he and Izzy get under each other's skin, it was a slow build. I liked how Cora didn't just rush them. I am not a fan of the h dating someone else while supposedly wanting the H in any story. Overall a good read though.
February 2, 2021
STRAYS by Cora Brent is the story of Isabella 'Izzy' Gentry and Rafe Hempstead.
Isabella is the good girl with a very overprotective father. When she goes forward to be on her own away from them she finds herself in a situation. Rafe was labeled a bad boy when he was young and instead of fighting it when with it. Now in his present day he finds that he has the custody of his young son and works to move forward past his bad boy label. Rafe and Isabella find themselves in a situation that neither can really walk away from when they end up being roommate. But that just opens them up to look further into the attraction that both are trying to avoid with each other. Loved their page turning story. I plan on reading more of this author books in the future and I do recommend this one.
Isabella is the good girl with a very overprotective father. When she goes forward to be on her own away from them she finds herself in a situation. Rafe was labeled a bad boy when he was young and instead of fighting it when with it. Now in his present day he finds that he has the custody of his young son and works to move forward past his bad boy label. Rafe and Isabella find themselves in a situation that neither can really walk away from when they end up being roommate. But that just opens them up to look further into the attraction that both are trying to avoid with each other. Loved their page turning story. I plan on reading more of this author books in the future and I do recommend this one.
September 22, 2021
⭐4 Izzy & Rafe stars⭐
A beautiful recommendation that kept me hooked up from the first page. I loved everything about the story especially little Oliver. This is my first Cora Brent's book but it definitely won't be the last.
A beautiful recommendation that kept me hooked up from the first page. I loved everything about the story especially little Oliver. This is my first Cora Brent's book but it definitely won't be the last.
January 29, 2021
Great Story!
I loved this story very much! There’s nothing quite like a story showing a man who had made a complete 180 with his life. Add in a cute kid and I’m all in!
I loved this story very much! There’s nothing quite like a story showing a man who had made a complete 180 with his life. Add in a cute kid and I’m all in!
January 27, 2021
Ohhhh my heart!! This man! I bloody love him!
I knew it. I just knew i'd love him! Yeah yeah he's kinda the villain in Long Lost but you just know he wasn't going to be all bad. He's totally not. Nope. Not at all. He's a real cuteheart you'll want to wrap your arms around and hug the shizz out of him!
From Long lost you knew no one really cared about him. Not his mother and not his brother because of the way Rafe lashed out at him too. He was an angry kid with no one to have his back. He got in trouble after he was kicked out and that was his life. That was all he thought he would get or deserved to have, but right from the start of this book you see him do the right thing just showing a glimpse of the type of man he is. As soon as Oliver comes into the picture he knows what needs to be done and he'll do anything to do right by him. Swallowing his pride he up's his life and moves closer to his estranged brother in the hope for a bit of support. He's not really welcomed but his brother agree's to help.
By a twist of fate Izzy Gentry has lost the apartment she was supposed to rent before she even gets there. While figuring out her next move she comes across a small bakery with a chatty assistant Lana. Lana tells Izzy her boyfriend has an apartment to rent and she accepts and moves in.
Izzy and Rafe are thrown together because of no other options. As they start to room up together a chemistry sparks but neither are willing to rock the boat. From here the story starts to slowly heat up.
Sighhhhhhhh *Massive Heart eyes* honestly i love em! Izzy is everything you'd expect her to be as a Gentry kid. Kind, caring, loyal, dependable, brave, fun and loving. I loved her bond with Oliver. She just took to him straight away and would do anything for him. I loved her approach to Rafe. There was a bit of push and pull at first but she's so brave it was her that made the moves and thank goodness she did! Of course with Izzy comes her dad Deck! Ohhh how i love seeing him! He's everything i expected him to be with his daughter and so much more!! I swear he's CIA/FBI/Secret Service or something. How does he know everything?! Lol
Then there's my Rafe. His journey is a tough one. It's heartbreaking to think about his past. I pretty much forgave him anything from the start but i so wished he'd forgiven himself. His character growth is just brilliant to read. Despite his outer shell he's very vulnerable and a bit insecure. He needed hugs and lots of em! Thankfully, Oliver and Izzy eventually give him all he needs. His learning to be a Dad gave me belly flutters and also not gonna lie, other flutters too! I mean come on! Who doesn't love a hot tatted single dad?! Huh?? He's just swwoooonnnnyyy!
The other great thing about this story is the side plot of the brothers. I understood Jay's point of view but.... ughhh i coulda clipped his ear!!! Thankfully Rafe had patience with him and didn't himself hold any grudges.
I just loved how this story flowed. Theres a build and build and build momentum that just carries you through until you realise you're at the end. In no time at all you've fell in love. Such an amazing ride i immediately want to read it again.
Loved it. Recommend it. Brilliant!
I knew it. I just knew i'd love him! Yeah yeah he's kinda the villain in Long Lost but you just know he wasn't going to be all bad. He's totally not. Nope. Not at all. He's a real cuteheart you'll want to wrap your arms around and hug the shizz out of him!
From Long lost you knew no one really cared about him. Not his mother and not his brother because of the way Rafe lashed out at him too. He was an angry kid with no one to have his back. He got in trouble after he was kicked out and that was his life. That was all he thought he would get or deserved to have, but right from the start of this book you see him do the right thing just showing a glimpse of the type of man he is. As soon as Oliver comes into the picture he knows what needs to be done and he'll do anything to do right by him. Swallowing his pride he up's his life and moves closer to his estranged brother in the hope for a bit of support. He's not really welcomed but his brother agree's to help.
By a twist of fate Izzy Gentry has lost the apartment she was supposed to rent before she even gets there. While figuring out her next move she comes across a small bakery with a chatty assistant Lana. Lana tells Izzy her boyfriend has an apartment to rent and she accepts and moves in.
Izzy and Rafe are thrown together because of no other options. As they start to room up together a chemistry sparks but neither are willing to rock the boat. From here the story starts to slowly heat up.
Sighhhhhhhh *Massive Heart eyes* honestly i love em! Izzy is everything you'd expect her to be as a Gentry kid. Kind, caring, loyal, dependable, brave, fun and loving. I loved her bond with Oliver. She just took to him straight away and would do anything for him. I loved her approach to Rafe. There was a bit of push and pull at first but she's so brave it was her that made the moves and thank goodness she did! Of course with Izzy comes her dad Deck! Ohhh how i love seeing him! He's everything i expected him to be with his daughter and so much more!! I swear he's CIA/FBI/Secret Service or something. How does he know everything?! Lol
Then there's my Rafe. His journey is a tough one. It's heartbreaking to think about his past. I pretty much forgave him anything from the start but i so wished he'd forgiven himself. His character growth is just brilliant to read. Despite his outer shell he's very vulnerable and a bit insecure. He needed hugs and lots of em! Thankfully, Oliver and Izzy eventually give him all he needs. His learning to be a Dad gave me belly flutters and also not gonna lie, other flutters too! I mean come on! Who doesn't love a hot tatted single dad?! Huh?? He's just swwoooonnnnyyy!
The other great thing about this story is the side plot of the brothers. I understood Jay's point of view but.... ughhh i coulda clipped his ear!!! Thankfully Rafe had patience with him and didn't himself hold any grudges.
I just loved how this story flowed. Theres a build and build and build momentum that just carries you through until you realise you're at the end. In no time at all you've fell in love. Such an amazing ride i immediately want to read it again.
Loved it. Recommend it. Brilliant!
January 29, 2021
Rafe Hempstead grew up rough, and has never really had much to offer the world around him. But when the son he has never met needs him, he jumps head first into being a parent, and makes some hard decisions to give him the life he deserves. Decisions like an immediate relocation to be closer to family, even though Rafe hasn't seen them himself in years...
Isabella Gentry loves her gigantic family, but is ready to try to navigate the world on her own. But when she runs into her first obstacle, Isabella finds herself with not one, but two unexpected roommates. One is surly and way too good-looking, and the other is his adorable 5 year old son...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Strays was a vastly entertaining, sexy and heartwarming read. Isabella and Rafe find themselves being unplanned roommates, who clash with practically every encounter they have. But beneath their disdain is a simmering attraction and a mutual admiration that is anything but easy to ignore. With one adorable and damaged little boy calling the shots, these two polar opposites won't even have a chance at resisting each other...
Izzy is a college student and admittedly spoiled, only child. I really enjoyed the aspect of the plot around her needing to venture out on her own without the backing of her family. She had a huge heart, but she also knew how to stand up for herself, and to ask for what she wants.
Rafe is a new father of a 5 year old who just lost his mom. Reuniting with his estranged brother, and finding himself with a new roommate, Rafe has a lot on his plate... and an attitude to match it. But beneath his gruff exterior lies a changed man who wants everything that life has to offer him.
This was a great read. I loved all of the characters, new and old (hello, Long Lost!), and I especially enjoyed the interactions between Izzy and Rafe! And then there's Oliver, Rafe's adorable and heartbroken 5 year old who steals the show and everyones hearts in the process!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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Isabella Gentry loves her gigantic family, but is ready to try to navigate the world on her own. But when she runs into her first obstacle, Isabella finds herself with not one, but two unexpected roommates. One is surly and way too good-looking, and the other is his adorable 5 year old son...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Strays was a vastly entertaining, sexy and heartwarming read. Isabella and Rafe find themselves being unplanned roommates, who clash with practically every encounter they have. But beneath their disdain is a simmering attraction and a mutual admiration that is anything but easy to ignore. With one adorable and damaged little boy calling the shots, these two polar opposites won't even have a chance at resisting each other...
Izzy is a college student and admittedly spoiled, only child. I really enjoyed the aspect of the plot around her needing to venture out on her own without the backing of her family. She had a huge heart, but she also knew how to stand up for herself, and to ask for what she wants.
Rafe is a new father of a 5 year old who just lost his mom. Reuniting with his estranged brother, and finding himself with a new roommate, Rafe has a lot on his plate... and an attitude to match it. But beneath his gruff exterior lies a changed man who wants everything that life has to offer him.
This was a great read. I loved all of the characters, new and old (hello, Long Lost!), and I especially enjoyed the interactions between Izzy and Rafe! And then there's Oliver, Rafe's adorable and heartbroken 5 year old who steals the show and everyones hearts in the process!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
http://nightbirdnovels.com/2021/01/27...
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
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May 20, 2022⬛ IZZY (h) es la hija de Declan = Fall (Gentry Boys #4)
Tras Izzy & Rafe besarse, y él no creerse lo suficientemente bueno para tener una relación con ella, Izzy "dolida" comienza casi inmediatamente a salir con un tal Grant (Rafe, su hijo y ella continuan compartiendo casa, mientras Rafe continua pensando de forma estúpida que no es lo suficientemente bueno como para salir con una chica tramposa, que engaña —varias veces— al chico con el que comienza a salir... Oh, sí, Rafe, que dechado de virtudes Izzy y que ser tan superior con todas las "buenas obras" que hace contigo entre cita y cita con el cornudo, digo, Grant Lol)
Izzy sale con Grant varias semanas. Incluso el chico le sugiere irse juntos a un viaje de fin de semana. Ella lo considera mientras piensa que si finalmente acepta, probablemente acabe teniendo sexo con Grant (Hasta el momento solo se han besado)
Mientras Izzy sigue saliendo con Grant y considera irse de viaje con él, en donde, recordemos, piensa que posiblemente acaben teniendo finalmente sexo si va, ella se dedica a:
1. A suspirar y pensar en Rafe todo el tiempo.
2. A pasearse en camisón sexy delante de Rafe para llamar su atención.
3. A montar (en seco) la p@*la de Rafe y permitir que Rafe la masturbe.
Cuando sucede esto último, ¿Izzy corta o le cuenta lo ocurrido a Grant? ¡NOOO! Ella simplemente continua saliendo con Grant, como si no hubiera pasado absolutamente nada entre Rafe y ella. De hecho, ella tiene la poca verguenza de ACEPTAR finalmente hacer el viaje junto a Grant.
¿En serio? ¿Después de traicionarlo?
Si al final Izzy cancela dicho viaje, es simplemente porque Rafe (celoso) la besa cuando se están despidiendo (y mientras el cornudo... digo, Grant, la espera fuera en el coche) Si Rafe no la hubiera besado, probablemente esta tipa se habría ido con Grant de fin de semana. Al menos, a mí me dejó esa sensación.
Para rematar, a los 5 minutos de cancelar el viaje y romper (¡Al fin!) con Grant, tiene sexo con Rafe e inician, ahora sí, una relación.
Honestamente, pienso que el autor se podría haber ahorrado todo el asunto de Grant (Que poco o nada aportó) Lo único que consiguió con ello (para mí) es que Izzy se viera como una perra tramposa, que parecía no ver mal en ningún momento salir con un chico mientras lo engañaba con otro/Rafe.
Tras Izzy & Rafe besarse, y él no creerse lo suficientemente bueno para tener una relación con ella, Izzy "dolida" comienza casi inmediatamente a salir con un tal Grant (Rafe, su hijo y ella continuan compartiendo casa, mientras Rafe continua pensando de forma estúpida que no es lo suficientemente bueno como para salir con una chica tramposa, que engaña —varias veces— al chico con el que comienza a salir... Oh, sí, Rafe, que dechado de virtudes Izzy y que ser tan superior con todas las "buenas obras" que hace contigo entre cita y cita con el cornudo, digo, Grant Lol)
Izzy sale con Grant varias semanas. Incluso el chico le sugiere irse juntos a un viaje de fin de semana. Ella lo considera mientras piensa que si finalmente acepta, probablemente acabe teniendo sexo con Grant (Hasta el momento solo se han besado)
Mientras Izzy sigue saliendo con Grant y considera irse de viaje con él, en donde, recordemos, piensa que posiblemente acaben teniendo finalmente sexo si va, ella se dedica a:
1. A suspirar y pensar en Rafe todo el tiempo.
2. A pasearse en camisón sexy delante de Rafe para llamar su atención.
3. A montar (en seco) la p@*la de Rafe y permitir que Rafe la masturbe.
Cuando sucede esto último, ¿Izzy corta o le cuenta lo ocurrido a Grant? ¡NOOO! Ella simplemente continua saliendo con Grant, como si no hubiera pasado absolutamente nada entre Rafe y ella. De hecho, ella tiene la poca verguenza de ACEPTAR finalmente hacer el viaje junto a Grant.
¿En serio? ¿Después de traicionarlo?
Si al final Izzy cancela dicho viaje, es simplemente porque Rafe (celoso) la besa cuando se están despidiendo (y mientras el cornudo... digo, Grant, la espera fuera en el coche) Si Rafe no la hubiera besado, probablemente esta tipa se habría ido con Grant de fin de semana. Al menos, a mí me dejó esa sensación.
Para rematar, a los 5 minutos de cancelar el viaje y romper (¡Al fin!) con Grant, tiene sexo con Rafe e inician, ahora sí, una relación.
Honestamente, pienso que el autor se podría haber ahorrado todo el asunto de Grant (Que poco o nada aportó) Lo único que consiguió con ello (para mí) es que Izzy se viera como una perra tramposa, que parecía no ver mal en ningún momento salir con un chico mientras lo engañaba con otro/Rafe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2021
There is no doubt that Strays is an emotional story and boy did I shed buckets of tears for 4 year Oliver but I did laugh as well - as I am sure you will as I hope you fall in love with Cora Brent as I did the first time I read a Gentry Boys book and the love of her writing keeps growing never more so than this story of not letting the past determine your future for believing in yourself and what you can achieve and with the right person by your side anything is possible.
We were introduced to the Hampstead men in Long Lost: A Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Romanceso we know what a curse that name has been for Jonathan who changes his name in Long Lost)and Rafe, drunken father, who was handy with his fist to a history going further back to murder. Rafe the older brother dealt with this by getting into trouble and not giving a dam about anything including his younger brother! But 5 years on he now has to step up and be a father a son he has had no contact with - a 4-year-old little boy who is hurt and angry - deciding that finding his younger brother, making amends and giving his son a family environment to grow up must be his one goal!
Izzy Gentry moves across the country to attend University in her mid 20 years she is ready to take on this challenge she just wasn't prepared to have to share an apartment with brooding Rafe and his adorable but sad son Oliver! As Oliver gets closer to Izzy - Rafe starts to believe that he can be someone his son and Izzy could be proud of it but he knows the road won't be easy- be prepared to swoon and cry and laugh!
We were introduced to the Hampstead men in Long Lost: A Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Romanceso we know what a curse that name has been for Jonathan who changes his name in Long Lost)and Rafe, drunken father, who was handy with his fist to a history going further back to murder. Rafe the older brother dealt with this by getting into trouble and not giving a dam about anything including his younger brother! But 5 years on he now has to step up and be a father a son he has had no contact with - a 4-year-old little boy who is hurt and angry - deciding that finding his younger brother, making amends and giving his son a family environment to grow up must be his one goal!
Izzy Gentry moves across the country to attend University in her mid 20 years she is ready to take on this challenge she just wasn't prepared to have to share an apartment with brooding Rafe and his adorable but sad son Oliver! As Oliver gets closer to Izzy - Rafe starts to believe that he can be someone his son and Izzy could be proud of it but he knows the road won't be easy- be prepared to swoon and cry and laugh!
January 24, 2021
4 stars!
Cora Brent has a way of sucking you into a whole different world with her writing. I devoured the Gentry Boys, loved the world she created, and am always excited to read about the next generation. I read this one non-stop in the span of a few hours and loved every second of it.
This is Isabella Gentry's story, the only daughter of Declan and Jenny Gentry. Declan was always one of my favorites, and you can imagine how he is as a father. Loved seeing that.
Izzy, as the only child, grew up spoiled and well-protected, and from a very loving family. Then you meet Rafe Hempstead, and unfortunately his life is the complete opposite. He grew up with a family that wasn't so loving, had very little and had to fight to keep his head above water. He gets the shock of his life and has to turn his life entirely around. This puts him and Izzy on a path to meet.
Izzy and Rafe's relationship was beautiful. They developed as roommates, became friends and ultimately fell in love. Izzy's capacity to want to help others and Rafe's capacity to sacrifice and put himself last, they were the perfect pair. I loved watching every step of their journey. The supporting cast was amazing as well, with Oliver stealing the show in many scenes.
This book can absolutely be read as a standalone if you aren't familiar with the Gentry family, which is a huge plus to me because sometimes I come into a series late and hate feeling like I am missing so much context. That's a big bonus of this book. But if you are familiar with the family, you'll love seeing Deck and Jenny (and a few others) pop back in!
I highly recommend this one, but as always, YMMV.
Cora Brent has a way of sucking you into a whole different world with her writing. I devoured the Gentry Boys, loved the world she created, and am always excited to read about the next generation. I read this one non-stop in the span of a few hours and loved every second of it.
This is Isabella Gentry's story, the only daughter of Declan and Jenny Gentry. Declan was always one of my favorites, and you can imagine how he is as a father. Loved seeing that.
Izzy, as the only child, grew up spoiled and well-protected, and from a very loving family. Then you meet Rafe Hempstead, and unfortunately his life is the complete opposite. He grew up with a family that wasn't so loving, had very little and had to fight to keep his head above water. He gets the shock of his life and has to turn his life entirely around. This puts him and Izzy on a path to meet.
Izzy and Rafe's relationship was beautiful. They developed as roommates, became friends and ultimately fell in love. Izzy's capacity to want to help others and Rafe's capacity to sacrifice and put himself last, they were the perfect pair. I loved watching every step of their journey. The supporting cast was amazing as well, with Oliver stealing the show in many scenes.
This book can absolutely be read as a standalone if you aren't familiar with the Gentry family, which is a huge plus to me because sometimes I come into a series late and hate feeling like I am missing so much context. That's a big bonus of this book. But if you are familiar with the family, you'll love seeing Deck and Jenny (and a few others) pop back in!
I highly recommend this one, but as always, YMMV.
January 24, 2021
“If ever there was a time in my life when I had the opportunity to step up and make a difference this is it.”
After Long Lost, I never imagined that there would be a story that would redeem Rafe Hempstead and make me root for him, but Cora Brent has done it with Strays. I loved this emotionally charged story of redemption, forgiveness, and most of all, love. Rafe and Izzy are perfectly matched.
Every time he shows this tender side of unselfish devotion he claims a little bit more real estate in my heart.”
Rafe is so broken in the beginning and I immediately forged a connection with him even though I hated him in Long Lost. He was misunderstood and underneath that gruff exterior was a tender heart who really just wanted to be loved and understood. He fought for forgiveness for his past so he could make a better future for his son and his devotion to Izzy was spellbinding.
“Isabella Gentry. I’ll give her anything. Everything. I’ll give her me.”
In trying to assert her independence from her parents, Izzy finds herself by caring for Oliver and Rafe. Her bond with Oliver was immediate and it touched my heart how caring she was with him. Her feistiness was also just what Rafe needed to open up and she truly made them a family.
Like Izzy, my heart absolutely broke for Rafe and Oliver. Such tragic circumstances bring about a beautiful love story between father and son and the woman who heals them both. Strays will break your heart while filling it with so much love for its characters and you’ll be rooting for these “strays” to find their forever home.
After Long Lost, I never imagined that there would be a story that would redeem Rafe Hempstead and make me root for him, but Cora Brent has done it with Strays. I loved this emotionally charged story of redemption, forgiveness, and most of all, love. Rafe and Izzy are perfectly matched.
Every time he shows this tender side of unselfish devotion he claims a little bit more real estate in my heart.”
Rafe is so broken in the beginning and I immediately forged a connection with him even though I hated him in Long Lost. He was misunderstood and underneath that gruff exterior was a tender heart who really just wanted to be loved and understood. He fought for forgiveness for his past so he could make a better future for his son and his devotion to Izzy was spellbinding.
“Isabella Gentry. I’ll give her anything. Everything. I’ll give her me.”
In trying to assert her independence from her parents, Izzy finds herself by caring for Oliver and Rafe. Her bond with Oliver was immediate and it touched my heart how caring she was with him. Her feistiness was also just what Rafe needed to open up and she truly made them a family.
Like Izzy, my heart absolutely broke for Rafe and Oliver. Such tragic circumstances bring about a beautiful love story between father and son and the woman who heals them both. Strays will break your heart while filling it with so much love for its characters and you’ll be rooting for these “strays” to find their forever home.
January 27, 2021
This is an intereconnected book with the Gentry family but it also is connected to Long Lost as it is the story about the brother of the hero in that story, Rafe Hempstead. I have read the Gentry family but not Long Lost, but I will be reading it soon. I absolutely want to learn more about the Hempstead family.
This book stars Isabella or Izzy from the Gentry family, she is Deck's lone daughter who is now moving on to a town in Texas as she is going to get a Master's so she can be a speech therapist. She arrives in town thinking she has a place to stay but ends up losing her apartment and has to find a new place. That is how she ends up with Rafe as a roomie and his new son, Oliver.
Rafe, is a new dad and by new I mean one day old with a 5 year old son and a new job in Texas as he follows his brother, Jay and Caris to Texas. He hopes they will help him be a good dad and have a place for them to stay. Rafe is a very bad boy who is trying to be a good brother and father. And I have never read Long Lost, so I fell really hard for him.
Izzy falls hard for Oliver who she adores and soon after becoming roomies she is very attracted to Rafe but he wants to be a better guy than he has in the past so he tries very hard to resist Izzy.
This was a wonderful story and I loved every character in the story. I fell so hard for them that I cannot wait to read Long Lost and learn more about all these characters. This book includes the Gentry's but in a few scenes, they are not a huge part of this story.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book stars Isabella or Izzy from the Gentry family, she is Deck's lone daughter who is now moving on to a town in Texas as she is going to get a Master's so she can be a speech therapist. She arrives in town thinking she has a place to stay but ends up losing her apartment and has to find a new place. That is how she ends up with Rafe as a roomie and his new son, Oliver.
Rafe, is a new dad and by new I mean one day old with a 5 year old son and a new job in Texas as he follows his brother, Jay and Caris to Texas. He hopes they will help him be a good dad and have a place for them to stay. Rafe is a very bad boy who is trying to be a good brother and father. And I have never read Long Lost, so I fell really hard for him.
Izzy falls hard for Oliver who she adores and soon after becoming roomies she is very attracted to Rafe but he wants to be a better guy than he has in the past so he tries very hard to resist Izzy.
This was a wonderful story and I loved every character in the story. I fell so hard for them that I cannot wait to read Long Lost and learn more about all these characters. This book includes the Gentry's but in a few scenes, they are not a huge part of this story.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2023
All the feels
Cora Brent is a one-click author for me and she delivers exactly what I expect of her writing. So many emotions. Great characters. A compelling storyline. Connections to other books.
I don’t agree that Rafe was an anti-hero, though.
According to Wikipedia:
"An antihero (sometimes spelled as anti-hero)[1] or antiheroine is a main character in a story who may lack conventional heroic qualities and attributes, such as idealism, courage, and morality.[1][2][3][4][5] Although antiheroes may sometimes perform actions that most of the audience considers morally correct, their reasons for doing so may not align with the audience's morality.[6] An antihero typically exhibits one of the "Dark triad" personality traits, which include narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism.[7]”
Rafe had a difficult past, but he wasn’t immoral or morally ambiguous, narcissistic, psychopathic, or evil in any way. He had a difficult past and it took him some time to find himself. However, he rises to the challenge of being a dad immediately and his initial response to Oliver shows that he is definitely a hero. Rafe is a great guy, with lots of scars and lots of love to give when he finally meets people he can trust. He is absolutely decent and respectful in living with Izzy. We also see this in his relationship with his brother that is repaired and healed when they spend time together.
Izzy is perfect for Rafe and Oliver. They make a great little family.
Loved the book, loved the characters!
Cora Brent is a one-click author for me and she delivers exactly what I expect of her writing. So many emotions. Great characters. A compelling storyline. Connections to other books.
I don’t agree that Rafe was an anti-hero, though.
According to Wikipedia:
"An antihero (sometimes spelled as anti-hero)[1] or antiheroine is a main character in a story who may lack conventional heroic qualities and attributes, such as idealism, courage, and morality.[1][2][3][4][5] Although antiheroes may sometimes perform actions that most of the audience considers morally correct, their reasons for doing so may not align with the audience's morality.[6] An antihero typically exhibits one of the "Dark triad" personality traits, which include narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism.[7]”
Rafe had a difficult past, but he wasn’t immoral or morally ambiguous, narcissistic, psychopathic, or evil in any way. He had a difficult past and it took him some time to find himself. However, he rises to the challenge of being a dad immediately and his initial response to Oliver shows that he is definitely a hero. Rafe is a great guy, with lots of scars and lots of love to give when he finally meets people he can trust. He is absolutely decent and respectful in living with Izzy. We also see this in his relationship with his brother that is repaired and healed when they spend time together.
Izzy is perfect for Rafe and Oliver. They make a great little family.
Loved the book, loved the characters!
January 26, 2021
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Strays is a frenemies to lovers, anti-hero standalone romance. It's a cross over between the Gentry Next Generation and the book Long Lost. The story focuses on the infamous Rafe Hempstead and Isabella Gentry.
Rafe went from an angry, bitter, hateful child, into an angry, bitter, hateful adult with a rap sheet. He's rude, crude, and unapologetic.
Being a dad was never part of his plan, but life is unpredictable and never pans out the way we think.
Isabella is so much like her mother. Patient, giving, caring, a heart of gold, and also protective, sassy and fiery when need be. She's also cool as a cucumber like her dad, Deck Gentry. She won the lottery when it comes to family.
I believe being a father to Oliver saved Rafes life. He really stepped up to the plate and became the man he was always meant to be. It didn't hurt that he had Izzy around to ground him and at times put him in check. Their friendship started out rocky but quickly grew into more. Izzy was exactly what he needed; a take charge and take no crap woman with a good head on her shoulders and strong family background.
This story is Rafes redemption, and Cora really tugs on the heart strings with this one. Rafes journey is heartbreaking, emotional, and beautiful. Rafe has to face the consequences of his past head on. Old wounds are ripped open, second chances are had, and a new family is formed.
January 28, 2021
Strays by Cora Brent is a story that really pulls at the heart strings. It is a single dad/roommates to lovers story and includes a few characters from Ms Brent's other books. I felt very emotional throughout this whole story. It was sad and heartbreaking but sweet at the same time.
In this story Izzy is a young grad student who has just moved to a new town to start at a new college. She has always lived with her parents and this is her first chance of independence. When the apartment she had arranged to move into falls through, she meets a local who offers her a place to rent.
Rafe is an ex-con drifting through life. When he suddenly inherits his six year old son, a boy who he's never met as he thought the kid would be better off without him, Rafe feels lost and doesn't know what to do. He sets off to the town of Hudson, with his son in tow. He plans to see his brother and has a job lined up, but beyond that, he hasn't exactly planned much further ahead. When it comes to housing, he didn't think that far ahead. Luckily, someone offers him a place to rent. But what happens when Izzy and Rafe find out that they've both just rented the same place?
Izzy and Rafe become roommates and while they are both strongly attracted to one another, Rafe is afraid to commit to something more. But seeing how Izzy is toward his son has him willing to open up to try and wanting to be a better person.
I enjoyed reading this story. There were some sad elements that had me sobbing but overall it was a feel-good single dad, romance read.
In this story Izzy is a young grad student who has just moved to a new town to start at a new college. She has always lived with her parents and this is her first chance of independence. When the apartment she had arranged to move into falls through, she meets a local who offers her a place to rent.
Rafe is an ex-con drifting through life. When he suddenly inherits his six year old son, a boy who he's never met as he thought the kid would be better off without him, Rafe feels lost and doesn't know what to do. He sets off to the town of Hudson, with his son in tow. He plans to see his brother and has a job lined up, but beyond that, he hasn't exactly planned much further ahead. When it comes to housing, he didn't think that far ahead. Luckily, someone offers him a place to rent. But what happens when Izzy and Rafe find out that they've both just rented the same place?
Izzy and Rafe become roommates and while they are both strongly attracted to one another, Rafe is afraid to commit to something more. But seeing how Izzy is toward his son has him willing to open up to try and wanting to be a better person.
I enjoyed reading this story. There were some sad elements that had me sobbing but overall it was a feel-good single dad, romance read.
January 27, 2021
Rafe, his son Oliver, and Izzy Gentry meet under unusual circumstances when they are promised the same apartment to rent. What starts out as a roommate situation turns into more when Izzy immediately becomes attached to Oliver. She can't figure out how sweet Oliver is the son of someone who is grumpy all the time and seems out of depth being a parent. Then she learns the tragic truth that Rafe has just met his son Oliver for the first time after the sudden passing of his mother. Even though he's rude and obnoxious, Izzy sees that he is desperately trying to figure out how to be a dad overnight. Rafe knows he's not cut out to be a father figure, which is why he agreed to stay out of Oliver's life. But he can't put him in the system so he steps up and owns his parental right to raise him. He has a lot of past baggage haunting him and the biggest one is resolving his issues with his brother Jay. Can Izzy and their friends show Rafe it's possible to forgive yourself and let go of the past?
This was another great addition to the series! Loved seeing Gentry family members make appearances in the book. Rafe knows he can't change the past but he can try to be a better person now, especially for Oliver. As Deck and Jenny's daughter, Izzy has a soft, compassionate heart but won't be mistreated or taken advantage of. She's there for Rafe and helps him mend his relationship with Jay. A great read and looking forward to the next book!
This was another great addition to the series! Loved seeing Gentry family members make appearances in the book. Rafe knows he can't change the past but he can try to be a better person now, especially for Oliver. As Deck and Jenny's daughter, Izzy has a soft, compassionate heart but won't be mistreated or taken advantage of. She's there for Rafe and helps him mend his relationship with Jay. A great read and looking forward to the next book!
May 1, 2022
Emotional, sexy and sweet! I loved this story with tons of emotion but low on angst and I was all in right from the beginning as new dad Rafe begins a new life with his son. Enter Izzy the beautiful co-ed in a new town. The sexy hot romance between reluctance roommates firecracker Izzy and super stud Rafe is fabulous. I loved the push pull between the two as the sizzling chemistry ramped up just waiting to explode. Rafe’s dirty talking was panty melting and had Izzy ready to go. Izzy lead a charmed life but her parents were a different story so she didn’t back down from Rafe’s crude behavior. He’s just trying to save her from a mistake. But the real sweetness of the story revolved around the little boy Oliver. The love flowed as the kid struggled with his loss and adjusted to his new life, new dad, new town and new roommate. The support characters in the story are terrific as they rallied to help Oliver. This definitely had a fairytale quality to the story with the rough bad boy turning into a prince for his princess. Rafe is a fantastic hero that goes from angry boy to swoon worthy man. I love Izzy with her fierce personality and huge heart. This was a quick, easy read that flowed from start to finish. With all the over angsty romances out there I really appreciated this low drama love story with wonderful characters and a bit of hot sexiness. The sweet little boy stole the show. Worth the read!
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