BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - The Van Birch Incident (The Incident #1) by Marla Holt

The Van Birch Incident: 

A Rock Star Romance
by Marla Holt

(The Incident Series, #1)
Publication date: May 21st 2020
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

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Amazon US - Available in KU

 

Van Birch: Pop Star. A-list starlet. Off-limits.

Clay Noble has spent the better part of a decade avoiding his taboo obsession: His stepsister Van. In love with her since the first time he’d heard her sing, even shipping himself off to the army couldn’t stop thoughts of her. Now that he’s lost everything in a tornado, he’s forced to move back in with the only family he has left, Van and her dad. Sleeping down the hall from her is forcing every unwanted impulse back to the surface.

Clay Noble: Gorgeous. Infuriating. Untouchable.

Everything Van touches turns to gold with a side of outrageous. When she accuses her manager of sexual assault, the public thinks it’s just another one of her publicity stunts and the backlash is brutal. Wounded, she dashes home to a tornado-devastated Wellville, Kansas to heal and help rebuild, even though the constant stream of social media doubts and threats won’t let her rest. But there’s another reason for her sleepless nights and fevered dreams. Clay is back, hotter than ever, and his lingering glances and stolen moments have her convinced the feelings she’s fought for so long may not be one sided after all.

****** 

The Van Birch Incident marries forbidden romance, bordering on taboo with a little danger and a guaranteed happily ever after, while exploring how social media and real life collide in a post #metoo world where the internet never sleeps.

 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

The Van Birch Incident had me hooked on page one. This Marla Holt book is the first in The Incident series and it starts off with a whole lot of action. Hollywood, rape, the Me Too Movement, and a tornado start this one off in a riveting manner. 

What follows is a stepsibling romance that's messy and complicated. Van and Clay have been attracted to each other since their early teens, before they became stepsiblings. With a tornado bringing Van back to town, they have a chance to finally clear the air and come clean with one another. 

Their story is full of complications, pretenses, and some messy relationships between others. In fact, be prepared for a lot of side characters. Each of them has their own things taking place and you need to really pay attention to who is who. 

The writing style is okay. It's not my favorite but it's nothing to turn me off either. But it's the plot that kept me intrigued and turning those pages quickly. This is definitely not a story for everyone. But for me, I just needed to know what was going to happen for this couple. 

There are a few things I don't like. Some things are glossed over, and I would have preferred some more background at times. My biggest issue though is that Van is used as a girls name. I found it distracting, constantly thinking it was two guys together. Then again, I read mostly gay romance, so that shouldn't be a surprise. 

And again, be warned about the rape scene. It happens off page, but the aftermath is heavily felt throughout. In addition, the lack of believing the female rape victim is a constant in this story, which will definitely turn some people off. 

The Van Birch Incident is an emotional romance that is full of some serious topics. It's a long read, so make sure you set some time aside for this one. Now I am just waiting for the next in the series!

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Clay didn’t want to crowd her, but he needed to touch her, to make sure she was all right. He warred with himself as he slowly approached her, trying to shove his needs aside and focus on her. When she didn’t flinch away, Clay cupped Van’s jaw in his hand and angled her head so that she met his eyes.

“Hey,” he said in the most soothing voice he could muster. It was not a tone Clay used often. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head and leaned into his palm. Her chest heaved, and Clay covered the hand she held over her heart with his own. Her heart was pounding scary fast. He thought that maybe Van was having a panic attack. She’d had them a few times when they’d been teenagers.

Clay was vaguely aware of Michael, muttering to himself and getting to his feet, over his shoulder. Van’s eyes shot to him, and her breath came even faster. She was going to hyperventilate.

“Don’t look at him,” Clay said, capturing her gaze again. “Look at me. Good. Now, breathe with me.” He stepped in close, putting their hands over his heart. Clay’s heartbeat wasn’t exactly slow and steady, but it was calmer than hers.

Van closed her eyes and matched the rise and fall of her chest to his. Finally, she relaxed into him, her head rolling onto his shoulder.

“I have to give a speech in a few minutes.” Her voice was wavering and muffled by his shirt.

“Take some time. They’ll wait for you,” Clay said and wrapped his arms more fully around her. He wanted to rail at her, to tell her she needed 24-hour security, but now wasn’t the time.

“Thank you,” she said. “I—” She balled her fingers into his shirt.

“Shhh.”

Clay chanced a glance over his shoulder, and Michael had disappeared. Good riddance, fuckwad.

He tightened his hold on Van and held her until both their heart rates had returned to normal. At some point, they’d started to sway together. His thumb caressed the curve of her waist, and he felt Van’s nose graze his neck. A second later, her lips brushed over the hollow of Clay’s throat.

Her balled fist flattened against his chest, and he pressed his palm into the small of her back. The swaying stopped, and when she raised her eyes to his, the shift in mood was so swift and fierce, Clay barely registered the decision to kiss her before their lips crashed together.

Van tasted like whiskey but also hot and sweet in a flavor that was something all her own. Her lips were naturally plump and supple, and her tongue was like velvet against Clay’s as he delved into her mouth again and again. His mind spun with desire as Van’s hands couldn’t decide where to stay. They roamed up and down his chest, over his shoulders and into his hair before starting all over.

The brush of her nails at the nape of Clay’s neck pulled a groan from his chest. She didn’t resist as Clay eased her back against the wall and pressed against as much of her small, soft body as he could. She moaned as he ground against her and kissed his way down her neck.

They’d kissed before. Just the once. It had been intense, but not like this. There had been electricity, but there hadn’t been this bald longing like there was now, like maybe Van wanted him as much as he wanted her. Like maybe she always had but was only just now willing to admit it.

“Clay.” The word was almost a gasp as her leg wrapped around his, pulling him closer as he ground against her again.

God, he wanted her. He wanted her here, now.

Clay was contemplating wrapping her legs around his waist and hiking her skirt up when he heard voices approaching.

He and Van stilled at the same time. Clay’s blood was thrumming inside him, telling him to press on, to pull her closer, to pull

down his zipper, brush aside her panties, and finish this. He couldn’t make himself step away from her. Not yet. Not when he was

so close.

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Marla Holt believes in second chances, romance, and the radical notion that everyone deserves a happily every after. She's living her own fairy tale, writing contemporary romance novels in her Kansas farmhouse with her husband, three boys, three cats, and flock of imaginary sheep. Follow her at marlaholt.com or on Instagram as @marlaholtauthor

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Southern Brit (He's The One #4) by Marissa Holt

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Blurb

Flynn Henderson has always enjoyed the single life. Hot guys and hookups with no strings worked perfectly for him…until his best friend, Kace, found love with his dream man…that’s when Flynn decided to give love and monogamy a try for himself.

But when Flynn’s first attempt at a real relationship ends in disaster and his boyfriend abandons him, Flynn takes drastic measures to ensure his heart is protected and he’s never hurt again. However, Flynn’s plan is quickly jeopardized when his ex-boyfriend’s brother, Royal, shows up in Atlanta needing a place to stay.

Royal Maddox, a UK reality star with a bad reputation, is looking to mend his rocky relationship with his brother on a visit to the US. After finding his brother has taken off, Royal becomes intrigued with Flynn while staying with him temporarily, unaware of Flynn’s true history with his brother.  

Temptations and desires intensify on both sides as Royal re-evaluates what he truly wants before returning home - possibly the guy his brother deserted…and Flynn devises more extreme measures to keep the gorgeous Brit from stealing his heart.

It’s all hands on deck as Flynn’s friends help him navigate the choppy waters of mending a broken heart and pushing past fears to take a second chance on love…this time with maybe the one perfect guy meant just for him…before it’s too late.

Southern Brit is a steamy Second Chance at Love M/M Romance Novel with a guaranteed HEA. This is Book 4 of He’s the One Series. Can be read as a standalone.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Marissa Holt's Southern Brit is a super fun romance. 

Flynn and Royal meet when Royal comes to town looking for his brother, Flynn's ex. Flynn doesn't even know where his ex is, but lets Royal stay on his couch. I love this, as it is funny, cute, and leads to a great romance.

Flynn and Royal have strong chemistry, but Flynn has just sworn off sex. This leads to awkward moments, misunderstandings, steamy moments, and more. It's about the strong desire and want. I enjoy the language differences between the American Flynn and the British Royal.

Both men are trying to leave their pasts behind, leading to some fantastic, soul-searching moments. Their friends play a big role in their decision making.

I absolutely enjoyed every moment of Southern Brit. Marissa Holt's He's The One series has quickly grabbed my heart. The characters are interesting and the storylines entertaining. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but you'll enjoy it more if you read the series, as you'll run into some of your favorite characters. 

Phoenix: The Heartwoods (He's The One #3) by Marissa Holt

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Blurb

Fate’s power can weld even the most reckless hearts together…

Phoenix Heartwood has built a wall around his heart his entire life, keeping love and any risk of associated pain outside the barrier.

When darkness settles over the town of Courtley in the form of a shady multi-millionaire named Zander who now controls a majority of properties including the Heartwood family home and business, Phoenix agrees to work for Zander as a means to protect his family and their interests.

A light soon brightens Phoenix’s life in the form of a beautiful guy named Gabriel, now residing at Zander’s estate…and who quickly begins chiseling away the wall surrounding Phoenix’s heart.

Uncontrollable desires and looming danger mix as Phoenix and Gabriel struggle to break from Zander’s grip, and Phoenix realizes there is one thing he may not be able to fight…his ultimate destiny with love.

Phoenix: The Heartwoods is a steamy Fated Lovers M/M Romance with a guaranteed HEA and is Book 3 of He’s The One Series. Can be read as a standalone. ***This book contains darker themes than the previous two in the series, including scenes of violence.*** 

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I am fairly new to Marissa Holt's books, but I am hooked. Phoenix: The Heartwoods is book three in the He's The One series, and it's fantastic.

It's a romance between Gabriel and Phoenix, but it's a dark tale for sure. Originally, Phoenix never planned on falling in love. Until he meets Gabriel.

This is a tale of wanting someone who's off limits, and risking everything for some stolen moments. It captures the beauty of trying to survive despite the odds.

Both men are stuck being under the control of the crooked and powerful Zander. Gabriel was saved from the streets by Zander, and Phoenix is forced into working for the man.  

But from his first glimpse, Phoenix is attracted to the gorgeous Gabriel. He's horrified that Gabriel is with Zander. Or at least, Phoenix thinks that's the case. 
For Gabriel, he's struck by Phoenix and the safeness he feels around him. He looks beyond what most people see, and starts seeing the real Phoenix.

In the end, they fall for each other, while trying to escape the danger they face.

The transformation in Phoenix is amazing. As Phoenix says, love changes you, as you want to be a better person for the one you love. Marissa Holt does a fantastic job of conveying the power of love. Sometimes it hits you in face, despite not wanting it.

Phoenix: The Heartwoods is an extremely entertaining and riveting book with a great flow. The whole He's The One series is terrific. 

Jaxon: The Heartwoods (He's The One #2) by Marissa Holt

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Blurb

A single kiss can shatter the boundaries of friendship…

Jaxon Heartwood spent the last nine months living in Atlanta, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. After being dragged back to his hometown of Courtley by his brother to help run their family store, Jaxon can no longer shake the conflicting emotions spurred up inside him. And he placed the blame on one person…his best friend, Brooks…who hadn’t communicated with him since they both left Courtley.

Once Brooks left for college, Jaxon fled Courtley to escape his life there, and most of all to escape the feelings Brooks ignited between them…the night Brooks kissed Jaxon. Both guys have now returned home and Brooks is still troubled over Jaxon’s reaction to their kiss which caused a rift in their friendship. Now they must face their true feelings and undeniable attraction for one another…

As secret desires heat up to scorching levels between Jaxon and Brooks, hiding passion in a small town like Courtley might prove easier said than done.

Jaxon -The Heartwoods is a steamy Friends To Lovers M/M Romance with a guaranteed HEA. It is Book 2 of He’s The One Series but can be read as a standalone.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

I absolutely love Marissa Holt's Jaxon: The Heartwoods, the second book in her He's The One series. It's a riveting friends to lovers story, with two fantastic main characters. 

Jaxon and Brooks are both back in town, but things are awkward between these two best friends. They haven't spoken in a while, since a drunken kiss. 

They have some fun obstacles in their way. Brooke's sister is hot for Jaxon and making the moves. She's also trying to hook her friend up with Brooks. Once they give into their feelings, they face sneaking around, and some distance issues they need to content with. Overall, they make a wonderful couple, as adding sex to their friendship just makes their relationship stronger.

Marissa Holt's writing style is great, with everything flowing nicely, and a wonderful plot. Jaxon: The Heartwoods is one those stories that leaves me with a smile on my face throughout. I love Jaxon and Brooks, and I love them together. 

Love Pains by Marissa Holt

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Blurb

Sonny Love has turned into a bit of a loner now that both his cousins, Phoenix and Jaxon, have settled down with boyfriends. But a boyfriend is the last thing Sonny wants. The occasional random hookup is the closest thing to a relationship he’s willing to commit to in the small town of Courtley.

The town’s population suddenly grows by one person when an unexpected twist of fate brings Porter Wilson back home…the guy Sonny has always despised most.

Animosity between Porter and Sonny quickly picks up right where it left off eight years ago when Porter fled town after graduating high school. Even more troubling is the underlying attraction that has always hid beneath the surface.

Despite unresolved tensions, both men succumb to desires neither can fight. Tragic circumstances soon threaten their turbulent relationship, forcing Sonny and Porter to confront emotions for each other they never imagined.

Love Pains is an angsty and steamy Enemies to Lovers M/M Romance Novel with a guaranteed HEA and contains one MMM scene. This is Book 5 of He’s the One Series. Can be read as a standalone.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Love Pains, by Marissa Holt, hooked me immediately and kept me up reading late into the night. It's compelling, with two completely loveable men as the main characters.

This romance revolves around Porter and Sonny, who are long time enemies. When a hook-app surprises them by bringing them together, things slowly start to change. Despite not liking each other, they decide to hook up. Which then leads to more. 

Porter's mom is a huge obstacle in their way, as she's the leader of the town gossip line. She's one of the town leaders, and she's homophobic and bigoted. 

Their story has some funny moments, some steamy moments, and some tender moments. Decisions need to be made, and some minds need to be opened.

Love Pains is the kind of book I'd love to read everyday. Marissa Holt has created a heart-warming, emotional, enemies to lovers, small town romance that I look forward to re-reading. First though, I need to go back and read the rest of this series!

All about Sawyer by Marissa Holt

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During High School, Kace became infatuated/obsessed with Sawyer.  Since then, he compares every guy to Sawyer.  No one has come close though, so he is still alone.

But then he walks into Steam, a hot strip club, and sees a Sawyer look-a-like dancing.   But this tattooed bay boy stripper is actually his dream guy.  Problem is, this isn't the version of Sawyer that Kace wanted.   Well, not at first anyway.

Sawyer has changed from his high school golden boy days as a way of rebelling.  When he sees Kace at Steam, he is immediately intrigued.   When he pursues Kace, he eventually figures out that they went to high school together.

Kace is not sure what to do.  Is it actually possible to end up with your dream guy?  Was it destiny?

Personally, I really enjoyed this book.  It was a sweet story.  It moves along at a fast pace and you can't help but to keep reading.  Kace was just a wonderfully likeable guy, from the very beginning.  It took me a little longer to warm up to Sawyer, but he is really a great guy. I loved how open he was about his job and didn't offer any apologies for stripping. And I really enjoyed Sawyer's relationship with his nephew.

I definitely enjoyed watching Kace realize that his dream guy isn't perfect and that he really likes this new version of Sawyer as a person.  The push and pull of their attraction was wonderfully written.   And their chemistry is hot.

And the ending is just perfect!