Review | “#Rogue, the Midwest Boys Beginnings”, A.M. Brooks (Midwest Boys #0.5) – Aisha's Book World

NOTE FROM THE BLOGGER: THIS BOOK IS THE PREQUEL OF THE Midwest Boys SERIES. If you didn’t read book one and two, you can read this book and/or this review because it won’t affect your reading. And if you already read them… well, just enjoy the experience.

As we read #MNGirl (book 1) and My #MNGirl (book 2), we found four very interesting supporting characters that grab the reader’s attention: Jason & Kelly and Matt & Erika. In #Rogue, the Beginning we can see how everything started in the family business we use to know as Rogue. In the same way, some new pieces are added to the puzzle that is the Midwest Boys series, because although the center of the first two books are Saylor and Ciaran (in addition to a new teenage generation of Rogue members), the adults are the root of the intrigues in this romantic suspense plot.

The author decided to engage readers in her creative process by giving them the opportunity to choose which of the two stories would be the one that would focus on this prequel, which is, for me, a great success. Readers chose Jason and Kelly’s. Despite that, Mrs. Brooks wanted to give Matt and Erika’s fans a brief compendium of what happened to them, to the joy of many (myself included), so I will talk about both couples separately.

Jason & Kelly

I feel like I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop. As if our relationship is too perfect and maybe we aren’t allowed more.

Jason and Kelly begin their story at the age of thirteen, although they have known each other since second grade. Both deny what they feel for the other, but the moment comes when they can no longer hide it and, at the age of sixteen, they decide to open up and give themselves the opportunity to love.

Jason is a relaxed and even flirtatious boy, Kelly is very responsible and a bit naive at times. Although they seem somewhat different, they complement each other very well and the chemistry is page-burning type. Their love is intense, and their jealousy and insecurities too, so it inevitably causes them to make inappropriate decisions that end up separating them.

Matt & Erika

Only the little girl, the one who barely survived, isn’t willing to let go yet. And her…I’m a slave to her.

While Jason and Kelly’s relationship is fiery, Matt and Erika’s is serene and calm. The romance develops slowly but it has great intensity. Also, the chemistry is undeniable between them. The relationship begins cautiously and, as the years go by, it grows and becomes solid.

Matt is a charming and sensitive boy, while Erika has had to suffer too many things at a very young age that make her distrustful and fearful of everything and everyone. With a traumatic past, the ghosts of Erika’s past do not leave her, so they are the trigger for the disastrous ending.

A not-so-happy ending

Both couples end their relationships in a painful way, which makes them unhappy. In the case of Jason and Kelly, third parties (Calvin and Stacy) interfere in this romance. For Matt and Erika, an operation assigned by Rogue unleashes demons from Erika, causing the operation to fail.

Rogue: the family business

The business created by Mike, Matt’s father, is to provide security to people that government entities cannot protect. This rules the lives of Matt, Kelly, Jason, and eventually Erika. That is why they seek to take the company to the next level. Because at the end of the day Rogue is what matters most. Nothing is on top of that.

Technical elements

The book has a smart writing that captivates the reader since the first page. With an evident knowledge of psychological illnesses, the story never gets you bored giving you extensive psychological explanations. Those are brief and profound at the same time.

A story with exceptional secondary characters, organic scene transitions and fluid prose, Ms. Brooks has another hit with this book. Even though I’m not fan of late prequels, #Rogue, the Beginning came at the perfect moment. Highly recommended.

I received an Advanced Reading Copy from Ms. Brooks, Netgalley and The Next Step PR in exchange of my honest review. Big thanks for your trust.

About the Book

Release Day: December 3, 2020

Published by: Independent Publishing

Series: Midwest Boys, Book #0.5

Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense

What started as a shelter for the weak, the defenseless, the brave, the survivors, soon became a family’s legacy.

Their protection became a town’s mission.

Jason & Kelly

He’s known her since middle school. He fought for her attention from his best friend. Their shared bond in Matt’s family business has brought them closer together until jealousy and one night changes everything.

Matt & Erika

Torn by responsibility and destiny, they think they have it all with their future planned until they don’t. Her ghosts are back to haunt her. He can’t save her this time. The family business always comes first.

Whose story will it be?

*This book will be told based on what the reader’s decide.

Buying information HERE.

About the Author

A.M. Brooks is an author with a variety of stories; Contemporary Romance, New Adult, and mature YA Her writing style is suspenseful and sometimes leads to heart-wrenching conclusions. With a background in forensic psychology she really goes for those investigative, dark and twisty feels. And of course, lots of love!

Brooks enjoys reading as much as writing. Television shows such as Criminal Minds, Scandal, and One Tree Hill are her go-to binge worthy series. She loves spending time with her friends and family with a good glass of beer or wine. If she isn’t reading or writing, Brooks is Pinteresting future home projects for her wonderful husband to accomplish.