The Brain

Starling Key #1

by January James

“You want me to lose control? This is it.”

My job? Protect the business. My calling? Protect the girl

I’m not just head of the security team, I’m the brain behind Starling Key, Florida’s biggest entertainment resort. Only nobody knows. Not even the man who owns it.

I’m obsessive, I’m meticulous, I’m a perfectionist.
I do not tolerate unprofessionalism.
If things aren’t done the way I want them to be, someone pays.
And with a past like mine, the cost is high.
When Tawny Graham crashes—literally—into the Key, she threatens my grand plans.
She’s a stumbling, infuriating nightmare,
With a body that taunts me and eyes that haunt me.
And I can’t be distracted. Not when I’m so close.
Then I find out the real reason she’s here,
And that changes everything.

This grumpy sunshine romance brings the heat to the Florida Keys against a backdrop of luxury and suspense.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Workplace Romance, Suspense

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Hi there!

I am a Brit indie romance author who writes about love worth fighting for.

I live in the rural south of England with my husband, daughter and crazy sprockapoo.

Until recently, I inhabited the fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled workplaces I write about, as a communications professional. Now I spend my days dreaming up new characters and stories and trying not to lose my marbles as the mother of a spirited preschooler.

Stalk me here:
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Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

While the plot and the characters looked interesting, I couldn’t connect with anything and nothing could keep my interest. Dnf @ 18%

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Kobo / Nook

Tawny's not sure why Connor seems to dislike the very sight of her, but no matter, she'll deal with her attraction to the brooding grumpypants and stay out of his way. Will the spark that clearly exists between them ignite? Or are they doomed to flame out without ever truly catching fire?



Connor has good reason for trying to keep Tawny at a distance, very good reason. But if he wants to ever heal and find the happiness he's sure he doesn't deserve, he'll need to step up and take responsibility for his circumstances, and do something about it. So that she doesn't become the one who got away, the one he pushed away.



I really can't say enough good about this story. Though Connor was hard to like at first, he grew so much by the end that I was rooting for him to finally be happy, to let himself be happy. Tawny was the sunshine to his cloudy presence, and actually was the reason I kept reading. Though she had had such a hard life, she kept a positive outlook, making everyone around her smile and fall in love with her, including me. I loved these two, and can only hope January writes more about them.



ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by this author called Starling Key. January never dissapoints so I will read anything she writes. We forst meet Tawny who is on her way to start a new job, she has a minor accident then we meet Connor who comes across as quite grumpy. They had instant attraction and they both tried to fight it. Connor and Tawny's story was great, It was a light fun read with some bursts of laughter and then some tears. My heart broke for Connor towards the end and I am glad he found the strength to fight for Tawny. I also enjoyed all of the side characters so can't wait to read their stories.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book from the author)

Trigger Warnings include:
war flashbacks, ptsd

I hope to God I don’t see her around. Because I already know, in my bones, she could become the one distraction I really don’t need.

The amount of boxes this book checks off! Obviously the tropes! But the setting, the little details, the right amount of emotion and heartbreak. The ending is not only a happy ending for the characters, but it’s so satisfying and healing for the reader’s heart! I knew by chapter two that I needed more of Connor and Tawny. Specifically I wanted to know more about Tawny’s past, and more of Grumpy Connor starting to express his true feelings. I couldn’t help but laugh at all of Tawny’s clumsy misfortunes. It was just one thing after another, the poor thing! I loved the little details and the personalities of all the sub characters. Specifically Connor’s circle! They were all the right puzzle pieces that fit together. And I can not wait to see more of them as the series expands! Connor and Tawny’s attraction was right there from the beginning. The stolen glances, having trouble ignoring and avoiding each other. Connor has such a beautiful heart. I felt so protective of him, especially the more we learned about him. He is so protective, just shy of possessive, of Tawny. Forget being head of security, it is so much more than that. But that “baggage” of his is causing such a heavy weight, he’s finally reached his breaking point and just can’t carry it alone anymore. He finally lets Tawny in. And she’s willing to help him carry it, but it’s just too much for him to handle. But the guys and Tawny won’t give up on him. That love, respect, and those bonds are so special and I loved to read it, and feel like I was a part of it. I do have to say that no matter how complicated and heartbreaking things get, the communication never falters. It was SO refreshing to read! Connor and Tawny have such a raw love for each other. As painful as it could get at times, the emotions in this were also so raw and vulnerable. I just loved it so much. (And although we didn’t actually get to read a letter, just the mention of it nearly had me in tears. I don’t think it’s possible for me to not have that reaction.)

My Favorite Quotes:
•”If I didn’t care about you, I wouldn’t have stopped myself.”
•”I can’t fight it anymore.”
•”I don’t know what this is-you and me. All I know is I want you in every way.”
•”I will never get enough of this. God help me.”
•”I want to feel you. I want you to smother me. I don’t want gentle; I want hard.”
•”Is this hard enough for you? This is nothing.”
•”I know what I’ve got to lose, and you’re everything to me.”
•”I won’t protect you in the bedroom T. In fact, I won’t be held responsible for what I’m going to do to you in the bedroom.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
8/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Secret Identity
6/10 Tearjerker Romance
8/10 Workplace Romance

[Kirstie Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by January James. “The Brain” is also the first book in a new series called “Starling Key”.

I absolutely adored this story and the characters. It was a good fun read with some really good humour and plenty of twists and turns along the way. I was drawn in to the world of Starling Key immediately.

I absolutely adored Tawny. Her clumsiness and the way she seemed to just embarrass herself so easily was hilarious. Especially when Connor was around to witness it. And Connor… oh, that man. I really felt for him and his battle with PTSD. Connor definitely had the best character development. Even though these two characters are complete opposites and had their own pasts to come to terms with, you just know from the start that they would be so good together.

I also adored the rest of the characters, so I’m super excited to keep following along with the rest of the series when they release.

Thank you so much to January James for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (5/19/2022)! 🎁

[Venecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tawny arrives at Sterling Key a luxury resort for her new job, where Connor is head of security, and let's just say the tension was there from the very beginning. These two come with a lot of hidden baggage. But as the story unfolds, we can not love them anymore for who they are. Connor needed Tawny to live the life he doesn’t think he deserves. Tawny needed Connor for the love she is so depressively lacking in her life after losing her mother. When the finally come together it is pure magic. This is a slow burn that hits all the right places. Alphas male perfection. This is my first book by January, and it definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brain, really good read

The book was hard to put down once I got started.
Loved the characters, just everything about it made it a good read.

[Raye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

So many twists and turns, a strong dominant male protagonist in Connor with a supporting cast of many who are like him with their own strengths and weaknesses and mysteries in the past.
Then we have Tawny, and though initially, she appears to be clumsy, naive and is believed to be another beach bunny (especially by Connor) she is anything but. She has her own mysterious background, tempered with tragedy. But can she persuade Connor to give up some of the tight control he prides himself in?

Thanks to the preview I can see where the second book, The Brawn, will be heading and when these two characters were introduced the sparks definitely went flying everywhere.

The book is definitely one for any woman who likes a bit of steam, a little bit of light domination and enjoys the classic dislike to love scenario.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This is the first book I've read by January James and I'm hooked with this premise of the series already. I had no idea what was going to happen going into the story but once I started reading, I never stopped.

I just couldn't put Connor and Tawny's story down. It was easy to get invested in them. These two were instantly pulled towards each other however Connor has his own issues that he had no intention of fixing. He knows if he has control, he could keep it under the lid. And Tawny is one he couldn't control. So he tried to keep his distance.

It was quite a ride for them to get their own HEA. There were a lot of twists and turns that will keep your attention. But also all the emotions that can be felt. I can't wait for Carter's story already! I know he's going to butt heads with Seleste and I already know that's going to be fun.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

The reader gets thrown into Tawny arriving at Starling Key and meeting Conner in a not-so-great way, and he seems to instantly dislike her. Turns out Conner is too drawn to her, and he can’t have her upset his orderly world! See, she makes him feel things he’s pushed away since he left the Marines 5 years ago. I loved reading Conner’s POV, and he’s one of my favorite book boyfriends of this year! Conner definitely has some PTSD from the war, so be aware of that trigger going into this.

I absolutely adored Tawny, she was the sweetest thing!

I thought the setup for Starling Key, with Conner and his security guys basically running everything and creating a family with misfits meanwhile, was pretty cool, and I am looking forward to reading more! Hopefully with Conner and Tawny cameos!

[annasbook nookk · Rating 4 out of 5]

January James takes us to Starling Key, a beautiful 5-star resort in Florida.
There we meet Connor an ex-marine and in charge of security. Tawny comes to Starling for a new job and their first meeting is not the greatest and super awkward.
Between Tawny coming from a tragic past and Connor fighting his past demons and his feelings, this book is sure to have you addicted from the start.
And the spice scenes were wow!!! 1 in particular had me hotttttt.
I enjoyed the book and the characters, and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Trigger warnings include mental health, PTSD, which January wrote about beautifully and sensitively.
Now I need Carters story.

[LuvStoryAddicts- Ash & Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brain by January James is an enemies-to-lovers romance mixed with some suspense and intrigue. Connor is a former Military man who is now the Head of Security for the Starling Key resort. He is "The Brain," the one who unofficially runs the resort. He is broody and likes to maintain order in his work and personal lives. Tawny is the exact opposite. She hasn’t been dealt the best hand in life, but she still manages to have a sunshiny outlook. She comes to Starling Key in need of a fresh start and literally crashes into Connor's world.

There is an instant attraction between them. For some unknown reason to Tawny, Connor seems to hate her on sight. He treats her with disdain, and she is determined to prove her worth as an employee and as a person to him. Little does she know that his contempt for her is hiding the real truth… attraction. He fights himself to steer clear of her, because he senses she is capable of being his undoing. "I hope to God I don't see her around. Because I already know, in my bones, she could become the one distraction I really don't need." Is he strong enough to resist the temptation of her? Can Starling Key be the new beginning Tawny is looking for or will she get in over her head again?

We really enjoyed the unexpected journey that Conner and Tawny’s relationship took us on. We were instantly captivated by the characters and the resort that is more a family than business. This is the first book in the Starling Key series. The next story is expected in February of 2022. We can't wait to visit the Starling Key Resort again with Carter’s book, The Brawn.

[Natasha diary_of_a_sarcastic_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a first for me by this author, the book was kindly gifted to me for an honest review.

It’s an easy 5 star ⭐️ this book was the most frustrating so burn I’ve read in a long time but man is it brilliant and incredibly written!

Our two leads are Connor and Tawny, they have instead chemistry that’s hot enough to knock down a brick wall😏🤣

Connor is a hard headed, stubborn hot alpha male. He is used to routine, structure and he lets nothing or no one change that. He is loyal, will do anything he can to help others. He is an ex-soldier who has ptsd, ocd and a crap load of baggage. He is handling it all in his controllable way until Tawny comes literally crashing into his life.

Tawny is a beautiful woman, who has had to much put on her shoulders already. She has taken care of her mum since she was 16, but since her mum recently past away it’s time for her to go out on her own and find her life again. She is used to being on her own, being independent and so when she is suddenly surrounded by people she has to learn to adapt. She can’t not like Connor even though he treats he different from he does everyone, not in a good way and she can tell.

They both have secrets and a past they aren’t ready to share, neither of them knowing if they ever will be. Their chemistry however is undeniable, will they be able to resist each other or will they come together in a dangerous explosion of passion..

I just absolutely loved this book, I couldn’t get enough of them and all the secondary characters. I can’t wait to read caters! It has passion, hot steamy- steaminess, raw emotions, banter, friendships and so much more!

Highly recommend . You will not be disappointed ♥️

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from January James, so I went in blind with zero expectations. But dang, was it good! I thought it was just going to be a romance, but it was so much more. It was full of action, steam, surprises, hilarity (I laughed out loud over the cactus scene), mobsters, new and old friendships, loss, deep secrets, and pain. I don't know how she crammed so much variety into one book. I may have even cried a little.

After reading mostly Christmas romances this month, I loved taking a break to visit Tawny and Connor at Starling Key Beach Resort in the sunny Florida Keys. The resort sounds so dreamy, and I was hooked from their first encounter when Tawny crashes her truck into the brick wall surrounding the resort and Connor shows up to repair it. Both MCs have painful backstories, and we learn more and more about how those stories impact their ability to function in a relationship. There were some serious twists and turns I didn't see coming, and I loved that this story wasn't predictable! The side characters added so much to the development of the MCs, and I can't wait to read book 2 with Carter when it comes out!

Thank you @thejanuaryjames for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback! I read the whole thing in one day (and stayed up wayyyyy too late to finish it) because it was such a great ride from start to finish.

[Jessica Rampersad · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Received an ARC]

Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 3/5
Character Development 5/5

“The Brain” by January James tells the story of Connor and Tawny. Connor is the head of the security team at Florida’s biggest entertainment resort, Starling Key. Connor is a perfectionist and always in control, however, when Tawny is hired and quite literally crashes into the resort on her first day, Connor’s life changes. Although Tawny is clumsy and awkward, she is great at her job. Connor and Tawny have a strong attraction to one another, however, Connor’s past is stopping him from pursuing a future where he’s happy. This book follows an enemies-to-lovers/ grumpy-sunshine/workplace romance between the two characters. It’s filled with suspense, luxury, and steam.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were unique and I loved their personalities and development throughout the book. This was a fun read filled with heartbreaking, humorous, and emotional moments. I found myself laughing during Tawny’s clumsy moments, especially when Connor was around to witness and help her (there was this one drunk scene that had me literally laughing out loud, it was hilarious). I also found myself so sad whenever Connor had a nightmare or horrible flashback. Although I was a bit frustrated with how Connor kept walking away from Tawny, it was worth the intense and infuriating journey and I was content with the ending. This is the first book in January James’ “Starling Key” series and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!

[Debbie Humpage-Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab start to what looks like an amazing series!

It’s been a couple of days since I finished reading this book as I always like to take time when reviewing a new author to me.

Some things that I really like about it; the style of writing is great, storyline is superb and the characters are believable.

As I said January James is a new author to me and I’m glad she gave me the opportunity to read this book. To begin with, I was unsure that I’d be able to read it, as the start of the book touched a very raw nerve with me (my mom as Alzheimer’s and dementia) I must have read the first few pages half a dozen times before getting any further.

I am so glad that I decided to push through as I was hooked after the first few chapters. The main characters both have secrets that they are hiding from the other, this is shown so well as the book is written as a dual aspect and we get to know both characters really well.

The story has a great flow to it, which also lends to the enjoyment of the book. The character development is on point and it’s not just the main 2 characters but the side characters as well.

I have given this book a 5⭐️ rating and I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man what a book!!!! This is the first book I have read by January James. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope. This book had a lot of steam and I really enjoyed the angst both characters showed thru this book. The twists and turns the author took me on were fun and exciting. This definitely was a page-turner and I loved the length of the book. The detail was amazing and the background for the characters and the world she built was truly amazing.

Tawny is a young girl that is getting a fresh start. I love the spunk that she has with all the other characters. She isn't weak or naive. Conner is hot, knows what he wants, and loves what he does. When they both meet let the angst, hate, and attraction begin. I laughed, cried, and wanted to strangle Conner sometimes. This book is perfect if you are looking for a book that can keep you captivated and keep the pages turning.

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Bookstagram3172 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and this is my own and honest review.

4.5 ⭐️ Review.

Yet another book by January which draws you in from the beginning so much so that I want to live and work on Starling Key too!

January has such a way with her words that you can always imagine your right there in the story with the characters. I could feel the warmth of the sun and the salt of the ocean but luckily not the cactus! IYKYK 😂😂

I loved Tawny, she was just a really lovely character who was always looking out for those around her. Connor, well, he was your typical alpha male but with deep seated issues which were explored and researched well. PTSD is hard to write about but I felt that January did this condition justice and not just add it unnecessarily to the storyline.

I liked the support characters too, they truly added to the story and supported the main characters perfectly.

Personally I would have liked a bit more angst, but that’s just me 🤷🏼‍♀️

Looking forward to reading Carters book next.

[Antonette Macindoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

First i want to thank The Author January James for this ARC!

Holy Crap this book was awesome! I really enjoyed the plot to this story! First we meet Tawney who despite everything she's been though is very sure of herself and knows who she is and I love that in a female MC. Then we Meet Connor the sweet sexy tortured male MC who I want to punch and I love the way January gives him the best character development in this story. The Dual POV in this book really made this book shine to be able to see it from both perspectives. The twists just kept coming in this book and i found it hard to put down! the slow burn in the beginning was so good and so painful but when the two finally let down their guard it was pure magic!

This book was a quick read for me which at times I need and it got me out of a slump! The plot line of this book was so intriguing and there were quit a few twists I didn't see coming which I loved.

4 stars for me!

[Andrea ( books_fiction_desire ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Brain by January James

ARC review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5


Oh wow, January James you did it agin with this absolutely amazing story. From the first ARC I received from you I’m always patiently waiting with high anticipation to start another one . You bring the characters to life with your writing and as always, this one I couldn’t put down from the start.

Tawny was such a sweet girl and loved by everyone around her. And Connor, I knew from beginning he had a big heart but his past did a huge damage on him. But when he’s about to loose someone who meant everything to him he realized that he is not alone , the support from his friends and mostly Tawny, is all he needs to leave the past in the past and start living happily life.

I absolutely loved this story and I would Highly Recommend ❤️❤️❤️ and I can’t wait to see what’s next to come with Carter and his story ❤️

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I thought I knew how this book would go before I started reading, by the 2nd plot twist I realized how wrong I was.

Our heroine is moving to Florida Keys to work on a resort after losing her mother. She has an accident as soon as she arrives chasing her to upset her new hot boss. Some dirty dancing vibes throughout.

This is total grumpy sunshine but the grump is nice to everyone but her. We hit some huge topics such a PTSD, parent loss, and found family which the author covered beautifully.

I might be a tiny bit biased as I moved to Florida to work at a resort and lived in staff housing (Disney but still resort!) so I heavily related to this book in the beginning. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish and the twists I never saw the story taking those turns!

The spice was perfect 🔥 no complaints.

The epilogue was perfect because I needed more but also set up the next book perfectly (which can come out now please!)

This book was provided for me to give an honest review.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a amazing start to a new series! Definitely not what I was expecting, but I’m definitely hooked. Connor is head of security at this amazing island resort. There is definitely more to him then what you see. He has a lot on his plate and even more in his past. Tawny is starting her life over. She has been taking care of her sick mother since she was 16 years old, now it’s time for her to live her own life. The exclusive resort is her ticket to that new life. When Connor and Tawny first meet it’s one mishap after another. Between the yelling and mean banter there is definitely some amazing chemistry that is trying to find its way out! This was a well written first book with well developed characters. I’m very excited to learn more about this group of friends. There is definitely some mysterious stuff going on with this group on this amazing island. I have been a fan of this author for awhile now and I’m very excited to see what happens next!

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read any of January's previous books and I was really happy with her writing style and the story line. Connor is a little bit difficult to like in the beginning of this series, he's had a difficult past but we don't understand that and what he's gone through to begin with so all we see is what's on the surface; a grumpy control freak. Tawny is kind of his polar opposite in a way, she's sweet and giving. The tension between these two is intense from the start! But you can't help but feel the pull between them and root for them to come together to find happiness. The steamy scenes were wonderfully written and I was really happy with how the book ends up. I'm looking forward to reading more in this world!

[marshas_world_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another amazing read from January James! This book is a slow burn, but is the best kind of burn possible. Tawny is the kind of character, that if she was a real human, you would want her in your life simply for her kindness. Connor has an massive load of baggage, and at times I wanted to slap on the back of the head for being an idiot, but you still can’t help but love him. Their chemistry is off the charts and when they finally come together it’s hot. Now Ms James!! You ripped my heart apart at the end of this book! Thankfully it was put back together, but tears still leaked from my eyes. Now I need Carter’s book, like tomorrow. I can not wait to see where that book takes us. As for The Brain I just loved it and definitely recommend it!

[Mrs Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW January James has done it again 😁
I got the chance to read an advanced copy of this book and I loved it ❤
January's stories are so easy to get invested in that you don't want to put them down and this book was the same.  I loved Connor & Tawny's story it kept you hooked.
Having been the sole carer of her mother from the age of 16 until she pasted, it is now Tawny's time to live her life, moving to take a job on a resort.
Connor is the head of security at Sterling Key Resort and likes to make sure everything is perfect and likes to be in control, put these to characters together and you have amazing chemistry 🔥🔥🔥 and great banter.
A book that never failed to disappoint,
Looking forward for the next book in this series 😍

[Paulina Soto Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way January writes because from the get go I’m hooked

This is the first book in series that mixes paradise with love and danger and what a way of starting

The Brain is the story of ex marine Connor Johnson and the way Tawny (the new girl in Starling key ) makes him question what his mind can overcome in the name of love

We got everything from friendship to action to really steamy scenes

I hope you’ll love this story as much as I did
Can’t wait to see where Carter’s story will get us … I’m sure it will be spectacular
I give it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author and definitely will not be my last! I was hooked from the very beginning on Connor and Tawny! Their instant attraction and chemistry was off the charts fire. The push pull between them makes their fire even that much more explosive. This story will captivate you there are so many twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seating waiting to see what happens next. Be prepared to be taken on an emotional roller coaster but strap in and enjoy the ride because its one heck of a journey to their HEA…. Loved these two so hard and I can’t wait for Carter’s story next!!!

[Vicki Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to the start of a new series of books fron January James and The Brain hasn't disappointed. The naivity of Tawny is quite disturbing at times (the lack of mobile phone) but as the story unfolds, it slots into place as to why she behaves and acts like she does. There were lots of loose threads running throughout The Brain, all of which were tied up nicely to continue the series which I'm very much looking forward to. Another brilliant page turner!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

January James writes about strong women , women who have substance.

Tawny has her own story, a girl who has always given herself to others ..

Conner, an ex marine has PTSD , who has to have control of others but especially himself.

I found Conner extremely interesting, as knowing what he wanted but not allowing himself…

How the story unfolds is written extremely well, how Tawny manages to make Conner “see” is rather beautiful.