Ensnared (Brutes of Bristlebrook #1)

by Rebecca Quinn

Beau has always been good with women. And horses. And children.

Literally perfect

I love to learn and helping others to learn. Knowledge is how our world grows, how people do, as well. You can never experience as much in your lifetime, or see through so many eyes, as you will by reading what others have to say. Books will glue our world back together, if anything can.”

I survived, and my daily challenge, insidious in its own way, became boredom. Boredom and loneliness. Books were my one true pleasure. The one thing that kept me sane.

And Jasper is our housemaid. He cleans the place, monitors security for Bristlebrook and surrounds, takes care of the farm, fixes our heads, and does most of the cooking.

Omg he needs a maid outfit now!

every other day, I receive a new book with neat, handwritten annotations in the margin.

Jasper sending her annotated books is making me want to marry him

Some nights, I even find myself curling up in the downstairs sitting room before the crackling fire, and he joins me, elegantly draped in the large armchair opposite my own. We quietly turn our pages and sip our steaming tea, and I work hard not to stare at him in the flickering firelight.

Jasper

And after years of fending for myself, of the unending responsibility, and dirt, and toil, it’s so lovely to allow myself to be soft. Just a little. Just for a while.

“I can’t believe you didn’t show me this library.” I smile at him. “It’s lovely.” “I’ve been enjoying sharing my favorites with you.” His lips curl up on one side.

Jasper! Hehehe

On the first page of chapter five, he had—heartrendingly—highlighted several lines: “I am longing to be with you, and by the sea, where we can talk together freely and build our castles in the air.” Please.

Nah this is what I want from my man

“I think you’re beautiful,” I whisper, before I can think better of it. With a startled blink, Jasper looks up at me, face softening, and my cheeks begin to burn. “Darling girl,” he murmurs.

Survival tip #3 Fight for yourself. No-one else will.

“On. Your. Knees.”

😏🧎‍♀️

Kimchi and dimples. A toxic combination.

Don’t ever underestimate the bravery of a woman who looks at you with stars in her eyes.