Custom Built

Okay so I really, really wanted to love this book - the cover, the description - they gave me all the feels. But, sadly in the end, it was just okay. <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1504751775ra/23810964.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>First, this poor heroine gets run through the fucking ringer in this book…<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1466022369ra/19429810.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>I mean, no joke this girl just gets tossed shit the entire book. So I really need to applaud her character for not completely crumpling. <br><br>Seriously, you authors really need to give these girls a break sometimes!! <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1507749852ra/24145391.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Even though she was literally handed blow after blow - she took her punches, dealt with them and moved on. I actually applaud her character for surviving and remaining a good heroine. <br><br>Like several of Chantal’s other MC books they never hit the MC mark for me. The guys are to……. <br><br>Nice….. <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1563112689ra/27826663.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> <br><br>I mean are you really an alpha biker if you cry twice in a book and speak in full sentences? <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1441677861ra/16137268.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>These two start with some tension and I was really getting into it thinking this was going to be the perfect enemies to lovers book. Then boom they were together, without anything really happening. <br> Yes it was explained, but the explanation was just meh. I think if we had Crow’s POV this would have been so much better. <br><br>My one big complaint was that even though Bronte had all this shit going on, not once did I feel like Crow was protecting her. He just kept leaving her unattended and letting her go places by herself! Um Hello!! What the fuck are you doing!! You need to be over-bearing and over-protective - YOU ARE AN ALPHA BIKER AFTER ALL!! <br><br>I know, there I go being a picky bitch again, I can’t help it! Now I will say, I have read a lot of Biker books. They are some of my faves so I would definitely take my opinion with a grain of salt, because once you have read some incredible Badass Alpha Biker Boys, its hard to meet those expectations. Also I think I go into an MC book expecting drama, an asshole hero who is extremely OTT and overprotective, and I’m prepared and excited for it. So when you get a nice guy who listens to her opinion, talks about it, and gives the heroine her way - its kinda shocking and unsettling. <br><br>This is a great Biker Book with Training Wheels for all you Biker Babes just starting out…. <br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1561762747ra/27740306.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>All in all, do not pass on this book just because I have extremely high expectations for my Bikers books. I can definitely see this being a really enjoyable book for so many people. It has solid writing, very few errors (which is a rarity in and of itself lately), and some really great characters. <br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1601581091i/30180789._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utterlyunashamed%20" rel="nofollow noopener">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.utterlyunashamed.com" rel="nofollow noopener">My Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/utterlyunashamed" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a>

<b>NOW LIVE!</b><br><a href="https://amzn.to/3jG6RfK" rel="nofollow noopener">Amazon US</a> * <a href="https://amzn.to/3noZmvP" rel="nofollow noopener">Amazon UK</a><br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1602098340ra/30205771.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><i>Custom Built</i> is the first in Chantal Fernando's Fast &amp; Fury series but does feature some familiar faces for anyone that's read the Knights of Fury series. This was a really easy story to get into and I both characters were easy to like. There was some tension between Crow and Bronte when the book opened up but that quickly went away when they got to know each other more and from there they had a fast relationship. <br><br>Not going to lie, there were some times that it felt a little too fast, especially with everything else going on and at times their relationship got pushed into the background. By the end though I was okay with that since it was still very clear that they had a connection. They were actually pretty sweet with each other and it was fun to read abut them together. <br><br>Overall, I would for sure recommend this book and I think it will suck people in to these characters and some of the craziness going on in their lives. <br><br><i>ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Custom Built by Chantal Fernando is the first book in the Fast and Fury series. It is a spin-off of her Knights of Fury series. Readers familiar with her Knight of Fury series would recognise most of the characters featured in Custom Built.<br /><br />This installment introduces the reader to Bronte and Crow, two likeable and relatable characters. The story began with Bronte experiencing major upheavals in her life. She lost her job as a private investigator’s assistant and she’s dealing with major health issues. The only good thing in her life is the relationship she shares with her dad. She had a breakthrough in her job search when her uncle arranged to get her a job at a motor cycle shop. The only drawback was her jerk of a boss who did not appreciate the way she secured the job.<br /><br />Crow is a member of Knights of Fury motorcycle club. His attraction to Bronte took him by surprise and he tried covering it up by acting like a jerk towards her. However, when tragedy struck placing Bronte’s life in danger his protective instincts kicked in and soon these two will find themselves building a relationship that was passionate and sweet.<br /><br />I had a great time with this book. I am fairly new to the author’s work having only read the last book from her Knights of Fury series. I can see why she is a favourite for readers of this genre. She pulled me into her story from the start and kept me entertained until the end. I enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense, which I found to be well balanced. It lacked the darkness and grittiness one would expect from a MC story. It was all around sweet and passionate story.<br /><br />Bronte and Crow may have been complete opposites in terms of lifestyle but they were both strong willed and determined. An unlikely pair who made the perfect couple. <br /><br />The secondary characters helped to make the story a fun read amid the unhappiness, danger and secrets that often surrounds Bronte. <br /><br />Custom Built proved to be a well written story filled with secrets, heat, suspense and danger. I am looking forward to reading more from the author.<br /><a href="https://www.totallyaddicted2reading.com/2020/11/review-custom-built-by-chantal-fernando.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading</a>

Oh I love Crow!! Damn! <br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />This book seemed a little tamer than the others I have read in that we actually are seeing the characters in a place of business. The Knights are not stirring up too many issues but are definitely showing their true colors with their protectiveness and love for each other.<br /><br />I just really got a different vibe from this book than some of the other ones but I love the change. This book focused more on the issues and relationships between Crow and Bronte than the actual running of the club with attached relationships.<br /><br />Custom Built is unique with a bit of a suspense twist that was not expected. It keeps the interest high and the flow of the story moving nicely. And as always, the club members are well in tune with each other, fun and friendships connect, and the support is amazing.<br /><br />This book is between a novella and a full-size story. It flows nicely, has an amazing connection between Crow and Bronte, with hot and steamy spice that will fire you up! Fernando kicks off this new series in a big way!<br /><br />* copy received for review consideration<br />Full Review - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://amidlifewife.com/custom-built-by-chantal-fernando/">https://amidlifewife.com/custom-built...</a>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dreambooksclub/" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1599501634i/30075371._SX540_.jpg" alt="Pics-Art-09-06-04-52-19" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> <br><br>This book was a mess of unnecessary and unrealistic situations, with random characters, and the most non MC storyline that I've ever read.<br><br>It didn't started bad though... <br>Quite the contrary actually. <br>It started with a good introduction of the characters and their whereabouts.<br>It was a cliche situation with the sheltered girl and the grumpy bad boy member of a MC, but it was interesting enough to continue... and for that, I'm giving my two stars.<br><br>But then sh*t started to happen and it didn't stopped until the end.<br>A few things made sense to the story at first, but mostly were there just to add some kind of shocking or drama factor (or maybe just word count). <br>It was a mess of cry over some death in a minute to I love you and sweet nothings in the next. And then repeat all over again.<br>So many unnecessary things dragging the boredom in the end...<br><br>Everything happened to Bronte and things become so extra in the end, that I didn't even wanted to finish it.<br><br>But i did it... <br>Don't recommend it though.<br><br>PS.: This series is spin off of another series and their characters are all over the place. <br>I also didn't knew that.

ARC received for review<br /><br />I actually think this should be book 4 in the Knights of Fury series. I don't understand why she started a new series. All the peeps from the KOF series make appearances during this one. <br /><br />I love Crow in KOF, but he started out as a wee bit of a jerk in this book. He overcomes that pretty quick and is the great guy I remember him to be. Bronte has had a sh!tty year, loss on top of loss on top of loss. Crow helps her overcome them all, and she falls for him along the way. I thought it was over, but no there was more and more and finally an epilogue.<br /><br />I hope Chains is up next.

* I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review*<br /><br />Bronte is definitely not having the best time of her life right now. She might to have a hysterectomy, and she just lost her job. Things could definitely be better. She still has her dad though. He’s her rock. Things start to look up when her uncle gets her a job at a motorcycle shop. Only problem is the boss is a total jerk, oh and it’s part of a MC. Nothing is as it seems. Especially not her family. <br /><br />MCs has always been one of my favorite tropes. And this book did not disappoint. But I do wish that we got to see more of the actual MC and what happened in it. I didn’t know that this was a spin-off series, but I was able to follow along just fine. I do want to go back and read the others though. So I can see how Abbie and Temper meet! <br /><br />Poor Bronte. She was pretty much beaten down through out the entire book. She didn’t let the lose keep her down though, and I really admire her for that. Her relationship with her dad was incredible. It was so sad to see him go. <br /><br />I feel like there was a lot more to Crow than was seen in this book. It’s probably in the others. I really want to know what he was like! I don’t get why he was so mean to Bronte at first. It’s not like the shop was exactly strictly professional. <br /><br />Overall this was an amazing book. I definitely recommend it!

Heat Factor: It kind of felt closed door, but it’s not, it was just that I was that detached while reading<br />Character Chemistry: 180 degrees wouldn’t adequately describe the instant shift these protagonists have in their attitudes to each other<br />Plot: I don’t even know what to tell you. There’s more than one murder of characters we meet, and I was wondering why the epilogue was 1. Not called the epilogue and was 2. Four chapters long<br />Overall: SMH<br /><br />I have enjoyed many books by Chantal Fernando, at least half of them never seeing the light of day on our blog. While her writing may not be technically superior, I typically have felt that she can tell an engaging story with a good voice, and I enjoy her heroes. Ergo, I must admit that I was surprised at the quality of the prose in this book, primarily because I was just sitting in my chair (or wherever I was) thinking to myself, “But I don’t understand why this is happening right now. Why is this happening right now? Why are these characters behaving in this way?” most of the time.<br /><br />For example: Bronte is 24, and she’s been working as an assistant to a PI, but she’s not actually a PI, and she doesn’t have any special skills, and she’s been dating this biker guy for about a second. So why is she the one investigating her father’s murder when her uncle is the most powerful drug lord in town? Yes, she uses her PI friend and the MC as resources, but why does her uncle let her run the investigation? He’s just like, “Okay, you do you little niece. LMK if you need any help.” REALLY?!?!?!?! And the suspects are all other drug lords who want to take over when Bronte’s uncle and father retire. WHY WOULD THE DRUG LORDS WHO SEEK TO GAIN FROM THE RETIREMENT OF THE TOP DOG MURDER THE TOP DOG?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Shouldn’t they murder each other in the vacuum left by the absence of the top dog? Admittedly, I know absolutely nothing about the politics of underworld drug culture, but really. What a waste of resources when there’s almost certain to be a war among the remaining contenders to vie for the top. If that’s how it actually works, I’m disappointed in drug lords everywhere. Fernando kind of tried to explain the idea of this for a hot minute and I was just like, no. No. I am not buying what you’re selling.<br /><br />I mean, that’s most of the plot, so everything just snowballs from there. Bronte is so fantastically immature but talks a big game in her head (it’s 1st present POV, so it’s aaaaall in her head), I was tempted to grind my teeth in frustration at times. And the 1st POV really detracted from this narrative, because there was a good bit of telling, not showing. Beefing up the dialog to demonstrate how the relationships were progressing would have done a lot for this book, but almost all of the story is told like: “this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened, and I had these feelings about it,” which does a grave disservice to the seriously meaty content in this book. <br /><br />And I’m talking seriously meaty. Bronte is orphaned (her mother had died when she was young) very early on when her father is murdered. She learns that her irregular cells on her cervix constantly returning mean that she might need a hysterectomy. Another friend is murdered because of the sleuthing surrounding her father’s murder. And she finds out that her father was secretly dating a woman he never told her about, when he swore he’d never replace her mother who was the love of his life. That is some seriously heavy stuff. And we just breeze by it because it’s described to us in such a detached manner. <br /><br />I’m just shaking my head right now. <br /><br />So let’s talk romance, shall we? This is a romance blog, not a suspense/thriller blog, after all. <br /><br />This was also - to a lesser extent, but only because I brushed it off to get on with the story - a WUT situation for me. Because: Bronte gets laid off from her PI assistant job because the PI isn’t making enough money, so her uncle gets her a job working at this custom bike shop (Fast &amp; Fury...hello series title) that his newfound daughter is associated with because, yes, this is a spinoff series from the Knights of Fury series, and Abbie from Temper is, in fact, Bronte’s cousin. Anyway, Bronte starts working at this shop, which is owned by the Knights of Fury MC, so naturally it is run by one of the MC brothers - Crow - and Crow is both super hot and super standoffish/rude when he first talks to Bronte. <br /><br />So we have this whole setup for resisting the pull of the romance, and….nothing. Nothing, because they have about three grumpy interactions in the shop and then Bronte and her bestie go out to a club - a club also owned by the MC, because of course it is - and Crow is there. So they dance, and JUST LIKE THAT it flips a switch from “this can’t happen” to a fully committed relationship. And I say this because the next plot point that happens is that Bronte’s father is murdered and suddenly she’s got all this support and people who care about her that we didn’t know about 30 pages earlier, including Crow practically living with her. I just. I can’t.<br /><br />Furthermore, Crow is completely 2-dimensional. Why does he care about Bronte at all? I honestly could not tell you, except that she walks into his shop and he has the hots for her and he’s not a total jerk. I guess. He is there to prop up Bronte’s character and for no other reason.<br /><br />There is so much here that could be a really, truly interesting story, and it just does not pull together. I’m super bummed about it.<br /><br />I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.<br /><br />This review is also available at The Smut Report.

AHHH! I have been obsessed with Chantal Fernando's books for years and was so excited to jump into her new Fast and Fury series! Crow and Bronte were just delicious! He was broody and sexy and everything I love in my MC heroes. Bronte likewise was strong and sassy and gave as good as she got! <br /><br />Overall I loved their connection and banter and all the extended cast of characters. I can't wait for more books in this series! 4 stars! ~Ratula

After losing her job, saying goodbye to a lifelong dream and having an all-around cruddy year, Bronte Pierce needs a break. A job at Fast &amp; Fury might be just the thing to reset her life. The company she worked for was losing money so she had to be let go.<br />She goes to her father's house and that's where she finds a new job and finds out she has a new cousin. as she becomes friends with everyone at her new job, her father passes away. Then his secrets come into play. She wants to find out the truth about her dad because she doesn't believe that he would die the way he did. She has all the support of her cousin and all the new friends and ends up in a romance.<br />Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC to review.<br />#CustomBuilt #NetGalley<br />