“I’m sure a lot of people would be fond of hospitals if they were all like this,” Brantley Walker mused as he strolled down the long corridor toward the labor and delivery wing. Although he’d visited at least once a day for the past nine days, it still caught him off guard how nice this place was.
“Yeah?” Reese Tavoularis, the man Brantley had married nine short days ago, didn’t sound convinced.
“Shit. If you could be taken care of in a place like this”—he gestured toward the nurse’s station, which held two child-size vases of fresh flowers, giving the sterile white space some life—“Why wouldn’t you?”
“You and I both know those flowers came from Wes.”
Brantley had figured as much. It made sense that Wesley Buchanan, grandfather-to-be, would ply the nurses in this wing with gifts simply because he could. Rumor was he’d catered in breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the staff in this wing at least four times in the past week. The man was generous like that. Not to mention, fucking loaded.
As they neared the door to JJ’s birthing suite, Brantley’s shoulders tensed. “I really hope she’s in a good mood.”
“I’m sure she’s not,” Reese said with a smirk. “But she wouldn’t be JJ otherwise.”
True. These days, his best friend, Jessica James, a.k.a. JJ, wasn’t known for her charming personality. He didn’t fault her for it, really, but it also didn’t make him look forward to these daily trips. Since he’d been through worse—in the Navy when he was buried under a building and nearly died—he opted to suck it up. She wouldn’t be in this hospital forever.
Taking a deep breath in, Brantley rapped his knuckles on the door with his exhale. There was no response right away, so they waited. He was about to knock again when he heard JJ say, “Get your asses in here already.”
Nope. No good mood today either.
Squaring his shoulders, he pressed the handle lever to open the door. He pushed it open slowly, revealing the enormous suite where JJ was riding out the last days of her pregnancy—however many there might be.
“Hey, Tesha,” JJ greeted, smiling down at their canine partner. These days, Tesha went along for the ride anytime they left the house. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
Brantley fought the urge to laugh but instead rolled his eyes. Passive-aggressive much?
“We brought you somethin’,” he told his best friend.
There was a barely-there hint of a smile on her face as she eyed the takeout bag Reese was carrying.
“It’s about time,” JJ grumbled, a dark storm cloud in the otherwise soothing gray room.
“Good mornin’ to you, too,” Reese told her as he walked the forty miles from the door to the bed to give her the breakfast they’d picked up on their way in.
And fine, maybe forty miles was a bit of a stretch, but the space was enormous. Large enough to hold a king-size bed, a long, glossy white dresser mounted to the wall, a bathtub that would hold at least four people, two wall-mounted televisions, two nightstands (on wheels to get them out of the way if needed), as well as a sitting area that was about the size of their living room. Oh, and there was also a private bathroom that put Brantley’s to shame.
At the moment, JJ was propped up in the big bed, half a dozen pillows keeping her in place, while the father-to-be, Sebastian Buchanan, a.k.a. Baz, was occupying the sitting area on the far side of the room, feet propped up, laptop resting on his thighs. Brantley got the feeling they didn’t move much from where they were and probably wouldn’t until the delivery.
“Do you share that thing with him?” Brantley asked, gesturing toward the bed and then over to Baz.
“Only when I have to.” She flashed a smile.
Brantley had to wonder which was more comfortable: the bed or the chocolate-brown leather recliners? If it were him, he would likely choose the chairs since they were positioned to face a fifty-five-inch television currently playing a news channel with the volume all the way down.
Brantley jerked his chin at Baz. “Mornin’.”
Baz’s smile looked forced, but he managed a subtle chin jerk in response.
“He’s in time out,” JJ announced.
“Time out?” Brantley barked a laugh. “For what?”
“You want to tell them?” JJ asked, sounding far too much like Brantley’s mother back when he’d been a wild and rambunctious kid and she spent most of her waking hours reprimanding him. No doubt he’d deserved it. He wasn’t sure the same could be said for Baz, though.
Baz inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly. “Because I went to the gift shop and forgot to pick her up a package of the little chocolate donuts,” he droned, his tone defeated.
“He got these,” JJ said, lifting up a package of powdered donuts. The white ones that left a mess on your shirt and fingers when you tried to eat them.
“And those are bad, why?” Brantley was almost positive he’d seen JJ eating those little powdered circles before.
Her eyes narrowed, and he knew he’d said the wrong thing.
“Well, it’s a good thing we got you these,” Reese told her as he set the bag on the tray beside the bed.
“They’re your favorite,” Brantley noted.
She curled her lip, reaching for the bag. “No, my favorite is—” Her eyes popped wide. “Oh my God! These are—” Her gaze slammed into Reese. “How?”
Reese grinned. “I stopped by Batter & Bliss yesterday and asked Ramona if she’d make you a couple. She made ’em fresh this mornin’.”
Tears rimmed JJ’s lashes but didn’t quite spill over as she stared lovingly at her breakfast. “Cronuts. And it’s not even Saturday.”
Brantley watched as JJ sniffled, wrapping the croissant-donut hybrid in a napkin as if it were some sort of rare delicacy.
In an effort to change the subject, Brantley wandered over to the large tub that sat in the corner of the room. It was shaped like a Jacuzzi, only there weren’t any jets. Apparently, those were bad for pregnant women, which he’d learned the first time he made the mistake of asking about it.
“Get any use out of this thing yet?” He patted the edge of the tub, knowing what the answer was. If memory served, the tub was used for water births.
“No. And we won’t if I have anything to say about it,” JJ insisted.
Based on Baz’s expression, that was a topic better left unexplored.
“Alrighty then.” He looked around the room, trying to come up with something to say. He figured talking about the large, fully tiled bathroom with its shower built for forty would likely not go over any better than if he brought up the machines discreetly tucked away behind a curtain at the head of the bed. They were tracking things like heart rates and contractions, feeding the information directly to the nurses working out there with all those flowers.
JJ nibbled on her pastry. “What’s on the agenda today?”
That was a loaded question if he’d ever heard one. But only because JJ’s mood swings were strong enough to take a fully grown man out at the knees. He wasn’t sure whether he should tell her the truth or shrug it off as though there wasn’t much to do. Either way, she would likely blow a fuse or two.
Since it was inevitable, he opted for the truth.
“We’re meeting with a coupla people.”
With the cronut halfway to her mouth, JJ paused, her eyes narrowing, green sparks flickering in them.
“People?”
Brantley nodded.
“People people?”
He nodded again, wondering if those monitors she was hooked up to caused brain damage.
“What kinda people?”
“The human kind.”
“For what?”
Confused, he said, “For what what?”
JJ’s eyes narrowed again. “What are you meetin’ them for?”
“Interviews,” he blurted because he couldn’t think of anything better.
Her gaze shifted across the room, landing on Baz briefly before swinging back and slamming into him. “Why didn’t I know about this?”
Brantley looked at Reese, wishing marriage caused telepathy because at least then Reese would be able to answer his silent question: What the hell is the correct answer to that?
Brantley Walker: Off the Books
Ever wanted to pull back the curtain and peek into the lives of your favorite characters? Well, I do, and frankly, it got me thinking—what if we had a front-row seat to their adventures?
I’m an unapologetic series junkie, especially those that take us on a winding journey with the same protagonists. And because my heart has a soft spot for love stories, I thought, why not follow a delightful gay couple while adding in some supporting characters for comic relief? After all, what’s a love story without a bit of drama and plenty of laughs? Cue the task force, a dynamic element to keep the plot twists rolling and the pages turning.
Oh, and for those already wondering—yes, the Brantley Walker: Off the Books series is far from over! If you want to keep track of all the shenanigans, make sure to sign up for my Ramblings of a Writer blog and be the first to know what I’m concocting next. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a chapter!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for Brantley Walker: Off the Books ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This book captivated from the first line to the last word, it’s exciting, it’s great writing and it’s has wonderful characters old and new.” ~Jackie W on Goodreads [All In]
“This series keeps getting more complex and interesting with each installment. I am so happy to finally have Reese and Brantley in a place where they feel rock steady. SO rock steady that Brantley is counting down the days until the wedding and I CANNOT with how much I love the way they love each other.” ~Aviecelli on Goodreads [Off Course]
“This book it the basis of what love is. It shows you family, life, and what you should strive for in the end game. Brilliant, and beautiful.” ~Meghann R on Goodreads [Alibi]
“This book was amazing!! And it’s not just because I love Brantley and Reese, because I do! It’s the growing love and passion between these two that jumps off the pages and smacks you upside your head.” ~Christina I on Goodreads [Hide & Seek]
“Everything we have been waiting for we get in spades (that bachelor weekend!!) and I loved every single second of it. I am also enjoying seeing other relationships evolve aside from the grooms – I am really excited to see what happens next with Atticus and Slade.” ~Amanda V on Goodreads [To Have and to Hold]
“As always Nicole Edwards draws me into the world of suspense, angst, PTSD, a lot of steam, the off the books team’s many relationships both romantic and non romantic and the beautiful romances between Brantley and Reese and JJ and Baz.” ~Sofie on Goodreads [Bounty]
“With each book I fall more and more in love with these characters.” ~Renee on Goodreads [Deadly Coincidence]
“So much heart stopping action in this book and I was on the edge of my seat. The idea of anything happening to JJ had me wanting to jump into the book and go rogue..” ~Mabel on Goodreads [Chain Reaction]
Barb Kiser –
Nicole has absolutely blowed my mind. You have everything you could possibly need in a story. You have sex, secrets, lies, and new people. This story just keeps getting better and I can’t wait for the next one. M/M. M/M/M.
This book has Brantley and Reese, which are married. JJ and Baz are about to become parents. Slade, Atticus, and Carson are trying to be a throuple. But Slade has jealousy issues and can’t keep is temper in check. The new guy Archer is wanting a relationship with Simon but Simon just wants sex. The team is investigating the disappearance of Kylie Walker’s mother and get some disturbing information about Meredith, Kylie’s mom. And that’s when the crap hits the fan.
*VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR THE AUTHOR *
Cambry –
OMG. DEAD.
Nicole did not come to play with this one, she came to blow our minds. If you’ve been following this series, buckle up, because that “big thing” she’s been teasing? Y’all… it’s not just big, it’s MASSIVE! Literally earth-shattering. She absolutely delivers!
As always with NE books, expect the steamy scenes to melt your Kindle, the banter to make you LOL, and the characters to grab you by the soul. Plus a few familiar faces from past series make appearances.
From the very first page, I was hooked, completely held hostage by the story. I’m already counting down the days to see where Nicole takes us next!
Konny –
Missing Pieces by Nicole Edwards is book 12 in the Brantley Walker: Off the Books series. And the author doesn’t play around. This packs a punch.
Brantley and Reese are married and their newest members are Archer and Simon, investigator and kind of blogger.
JJ and Baz are at the hospital, soon to be parents of twins.
Slade, Atticus and Carson are trying the trouple relationship what isn’t without hickups.
So ther is a lot going on when Kylie Walker’s mother, Meredith disappears and Brantley and Reese are investigating.
Scorching hot, complex, literally unputdownable. Just what I needed at this time. 5 stars.
Maria –
Absolutely thrilling! This latest installment is a rollercoaster of emotions, relationships, and jaw-dropping discoveries. The characters are evolving in powerful ways—some are stepping into new chapters of their lives (JJ and Baz), while others are caught in intense personal drama that keeps you hooked from page one.
A new recruit, Archer Halligan, brings fresh energy and tension to the team, especially with his sights set on someone who’s not making it easy for him. Their dynamic adds a delicious layer of chase and mystery.
But the real twist? A deep-dive investigation into a conspiracy theory leads to a revelation so wild, it’ll leave you breathless. The pacing is perfect, the stakes are high, and the chemistry between characters is electric. You won’t want to put this one down!
Absolutely—kudos to Ms. Edwards for delivering such a gripping and emotionally rich story! The character development, the tension, the surprises… it’s all masterfully done. This installment proves once again why this series is so addictive. Nicole knows exactly how to keep readers invested and craving more.
Stacey vasquez –
All I can say is OMG. This series has me glued to it. I am obsessed and am going to be pacing the floors until the next one comes out. Nicole is an amazing author. I absolutely loved this book, and it’s definitely worth a 5-star review.
Jackie Wright –
Missing Pieces continues following Brantley, Reese and their team as they delve into secrets on their way to solving crimes. It’s book twelve in the Brantley Walker : Off The Books Series and I was captivated from the first chapter to the last line.
Podcaster and writer Simon Jennings comes to Brantley with a case that’s takes Brantley and his team back to a past crime and tragedy that was close to home and never really solved only now they have some new information that will turn everyone’s life upside down……
This is a well written, fast paced, edge of my seat story with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. It’s passionate, it’s full of love, it’s got secrets, it’s engaging and it has characters I love.
April Mollenkopf –
OMG…what did I just read??? This book has kept me spinning and I am dizzy with all of the stuff going on.
First off, babies, so yay! No spoilers here. Slade, Atticus and Carson … what a cluster. Again, no spoilers.
New task team member, new/cold case and so much more. This book was amazing and that ending…let’s just say my jaw dropped. We all will definitely need the next book sooner rather than later.
Cheryl Cholger –
When I reviewed the previous book in this series, I mentioned that it felt like a present to all of the readers of the series. I also predicted the next book would have the OTB team jumping in with both feet, back to their investigations and mysteries. Boy, was that an understatement.
While the beginning of this book was a lot of set-up, the feeling that everything was balancing on a precipice hung over everything. JJ and Baz waiting for those babies to come into the world, Brantley and Reese knowing there is something big coming from an outside source but not knowing details yet, Slade and Atticus trying to navigate this thing between them when Slade has issues he has to deal with. It was an interesting mix of slow unfolding and tension that was ratcheting everything up.
I am so invested in the Slade/Atticus/Carson story, which means I’m super frustrated with Slade. The man needs to talk to someone about his jealousy and low self-esteem. I hope he finds a way to make things right with Atticus and Carson before it’s too late, although the last few chapters have me fearing it may already be too late. I just know he’s going to fly off the handle again. And that’s not okay. The way he acts is not okay. He knows it; now he needs to do something about it.
Although Slade doesn’t speak to his brother Spencer, it’s clear they have the same M.O. when it comes to lashing out at those closest to them. I have high hopes for the Spencer/Archer pairing. I honestly don’t know if I can love Archer more than I already do. He is kind, fierce, smart, intuitive, and just plain hot.
This story brings up a lot of old names and even an old face. Everyone is involved in one way or another, and it’s time to unravel the mystery. This one ends on a cliffhanger. The team is going to have their work cut out for them, which means the author is going to have her work cut out for her. There are a lot of strings to pull and tangles to unknot.
I feel I should mention that there are some extremely disturbing things revealed before we even get to the shocking news. Check your content warnings! The author treats this subject with a lot of care and doesn’t let our fabulous team that we know and love take any excuses or listen to any sort of justification, but it’s still upsetting. (Don’t worry, the person in the wrong is not seen on page and is nobody fans would be emotionally invested in.)
I’m sure I’ve mentioned it about another book in this series, this is the 12th book after all, but this felt like an “information” book. There is a lot of setup that needs to be done because once the depth of the next case is discovered, things will have to move fast. So while the first half of this book may be a bit slower than usual, there’s a purpose.
Jaye –
Well, now I can’t wait for the next book. You need to read the series, in order, because this would be difficult (and confusing) as a stand-alone book. We’ve come to know the characters and look forward to each new development in their lives. We also got a new character who’s bringing some tension to the team. This author has been reading some crazy mysteries and conspiracy theory books as her inspiration for developing this series. It’s got romance (and steam) but the OTB series is more about the mystery, the tension, the surprises, and friendships with this cast of characters. You’ll feel a lot of emotions reading this one. Sit back and enjoy the story.
Amy Shaffer –
HOLY BOMBSHELL!!!!!!!!! Beware of the cliffhanger……..
First of all… Nicole… HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!
Now that I’ve said that… I don’t think I can stress enough how much I love this series. The mystery, the spice, the angst, and the fun. I love it so much. These characters have me in a chokehold. This book picks up right where book 11 stopped. I would highly suggest reading books 1-11 before you pick this one up. Even though Nicole does a fabulous job of giving a little backstory, you’ll still want to full picture before you go into this book.
Brantley and Reese are trying to live their best newlywed life. JJ and Baz are on the cusp of parenthood. Atticus, Slade, and Carson are trying to figure out where they stand and how their situationship is going to work (while trying to overcome their own personal hurdles). We meet a new character and his potential love interest (and let me tell you the pining and angst with this character… chef’s kiss).
All of this while statues (yes you read that right), and trying to uncover a missing person/conspiracy theroy?! It makes for one heck of a ride!
Teresa M –
Well, I’m not sure where to start with this review, there is so much going on in this book and the ending is something else. Nicole is an evil genius and I applaud the ending of this book, even if I am incredibly annoyed with her! 😂 I hope that we don’t have to wait too long for the next instalment.
Brantley and Reese are incredibly happy and it’s so good to see. They’ve been through so much and it’s so nice to have them in such a good place.
All the Task Force seem to be sorting themselves out and working well together. It’s ever changing but I love how they all seem to take it in their stride.
JJ is full of her usual spice and sass and keeping Baz and everyone on their toes. I’m loving these two together and I’m so hoping they get to stay in their happy place for as long as possible. JJ really deserves some peace in her life.
The story itself is moving on with more bits and pieces slotting in. It’s definitely gearing up for something big to happen and this book definitely puts us on the path to some resolutions. I hoping they will be good ones but who knows. I hope that we get the answers we need from the mic drop in this story sooner rather than later.
I adore this world and these characters and the next book can’t come soon enough.
sandra ramirez –
This author is one of two that no matter what they write I will make sure to own it, read it and tell you what I think about the current book. Missing Pieces is book 12 in this series and OH MY Giddy Aunt it is loaded with characters and information that will keep you reading this way past bedtime. When i read this author’s books I can always picture in my mind the scenes and characters. Not only that the situations with each character. Talking HEAT!
Adrienne S –
Wow first that last chapter omg . The cliffhanger cant wait for the next book . This book was so good Brantley and Reece are newlyweds and happy . I love that Baz and JJ finally had the twins, and the other couples I am looking forward to more about them all. Now that story they are working on will lead to the shock of the last chapter . trust me you will be shocked like I was hurry with the next book
Terry –
Where to start? Nicole Edwards just does it right. When you have romance, messed up relationships, a mystery of the missing mascot, the long-awaited birth, and then the most serious missing pieces to a tragedy that broke all our hearts, all in one book, how could it be so perfect ? and yet it is. Brantley and Reese continue their perfect marriage and running a business that continues to grow as more people are brought in. The biggest problem is the relationships that pop up. So many characters to keep straight yet not a problem. The book flows so perfectly, with surprises and steam that keep you reading. Old friends are brought back, Yea Walkers. Love those guys. They help solve one problem, and the continuing research of a major issue might just bring everyone to their knees. I turned the last page and literally let out a scream. WHAT?? No way it ends like that. The book is brilliant, loveable characters, a story that keeps you glued to the pages, and an ending that blows your emotions all over.
Terry –
Where to start? Nicole Edwards just does it right. When you have romance, messed up relationships, a mystery of the missing mascot, the long awaited birth, and then the most serious missing pieces to a tragedy that broke all our hearts, all in one book, how could it be so perfect ? and yet it is. Brantley and Reese continue their perfect marriage and running a business that continues to grow as more people are brought in. The biggest problem is the relationships that pop up. So many characters to keep straight yet not a problem. The book flows so perfectly, with surprises and steam that keep you reading. Old friends are brought back, Yea Walkers. Love those guys. They help solve one problem, and the continuing research of a major issue might just bring everyone to their knees. I turned the last page and literally let out a scream. WHAT?? No way it end like that? The book is brilliant, loveable characters, a story that keeps you glued to the pages, and an ending that blows your emotions all over.
Erin Lewis –
5 Star Review Missing Pieces (Brantley Walker: Off The Books #12) by Nicole Edwards
Nicole Edwards has done it again. Missing Pieces is a fast paced, action packed story with numerous storyline’s that will keep you in the edge of your seat whilst reading.
From the first paragraph I was hooked on the story that she wove. Podcaster Simon Jennings brings a case to Brantley and his team that is intriguing and complicated.
Full of passion, secrets, twists and turns that you may or may not see coming you will have a hard time putting this one down.
Denise Reyes –
WOW.. I swear Nicole Edwards knows how to keep you glued to her books. I could not put this down. Missing Pieces (Brantley Walker: Off the Books Book 12) is so so good!!!! No, it’s AWESOME.. Every single book Nicole writes, is better than the one before.. I get so excited when it’s almost release time. I mean it’s like waiting for santa…. You know your getting something good, but not sure what it’s going to be. I know I’m not the best at these reviews, but OMG!!! Go and start reading ALL her books. Start at the beginning, trust me you don not want to miss ANYTHING… Thank you again Nicole Edwards for another AWESOME book. Now to wait for the next one. And I KNOW it will be worth the wait….
Susan Ouellet –
Let me start off by saying, if this is your first story by this author in this world, (or even your second), There WILL be some spoilers into previous stories in the series. My recommendation? Search for a reading order so you won’t be hit by a surprise or two that you may not have been expecting (and yes, I had one or two of those hit me broadside but I knew there would be so not angry about it lol). This story contains multiple POV’s in the timeline that takes place after a wedding and as the team (part of Sniper 1) starts to ramp up with hiring and working cold cases. There are drop ins from characters in this universe you know if you have read previous books (in this series AND other series) and there is quite a lot going on while feeling like not a whole lot going on if that makes any sense. A famous podcaster comes into play in this story with a wild conspiracy (or maybe not a conspiracy) that pulls the team together to try to solve it. There is a heck of a mic drop at the end of this story that will leave you both reeling and itching for the next story. New relationships are formed while others fall to the wayside and the fun begins for the new parents who finally name their children….well, I’m not telling. You will have to read it to know but I absolutely loved the chosen names. (Gotta say, it is HARD to write this review without dropping any spoilers but I think I got it done.) Loved this story and absolutely am excited for the next.
Amy H –
WOW—Nicole Edwards is a master at weaving a suspenseful plot, connecting her other storylines and characters, plus her signature spicy romance, into yet another book that you can’t put down. “Missing Pieces” continues the Brantley Walker: Off the Books Universe. The story picks up after “To Have & To Hold” (OTB #11) and intersects with “Violet” (Walkers of Coyote Ridge Book 12). If you haven’t read these books, I highly recommend catching up, as the storyline is a continuation and this review may contain spoilers.
In “Missing Pieces,” we catch up with the OTB Task Force a few weeks after Brantley and Reese’s wedding. The newest members of Coyote Ridge—author Holt, true crime podcaster Simon, and his lead investigator, Archer—join the OTB Task Force to help prove an intricate conspiracy theory. The conspiracy has ties to Max Adorite, the head of the Southern Boys Mafia, and Kylie Walker, the murdered wife of Travis and Gage Walker. As the team dives into the timeline and key players, they realize the more they uncover, the closer to home the conspiracy hits. When they find a jaw-dropping piece of evidence, Brantley has to face Travis Walker with a bombshell that will send the entire Walker Family into a tailspin.
“Missing Pieces” is fast-paced and not only continues the love story of Brantley and Reese but also follows JJ and Baz’s new family, Atticus, Slade, and Carson’s budding throuple, and gives us more backstory about the falling out between siblings Slade and Spencer. This is what I love about Nicole Edwards’s storytelling—she brings the reader along the main plot line while always giving glimpses and continuation to the side stories that are such a rich part of her universe. The way she can intersect her storylines and characters is pure genius. “Missing Pieces” serves up almost every character universe Nicole Edwards has created, and it does not disappoint!
Brandi Morrone –
Brantley and Reese are finally getting their happily ever after. This is another amazing book in the series! I absolutely love how Nicole Edwards brings life to her characters. Each character demonstrates the depth and complexity of the task force. The twists and turns will keep you positively captivated.
Renee Henson –
There is so much going on in this book, I’m not even sure where to start this review. I was really happy to be back in the Brantley Walker: Off the Books Series. I have loved every book I have read in this series and Missing Pieces is no exception. I loved seeing that Brantley and Reese are incredibly happy. These two have really been through a lot to get to this point. The members of the task force are in better shape than the last book I read and thing seems to be falling into place for everyone. I feel like this book is really good, but one that might be leading up to something that is going to blow all of our butts out of the water. I really loved reading this book. This series just keeps getting better and better. You do not want to miss this book.
Marybeth Casale –
OMG my mind is blown. Absolutely blown after that info drop in the last chapter!
Up until that point we got oodles of good sexy stuff from Brantley and Reese, and more of JJ and Baz and babies FINALLY! The relationship between Atticus, Slade, and Carson is still having its own set of issues trying to find a way to navigate it. Some pretty hot moments there too. We also have the new Archer/Spencer dynamic that will be fun to see if they find a way to work things out.
All and all this is another amazing addition to this crazy addictive series! Bring on more soon please, Nicole! Don’t leave me hanging.
Ann Goubert –
Every single story that you read in this series just takes you to a place that makes you laugh out loud but also have emotional moments that make you want to read chapter by chapter to hopefully unravel what is going on and what’s next for Brantley and his team. I still love the connection to other series that the author has written but I love the chemistry between the characters the most. I figured some things out and we get a major ending that will blow your socks off.
Brantley’s now newly married and looking for some more members for his team. He finds what he is looking for but without one of his key members Jessica (J.J.), it’s a bit harder to move everything around. Everyone is doing the best they can. While everyone is trying to figure out the clues of a mystery surrounding Kylie’s mother, the new members find their place within the team. Will they unravel the mystery?…
Maria –
Missing Pieces, beginning to end. A map needs to be laid out. But is the journey what one is searching for?
OMG, let’s leave it at that.
Words cannot express what has been read. Missing Pieces has been in the works for a while from my understanding. If you have been reading the OTB series plus the Walkers, you will have an understanding to my reference. It appears it has all been leading to this. Confusing maybe. DEFINITELY won’t spoil as this is a must read.
Ever done a puzzle and you are missing 1 piece? You find it and it all comes together? This is what is happening here. Definitely a cliffhanger but for whom? Won’t drop names as there are still so many questions to solve. Who, when and most importantly “why”?
There was a lot more here within the read.
Relationships are a struggle for some. Smooth for others. More M/M, M/M/M in question.
*Breathtaking
*Explosive
*Questionable
*Emotional Rollercoaster
*Quirky case involving a Mustang 😂🧐🧐
*Most importantly – Stay tunes
Cannot wait .
More than a 5 star review
Silke –
Missing Pieces is the 12th installment of the Brantley Walker: Off the Books series and it has to be read in order to make any sense of all the side plots and relationships going on. That said, I also highly recommend reading Violet first as well, because that is were we first met Archer and Simon, whose investigation plays a major role in this book. The ‘case’ the team are solving is more of a cutesy mystery than heart-pounding suspense and while there’s a touch of humour, some new relationship drama and plenty of sexy times, the goings-on didn’t hold my attention quite as well as previous installments have. The big reveal before the cliffhanger ending is certainly a shocker and makes me hope that the next installment won’t be long in coming! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Amy Humfleet –
WOW—Nicole Edwards is a master at weaving a suspenseful plot, connecting her other storylines and characters, plus her signature spicy romance, into yet another book that you can’t put down. “Missing Pieces” continues the Brantley Walker: Off the Books Universe. The story picks up after “To Have & To Hold” (OTB #11) and intersects with “Violet” (Walkers of Coyote Ridge Book 12). If you haven’t read these books, I highly recommend catching up, as the storyline is a continuation and this review may contain spoilers.
In “Missing Pieces,” we catch up with the OTB Task Force a few weeks after Brantley and Reese’s wedding. The newest members of Coyote Ridge—author Holt, true crime podcaster Simon, and his lead investigator, Archer—join the OTB Task Force to help prove an intricate conspiracy theory. The conspiracy has ties to Max Adorite, the head of the Southern Boys Mafia, and Kylie Walker, the murdered wife of Travis and Gage Walker. As the team dives into the timeline and key players, they realize the more they uncover, the closer to home the conspiracy hits. When they find a jaw-dropping piece of evidence, Brantley has to face Travis Walker with a bombshell that will send the entire Walker Family into a tailspin.
“Missing Pieces” is fast-paced and not only continues the love story of Brantley and Reese but also follows JJ and Baz’s new family, Atticus, Slade, and Carson’s budding throuple, and gives us more backstory about the falling out between siblings Slade and Spencer. This is what I love about Nicole Edwards’s storytelling—she brings the reader along the main plot line while always giving glimpses and continuation to the side stories that are such a rich part of her universe. The way she can intersect her storylines and characters is pure genius. “Missing Pieces” serves up almost every character universe Nicole Edwards has created, and it does not disappoint!
Nadine Bookaholic –
Friggin stellar read, I didn’t want it to end, and that ending had me wanting to throw my Kindle across the room. As you may know, if you have been following my reviews, I don’t give spoilers, so don’t expect any here, even though I want to scream and shout over the ending. I will hold my tongue, or in this case, I will erase anything that remotely sounds like a spoiler.
In this episode of Brantley Walker: Off the Books, we have some interesting things going on. We are adding more members to the team, We have some tiny additions to the team as well, an interesting case pops up at the local high school which Attiucs and Slade are handling (lets hope they handle that better than their relationship) AAAANNNNDDDD the guys and gals are looking into a case that they didn’t even know existed, is it a real case or is it a conspieracy theory?
I highly recommend reading this series in the order it has been released. If you want to go a step further, the author has a reading order list because this series cuts across some of her other series, not that those need to be read to follow this one, but if you’re going to read them anyway, why not read them in the order they are flowing. This one intersects with VIOLET, so it may contain some spoilers for that book if you haven’t read it already.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy STEAMY Romantic Suspense, LGBTQA+ Romances, Workplace Romances, former Military Romances, Law Enforcement Romances, Family Saga Romances, or Small-Town Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
Marcia –
WOW! WOW! Just Wow! Missing Pieces kept me on the edge of my seat! Nicole Edwards is a master at keeping her readers’ interests and preventing them from putting her books down once they begin them! What an amazing ride Missing Pieces is! I am telling you this series just keeps getting better and better with each book! The building of the suspense and mystery with each additional book keeps me coming back for more and more.
In Missing Pieces, Brantley and Reese are newlyweds, JJ and Baz are awaiting the arrival of the twins, and now we are getting introduced to Simon, a true crime podcaster, and Archer, who is an investigator with Simon’s podcast, but has been offered a job with the Off the Books Task Force, which leads to the team becoming involved in the conspiracy involving Kylie’s mom and Max Adorite, which Holt came across while researching for his new book! OMG Friends…this is where our story takes off and doesn’t let the reader go, but the ending of this one definitely left us fending for ourselves! We, readers, need the next installment of this series ASAP!! Big reveals are coming for sure!!
Friends, if you want to be sitting on the edge of your seat, taken in by a total mystery, and fall in love with some of the best characters ever written then you need to read Missing Pieces, better yet, start from the beginning of the Off the Books Task Force series! You will not be disappointed. This is an amazing series! Nicole Edwards never disappoints her readers!