When I tell you that I have been rabid for this series and this book ever since I finished Tryst Six Venom would be a mild understatement. I was ready to part with a kidney for this story. True story. And did I love it? Absolutely. But did I also struggle with my rating, also yes.
Rich girl, poor girl,” I taunt her, kissing and biting her neck. “Y’all look the same when you’re naked.”

Now if you really want the full experience of this story, I highly recommend you read Tryst Six Venom first. While you do get the highlight reel of the background information, there's also some story arcs that simply need to be experienced in Tryst. Trust me on this. Now as for this book, this was a bit different. I've seen people compare it to Credence and it certainly has that vibe. But as someone who has read Penelope's entire backlist, the way it's written reminded me a bit of their Devil's Night series. As in, it reads very much like a saga. And while each character will have their own book, their story arc begins very early in the series. And as for this story, that was what I slightly struggled with as well.
I wanted you under my skin and your scent in my head. I couldn’t think. I did what we do when we’re dying. We rage, and I felt it on you, too. I had to hold you.”

I loved the first 20% and adored the last 30% of this book. But the middle was a bit different. What I mean by that, is that we get only abut 35% of the book with the actual main couple. Which isn't a bad thing, because the development and story arcs of the other brothers were fascinating. But it's also a struggle because the main couple themselves are so multilayered that I wanted more. Especially the MC. I could have easily read at least 200 more pages of him.

If you've read Tryst, then you remember Krisjen as Clay's best friend. I was very intrigued by her character, but I also feel like we didn't get to the full core of her. Admittedly, I struggled with her character in the beginning because while she was intriguing she was also coming across like a simp at times.

The story arc was fascinating in a way that only Penelope can do. These brothers definitely pack a heck of a punch. But I would have loved to spend more time with the main couple. As it was, I couldn't help but feel we spent the majority of the book on the set up of the series rather than the romance. Now don't get me wrong, I still devoured it, but it wasn't quite what I expected.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Am I excited for the rest of the series? Without a doubt. So I supposed I wasn't all that bothered with my minor quibbles because I still enjoyed the heck out of this story.

HOLY MOLY! Pen, what did you do to me? I haven't read a book in a while now, that had me in a vice grip from the beginning to the end, like Five Brothers did.

I couldn't put it down. My heart is still pumping like I've run miles.... It's been a long time that a book grabbed me like Five Brothers did and made me want to crawl into the pages. I couldn't read fast enough and yet I never wanted it to end. It was addictive!
Penelope Douglas writing style in FB is simply captivating. Leaving me guessing and feeling way more than I expected. I loved that all brothers get their time to shine, making it hard to root for only one of them. So I didn't, or maybe I did. ;-)

I was surprised about my feelings toward Krisjen. She's young and makes mistakes. At the same time she's strong and empathic and easy to love and fall for. I think even if she acts like her age (like she should), there are times she feels like being wise beyond her age. She's seeing people.
And I absolutely admire her for owning her sexuality like she does, not backing down.

Five Brothers had everything I'm looking for in a book: relatable characters, character growth, angst, little suspense, little bit of darkness, friendship, found family, spice, chemistry. Did I mention it's hot? Those scenes.... Penelope delivers. That's all I'm saying.

It's hands down definitely one of my top favorite reads this year! And I want more of these brothers,.... Gosh, I love them!

It is not necessary to read Tryst Six Venom before reading Five Brothers, but it enhanced my reading experience tremendously. The five Jaeger Brothers already play a huge role in TSV and you get to know the whole family dynamic of theirs. Meeting Trace, Iron, Dallas, Army and Macon in TSV, had me bonding with them emotionally already. That made it pretty easy to get attached to all of them right from the beginning in FB. So yeah, I recommend reading TSV first, but you don't have to.

If there's one thing Penelope Douglas does, it's deliver on a trope. The book's title is pretty much extremely literal here, and so readers who like their romance dark and their taboos on full display need not look anywhere else. How well this works from a believability standpoint is up for debate, but the plot chugs along at such a fast pace that it hardly matters. Douglas's writing is gripping, if not always perfectly adept, and it's impossible not to get sucked into the world they build. Recommended for readers of dark romance.

This story follows Krisjen who connects with the Swamp and one night at the Jaeger's house made her realize her true love is there. I love Penelope Douglas and was super excited to read this book. Douglas did not disappoint because I ate this book out. I really enjoyed the storyline and seeing Krisjen rule the Jaeger house. The pacing was perfect and at first I was scared that this book was huge but then it just didn't feel enough. There are many different conflicts in this book and the entire story of Krisjen finding the man made this story intruguing. This book is mainly told from Krisjen's pov and includes the brother's pov.

Krisjen is the FMC and I loved her character. She's fun, all sunshine, and would do anything for the Jaegers. Yes, she is 18 but she's mature for her age and knows not to let men take advantage of her. Her age also showcases how her mother wanted to take advantage of it. Then we have the five Jaeger brothers. I won't get much into it but I love how Douglas was making it confusing for readers to know who the man was. It obviously got predictable but I love how long it lasted. I loved all the boys (so far not including Dallas) and can't wait to read the other's books. I won't tell you the romance tropes because "spoilers" but the romance was well done and I wish we got more time with the couple. This book is also very steamy.

The ending was well done with an epilogue and a look to the next book. It's a M/M story which I am excited to see how it plays out because it's Dallas' book. I recommend checking this out but please read triggers. Note this is not a reverse harem because she ends up with one guy.

*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

i have tried a few times to pick this up, but it just not holding my interest. i am so sorry. i am wishing everyone a lot of success for this, but i sadly think this is just not for me.

This book was interesting. I love the right side vs the wrong side aspect. I expected some more twist and turns but the book was overall very good. The writing was good and the story pace was great.

A wild ride with this dark romance! There was plenty of mystery, spice and theme of found family.

*many thanks to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

Going into this I was really hoping for another Credence type vibes…..which didn’t happen.
There were heartfelt conversations in the most weirdest of times, I also didnt feel much long term compatibility between any of the characters.

Pen Douglas you are forever a fave of mine. Five Brothers is just so quintessentially a perfect Penelope Douglas book. It’s sexy and intriguing. I love the hero and I’m so glad it’s who I guessed it would be! Can’t wait for the next brothers book.

I normally love all Penelope Douglas books. She is an author who pushes the limits but I'm here for it. This one, I don't know.

Krisjen sleeps over at her boyfriends house and ends up sleeping with who she assumed was him, turns out it's one of his brothers. Now she just goes back and forth between all 5 brothers. I wish I was kidding. I don't mind reverse harem stories or even taboo, but this didn't work. I liked Macon the most but girl just goes around the family.

Was there anything else in this book? Honestly no. It had plot but it was more about the relationships than anything. Nothing bad about that but the book could have been shorter. Not a bad book, but needed something more.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a little backlogged with my ARCs but working diligently to get caught up. I really liked this book! It can be read as a standalone but fits into the Tryst Venom Six series. It has so many great spicy moments, so make sure you’re prepared for naughty! I love all the dynamics between the brothers and how they really care for their family even when they don’t always get along. I would recommend if you like your romance a little dirty with alpha males galore!

I am a hug fan of Penelope Douglas however this book for me was a solid miss in my opinion. I am not a fan of the why choose trope and wanted to try again, but it just didn't do anything for me. As a lead character, Krisjen comes off as clingy and desperate, and the guys come off as narcissistic and cruel. I really don't get this, and find I'm loosing interest in reading more from this author. I don't mind triggers or taboo, but I do mind normalizing abuse as a happy ending. For those looking to read this author, Birthday Girl is my favorite! I love a good age gap trope :)

I’m just dipping my toe into dark romance! I’ve enjoyed the books I’ve picked up so far, including Five Brothers by Penelope Douglas.

Although I’m not sure this book even qualifies! I think if you’re already a smut reader, none of it will be too surprising. I’ve read novels that are much darker. So maybe this is a “light” dark romance. But for those of you who prefer clean romances with no spice and pretty straightforward relationships, this one likely won’t be for you!

I really liked the overall storyline in Five Brothers. Some of the writing could have used a bit more editing and there are plot holes that needed more explaining, but overall it was a fun, wild ride. And there are some really sweet themes that come out of the messiness, like found family and the importance of community.

This one reads like a new adult novel, which makes sense since some of the characters are late teens/early 20s (but it’s definitely not YA!). All the characters are a little messed up and some of their choices are…questionable. But you’re allowed to be young and dumb in your 20’s. 😅

I am probably one of the few people who didn't finish this book. I just couldn't. I'm all for a good spicy, smutty book with morally gray (or black) characters and only the whiff of propriety and/or morals. And yet, I didn't care about any of the characters in this book. I've read Douglas before and loved her, but this title just did not do it for me...

Penelope Douglas is such a good writer and they writes tension and chemistry so well. This one is definitely going to be polarizing with the mystery of which brother ends up being endgame. I loved returning to the same universe from their book Tryst Six Venom and love the Jaeger family.

Always writing the unexpected storyline, Pen Douglas took as back to the other side of the tracks. And while this is not a why choose romance and has one couple at the end, it does have the FMC having some type of relationship with most of the brothers.

Even though, there is a lot of steam, the author still looks to examine the dynamics of family, loyalty, and mental health.

I couldn't finish Five Brothers, and honestly, I’m pretty shocked by the popularity of this book. The spicy scenes were downright vulgar and, frankly, not romantic at all. The moment the characters started having sex in a cop car, I was completely disgusted. This wasn’t just inappropriate; it felt degrading, and I couldn’t get behind it as any form of romance. I have to seriously question what kind of relationships people are looking for when they enjoy bully romance like this. Is this really what you want in a partner? Someone who treats you like garbage and only sees you as something to use, going from room to room for their pleasure? It’s troubling, and I just couldn’t continue. This book didn’t sit right with me at all.

WOW! Now that is a book that I wasn’t used to reading. So much mysterious play with lots of spice. I felt like I wasn’t supposed to be reading it… while also not being able to put down the book to see what happens next! I even looked up some cast suggestions for the book to help keep the five brothers aligned. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I don’t think it’s needed. Great read!

Sorry it's taken me a long time to get around to a review for this book. I thought since the main character was in Credence that it would have the same type of feel. It didn't. Sometimes I think I'm not broad minded enough for these stories, even though they are consenting adults. It is a long book but I just could not connect.

On a different note, Penelope Douglas is one of my all time favorite authors and I will give any book she writes a read.

Not the type of book I usually read, but it was (dare I say) exciting - a little bit Sons of Anarchy but with the extra spicy hot sauce option.