This Series Just Keeps Getting Better

Carving Graves is book 2 in The KORT Series and once again, another page turner! The secrets and twists had me biting my nails the entire time. The relationship between Liam and Celeste was both spicy and swoon worthy. The spice was top notch and once again I fell in love with this little found family. I enjoyed the glimpses into Wells and Ivy’s life and the banter between everyone.
The attention to detail in this book and the way the narrators brought it to life was so amazing it was like I was seeing a movie in my head as I read. The narration was phenomenal. This is hands down my favorite performance from Aiden Snow to date. He was the perfect Liam; that deep and growly voice was perfect for not only delivering the dirty talk and possessiveness but he also portrayed Liam’s vulnerable side so well. Angelina Rocco brought Celeste’s fierce and fiery personality to life perfectly. The two both brought so much emotion to their performances as they brought this fantastic story to life.

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✨ DEFINITELY A ‘ONE CLICK’ AUTHOR FROM NOW ON ✨

Firstly, if you haven’t already listened to Burning Ivy (book 1) in the series, please - please - please start there - otherwise you’ll be doing yourself, this book and Brandy Hynes a grave disservice. Because, apart from being an awesome listen, there’s so much detail about the characters, their backgrounds and motivations, their friendships and dynamics, the dangerous complex world they’re center stage in and their damaged hearts that’ll each be given to strong women. It’s the foundation stone to the secret KORT society series. However, if you have already listened to book 1, then you already know what this new and talented author is capable of, you’ve tasted her action packed drama, you’ve probably jumped straight here from book 1 (like I did) and you’re probably excited for Liam and Celeste’s rollercoaster to unfurl. And I’m happy to confirm it doesn’t disappoint.

Celeste is living a princess legacy she doesn’t want, her whole persona is fake and she longs to be seen as her true self. Liam is top table KORT cabal, he and his teammates make people disappear.. either by arrangement.. or by crossing them! There’s been friction between these two from first meeting in book 1. Misunderstandings, misjudgements and a lot of verbal missiles thrown both ways. However, beneath it all, their sizzling chemistry burns and you just know the countdown’s started, it’s going to be explosive and the fallout will be fire.. which it most definitely was🥰😉🪭. But, like the previous book, there’s so much more to unpack and unravel too. The brotherhood of these four men is awesome. Ivy and Celeste’s bff bond and changing dynamics within the group is heartwarming. And, the alpha possessiveness, growth, purpose, secrets, suspense, twists, tension, loyalty, heat and love that’s weaved into and wrapped around this absolutely delicious story, created a very addictive listen. And a big plus is the duet-style five star voice acting by Aiden and Angelica which brought the characters and chapters to life - so it was easy to imagine the scenes as they played out as one delicious chapter moves quickly to the another.

Worth a credit? Yes, definitely.. it’s well-paced, very entertaining, sizzles and leans heavily on found family bonds. And now I’m jumping straight into book 3.

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2 people found this helpful

Obsessed!

This is the second book in the Kort Series and is best enjoyed after reading the first. It’s a fantastic continuation of the world introduced through Ivy and Wells, but this time, the focus is on Liam and Celeste. Their dynamic is filled with tension, frustration, and undeniable intrigue. Once Liam decides Celeste is his, he refuses to let anything stand in his way, while Celeste struggles with meeting expectations that don’t align with her true desires.

I loved watching them grow together, helping each other heal from past insecurities and trauma. The narrators did an outstanding job, capturing Liam’s gruff demeanor and Celeste’s sass perfectly. Just like the first book, the attention to detail in this one was incredible. If you loved book one, you’ll definitely love this one too. A must listen!

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Action packed

Carving Graves is the second book in the KORT series, and it can be read as a standalone, but reading the first book helps with the reading experience.

It’s been a while since I’ve read Burning Ivy, the first book, and I forgot the whole secret society aspect. But I loved it and how they were all so protective of each other; it was like their found family.

Now, Liam and Celeste. Wheew, they hated each other, but they also could not stay away from each other. The tension, the banter, the chemistry between them? So good.

This is action-packed, and it’s full of suspense. There were plot twists I didn’t see coming, and I love when that happens. I enjoyed this, and I can’t wait for the next book.

Audio:
Narrators: Angelina Rocca and Aiden Snow
Narration style: Duet

Both narrators did an amazing job bringing the story and characters to life. They both had the perfect voice for their respective character, and they definitely made this an enjoyable listening experience.

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Liam and Celeste

I devoured this book!! I was obsessed with Burning Ivy and couldn’t see how this book could top it but it did! Move over Wells and make room for Liam.

I am obsessed with this book. It was so well written and descriptive, I love Brandy’s writing style. In Burning Ivy I was curious about Liam so I was so excited we got to know more about him in this book.
Liam and Celeste are perfect for each other. I loved their story. They had the best banter and chemistry. Celeste was such a great FMC. She was strong and loyal but she went through so much in this book. I really felt for her and how she was broken but trying to always be strong for everyone else. I was so happy with her character growth.
Liam was the ideal morally grey MMC. He was possessive, obsessed, but then also had a soft side and was vulnerable with Celeste and I honestly ate it up.
I also really enjoy the found family aspect of the book. The group as a whole has the best banter. Celeste and Ivy would do anything for each other.
This book had me on my toes!! I was literally screaming at the end and my mouth dropped! There were so many twists and secrets revealed that I did not see coming and I could not get enough.

I listened to the audio of this book and the narrators did a fantastic job! Aiden Snow was perfect for Liam!!! I also enjoyed Angelica Rocca for Celeste. Both of the narrators really became the characters, and it made me not want to stop listening.

Rating ⭐️: 5/5
Spice 🌶️: 3/5
Audio 🎧: 5/5

🖤 Mafia/ secret society
🖤 He falls first & hard
🖤 Touch her & 💀
🖤 Found family
🖤 Morally grey MMC & strong FMC
🖤 Possessive/ Jealous MMC
🖤 Forbidden/ secret relationship
🖤 Close proximity

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Currently on ch 25

I love the plot so far…and I’ve always been open-minded in regard to narrators bc I haven’t read any of these books..

However, I did listen to Burning Ivy first and I think that’s why I’m disappointed in Celeste in this book-in the 1st book her personality was more outgoing, especially in conversations with Ivy directly; and she was more snippy when the crew showed up in Paris.

So far, Celeste is disappointing me-I know we’re supposed to get more insight to her thoughts (and actually I relate to these thoughts) but even when she has conversations with Ivy or any of the guys now, she comes off as very self conscious and has a lot of self doubt so far when she’s interacting with any of the guys…I guess in this book I expected more of her based on her former personality

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Snick...Flick...Flame! Loved this!!!

Carving Graves is book #2 in the K.O.R,T. series and it is just as thrilling as book #1. **If you haven't read book #1, you are definitely getting spoilers with this story. Liam puts on a mask to hide years of abuse and pain, never showing his real self, never getting close to anyone. Until Celeste Carver. She's got a job to do for her family...marry a politician. She and Liam butt heads until that heated passion finds them in Smexytown. Another age-gap, uber protective, dark romance filled with suspense, intrigue and betrayal. This is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Just a sweet little tease for Ty's story!

The narration is *chef's kiss* perfect! Aiden Snow and Angelina Rocca bring ALL the Liam and Celeste vibes to their performance. This duo is 5/5 spice-filled stars!!

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The Game changer and His Ace

Where do I begin? First one of my favorite tropes which is an addictive enemies-to-lovers romance that completely captivated me. Celeste and Liam are unforgettable—she’s the polished, duty-bound "princess" hiding her cracks, and he’s the dangerously unhinged cabal leader who sees straight through her mask. Their chemistry is explosive, and the tension between them is electric as they navigate corruption, chaos, and a game where the stakes are life and death.

The story is packed with twists that kept me on edge, especially with lines like “Never let them see. Always keep them guessing. Play their game.” ringing true for both characters. Two of my favorite narrators, Angelina Rocca and Aiden Snow, brought so much depth to Celeste and Liam—her vulnerability and his raw intensity felt so real. Their performances made this already gripping story impossible to pause.

I'm patiently waiting for Tytan's story...

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I swear this series just keeps getting better...

Book two in the KORT series picks up just a little bit after where we left off in book one. Celeste has come to stay with Ivy and the guys for a bit. She's stuck between finding her own path and the pressure to follow the path her family is pushing her down. Unfortunately that path is pushing her to find a nice, boring politician to settle down with. Meanwhile she's finding it harder and harder to ignore her growing feelings for Liam.

Liam is so sure he knows exactly who Celeste is and what she wants out of life. The other guys in their tightknit, found family are finding ways to learn more about Celeste as a person and connecting with her in their own unique ways. This definitely goes a long way to get Liam to open his eyes and actually see her past the mask she puts on for everyone.

Along the way they try to unravel the mystery of who is after Celeste and her family and what's so important that it puts her in constant danger. Liam is determined to get Celeste to break free and stand up for herself while she's determined not to let her family down. Their journey is so intense, emotional, spicy, and just fantastic.

This book was so good! The nontraditional family they're all building is so amazing. I'm sitting over here making a wish list of potential books in this world. I want all their stories including the Noires and anyone else we collect along the way. Such a great world to dive into. Just two books in and it's definitely a series on my list to re-read later on down the road when I can binge them all when it's complete. I can't wait for Ty's story next.

AUDIOBOOK UPDATE: This was done in a duet style narration with a couple of great narrators bringing this story to life. The audiobook was a re-read for me and just made me fall in love with this story and this world as a whole all over again. So good!

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Mind altering

SNICK. FLICK. FLAME.

After reading Burning Ivy, I was obcessed. How did it take me so long to come across this author and her amazing series. This brings me to a whole nother level of mafia romance, I didn't know I was obcessed with.

Celeste Carver is Ivy's best friend and has a legacy of her own that she is expected to live up to. One she does not want. Liam Graves is a cabal leader for KORT who doesn’t get involved. Except where Celeste is involve. These two have chemistry that will alter everything.

With Celeste having worked her whole life to please her family, will Liam be the choice that she trades it all for? His tortured past has made him the man he is. The lifestyle that is forced upon Celeste is not one that Liam can stand by and let her suffer through. The way these two needed each other is mind altering.

Brandy has a way with words and captivating you from the very first page. The on page chemistry can be felt in your soul. The characters and their stories are pure perfection and leave you wanting so much more.

I listened to the audio version of this narrated by Angelina Rocca & Aiden Snow. These two brought these characters to life and I loved every minute of it.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Book Tropes:
♠️ Morally Grey MMC
♠️ OTT J/P Hero
♠️ Hate to Love/Enemies to Lovers
♠️ Mafia/Secret Society
♠️ Dark Romantic Suspense
♠️ Forbidden/Secret Relationship
♠️ Forced Proximity
♠️ Found Family
♠️ He Falls First and HARD
♠️ Touch Her and 💀
♠️ Praise K!nk

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