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Inside the Grey
Historical Romance
Brayden Wakefield is quickly losing faith that the encroaching hostilities will end peaceably. He and his neighbors, Fletcher Stedman and Royce Carlyle, seem to be in the minority in their belief that the war would not end in a few months. They sense any clash would be long and brutal. But their loyalty to one another supplants their reluctance, and they are drawn into the politics and atrocities to save their kidnapped comrade, Caleb Jenkins. Nothing is as it seems, however. The gentlemen, turned raiders, squirrel behind enemy lines. Brayden uncovers lies and intrigue on both sides but as he and his fellow raiders execute their audacious plan, as they torch the layers of the conspiracy, Brayden finds love hidden among the ashes. |
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Awards/Recognition2nd Place
7th Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest Historical 2022 Eric Hoffer Book Award First Runner Up Romance Category 2021 Chanticleer International Book Awards Chatelaine Finalist Sample/PreviewFor a book preview, please Click Here
Notes of InterestISBN-10 : 1680469576
ISBN-13 : 978-1680469578 |
Reviews5 Stars
Inside the Grey by Bobbi Groover is a story of love, war, heroism, and friendship that exceeds all boundaries, knows no end to its depths, and what one human will do for another. Two key characters have come together under trying circumstances with one aim, to fight a common enemy and help find those they love and respect, freeing them from a world of injustice and needless death. They have with them friends who have very different thoughts, opinions and plans that both help and hinder their goals; friends who in a time of need cause them to doubt themselves and their plans to save the ones they love so dearly, and themselves, as they find out to their sadness. Brayden and Kawley, who have their own pasts and demons to combat, are now trying to deal with the future of their beloved friends and family. Taking so many risks along the way, they endeavor to bring both themselves and their friends to a happy ending. In a book filled with dramatic plots and drama, with its title Inside the Grey becoming obvious within these twists, will they achieve their goals? Bobbi Groover writes a wonderful story with Inside the Grey, taking you back to the American Civil War. The story has you torn between tender, slowly evolving love and action in a time of deep despair for friends during the mad world of reckless war. It holds both romance and drama in equal and beautiful measures. Bobbi Groover writes two quite different storylines interwoven in a gripping tale that had me completely captivated. Both stories are equally as important to the book and as breathtaking as each other, having me wanting to enjoy every single line that led me further into its drama. It has a number of striking characters that both enthralled and at stages annoyed me. All add a playful and dramatic edge to the storyline. The two key characters introduce their companions with an ease of reading and believability that drew me into the story with a sense of belonging. Its twists and turns would be worthy of any lover of this genre. An amazing journey into a bygone era that concludes with a happy ending! This book was a Genre I have never read until now, but it was so well written it had me staying up very late to read it, so enjoyable. — Bernadette Diane Anderson for Readers’ Favorite This read as a true saga. Every character was fully developed and will leave readers feeling like they know each personality inside and out. Brayden will break your heart with his hurt and regrettable loss. Kawley will have readers cheering her on as she tackles every obstacle and overcomes past trauma. Disguises are worn. Secrets are held. Friendships are made. At any given moment, anything can happen. This is a well told story of remorse, determination, surprises, friendship, and love.
LOVE LIST
--Jill Piscitello, author of “Homemakers’ Christmas” Historical romance readers will find Inside the Grey a moving story of the Civil War and its effects that touch the lives of wealthy landowner friends and neighbors Brayden and Fletcher: "Brayden needed no crystal ball to see conflagration and bloodshed—nations, states, counties, and families torn asunder, hemorrhaging with wounds that might never heal. Neither he nor the others was ready to be drawn into the world outside of their properties. They didn’t hate the Yankees; they just wanted peace."
When Union leaders kidnap attorney and friend Caleb Jenkins, accusing him of hiding a rebel convict, conflict draws Brayden into the war with a personal attack that imparts the message that nobody can remain neutral—or safe. From Brayden's confrontation with the world outside his familiar and privileged life to Kawley Chatterton's urgent mission and struggles with trauma (which leads her to draw a pistol on stranger Brayden as she searches for a brother who has also been kidnapped), the story takes a series of twists and turns. Characters ride into traps, take on confrontations and struggles outside their familiar world, and find that strangers can quickly become enemies or lovers as the blanket of war covers them all. Bobbi Groover injects clues to these characters' changes and perceptions to add an extra dimension of understanding and insight into their encounters with one another: "She knew the ‘miss’ would disappear as soon as they reached the others, but it surely felt nice to hear. The small kindness reminded her of another time long ago when life had made sense. For the moment, why shouldn’t she allow the dashing, elegant gentleman to bear the brunt of the hunt for a day or two?" Brayden keeps a 'grey book' journal that traces his journey, leading Fletcher to question secrets that never seem to go beyond the written word: "...perhaps if you say it out loud instead of to a written page, you can scatter it to the wind. It will be gone, and your mind won’t be shackled inside the grey journal.” He rose and retrieved a bandage from the saddlebag. Brayden watched his friend’s hand rest momentarily on the corner of the grey book." From Brayden's struggle with loss to Kawley's courage in confronting war and romance, Groover brings her characters to life. She adds nuances set against the backdrop of war that reach out to embrace individual struggle as yet another thread of interpersonal connections that reside beneath the political and military face of world-changing events. Inside the Grey is not your typical Civil War account. It moves from the wartime milieu into the lives, challenges, and struggles of disparate individuals who each grasp pain and solace too tightly. Brayden's grey journal is both his confessional and solace. It may also be the key to his heart that ultimately frees him from the past. This love story's unexpected progression against the Civil War's evolution and, particularly, its feisty and flawed characters in Brayden and Kawley makes for a read that romance readers will find afire with purpose, passion, and perceptions that go beyond the usual Civil War saga. Inside the Grey is highly recommended for romance readers who like their history strong, personal, and supercharged with survivors' recoveries and love. --D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Inside the Grey by Bobbi Groover is a historical romance novel set at the beginning of the Civil War. Brayden Wakefield is a Southern landowner in Virginia. He's been grieving the loss of his wife for the past two years, but when he receives word that his neighbor, Caleb Jenkins has been taken by Union raiders, Brayden sets off with a group of other men to rescue their friend. Along the way, Brayden meets a women named Kawley Chatterton. Disguised as a man, she has been trailing to the same raiders, who have also captured her brother, Riley. Kawley is determined to save Riley--with or without the help of Brayden and the others. Can Brayden and Kawley succeed in rescuing the two men and returning home?
Author Bobbi Groover provides a riveting western novel that kept my interest through the entire book and I enjoyed reading it. It was filled with adventure and intrigue and history. At the beginning of the story, I felt as uncertain as Brayden about Kawley's true motives and her past, not knowing if what she said was the truth or lies. She had a feisty attitude and I wanted to like her, but didn't know if I should because of the possibility that she might end up betraying Brayden. As the story progressed, I liked the interactions between Kawley and Brayden as they rode together, and how they helped each other--not just in their aim to rescue Caleb and Riley, but also with the demons from their past. They shared several moments of dark humor to lighten the grimness of their task. I liked the link between the book's title and Brayden's journal (with a grey cover) that he always carried with him and wrote in often. The ending was a Happy For Now, rather than Happily Ever After, which I much appreciated, but I would have liked to see what happened to Brayden and Kawley after the end of the war; maybe in a follow-up novel. Inside the Grey is an emotionally charged historical romance novel that takes readers through a detailed world filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. --Literary Titan Brayden Wakefield had become a shell after the death of his wife, Lavinia. He felt he contributed to the death of his wife, and he was filled with guilt all the time. But he would wait for fate to heal him someday. His world was in turmoil, with an all-out war ready to begin. He would figure out with his friends how to escape these problems. But fate had other plans in store. Sage, the wife of Caleb, their attorney-friend, burst into the house to tell them that "Union Raiders" had taken Caleb. They were not ready for war, but it seemed fate had brought it to their doorstep. They had to get Caleb back but at what cost? Would fate only throw tragedies at them? On this adventure, Brayden found his mission entangled with Kawley Chatterton. Many secrets would unfold, and lives would be endangered, but would they be happy after their adventure ends? Will their adventure give birth to another tragedy?
The book Inside The Grey by Bobbi Groover was an adventure novel that I found immense pleasure reading. I admired the creativity behind the plot, which involved a general war but was narrowed down to a particular group. Abraham Lincoln had called for the troops, but in the book, we found Brayden and his companion, Fletcher Stedman, on a different mission entirely to save their friend. Their mission was situated within the war, which heightened the feeling of anticipation and apprehension. The feeling was phenomenal, and it made this a book I will surely love to read again. I also enjoyed the humor in the book. Fletcher and Brayden’s conversation when they had to pretend to be two mutes had me giggling. Also, Brayden’s first meeting with Kawley, her heart retorts, and witty answers refreshed me. I learned so much from the dialogue between the characters, and I believe most readers will find it drilling too. There was nothing I considered negative, and the structure of the book was perfectly executed, and the pages were numbered correctly. I read the book through different formats, and I could trace my progress throughout the book. The author ensured that nothing could hinder a complete enjoyment of the book. The book was exceptionally well edited, as no errors were found in the book. Therefore, I will rate it four out of four stars due to its perfect execution. I recommend this book to those who love historical adventures and romance. --Online Book Club Two men, Brayden and Kawley, desperately tracking Northern Raiders who've abducted a best friend and a beloved brother, must work together to rescue their loved ones. Shocked to discover the young man he takes under his wing is actually a young woman, Brayden keeps Kawley’s secret from his oldest friend, causing tension as the three track the raiders. Kawley, who is also hiding from her brutal fiancé who is trying to hunt her down, is determined not to let her guard down as Brayden continues to put his life on the line for her. Through many dangerous situations the bond between Brayden and Kawley grows stronger, but will it be able to hold up against Kawley's nemesis and the constant threat of capture and death? Their mission, filled with surprises and danger, threatens old friendships and opens their hearts to love.
"Inside the Grey" is a daunting race against time! An adventure raging with threats to a love built from slow burning desires. Readers will find characters complex, amusing, and brave. The typical brooding hero questing for redemption and the feisty heroine determined to save the last of her family are combined with an audacious plot filled with thrilling action, undeniable chemistry, and the chilling specter of slavery. Chasing the enemy, questioning loyalties, and fighting grief while tasting passion, Brayden and Kawley risk it all in the name of love, taking readers along on a thrilling journey. Readers will hurtle back in time, hanging on with baited breath as Ms. Groover's tale is told with vivid depictions of guilt, grief, and the bonds of family, friendship, freedom, and love. --Tonya Mathenia, InD’Tale Magazine Inside the Grey is a thrilling and moving historical novel that is the perfect novel for those looking to be taken on a twisty-turny and emotive journey. The story the reader will encounter in Inside the Grey is shocking but also sensational, and perfectly takes you back in time to the Civil War. As I read the book I noticed that the story is shrouded in a tremendous amount of suspense but also emotion and the reader will not be able to guess where the plot is going at all and that is thanks to the talented author Bobbi Groover and how thrilling her literature is and how incredible her ability to keep her reader guessing from beginning to end is!
Inside the Grey is a moving novel that is emotive, romantic as well as shocking, and it is a novel that will take readers on an incredible journey. Inside the Grey will introduce the reader to many characters, one of them being Brayden Wakefield; the star of the novel who amongst the Civil War loses faith that the fighting states will end in peace. The reader will follow Brayden on his journey during this Civil War accompanied by his neighbors to rescue their kidnapped comrade and this book lovers is the short premise of the incredible Inside the Grey! The story of Inside the Grey is well-developed with many layers that are all intricately well-developed as well as intriguing. The multiple layers throughout Inside the Grey, are fascinating and will have readers minds racing with thoughts as the reader is compelled to think about the story and where it will end up. Bobbi Groover is an incredible author because she manages to pull the reader into the novel, captivate them and compel them to read from beginning to end and Groover does this by lacing twists and turns throughout her book which will keep readers on edge. I tried to predict the plot many times, but Groover’s story is so unpredictable that I could never once guess it correctly! The fact that the plot is so unpredictable makes it enthralling from beginning to end, and this is all thanks to the genius writer Bobbi Groover! Inside the Grey is incredibly captivating thanks to its incredible suspense and tension laced throughout the book as well as the author’s stellar writing that compelled me to read from the very beginning. Bobbi Groover can only be described as a literary talent as she knows how to captivate her readers from the start. Groover is a writer who does not hold back, she thrusts her reader into the thick of the drama very early on, and she keeps them turning the pages thanks to her excellent descriptive powers. Overall Inside the Grey is a stunning piece of fiction that will thrill and excite its readers, and so I have no choice but to award this brilliant book five stars! If you are a reader who is looking to get lost in a fascinating tale, then this book is definitely for you so please, do not miss out on the opportunity of reading this superb book! --Red Headed Book Lover RECOMMENDED
They were sensations he had never felt before, not even with Lavinia." This captivating story follows the adventures of Brayden, who is searching for his best friend, Caleb. Union raiders took him because he was accused of hiding a rebel convict. They plan on hanging him. Brayden is ready to do anything possible to find his dear friend. Life has not been easy for him because he is still grieving the tragic death of his wife. At this point, it is essential for him not to lose another loved one. Brayden begins this journey with the help of his friends. Along the way, he crosses paths with Kawley, a mysterious lady with many talents. She is looking for her brother, who was also taken by the Union raiders. She is determined to find him. At first, Brayden and Kawley do not trust each other, but throughout this journey, they will come together to find their loved ones. From the story's beginning, Groover tackles the theme of brotherhood through the lenses of her protagonist. For example, Brayden considers Caleb a brother and is willing to do anything to find him and even put his own life at risk. Meanwhile, Kawley slowly becomes important to Brayden also. She is portrayed as a versatile character who can switch from a southern accent to a northern one and can also speak French. She disguises herself as a man and is believable. Brayden calls her "a veritable chameleon," and he is completely impressed by her. She has taken his breath away. The author gives a good description of the characters' psychological states. For instance, when she mentions the death of Brayden's wife, one can feel that he still feels guilty about her death. As a result, he has this urge to protect Kawley at all costs because he does not want the past to repeat itself. Groover has truly crafted an engaging read. A 2022 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List book. --Amanda Hanson, US REVIEW |