The Last Call Home

Wow, Claudia Burgoa gets your heart-pounding and takes you to the edge of your seat for this last book of her “Timberbridge Brothers” series. I have been loving this series and looking forward to Malerick’s story ever since meeting him in the earlier books. There is a lot more to Malerick than meets the eye, and we learn what brought him back home to Birchwood Springs, since he, like his other brothers, never planned on returning, and here he is, the town’s sheriff. The ongoing investigation heats up as they close in on who is trying to infiltrate and take over the town, and it is getting more dangerous for them. Then, Malerick’s past comes to town, Cassian, who brings up old memories and feelings. Cassian is there for a reason, working for the Organization, which sent him in as a reinforcement, a back-up to those already on the ground. But that may not be the only reason he is there, since he and Malerick have unfinished business. Delilah works at her mother’s bakery, a business she built from the ground. Malerick had his eye on her and she on him, but the two never got past the flirting stages, that was until Cassian joined the fun. I loved Delilah’s spirit and what she brought to the relationship, and it was great watching these three get to know each other and see their relationship morph into something so much more. These characters and their backstories intrigued me, and I thought they were great together and for each other. Cassian and Malerick were being protective of her, but not protective enough, because their worst fear came to fruition. This fast-moving, cleverly plotted story has the perfect balance of drama, angst, action, twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn, but so worth the wait romance. I loved all the layers of the story and the complex web Burgoa weaved, unwinding them while putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, keeping you guessing and on your toes. Claudia Burgoa, thank you for this incredible story and emotional rollercoaster ride, a wild ride and impressive journey.

🎧📚🎧  Claudia Burgoa has a knack for always casting the perfect narrators to bring her characters to life, and she landed with a trifecta of superbly talented voice artists. JF Harding, Jason Clarke, and Dominique Franceschi were a fantastic narration team with talent and voices that worked well together and an enthralling performance that pulls you into the story and keeps you there. Franceschi’s portrayal of Delilah was spot on, embodying her personality completely, her wit, her fierceness and determination, and was just as amazing as Delilah’s mom. JF Harding and Jason Clarke nailed it as Malerick and Cassian, both showcasing their personalities perfectly, delivering a swoon-worthy performance. Their tone and pacing were right for the story, and they conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

The Timberbridge Brothers series comes to a close with The Last Call Home and Sheriff Malerick Timberbridge. This book overlaps with Atlas and Kier's books, so there are some plot points that are picked up in TLCH that aren't necessarily fully explained. I definitely think this series needs to be read in order.

We find out what brought Malerick back to Birchwood Springs to take on the position of small-town sheriff after working for the FBI. We learn about his history with the mysterious Cassian and what the Hollow Syndicate is after. More specifically, WHO the syndicate is after. The questions and loose ends get tied up, and along the way, a nice poly relationship forms between Mal, Cass, and Delilah. I liked the twists and turns in the suspense of this story, but I really loved the character growth of Mal and Cass from the start to the end.

I really loved Jason Clarke and JF Harding as Cassian and Mal, respectively. I could listen to those two speak all day long! I wasn't as crazy about Dominique Franceschi, and I don't think it was her narration as much as it was the character; Delilah irked me. I sometimes got distracted during her inner dialogue, and I just didn't find her to be as well-written as the guys.

Overall, this was a solid series-ender! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

I have to say, I am not ready to let these Timberbridge men go! But what a story Claudia Burgoa shares! This amazing listen features Malerick. The sheriff of Birchwood Springs, there always was a mystique surrounding him, and he was up to something with shutting down the syndicate not just keeping the townspeople safe. When he sees Cassian though, it throws him. The one that got away, this man set Mal off kilter, and he does the same to Cassian. The question though is why is he in town, running the local bar and hitting on Delilah, the bakery owner. She has her eyes on Mal, but holding her at arms length may throw her right into the arms of Cass. Or would she be up to a threesome? As danger comes closer to town and lands at Delilah's feet, close proximity may do just that. But will these two be able to keep her safe? Or will their feelings get in the way? Passion, pain, danger, stalking, excitement, siblings, a meddling mother, it's all there in this fabulous ending. I could not stop listening, as Burgoa crafted a story that had me on edge and I just had to see how it all played out. This is a fabulous series with a few Easter eggs pointing to previous stories just making it all the better. This is a must listen!

JF Harding as Mal, Jason Clarke as Cassian and Domenique Franceschi as Delilah create magic with their narration. The chemistry between these three is undeniable, and the personalities they create are spot on. Their talents shine through, building the sexual tension and the dangerous suspense which pulled me in and kept me riveted. An amazing casting led to an incredible listen.