Brightly Burning Bridges

A Bully Romance (Kings of Capital)

De: Ivy Wild

Narrado por: Shiloh James, John Lane

Silas Jenkins, my worst enemy, stole my first kiss.

He was supposed to be a forgotten memory—a mistake I left behind a decade ago.

But then I returned home, and there he was.

To him, I’m a game he left unfinished. A challenge waiting to be conquered.

To me, he’s the storm I swore I’d never weather again.

He thinks he still has the upper hand. That I’ll fall into his orbit like I did before.

But this time, I’m not the girl he remembers.

And in my story, I’ll be the one to burn it all down.

©2021 Ivy Wild (P)2025 Blue Nose Publishing

Putting it all Together

Ivy Wild's third book in the Kings of Capital really does a great job of connecting books 1 and 2. Fair warning, this is a bully romance, which is not normally my cup of tea, but Ivy's writing made me fall in love with the story. Also, the bullying is told within flashbacks of the story, as opposed to the current timeline.
We find Silas (yes, that Silas from book 1 that we loved to hate) has his redemption arc. And the love of his life is none other than Skylar, Sophie Strong's best friend from book 2. (See, I told you Ivy tied it all together.) Skylar is a strong female character who very clearly loves Silas despite all his faults. Silas really struggles with his family and history. He can't seem to get out of his own way, but the one theme throughout the book is that Silas loves Skylar, he's just not sure how to convey it.
The audiobook was another win for me. John Lane is a favorite of mine and his flawless performance elevated the story. Shiloh James is a new-to-me narrator, and I felt like she did a wonderful job portraying Skylar. The bonus epilogue on the Blue Nose Audio App is also a lovely ending to the story of Silas and Skylar.

Much better than I originally thought

So this is the first book I’ve read/listened by Ivy Wild, and it’s safe to say that she did not disappoint with this third installment into “The Kings of Capital” series. I’ve not read any of the other books in the series so there were a couple moments I was kind of trying to figure some things out because it is kind of the interconnected standalone series. This story had a lot of tropes, I really liked, especially with the enemies to lovers and then the bully romance. I really love those tropes and a lot of books and when they can be done, especially when it’s actually true enemies to lovers those are ones I love. And then we have a Shiloh and John, who doing an absolute phenomenal job with the narration of this book. They just seemed like they had really good chemistry working together, so it just felt like the book was flowing really good with their narration. I love that both of these narrators are able to bring these characters to life, I don’t think I can picture anybody else playing Skyler and Sylas except for these two now. Both of these narrators have been newer to me. I’ve recently listened to a couple of books that had one or the other in that. And so far and any books, I’ve listened and it has one of them in it. They’ve done a phenomenal job in those as well. I believe that they are really doing a great job in the narrating audiobook world, and I can’t wait to see them do more books.

Addictive & Fiery❤️‍🔥Hot! Amazing Story & Narration🎧

Once again, Ivy Wild outdoes herself, penning another fantastic novel, a romance novel like no other, a fiery hot enemies-to-lovers second chance romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. This third stand-alone book in the “Kings of Capital” series is Silas and Skyler’s story, a love-to-hate, hate-to-love romance ten years in the making. From two different worlds, attending the same school, Skyler, the daughter of a single mom who is a live-in caregiver, and this time they are living amongst the affluent and the rich, like Silas’ family. At a house party, Skylar wandered to a quieter part of the house, not knowing it was off limits, and then accidentally broke something of value, drawing Silas’ attention, and not in a good way. Silas was manipulative and made a deal with her to pay off what she broke, and she agreed, but did not like it or being indebted to him. This was the start of their volatile relationship, though it was his angsty attitude and behavior that made it that way. I adored Skylar, her integrity and drive, but it took me time to see how I felt about Silas, and the more you get to know him and realize why he was the way he was and who he really was, which he kept hidden behind a facade, he grows on you. After not seeing each other for years, Silas finds her, and after seeing where she is in life, he has a proposition for her, a job offer, and working together leads them on the path to a second chance. We see their past and present through alternating timelines, showing their struggles and how they got to where they are today. Wild weaves a complex web, then adds a twist you never see coming, and it was absolutely great watching it all unravel. There is never a dull moment in this cleverly plotted, multilayered story, and I loved how it all played out, with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, heartfelt emotions and a romance years in the making. Ivy Wild, thank you for another amazing story and wild ride.

🎧📚🎧 Shiloh James and John Lane did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them with voices that were fitting. They were brilliant in the two lead roles, Skylar and Silas, embodying their personalities completely, with Lane nailing Silas’ angsty alpha-tude and James as Skylar, showcasing her good-heartedness, strength, determination and her fierceness. Both were just as amazing at performing the roles of the secondary characters too. These two are a fantastic pairing, with voices that work well together and a captivating performance that rivets you to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

Bully Romance Done Right! Outstanding Narration!

This is the third audiobook in Ivy Wild’s Kings of Capital series, but admittedly this was only my first book in the series as I have not read or listened to the first two books. After listening to this, though, they have both been added and pushed to the top of my TBL list. I absolutely fell in love with this story and the characters. Since each book in the series focuses on a different couple, each book can function as a standalone title even though the characters from each book are connected. And I can say unequivocally that not having read or listened to the first two books did not lessen my enjoyment of this book in the slightest. I adored Silas and Skyler together! This is definitely one of my favorite bully romances of this year. Silas is the epitome of the bad boy with a hidden heart of gold who suffers his own trauma in silence, not wanting to let anyone in and seem weak. And Skyler is your typical smart and slightly nerdy but pretty girl who wants nothing more than to blend in. She comes from a poor background and suffers from albinism on top of it, so bľending in with the crowd in her affluent high school is next to impossible. She meets Silas at a party at his house where she is forced into writing papers for him in payment for an expensive vase she accidentally broke. There’s definitely a love/hate relationship and an attraction on both sides, but both are reluctant to act on it for very different reasons. Over time, they get to know each other on a deeper level, but adolescent stupidity leads to a betrayal that separates them for years. But when Skyler returns to her hometown, Silas is determined to right the past wrongs and make her his finally. Their story is told in the present and in a series of flashbacks. I couldn’t help but be drawn in to this compelling story and stayed completely invested in it to the last word. The fantastic duet-style narration from Shiloh James and John Lane further elevates this already incredible story, both of them delivering truly outstanding performances.

Loved this!

Story - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brightly Burning Bridges is book #3 in the Kings of Capital series. To say this series just keeps getting better is an understatement. BBB is Silas and Skylar's story. Their snooty high school history was horrible as Silas was a rich, entitled bully and Skylar was the scholarship kid. Fast forward to the present, not much has changed except Silas has taken over his father's empire. A freak run-in with Skylar has him offering her a job as his Executive Assistant. History shows this should be a disaster. There is always a bit of suspense and intrigue with these stories, and a shocking plot twist proves us right. I loved how even though this is a boss/employee relationship, neither are good at hiding their never-ending attraction to one another. This story is delicious from start to finish and definitely binge-worthy. I hope there is more because I don't want this series to end!

The duet narration was absolute perfection. John Lane and Shiloh Jaymes (say no more with these two) delivered the broody/entitled Silas and the vulnerable/fierce Skylar, giving us every emotion, lots of witty banter, and all the spice! Loved, loved, loved this duo. 5/5 stars!

Mean, Messy, and Oh-So-Hot! 🔥

Brightly Burning Bridges gave me everything I wanted in a bully-to-lovers romance and then some!

We’re tossed between past and present… back then, Silas was the popular, damaged bad boy keeping up appearances while Skyler was the quiet, mousy girl who never really fit into the wealthy school crowd. He hurt her with words more than once, and she eventually escaped the bullying by finishing school at home. Fast-forward to now: Skyler’s struggling to make ends meet, working at a café while caring for her mom, and who should walk back into her life but Silas… now a CEO who needs a personal assistant. Cue the push and pull.

Silas is still a bit of a jerk (old habits die hard), but don’t you just love when the arrogant bad boy finally realizes she’s it? Watching him grow from sharp-tongued and closed-off to a man determined to prove himself to Skyler was so satisfying. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing… there’s IRS trouble, an ominous figure from Skyler’s past, and enough suspense to keep you hooked.

I devoured this audiobook in a day and a half. Shiloh James as Skyler? Absolutely nailed it. You could hear her vulnerability, the way her voice shrank when Silas told her she was getting small again, just brilliant. And John Lane as Silas? The perfect balance of cruel edge, commanding presence, and (yes, I’ll say it) deliciously rough charm. Together, their duet performance made this story come alive!

If you love your romances messy, emotional, and laced with a side of suspense, this one’s for you.

On fire!!

Brightly Burning Bridges is such a great name for this incendiary romance between Silas and Skylar. This story was only made better by Shiloh James and John Lane’s duet performance. Silas grows so much through Skylar’s guidance and with her love, and I adore seeing who he becomes. Skylar realizes they’re stronger together, and I love how they stand by each other through some really rough times. I adore these two!

Bully Romance with the Sweetest Second Chance

I must confess that I went into this book quite skeptical that the MMC could be redeemed and not a big fan of bully romances. BUT I’m so glad I read it anyway because while there is a little bully romance, the overall story of high school friends through tragedy, and overcoming that tragedy brought me a wonderful second chance romance. This book is Book 3 in Ivy Wild’s Kings of Capital series and while it does stand alone, you meet Silas in Book 1 and Skyler in Book 2. If you read Book 1, it is very hard to imagine how Silas will be able to redeem himself but boy, does he. Skyler was intriguing in Book 2 and getting her story was very rewarding. Silas describes her as “bright eyed and dark souled” and it’s a beautiful way to look at her character. From a young age, he sees her and helps her see herself as strong and confident. My favorite line is when he tells her to “stop talking small.” The book does contain a very delicate handling of albinism. Ultimately, the way Silas loves her, all of her, is envy-worthy. The redemption arc for Silas is one of the most enjoyable I’ve read in a long time. I had the privilege of an advanced listener copy of the audio production of this book performed in duet style by new-to-me voice actor Shiloh James and the wonderfully growly veteran John Lane. Shiloh shows both the vulnerable and strong sides of Skyler well, and John Lane is wonderful at being both harsh and so tender you want to hug him. I highly recommend the audiobook production. And when you’ve finished the book, head on over to the Blue Nose App for a wonderfully sweet bonus epilogue. Overall, 4 strong stars with a 3.5 spicy heat level.

Second Chance Romance

I love a good second change romance and that’s exactly what Brightly Burning Bridges gives us. Silas was the rich golden boy at his posh high school. And Skyler was the new girl who didn’t belong due to money and her looks. Silas had Skyler had a somewhat secret friendship/ romance in high school. But nothing lasts and when they end up back each others lives years later, there so much more at stake. I loved that Sky has lilac eyes and white hair, all naturally. I can only imagine how beautiful she would look in real life.
I loved the duet performance by Shiloh James and John Lane. John was able to give us the perfect cocky broken person that Silas was. And Shiloh was about to capture Sky’s beautiful heart, and vulnerability.

It was great!

Narration by John Lane and Shiloh Jaymes was sooo good.
The emotions were felt to the core!

Ivy Wild takes us for a ride with these two. Silas and Skylar went THROUGH it! And let’s not talk about the spice? Cause PHEW!

If you love, Friends then enemies to LOVERS, second chance, bully romance, HEA then this one is for you.