Smash

Trojan, Book 3

By: S.M. West

Narrated by: Desireé Ketchum, Connor Crais, Lance Greenfield

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner for Best Romance.

Smash - verb: violently breaking into pieces.

One date with the wrong man is all it takes to open my eyes.

I’m in love with Grayson Bennett.
My best friend. My confidant. My protector.
The man who treats my son like his own.

Friendship is no longer enough.
I want more.
More of him.
More of us.
More of…everything.

And Gray wants the same.
He calls me his everything.
My son and I are his future.
For one brief moment in time, things are perfect.
Until a visit from my ex turns my world into a nightmare.

Drowning in countless questions with no answers, I struggle with the truth of my past.
Demons threaten to not only destroy me, but also to decimate my forever with Gray.
People always say love is the strongest force on the planet.
But this time, I’m not sure if even love is enough to defeat the darkness.

Contains sensitive and mature topics. Recommended for ages 18 and up.

©2021 S.M. West (P)2021 S.M. West

Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore!

Another great book for this series! I love these guys! 😍🤩🎶🤩😍

4.5 stars - The band, Trojan, has retired so Silas and Gray, former lead singer and drummer respectively, have created their own label and are showing signs of settling into a quieter life. Well, as quiet as things can be with recording divas and Hurricane Daisy in your midst. 😂 Since Daisy burst onto the scene in book one, she's been a force to reckon with and one that Gray has undeniably been pulled toward.

After years of denying themselves, they finally get the nerve to share that they are each in love with the other. Things move at a breakneck speed from that point but, honestly, it's a natural progression given the years of pretending to be just friends. They have amazing chemistry 🔥 and are well matched, which I 💖. I love how motherhood has humbled Daisy and her selfish ways.

There is a BIG can of worms that comes spewing forth. It is the kind that knocks you for the worst kind of loop. It is sad and can be overwhelming. It does require some trigger warnings although the details are not on the page. I do want to warn you that it will pull you in. I didn't want to put it down until I knew for certain what happened and who was involved (even then, I couldn't stop).

You don't need to read/listen to the prior books in the series to enjoy this but it would enhance the experience as there are a lot of character crossovers and references to past events. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

I enjoyed the narration by Desireé Ketchum and Connor Crais. I look forward to hearing both in future books.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars

I love this Series!

This is the third book in the Trojan Series, a rockstar romance. This is a series of interconnected standalone stories. It is better to listen to this Series in order. Grayson (Gray) and Daisy's best friends to lovers is beautifully written, and emotional. I liked the unpredictable twists and turns. Gray, a former rockstar, is handsome, and supportive. Daisy, a single mom, is lovely and caring. Her son, Henri, is cute! The supporting characters are amazing. Desireé Ketchum and Connor Crais did a fantastic job with the narration. I loved their voices together, and they were perfect as Gray and Daisy. This is an amazing Series, and I highly recommend it.

Steamy, Suspenseful Friends to Lovers Story!

Smash by S.M. West was a steamy, suspenseful friends to lovers story that I absolutely lost myself in. I simply fell in love with Daisy, Gray, and Henry and found myself willing and wishing for them to find peace and happiness with their HEA. This is the third book in the Trojan series, but can be read/ listened to as a stand alone.

Connor Crais and Desiree Ketchum narrate the is audiobook, and are the perfect pairing to bring Gray and Daisy to life. Connor captured Gray's loving, protective, and charismatic personality so well! Connor also brought so much emotion and vulnerability when Gray opened up about his past. Desiree also is spot on at performing all of Daisy's doubt, insecurities, and pain, and as the story unfolds, we learn more and more about her son Henry. Daisy's love for her son runs deep, and it is clear in Desiree's performance that she will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! There are some trigger issues in this book that deal with sexual assault, but there is a "make your heart super happy" HEA. Gray and Daisy's love story is filled with a little bit of mystery, steamy times (yes please!), an adorable son, and unconditional love. I'm looking forward to more from S.M. West.

“You are the only one I see. Always.”

Smash is book three in the series revolving around the members of a defunct band, Trojan. S.M. West is a favorite of mine and I was eager to read Daisy and Gray’s story since their characters had flirted around the edges in the other books in the Trojan series. Their story is sweet, sexy, and romantic as well as thrilling and angsty.

While I liked the book, I actually LOVED the audio. Desiree Ketchum and Connor Crais were superb as Daisy and Gray and their narration really helped me feel the emotions in the book. This pulled me into the audio and I was totally entranced with the story and narration.

“Yes, you’re my best friend and family, but you’ve always felt like more to me. More than platonic, more than…you’re everything to me.”

Gray has had feelings for Daisy and her son since he met her, but he knew that she wasn’t ready for a relationship so they become best friends. He is the sweetest guy and I absolutely loved him. He would do anything for Daisy and Henry and he wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He’s always there for me. The one person I can tell anything.”

When Daisy realizes that she has feelings for Gray, she’s hesitate to upset the balance of their friendship and Gray’s relationship with her son if things don’t work out, but sometimes the risk is worth the possible heartache. Daisy soon finds her life turned upside down from a revelation from her past. Will she be able to overcome her devastation and build a future with Gray?

What started as a sweet best friends to lovers story soon took a surprisingly suspenseful and emotional turn that I wasn’t expecting, but added so much depth to the story. I loved how Gray and Daisy confronted their problems together and supported one another through all their trials and tribulations.

Each book in the Trojan series has been beautiful and emotional and Smash is no exception. I’m eagerly awaiting Eli’s story.

Good and twisty

Another wonderful book in this series. I loved all the will s/he or won’t s/he at the beginning. Then everything is turned upside down. Grayson has some major growth in here. I loved seeing him become stronger with Silas. Its fun seeing the old band members and the women who are with them. This one is a bit twisty but I expect no less from the author due to past books in this series.

Natration is simply wonderful I look forward to the next one!

Best Friends Forever!

Daisy who we met in book 1, was not a lovable character at that time, but this book proves she is a strong person with more substance. Grayson and Daisy have been best friends for a couple years. They finally have the talk and share their feelings! The twists in this book take your breath away. I love Gray and Daisy together! Gray proves he will do anything for her and they work together to confront the problems.

So Many Twists!

First of all the narrators were amazing! This book had so many twists. I was not expecting the rollercoaster of emotions. Gray and Daisy are best friends. They both realize they want more and decide now is the time. Unfortunately, Daisy finds out some earth shattering news shortly after them starting their romance and it throws everything in her life into a tailspin. Gray does not hesitate to take control of everything and prove he is it for her. Their story had so many ups and downs. Love how they navigate the trying times and come out the other side so much stronger. Definitely a 5 star listen.
I was sent a free audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Gray & Daisy

Smash is Trojan book #3 and the story of Gray and Daisy (sister of Pansy, Trojan book #1). It’s a best friends to lovers romance.
They fell in love the moment they met, when a pregnant Daisy came to live with her sister, but were unaware of this mutual feeling. Now Daisy’s son is two years old and Gray is like a father to him. They’re both finally ready to acknowledge the love for one another, when something unexpected happens….
I loved this story, it’s characters (except for one, obviously!) and the ending.
And I’m looking forward to Eli’s story.

Both narrators (Desireé Ketchum and Connor Crais) were doing a great job!

A Story Of Two Halves

Gray and Daisy have been best friends for some time and we join them as they're about to admit their feelings for each other. Gray has known the truth about his feelings for Daisy for a while now, but Daisy needed more time after dedicating all of her attention on being an amazing single parent to her son, Henry (good name choice by the way). However, just as things start to get heated and interesting, Daisy receives a visit from the past that causes the story to become a little darker and have you on the edge of your seat trying to look for clues to solve the big mystery.


Smash is like a story of two halves as we first see Daisy and Gray taking the next step and becoming more than friends, but they still remain focused on their new careers and also Henry who is the most adorable little boy. This part of the story is heart warming and passionate. I loved how Gray never hesitated to be a father figure to Henry and as a single parent myself, I need to find my very own Gray lol. I found I could relate with Daisy and understood her need to take the time required before she was ready to even consider dating again. I could see myself in Daisy and she's one of my favourite characters so far.


Then someone from Daisy's past arrives and things take an unexpected turn that changes the feel of the story and goes down a path of shadows and mystery. Gray is still there determined to do all he can to protect the two people he loves, but sometimes there's nothing you can do to help and you have to allow things to happen before it can get better. SM West keeps you guessing as she drip feeds possible clues and suspects of who overstepped a very big boundary and changed Daisy's life forever.


Smash is a worthy addition to a series I've spent the past few weeks being consumed by. It will leave you unable to stop thinking about this powerful and emotional 5 star read that was made for audio. And whilst it can be enjoyed as a standalone, this is one series you definitely won't want to miss, so I recommend that you start from the beginning and allow yourself to enjoy meeting each couple as the series progresses.

Loved

The dual narration of Desireé Ketchum and Connor Crais perfect in every way. Emotions and making this amazing book a fantastic listen .

I fell in love with Daisy, Gray, and Henry
Gray and Daisy's love story has it all mystery, sweet, sexy, and romantic as well as thrilling .

Brilliant characters and plot .... heaven

Two books in one

I felt like I read two books in one. Not unpleasant, but definitely unexpected.

The first half is about the romance between Gray and Daze. Close friends, they both harbor feelings for each other. They live in an unusual cocoon, the ex-model single mother, her little boy, and the ex-rockstar who takes care of them; a bubble they fear will explode if they take their relationship to the next level. So the first part of the book is an introduction to their little chosen family, an exploration of their feelings, and the beginning of more. This first part was cute, but also quite hot. There’s undeniable desire between Daisy and Gray.

A couple of subplots are also developped in this first half–Gray facing new challenges in his career, Daisy’s rising fame as a photographer, the harassment she suffers from a colleague. We also see their friends and families–or lack of. They aren’t isolated in the least.

And then, the bomb. The news that no one saw coming. And the second part of the story begins, darker and more tragic. Without giving anything away, let’s just say that unexpected news changes everything, including the story’s tone. Though not exactly a detective story, there sure is some investigation going on in this part, but also dramatic personal changes in the main characters. The pace quickens until a grand finale followed by a happy resolution. But you’ll go through quicksands before you reach the beach.

Though the female narrator was new to me, I quite enjoyed her work. She made a good Daisy, slaloming between determination and vulnerability. The male narrator did great with Gray’s quietness and his adoration for Daisy. Not perfect, but an audiobook of good qualities.

Great Listen!

Another great friends to lovers story from SM West with a bit of suspense thrown in. Loved Grey & Daisy. And sweet little henry too. The combination of Desiree Ketchum & Connor Crais was smoking hot! Loved both of their performances!

I loved it!

Smash (Trojan #3) had me well truly hooked! This ex rockstar/friends to lovers romance has mystery, heat, and some shocking twists and turns as Gray and Daisy get their chance at a HEA. With fantastic characters, brilliant storylines, and wonderful narrators, you won’t want to miss this amazing series!

Amazing story!

Once again I am in love with another of SM West’s books. This book is the ultimate love story and captured my heart. Gray and Daisy have been best friends for a long time. Being involved in the life of Daisy and her son, Henry, Gray has become attached and his feelings for her have begun to change. His life has taken a turn since his days with Trojan, and the business is doing well. There have been some stresses as of late, but while concerned, his main focus is Daisy and Henry. Since leaving modeling to have Henry, Daisy has been launching her new business. Gray has been instrumental in helping, and she too is feeling her heart change. The best is both are afraid to tell the other, until they aren’t. But are they meant to be? Jobs, crazy band members, surprises for Daisy and insecurities all play into their lives and we get to go along. West has created a beautiful love story with realistic feelings. She also takes relevant issues and brings them to the forefront, not glossing over the story but making us live with Daisy as her truth comes out. It’s wonderfully portrayed and an amazing book.

I think SM West had her two narrators in her mind when she wrote this story as tit could not be more perfectly cast. Connor Crais has a warmth to his voice that he give Gray, letting us feel his all his emotions. His heart is on his sleeve and we understood it. Desiree Ketchum as Daisy was incredible. She understands her, and gives her personality every aspect that is a single mom trying to get by. She also had such an emotional impact with Daisy as she dealt with her surprise. These two were fantastic and enhanced the listen. It was the perfect weekend book.

Excellent storyline

This is a brilliant book. It’s not focused too much on the rockstar side of their lives but focuses mainly on Daisy’s career and past.With brilliant characters and a smooth performance from both narrators it’s a winning combination.

Brilliant Story & Narration🎧 Riveting & Heartfelt

S.M. West blows me away with another amazing romance novel, the story grabbed my attention immediately and captivated it the entire book. The characters are well developed, easy to relate to, connect with and care about. I adored Grayson “Gray” Bennett, a former rock star and drummer for Trojan, the now retired rock band. He and former bandmate Silas, continue to work in the music industry building a recording business together, SG Productions, signing artists, recording and producing their albums. A new business has its challenges, one of them being his partner who is used to doing his own thing. Daisy ended her modeling career when she got pregnant, she now works behind the camera instead of in front of it. She is getting recognized for her work and is building up her business and clientele. She is a single mom but her sister and good friend Gray helps with her juggle work and raise her son Henry. Gray was great with Henry, he was great with Daisy too. Both harbored feelings for each other, but the fear of it has been a long time before Daisy was ready to date again and when she does, it puts a fire under Gray to make his move. A lot goes on in this book and the characters lives, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some angst, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments and a fabulous friends to lovers romance. S.M. West, thank you for another awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride, I loved every minute of it.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Desireé Ketchum, Connor Crais are the perfect cast to bring these characters to life. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that fit their character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable and just as I pictured the character to sound. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. These talented voice artists are entertaining storytellers and their narration enhances and already story to another level of awesomeness. Thank you for another fabulous listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your work.