⚠ This review contain minor teasers!
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• BLURB •
Rusty—
I’m the president of the Devil Kings Atlanta MC. With a fractious club to rebuild and a revolving door on my bedroom, the last thing I need is 5’4” of sex-on-a-stick trouble.
When a mysterious beauty shows up with her playmate’s body, dark soulful eyes and a bagful of cash, I’m willing to make an exception.
I don’t fully trust her, but she needs my help.
Ashlynn—
Things are finally good. I’m one of the best high-roller hostesses on the strip. But I’ve lived in Las Vegas two years and have yet to unpack my bags. Why? Because shit always goes sideways.
I should have known this time would be no different.
When I’m asked to hostess a private poker game at a mega exclusive hotel penthouse, I end up in the proverbial wrong place at the wrong time.
I’m the sole witness to a double murder and I’m suddenly on the run again, but this time I’m running for my life.
I get as far as Atlanta before my Porsche blows a tire.
That’s when he shows up. Dangerous. Drop-dead gorgeous. Scary badass biker. One I can’t take my eyes off. Maybe this town is as good as any to lay low.
When trouble tracks me down, I want to run again. But he has other plans.
He’ll protect me—for a price.
My willing body in his big bed—all night, every night.
That’s the dirty deal he offers.
Dare I accept?
Where the President of the Devil Kings is involved, there are no rules.
But I’ll stand toe-to-toe with him and make it out of this bargain with my heart intact. Because in the end, running is what I do best.
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• MY REVIEW •
I can’t get enough of Nicole James’ MC romances! And this one was just as enjoyable, just as swoon-worthy, and just as thrilling to see unfold! 😍😍
My only downside to this book? It was too friggin’ short! Nowhere near as long or as organically developed as it’s predecessor, Dirty Deeds. Ugh. I have loved and been intrigued by Rusty since the good ol’ Evil Dead MC days where he was introduced in Shades’ book as Skylar’s ex-boyfriend.
After having read Dirty Deeds, not only did it cement a new love for these Devil Kings members (and spin-off series), but it reiterated how much I wanted Rusty’s story.
I want to say that Rusty has been consistent in his personality and traits since he was first introduced in Evil Dead, all the way up to this book — HIS book. He always stood out to me as a character, whom despite being in a big bad MC, had morals, gentlemanly manners, and just good all around decency. I am so glad, he hasn’t strayed away from that. Dirty Deals, just made me love him even more and knowing that he’ll finally have his own HEA!
Okay! — Let’s talk storylines before we move onto my thoughts on our heroine, Ashlynn (aka Hot Rod), shall we?
The blurb pretty much sums up the plot to a T. Ashlynn blew a tire out and the lucky girl that she is, happen to have had Rusty riding past, pulled over to help her out, and the rest is history! 😉 You might say, their attraction to one another was instant. So, you can imagine me already scooting over, hand under my chin, grin on my face, and my full undivided attention in place!
With Reno’s book; Dirty Deals, the majority of the story revolved around their MC. In this instance, Rusty’s story revolved around Ashlynn and ensuring her safety. It still has a nice MC backdrop with members dropping by now and then, and having some of the scenes play out in their clubhouse, but make no mistake, Ashlynn and Rusty’s growing relationship, and her troubles are very much in the forefront.
It’s a little different from Nicole James’ previous MC romances in the sense that it’s MC-lite and more romance. Rusty, isn’t as gritty or troubled as some of the other MC characters Nicole has written in the past. Yes, he’s alpha. But he’s also patient and willing to take things slowly when it comes to someone he truly cares about.
I would’ve loved it even more if the story was little longer, so that it didn’t feel like things were progressing too fast. Their relationship, although sweet and steaming hot… it also felt like they skipped a few milestones between getting to know each other to not being able to live without one another. It still works, but in my opinion it only does because it’s an MC romance. If you’ve read from this genre before then you know, the guys usually move a little faster in claiming who they want. If this was more of a contemporary romance, then I consider their relationship leaned more towards insta-love.
Don’t get me wrong, this was an enjoyable read that had me hooked from start to finish. I would definitely reread it again, and I’m not gonna lie the cover is now one of faves out all of James’ book covers! I just wanted MORE! ✊ More Rusty! ✊ More Rusty! ✊ More Rusty!
“I get we just met, and maybe you don’t trust me. I get that, babe. But if you need help, all you gotta do is ask. Understand?”
Ashlynn is an independent, well established career woman. It’s always refreshing to see a heroine in an MC romance to be so self-reliant. Yes, she’s a damsel in distress when it comes to the trouble she falls into, and yes, Rusty is more than willing to help her out. But I love that she’s financially set, and that she actually likes to work.
She’s got some personal issues and quirks, but she’s not naive, immature, or a pushover (which I always favor in my heroines!)
She knows she’s in a fucked up situation, but I respect her for wanting to make sure the people she cares about doesn’t get sucked into it with her. She thinks about consequences and actually uses her brain to piece things together.
- Likable, smart heroine? ✔
- Stunner of a anti-hero? ✔
This can be read as a standalone as each book centers around a different MC member. I still highly recommend you read Dirty Deeds so you get the entire backstory of the club, how Rusty became the President, and to get to know the relationships between the secondary characters (aka the rest of the MC members). If you really want to see what the Devils Kings MC were like in the past, how much they’ve evolved, and get an even bigger impression of Rusty — then read Shades from the Evil Dead MC series.
You don’t get a lot of world-building in this book. It’s more of a continuous from the first one, with very little expansion since — but as I said earlier, this one is less MC, more romance.
And whilst Rusty and Ashlynn’s relationship came together relatively quickly, there are some very memorable moments where they do try to get to know each other more. Their feelings for one another is actually one of the more solid things in this book.
“I just want you safe. I can be a dick, I know. Get used to it.”
A highlight is always the brotherhood and friendship that James’ always manages to include in her books. This was no different. There’s banter, but there’s also some deep camaraderie between the men. (Another reason why I think Nicole James’ is at the top of the game when it comes to MC romances).
Somewhat short, but a worthwhile read. I’ve come to really love this spin-off series and look forward to the next installment. Effortless storytelling that’s full of life and love. Make sure to leave room in your book boyfriend list for Rusty’s name, because I guarantee after you read Dirty Deals, he’ll be all over it!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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👑 More from the Devil Kings MC!
Dirty Deeds by Nicole James
💀 Evil Dead MC
The MC romance series that started it all!
Evil Dead MC Series by Nicole James
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Hope you guys are doing well! Happy reading, catch you in my next one. Xo
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