We’ve been saying “I can’t wait for 2020 to be over” constantly throughout the year and it’s fiiiiinally here! 🙌 In just a few short hours we can officially say adios to the crap-stick that is 2020 and ring in the New Year!
I’m sure plenty can relate that this year was a tough mudda (more so than usual) to get through. But I hope everyone at least found some goodness in between. Books and reading has always been some form of sanctuary and escapism for me. It’s partly why I can easily prefer reading books to spending time with company. 😅
Weird thing is with having been at home for the majority of the year, you’d think it’d be easy to knock out book after book but nope! With work, general adulting, life slumps, and the occasional I’m-not-going-to-do-shit-today mood swings, I’ve not read as much as I would have wanted to.
But in saying that… I did so happen to be fortunate enough to have read some unbelievably soul-shaking stories that completely had me in stitches, and/or ugly crying… which then resulted in either a hangover, rereading, thinking about day and night, and/or all of the above.
I won’t be including old faves I’ve reread this year. This compilation is strictly all new books I discovered in 2020. And surprisingly (probably to me more than anybody else, really) they’re not all five star reads. But I can’t stress this enough… they are all loved, and ones I would happily recommend to friends (FYI that includes YOU!) 😊
In no particular order (mostly because I’m too lazy to chronologize the shit out of it lol). But I have at least sorted them into sub-genres because I know not all romance readers read all romance, amirite? 😉
So here we go!
•••
• Contemporary Romance •
📖 Kiss To Forget by Anna B. Doe
(Hate to Love, New Adult Romance)
📖 Wicked Idol by Becker Gray
(New Adult, Bully Romance)
📖 Pretty When She Cries by A. Zavarelli
(New Adult, Hate to Love, Bully Romance) *Trigger Warnings*
📖 One Moment Please by Amy Daws
(One Night Stand, Hate to Love, Adult Romance)
•••
• MC Romance •
📚 Blood Fury MC series by Jeanne St. James
(Dark MC) *Trigger Warnings*
📖 Tempting the Biker by Glenna Maynard
(Dark MC, Age Gap Romance) *Trigger Warnings*
📚 Devil Kings MC series by Nicole James
(Dark MC, Opposites Attract) *Trigger Warnings*
📚 The MC Sinners series/ MC Sinners Next Generation series by Bella Jewel
(Modern Day Fairytale Retelling) *Trigger Warnings*
•••
Aaaaaaand there you have it! 😁 Not sure if this will become a yearly thing for me so this could very well be the one and only. Hehe.
If you want to see all my reads for the year, don’t forget to check out my Monthly Wrap Ups. My December one will be posted shortly so keep an eye out for it! Happy holidays! I sincerely wish everyone a safe but happy New Year’s Eve/ Day! 💙
Thank you for the support you’ve all given me for my reviews and my book blog in general! I’m in awe of the amazing people I’ve met through this bookish community and the copious amounts of books I’ve discovered over time. I’m truly thankful for the friendships I’ve made. As well as the opportunities I’m fortunate enough to be a part of.
Happy reading, and as always catch you in my next one! Xo
Talia. I have always been a bird. Caged by one prison or another when the only thing I ever wanted was to fly away.
Sold. Beaten. Starved. Drugged.
Nothing scares me anymore.
Until him.
He makes the numbness go away.
He is hazardous to me. It has nothing to do with his mafia lifestyle, and everything to do with what he offers.
A gilded prison.
A retreat from everything that I once knew. The reality I have no desire to return to.
He thinks he’s caged me, but soon…
I’m going to fly.
Alexei. I live by a code. The Vory code.
In this mafiya world, there are traditions.
Expectations.
She does not care for these things. She does not care about anything.
She thinks she has me fooled with her haunted eyes.
What she can’t know is that I see her better than most.
She wants to fly.
But I’m going to clip her wings.
And make her my wife.
**This is a DARK mafia romance. A full-length standalone novel with HEA and no cheating.**
•••
— MY REVIEW —
Oooh. What to say about Ghost… 🤔
Third book in the Boston Underworld series and it felt so different from the first two. This one focuses on the Irish mob’s Russian ally Alexei. And before this book I had never read any mafia romances that centered around the Russian mob.
If they’re anything as disturbingly haunting, heart-palpitating action packed full of torture and heartbreak like Ghost was, then damn… I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle it.
Ghost was difficult to get through in the sense that these characters are completely, and utterly broken, that there’s nothing but darkness surrounding them. Reading through their constant struggle was all-encompassing. It grips you and sucks you in. I was enamored, and felt like I was going through it right along with them. The first time around reading this book, I felt like I was in a depressive state all throughout. I could only read a few chapters at a time before I needed a breather. It was THAT heartbreaking and all out grim! This time around, it was a little easier to swallow (as I already knew what was coming), but it still conjured up a tightness in my chest with how much Talia and Alexei can easily consume my attention.
The storytelling is without a doubt spellbinding. I thought Crow and Reaper were cleverly written, but I realize, even though Ghost was a different vibe from those two, was in it’s own way just as compulsive. Despite my breathers, I could not NOT finish it. I needed to know that Talia and Alexei would survive, that they would save each other. That the screwed-up, fucked-up things I was reading would slowly but surely dissipate like a puff of smoke and beyond it would be their happily ever after.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This was one hell of a roller coaster ride, with so many loopy-d-loops, that I seriously thought for a minute there that my poor heart wouldn’t be able to take it anymore. The amount of cruelty that Talia endures in this entire story (both in her past and present) is both unbelievable and shocking. I swear at times even I was done with it all for her. She has a quiet, steely strength. She’s all twisty and a little screwy in the head, but my gosh, she was one addictive heroine (no pun intended).
“I don’t have anything to offer him. Except for my broken thoughts and demented soul, stitched together by my frequent bouts of insanity.”
Alexei was just as complex a character as Talia. He has his own demons that he keeps to himself, and it was one of the many reasons I was intrigued by him. He has an agenda, a reason why he wants and needs Talia right from the second he saw her. It’s partly why this book was attention-grabbing. You NEED to know what happens between them and all the secrets surrounding them. And with danger and shifty characters lurking everywhere, this mafia romance was full of suspense.
“Yesterday, she smiled. And today, she wants to die all over again. Because of me.”
I always love Zavarelli’s added secondary characters because despite the fact that they’re not necessarily in the forefront of the story, they do play vital roles, they leave an impression, and give the world-building more layers with their presence. Unchanged: I always love Zavarelli’s added secondary characters because despite the fact that they’re not necessarily in the forefront of the story, they do play vital roles, they leave an impression, and give the world-building more layers with their presence.
There are a handful of secondary characters in Ghost that have their own mystery about them that’ll have you second-guessing whether or not they can be trusted. The addition of Alexei’s *cough* dysfunctional *cough* family, and close allies from his brotherhood really places you in his world and the world of the Vory (aka the Russian Mafia).
Right off the bat, I was drawn to Nikolai and Franco. I mean, who would complain at seeing more eye-candy, am I right??! 😉😍 I only wished that they both got their own books… *sigh*
There are a lot of relationships and ties in this book that adds another element to Alexei and his life. You get to delve into the dynamics and see the development unravel. I thought Zavarelli could effortlessly create amazing grey characters and anti-heroes, but her antagonists and villainous characters are just as impressive. They’re so cruel with such evil intent that it’ll honestly have you growling at the book. 😅
I’m usually cool with just a good, swoony love story, but if it also involves some deviousness, secrecy and some unpredictability (especially if it gets in the way of our hero/ heroine getting together), then I say it’s a success and more! I love substance in my fiction. I love if the story keeps me engaged from start to finish. I even love it if it leaves me with the biggest book hangover — because that’ll mean that it effected me both emotionally and mentally.
Besides the expanding world-building by focusing on the Russian mafia in this book and putting the Irish in the background, there’s constant growth with both our hero/heroine. It’s gradual, and at times they may go back a step or two in their progress, but you can bet it’s there nonetheless. By the end, you’ll realize how much these guys have grown, as individuals and as a couple, and how much stronger and more content they are with their lives.
This is a bittersweet romance. One where you have to go experience all the darkness and pain first before seeing all the sweet, caring moments. I cried countless times but it also left me feeling lighter by the end of it.
“I will always see you, Solnyshko,” he tells me. Always.”
I didn’t always agree with either Talia or Alexei at times, but they certainly kept me hooked. And for someone who doesn’t know much about Russian culture or the language, I thought the little Russian endearments, and sayings was an extra element I adored seeing in their interactions.
I’ll confess, I probably won’t be rereading this one as much as Crow, but when I do decide to reread, it’ll still have the same effect on me as it did the first (and second) time. I’ll still be anxious, or swooning, or crying over the same scenes!
With dark romances, there’s bound to be some sensitive content, possible trigger warnings included. Ghost, has it all. Explicit content. Severe sexual and substance abuse, violence, along with profanity. Definitely only for readers of age, and for those who are not triggered by any of the subjects mentioned above! 🙏
But I 100% guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you do take a chance on the series. Ghost is book three in the Boston Underworld series, and although each book centers around different couples, the characters and their backstories are still intermittent, so I recommend you read from the beginning.
Sasha. He’s dark and mysterious. Quiet and lethal.
An Irish mobster.
Pure sin wrapped up in a beautiful package.
But there’s also something off about him.
He doesn’t feel anything. He shows no emotions.
Sometimes I question his humanity.
He hasn’t spoken to me in two years. Not a single word.
But we share a secret, he and I.
And if it ever comes out, I have no doubt in my mind…
He won’t have a problem killing me too.
Ronan.
I’ve slain for her. I’ll do it again.
When it comes to Sasha, there isn’t a line I won’t cross.
I watch her. She doesn’t know it.
She thinks I hate her. Sometimes, I think I might too.
But I’m always there, lurking in the shadows.
Craving her. Trying to keep the beast within at bay.
I’ll keep her safe. I’ll slaughter anyone who tries to hurt her.
The only thing I can’t do… is protect her from myself.
•••
— MY REVIEW —
⚠ WARNING WARNING WARNING ⚠
Spoilers Ahead. Read at own risk!
HELLLLLO….
Ugh. Ronan, love. How did I not love you more the first time I read your book back in 2018?? 🙈 This review is long overdue. But having only just reread Reaper now, I figured it was time to post one up.
I initially read Reaper back in 2018 (along with the rest of Boston Underworld) and had rated it 4 stars. But after having reread it again for the second time (I know. WTF, right?!) I realized, I love and appreciate Ronan a lot more the second time around. 🤤
I don’t think I appreciated and fully understood his complexity. There are two types of complex characters that I’ve read in books — The first, are those who are too complex, too mind-boggling that I couldn’t connect with that character or agree with their actions, (and most likely, didn’t end up liking their book). The second, are the complex characters that have been cleverly written that their unique mindset keeps you constantly engaged, and slowly but surely has you falling in love with their individuality. Do I need to say which type Ronan is?
He is the epiphany of brains and brawn! Hubba-hubba! 🤤😍 I can’t believe the Ronan that I fell in love with (along with so many other readers) has been through hell and back! Reaper is Level 8 gritty in the dark romance scale. His book, whilst set in the present, goes back into his past now and then to reveal his upbringing before meeting Crow. Not going to sugarcoat it, it was difficult to read through (at least the first time I had read it). Ronan had a very disturbing, cruel and merciless childhood that even I winced at times reading about it.
As much I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, I have had friends who I’d recommended the series to, who found these books a little too dark for their tastes. So, I would say if you can’t deal with sensitive subject matters, have triggers towards violence of any kind, substance abuse, and sexual abuse, then it’s probably best to skip this series entirely. But if you don’t have any issues, then I say, read away! 😉
I’m a big fan of brotherhood, bromance and good ol’ fashion best buds in my reads. If done right, it can be as equally (and in some cases better) than the romance blooming between the leads. Ronan and Crow’s deep brotherly relationship is just so endearing — especially considering that it’s within a Mafia world where trust and loyalty is hard to come by. But their brotherhood goes beyond deep, and seeing the social and emotional difficulties Ronan has, yet Crow always having his back is one of the things I have always loved about this book.
“Ye’re a brother to me,” he says. “And I want my kids to know and love ye like I do. The way Mack does too. I want my kids to know their uncle Ronan. And I have no doubts in my mind that you will protect them the way ye do me.”
Another is seeing the way Ronan navigates through all these unfamiliar feelings towards Sasha. He goes from being robotic, calculated and distant, to almost being unpredictable in his ways. And he almost has a childlike quality about him at times, especially when he’s caught in a situation where he doesn’t know what to say or how to act. His character growth is fascinating and gripping to read through. It’s amazing how much he evolves, how much he opens up once he realizes Sasha is someone he can’t live without.
Logically, I should be pointing out Ronan’s obvious faults, and things I don’t agree with. But I can’t seem to care about it in the big scheme of things because after having reading this, I sympathize and somewhat understand his demeanor… and dare I say it… have let it all slide..? 🤔
With Crow and Mack (first book), their relationship blossomed from having similar attitudes and personality traits. They’re both independent, resilient, strong-willed people.
In this case, Sasha and Ronan were somewhat opposites. Sasha’s full of emotion, wears her heart on her sleeve and despite her struggles in life, she’s never bitter or nasty towards others. Her vulnerability has a likability about it, but make no mistake she’s no weakling. Ronan, on the other hand is intimidating, the definition of cool, calm and collected, and has a don’t-mess-with-me aura about him. So you can only imagine the sparks between these two! 🔥 Zavarelli paired two broken souls together and it was a beauty to see unfold.
“How do you do that?” I ask.
“Do what?”
“How do you look at me like that and just make me forget everything, Ronan?”
They both have troubles and dirty pasts, but what I absolutely adore about these two lovebirds is that they don’t see any of that about each other. They see past all the bullshit and how society perceives them and see each other for who they truly are. It’s such a romantic, swoony love story. If you love romances that persevere, that have been through the ringer, but come out stronger than ever with the hero/heroine willing to do anything for the other, then yeah… I say Reaper is not one to be missed. So much anticipation, so much build-up, so much anxiety to see how it’ll turn out for them. *Phew!*
This can easily be a very melancholic read, but the little snippets of funny from the secondary characters really give Reaper a break from all the dank and depressing. Mack, Rory and of course, Crow are the characters to thank for that. A special shout-out to Daisy too for providing cuteness overload scenes with Ronan that had me grinning from ear to ear. (Lookout for Daisy! Total highlights!) 🤭
👏 Okay!
Hot, Irish mobster. ✔
Muscles for days. ✔
Tall, dark, handsome… and wears glasses. ✔
Could rip heads, break legs, and look good with blood splattered across his face. ✔
Could say the sweetest things without realizing it. ✔
Would just about move heaven and earth for what’s his. ✔
*singsong voice* I’m telling ya… Ronan Fitzpatrick is your maaaaan! 💙
“Ronan?”
“Aye?”
“Please don’t let me go,” I tell him. “Or at least stay until I fall asleep.”
Zavarelli introduced a well put together and thought-out world with Crow, seeing it expand more so in Reaper, and having seen relationships develop further is just one of many reasons why the Boston Underworld series can easily transport you to their world. Add the characters with their unique characteristics and growth from start to finish that is so evident, and you got yourself some high-quality writing!
What I’ve come to love about Zavarelli’s story lines is she’s not afraid of adding some brutality into them. There’s some serious savagery and pain in this book, and I can tell you, it won’t be the last you’ll see in the series — if anything this is just the tip of the iceberg! Her books will make you feel and by the end will have you contemplating all about it.
Ronan is a twisted, somewhat unbalanced sort of character with so much to offer that you won’t see the full impact of it coming until it smacks you in the face. He is without a doubt one of the most captivating fictional characters I’ve come across, and I’m glad Zavarelli decided to share him with the world.
An Irish mobster. A missing friend. Two loyalties, ripping me apart.
I had a plan.
Get in, get my information, and get out. Easy, right?
Turns out, infiltrating the Irish mafia isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. I just wanted a soldier. Someone I could flirt with to get me in the door.
That’s when Lachlan Crow noticed me. Problem was, he wasn’t a soldier. No, he was next in line for the throne of the Irish underworld. And he was determined to hate me from the outset. My sob story about needing a job? Yeah, he wasn’t buying that either.
Too bad for him, I won’t let anyone get in the way of my mission.
Who cares if we have some kind of crazy chemistry? He’s the worst kind of wrong- and I would never in a million years be with a guy like him.
Because they took her from me, and I’m going to make them pay.
•••
— MY REVIEW —
🔔 Ding. 🔔 Ding. 🔔 Ding. 🥊 Winner!
*singsong voice* I loveeeeeee it! 😍😍
This book is, and always will be perfection in my books! I first discovered Crow, the Boston Underworld series, and A. Zavarelli back in 2018… and I have no regrets! One of the best things I could’ve stumbled upon. This book has everything I ever wanted and didn’t know needed in my dark romance reads! Hell, romance reads, in general!
It had…
World-Building ✔
Suspense ✔
Character development ✔
Relationship growth ✔
Blazing, hot chemistry ✔
Drama ✔
It keeps you glued to the pages with it’s gripping story development between the characters. It’s utterly addictive with it’s build-up of suspense that there’s no way you could turn your back on any of, not wanting to miss one itty, bitty moment! What I love about Crow besides the swoony Irish, is that the story is consistent with it’s level of tension between the characters and their blooming relationship, all the while mafia-related heat is building all around them. There’s a lot of light and shade with this book, with a good dose of good vs evil.
A. Zavarelli was a new-to-me author back when I first read Crow, and I can tell you now, if you haven’t read any of her books — THIS IS THE BOOK TO START YOU OFF!! 💙
And speaking from experience as someone who hadn’t read many dark romances before reading Crow, this will plunge you head first into that genre, I’m not gonna lie. If you have guts of steel, and don’t get triggered by sensitive subjects easily… then yes, read, read, read! I can’t nudge you guys enough to start this series TODAY!
Mackenzie aka Mack is determined, stubborn, yet soft and vulnerable in a way that you can’t help but feel for the girl. Her go-get-em attitude may not be to everyone’s liking but I say, if you aren’t already loving her from the beginning, then you have to give her a chance to let her grow on you. She’s the way she is for a reason. She’s quite a complex and somewhat damaged character. One of the things I instantly loved about her was she was no damsel (not if she could help it, anyways). I’ve read one too many heroines who are described as tough, independent bitches, but never fully follow through. Mack, on the other hand? Yep. She’s the real deal! A fighter through and through, and I think that’s why she’s the perfect person to have gone toe-to-toe with the one and only Lachlan Crow.
“Ye’re a deadly wee thing, aren’t ye butterfly?”
Now. Ask yourself: Do I like Irish men? If you were like me, then you’re answer would’ve been along the lines of…. “Uhh. Never really thought about it.” Or “Hmm… meh.”
Well. Read Crow and you to tell me afterwards that you didn’t go a little crazy jabbering on about hot Irish mobsters and how sexy their accents sound. I dare ya! 😉😂😂
Lachlan Crow had the perfect balance of intimidation, strength, and possessiveness. With a dash of protectiveness, a splash of lighthearted sense of humor, and a pinch of gentlemanly manners, wrapped in an all-out sexy exterior. Morally grey characters never looked so good! Raaawrrr!
Crow will have you second-guessing your loyalty. Is the Irish Mafia really thaaaat bad?!
“I can’t let you go, Mack. The reasons don’t matter, so it’s better ye just accept it now.”
With Mack’s backstory and her initial reasoning for targeting Crow and the MacKenna Syndicate will have you on the edge of your seat to see if she pulls off her plan unscathed, or if Crow will discover the truth and end her like any other enemy.
With a forbidden and unlikely romance like theirs, there’s hurdles they have to overcome. You’ll see a lot of emotions float around between Mack and Lachlan. Feelings that they’re unfamiliar with, and both trying to deny. There’s a lot of trust issues, game-playing, and secrets being kept. Who’s playing, who? And who will come out alive?
This review is long overdue. But I can tell you now, my feelings for this book have not swayed whatsoever! Since 2018, I’ve found myself rereading this book at least once or twice yearly. It’s a romance story that will stay with me forever. There are certain scenes that get me every single damn time that I can pinpoint when I’m about to tear up, or get butterflies in my stomach from the suspense. Every time I read this book, it’s like I’m reading it for the first. It’s that kind of book, people!
It’s pure dark magic that it has this effect on me (and I’m sure on a lot of other readers too who’ve not only read Crow but this entire series)! It’s an effortless read. Beautifully told from dual points of views, with glimpses of their past revealed in between the present that elevates their individual stories to another level of world-building and growth. Zavarelli has created a world that holds so much endless possibilities, with her secondary characters also playing vital roles to making this story and the relationships within multi-dimensional.
I’m one of those pickle of a reader that if the book hasn’t captured my attention in the first two chapters then I will most likely abandon it for another.
I didn’t get past the first chapter of Crow before I was swallowing down that red pill! Screw the blue one! (A little Matrix reference, in case you didn’t know). 😉
Zavarelli has a way of catching your attention right off the bat by immediately getting you to question what the protagonists’ deal is. Her characters are unique, (and after having read more of her books since 2018) can easily be identified as Zavarelli’s because of their strong personalities, quirky mannerisms and unforgettable quotes. You will never get her characters confused with any other. They ooze out of the pages and leave an everlasting impression. Guaranteed.
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll hold your breath. And you’ll swoon. Your heart will break a little for these characters, but you’ll be rooting for everything to work out in the end!
“There was no avoiding you, Mack. It was always meant to happen this way.”
Oh. And if you’re a fan of boxing, like little ol’ me — then all the boxing fights/ scenes will be the cherry on top of what I consider an already delicious read!
This is only the beginning of what I can assure you is an even darker, grittier, more trigger-inducing series of books that’ll have you staying up reading!
How much would I recommend Crow to friends and fellow romance fans? Dude. An infinite amount! I haven’t stopped recommending it… and I’m recommending it again now, in this review! *singsong voice* Reaaaaad it!
When outlaw biker, Cole Austin sees a young woman handcuffed and being dragged across the yard of the Dead Souls Motorcycle Club’s remote clubhouse, he’s stunned by the realization of just how dark his world has become. This scene is even more than his twisted soul can stomach.
Compelled to intercede and save her, he has no idea his whole world is about to change. He believes he’s doing the right thing until a secret she’s hiding makes him question if saving her may be the biggest mistake of his life.
The two strike a deal, a deal they may both come to regret. Can his soul be saved? Is there anything he won’t do for her? Are there some things he just can’t? And are there some things she can never forgive?
• MINI REVIEW •
This book was crazy good (and where my addiction with MC romances started). So much drama and intrigue that I couldn’t put it down. An unexpected chance meeting that ends up turning into so much more. Seeing a rough and rugged biker, with a closed off heart start to unravel over someone who was so not part of his world had me not only swooning but on the edge of my seat anxious to see how everything would go down with them two. Such a roller coaster ride, and an unbelievably amazing start to the series (and introduction to all the brothers of the MC!) P.S. I may or may not have cried once or twice reading it.. 🙈
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
•••
CRASH
• BLURB •
When outlaw biker Tyler “Crash” Shaw volunteers his services to his club brother, Cole Austin, VP of the Evil Dead MC, he suddenly finds himself a rich girl’s bodyguard and babysitter. Well, it’s a bitch of a job, but maybe he can have a little fun with it. He thinks he’ll get a kick out of teaching the pampered stuck-up girl a lesson or two on how the other half lives. She can cook and clean for him in exchange for his help. No free ride for her. He intends to teach her that money can’t buy her way through life.
The world saw a classy pulled-together wealthy lady. All he saw was a spoiled little rich girl. A troublemaker, that’s all she was to him. Until she revealed the shattered girl inside that tried so hard to hide her weaknesses and fears with a façade of arrogance, attitude, and sass.
He’d tear down those walls she tried so hard to build, if only she’d let him.
Could the love of a man so wrong for her be the only one to save her?
And in his darkest hour, would her love be enough to save him?
From the MC’s California charter in San Jose, to the casinos and brothels of Reno, to brother charters in the Deep South, this story will take you on a ride of highs and lows that lead ultimately to redemption.
• MINI REVIEW •
My fave book from the entire series hands down! This series is already onto book 10 and not a single one of them have knocked Crash off top spot! 😊 This book had it all for me — A hate to love romance trope, a protective badass of an alpha male – who can turn into a sweet gentleman like *clicks fingers* that! And a helluva lot of banter that’ll have you giggling all throughout! 😍😍 A lot of twists and turns with this one, that you won’t know what’s happening until it smacks you in the face! The steamy scenes in this book were just that–STEAMY! Crash is completely book boyfriend goals!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
• SHADES •
• BLURB •
Shades hadn’t seen Skylar in years, and now here she was, the love of his life, riding back into his life on the back of a brother’s bike.
For years after Shades had lost Skylar, he’d tried satisfying the emptiness of losing her with booze, pussy and the club. He’d turned his frustration at having to give her up into a determination to climb the ranks of the club, but he hadn’t counted on the fact that the pull he’d felt toward Skylar had only laid dormant in him all these years. Or that all it would take to reignite it was just one look at her. And he sure as hell hadn’t counted on her showing up on the back of a brother’s bike.
When Skylar finally comes back into his life, will his desire for earning that VP patch stand in the way of any future he could have with her?
And when a rival MC shows up looking for Skylar, things go from complicated to damn near impossible.
Does Skylar come with more baggage than Shades is willing to sign up for?
• MINI REVIEW •
A second chance romance like no other. These two have a complicated past that comes plunging back when they finally cross paths with each other again after so many years. I loved that Shades was a completely different person when he was with Skylar in comparison to when he’s with his MC brothers. Like the previous two books, the protagonists’ attraction for each other oozes off the page. Their relationship has some serious issues that they have to work through, but it’s part of the appeal of their story. I love the character growth in Shades, and the come-full-circle of their coupling.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
WOLF
• BLURB •
The Evil Dead Motorcycle Club gave Wolf his nickname. They said it was because women stood about as much chance with him as Little Red Riding Hood stood against The Big Bad Wolf. And maybe that was true.
For Wolf, when it comes to his club, he’s all about loyalty. He loves his brothers, he loves the freedom of the road, and he loves his independence. When it comes to women, Wolf is all about the chase. He likes the hunt, he likes the challenge, and he loves women. And for the hot-as-hell badass biker, they’ve always come too easily. But they never fully satisfy him.
That is, until he met Crystal.
Buried under that hard-edged sexy-as-sin tomboy with the smartass mouth that can put any brother in the MC in his place, is a feminine side she only reveals when pushed. And Wolf is just the man to push. Problem is she’s the only woman to ever push back. Which only makes him more determined to have her.
Life in the Evil Dead MC isn’t easy, and neither is loving one of them. It’s a life that can leave a man scarred and bloody. And sometimes the fallout is far reaching and takes more than a man is willing to give.
It can be just as risky for any woman brave enough to love one of them.
The scars of life run deep, for both of them.
Sometimes life doesn’t give you a fairytale, sometimes you have to make your own.
And sometimes it takes a spitfire to tame a hell-raiser.
• MINI REVIEW •
Ever since Wolf and Crystal were first introduced in the previous books, I had been curious about them and wanting to see what their deal was. What I got from them in this book was so much more than what I imagined. Theirs was probably one of the more heart-breaking stories. What started out as friends with benefits (and denying their true feelings) turns into one fucking complicated mess that had me wondering if they would ever be able to work through it all. The things Skylar went through in this book is both relatable and realistic to a lot of women. I love the evolution of them as individuals and as a couple. Their story is told in both the past and present times of their lives, which really provides you with how much history is between Wolf and Skylar. Nicole James added some perfectly timed light-heartedness to break up the tension and seriousness in some scenes, and the support of the brotherhood was especially great in this one. It’s a beautiful love story. Little Tip: tissues are a must-have when reading it!
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐½
•••
GHOST
• BLURB •
Ghost has been living his life under one rule…never fall in love, never get too close, never get tied down to just one woman. Focusing solely on his club, he is able to remain unattached and free…. until a girl from his past is dropped in his lap. She was a line he swore he’d never cross. And now, in order to obtain an alliance his club needs, he’s forced to use her in ways he’d never imagined.
She needs his protection, and she’s the one woman he can’t refuse.
When Ghost finds himself unable to keep his distance from her, will he be able to push his feelings aside and use her as a pawn for the attainment of his club’s goals? Or will he put the club and their lives at risk to follow his heart?
When lies and secrets come between them, can they overcome everything to find their own piece of heaven?
• MINI REVIEW •
My least fave from the series (just wasn’t feeling it). This was an (ex) step-siblings turned lovers romance. They reconnect after Jessie tracks him down in need of his help.
I was a fan of Ghost in Shades’ book, with my first impression of him being he was pretty-laid back, funny, and sweet as hell. Unfortunately those traits were lacking in his own book, and in my opinion didn’t do his character complete justice. Sure he was protective but he was also tough, arrogant, and domineering needing to have everything his way.. yet he kept changing his bloody mind! 🙄
Whilst Jessie gave in too easily. I’d say she’s your stereotypical damsel in distress. And she certainly needed Ghost’s help with her dilemma. Still a decent read. I became invested in these guys so I could not NOT read this one!
RATING:⭐⭐⭐¾
•••
RED DOG
• BLURB •
** This is a NOVELLA **
The boys of the Evil Dead MC are out on business—the shady kind that happens in the dark of night miles from nowhere—when Red Dog gets a call from one of his club brothers. Seems Red Dog’s ol’ lady has picked tonight to take off and go drinking fifty miles from home.
The fact that she waits until he’s six hours away—doing an arms deal on the California-Oregon border—to pull this stunt, doesn’t amuse him.
Just wait until he gets his hands on her.
Only problem is—that may be easier said than done.
What ensues is a game of hide-and-seek with the boys all helping their MC brother track down his ol’ lady.
Along the way, Red Dog remembers why he fell in love with his little China Doll in the first place.
And he’ll be damned if he’s going to let anything or anyone keep them apart again, not even her.
• MINI REVIEW •
Ahhhh okay.. *flails arms* Red Dog is my second fave Evil Dead brother! 🤭😍 I wish his story wasn’t a novella because it was just so, so good. Red Dog is actually the only member who was introduced in the series already having an ol’ lady. This novella is pretty much how he met Mary and some of the difficult times they’ve gone/ going through in their lives. I love the chase in this one. The grovelling was my fave part of the entire book. That may sound mean but Red Dog is this big bad biker yet really he’s all sweetness! Not only was it entertaining to see (thanks to the brotherly banter), it was also the part that always gets me choked up. No matter how many times I reread his novella, I still get teary-eyed seeing the red-headed viking share his feelings with Mary. Ughhh LOVE! I also have to mention that I love the little bit of diversity in this one — with Mary being half Asian. As I’ve come to understand, there’s not a lot of diversity in MCs, so this was a really nice addition 💘 Highly recommend. If you start this series, do not skip out on this novella.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐½
•••
BLOOD
• BLURB •
A tale of revenge, loyalty and debts owed.
He’s the Enforcer for the New Orleans Chapter of the Evil Dead MC.
She’s a nurse, kidnapped and thrust into a situation out of her control.
Chained to a bed, his wounds on fire, his mind foggy with fever, Blood is losing all hope of ever making it out of the stifling New Orleans row house. Until the door opens and an angel of mercy is thrust inside.
Nurse Catherine ‘Cat’ Randall stared at the man on the bed. He’s dark and dangerous and everything she hates—just another filthy biker. Only he isn’t. He’s nothing like the others. And she’s his only hope of escape. Can she risk helping him? Can she trust a man who wears an MC patch? How can he be her savior when he wears the face of her deepest fear?
Blood owes the pretty nurse a debt—one he’s determined to repay, even if it clashes with his duty to his club. He made her a promise. But time is running out. To keep that promise and repay the debt he owes, he may have to sacrifice it all—everything that ever meant a damn to him.
Fighting treachery, betrayal, and dirty deals, there are a hundred ways it could all go wrong, but Blood is determined to have Cat for his own. She’s fast becoming his weakness. As the smoldering passion between them flares to life, burning hot and intense, no one is going to stop him. He wants it all, and he’ll settle for nothing less.
This is an emotional story filled with twists and turns, tragedy and humor that only the Evil Dead MC can deliver. Hang on for a ride you won’t forget.
• MINI REVIEW •
Not gonna lie, whilst I did like this book overall.. I also found it a little busy. A lot of different things happened in this book (some of which started a chain of events that you’ll see in following books).
Blood was one of the brothers I totally fawned over when he was introduced — another character I could not wait to read more about, and whilst I did like him in this one, Cat and his story didn’t completely win me over. Cat, who I initially liked at the beginning slowly became someone I wasn’t really enjoying reading about. The chemistry between them wasn’t as palpable as I thought it would be (considering what I’ve seen of Blood in Shades’ book) 🤷♀️ Yeah… the scenes where it was just the two of them had me all smiles, but there were parts of this story that dragged a little long for me.
One nice change of pace about this one though is the backdrop. It’s set in New Orleans and the culture and people detailed out in this book I consider a highlight. Blood, himself was another. I would reread this book just for him.. because he is dreamy. Hehe.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
UNDERTAKER
• BLURB •
When Undertaker saved an innocent young girl from the clutches of a rival MC, he never expected she’d form an attachment to him, refusing to leave the safety of his clubhouse. But the President of the Evil Dead MC has a club to run. What he doesn’t have is the time or the experience to help Holly get past the traumatic experience she’s been through. Counseling is what she needs, and he’ll see she gets it.
The last thing Undertaker expects to see when that therapist walks through his clubhouse doors is a face from his past. They’d met years ago when he’d been ordered into counseling as part of his parole. Eleven years locked in a cell does things to a man, but back then Undertaker hadn’t had time to deal with all his demons. He had a motorcycle club he needed to get back to, and an untimely death in the ranks had him stepping up to fill the spot of President and fulfill his destiny—one that didn’t include the fresh-out-of-college psychology intern who’d been put in charge of his case. She’d known nothing of his problems. How could she? Besides, he’d scared her to death.
Now, a dozen years later, fate was coming around again, throwing them back together. But Allison Carter wasn’t that naïve girl anymore; she was all woman now.
And the President of the Evil Dead’s New Orleans Chapter was about to make her his.
Only problem was he had to let one sweet girl down easy before he could pursue her hot-as-sin therapist. It won’t be so simple when trouble from his past threatens everything.
When an ex-con biker sets his sights on you, do you run?
No?
Not even when he comes with more trouble than you can handle?
• MINI REVIEW •
A older man/ younger woman second chance romance that pulls at the heartstrings. I enjoyed every second of this book. Not only are the characters a little older than the previous ones, the maturity in their relationship is also evident. There was no gaming playing — just two people who had a short encounter in the past coincidentally meet again after so many years and start getting to know one another. The gradual growth of their relationship is one of the most realistic in this series in regards to pacing, and by the end the love between these two felt rock solid. Another satisfying romance story that’ll leave you with a contented smile on your face.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
JOKER
• BLURB •
Holly—
She’s a twenty-year-old girl working towards getting over her traumatic past, and moving forward with her life. That means leaving the safety she’s found at the Evil Dead MC’s clubhouse, and returning to school and an apartment on campus.
Last thing she wants is her new biker bodyguard to think she’s a scared little child. So she bluffs her way through situations, pretending to be tough and fearless, when in reality she’s the complete opposite.
Holly can’t stand Joker—but tell that to her traitorous body.
Why did he have to be so good looking?
Why did he have to be the one to make her feel again?
And why did he have to be the one man she can’t have?
JOKER—
He has no idea what he’s done to earn the crap job of being this little brat’s new shadow, but he’s not about to let the president of his MC down. Joker was given one stipulation, she’s off limits. Holly may be a brat, but she’s also beautiful—and keeping his hands off her may be the death of him.
Joker isn’t about to stand for Holly’s bratty behavior. And he’s definitely not going to take any disrespect from her. For every stunt she pulls, he’s right there to drag her out of trouble and rein her in.
She was just a brat, until he saw her vulnerable side.
She was just a tough little smartass, until he saw the fear she hid.
She was just a job, until she wasn’t.
• MINI REVIEW •
A hate to love romance between two young leads. There’s a lot of fun and games, and banter in this storyline but the serious subjects within is what makes this book have depth in their budding relationship. Joker and Holly went from tolerating one another to truly needing each other.
Holly may have been bratty and immature at the beginning, but there’s reasoning behind that and the fact the Joker took the time and effort to help her work through it and move on really showed that he was more than just a club member doing what he was told.
A sweet story, and despite their young love, it had intensity, vulnerability, and passion that matches the rest of the romances in this series.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
HAMMER
• BLURB •
A badass biker and the sexy little sprite that wants nothing to do with him. They’re opposites in every way that matters-except one-they can’t keep their eyes off each other.
Hammer watches Tink strut past him without so much as a glance. His eyes moving over her hot little body-a body that’s been driving him crazy and keeping him awake at night.
She’s the one chick he’s been infatuated with for months, but she won’t give him the time of day. Hammer just doesn’t get it. After all, he’s a big, muscular man who turns female heads wherever he goes. Tattoos cover the skin of his sculpted body, and that combined with being a patched member of the Evil Dead MC does it for most women who are into bad boys. Not Tink, though.
Unfortunately for Hammer, the one woman he wants more than any other seems to be immune to him. Well, he’s had about enough of her snubbing him like he doesn’t even exist. He’s going after what he wants, and what he wants more than anything is that hot little girl with the short white-blonde hair. The one so petite, the guys in the club nicknamed her Tinker Bell. Yes, that sexy little sprite is going to be his.
Tink is totally aware of Hammer’s eyes on her as she walks past. Warmth floods her body, like it does every time she’s near him and he looks at her that way-like he’s undressing her with his eyes and imagining all the sordid things he’d like to do to her. Things she lies awake at night imagining as well. But Tink isn’t willing to risk her heart; not for a man who could hurt her like he could, a man who has already been with her sister. Raven always gets what she wants, and that’s usually anything she thinks Tink might want. Tink learned long ago not to even try to compete with her sister. It’s pointless. So, she’s carved out a life for herself surrounded by the men of this MC and the women who have become her best friends. It’s a world she thought her sister would never be interested in, and one where she’ll never have to compete with her.
Apparently, she’d thought wrong.
What happens when a badass biker wants the one woman he can’t have? How far will he go to have her?
• MINI REVIEW •
After reading the blurb for Hammer’s story, I instantly thought it sounded adorable… and guess what? It was! I’m obsessed with the fact that Hammer has always had a thing for Tink but she’s always just kind of avoided him like a plague. Lol. This book was his opportunity to finally try and get closer to Tink. There’s a lot of miscommunication and trust issues with these two, but this story was also light-hearted and endearing. I love that they are complete opposites — Hammer is a tatted-up biker, built like a tank, and can pretty much have any woman (except for Tink, that is). Tink is this teeny tiny pixie-like woman who happens to work behind the bar at their clubhouse and has seen what these brothers are like when women are around.
Like all the previous books in the series, there are always underlying issues and hurdles each couple goes through. Hammer is no different. Besides Tink trying to fight off her attraction for Hammer, they both have family issues they need to deal with. Hammer’s personal story is the standout for me though. Another amazing addition to the series, and at this point, these books have become guilty pleasure reads! 😅
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
•••
I’m #currentlyreading Nicole James newest release — Dirty Deeds, first book in her new series Devil Kings MC (if you’ve read the Evil Dead MC series then you’ll know that Devil Kings are a rival MC).
I wanted to post this short review/ rating of each book in the original series that way you guys have a reference you can go back to when I have my review up for Dirty Deeds.
The Evil Dead MC is a dark gritty, yet swoony romance series that centres around members of a motorcycle club. Each can be read as standalones but I recommend reading them in order because the world-building gets more in-depth the further you read on, and characters tend to make appearances in each others books– and you wouldn’t want to miss any interesting developments in their lives, trust me! 😉 If you’re a fan of MC romances and would recommend some, please do! Always looking for more to add to my TBR!
⚠ But I should mention that these books do contain subjects that may trigger some readers. Whilst it’s not overly detailed or graphic — profanity, violence, physical and sexual abuse, and kidnapping is present. Readers 18+ only!
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