Motorcycle Clubs – Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree

Painless (Steel Demons MC Book 4)

Love is never painless.
Especially when you love dangerous men.

My heart wants the most dangerous one of all–the golden man with the beautiful smile. Gunner strikes enemies as ruthlessly as his falcon, but when it comes to us, he keeps me tortured and begging for a swift end.

He crushed me once, then kissed hope back into me. His indecision will be the slow, painful death of me. I’m done waiting. I’ll make him put me out of my misery, or pull the trigger myself.

If dealing with him wasn’t enough pain, I’m also getting my Steel Demons tattoo from Shadow.

The scarred, quiet man has been coming around to me slowly. My new cat companion is obsessed with him. If my time with the Steel Demons has taught me anything, it’s to trust the instincts of our animal guardians.

They’re intelligent. Sometimes, they even talk to us.

I don’t expect my first tattoo to be painless. But can I heal my artist from the pain he keeps locked inside?

Reviews

Becky Snaith
5.0 out of 5 stars Make sure you give yourself time, you won't want to put this one down!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020
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In this entry we find Mari and her guys adjusting to a change in their dynamic. Readers and fans girls are all sighing or maybe shouting "Finally!" 3 down 1 to go! Shadow is starting to come out of his shell and it makes me so happy, he's the hero all of us love to read, strong, silent, sexy and mysterious! There is laughter, sadness, smexy times, and new allies. General Tash is still moving in and Crystal Ash is torturing us with the knowledge that something truly awful is to come. Of course even knowing that I will be waiting not so patiently for what's to come for the Steel Demons. The writing is awesome like always. Each character has their own clear voice with distinct personalities and no one gets lost in the crowd. I'm hoping next book will see Shadow front and center getting everything he needs and deserves through Mari's love. Also I think Shadow's needs his pet to show up, something sleek and scary but still beautiful, like a jaguar or wolf, not quite tame but still fiercely protective of those they love, just like Shadow. 5 Stars!

Lolly
5.0 out of 5 stars #imahoforshadow
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020
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This book seems like it’s the final step toward the cliff’s edge of change, like the next book will have a lot of shake ups, and I really like it...while also being SO nervous.

I’m afraid to spoil anything in trying to explain myself so I’ll just talk about my favorite demon instead. Shadow!! ❤ He really shows a lot of personal growth in this book. He’s starting to interact more easily and get comfortable around others, particularly Mari. We also get to see him start to experience things that are completely normal to most people, and it’s just...adorable! I want to cuddle him up in my love so badly every time he is confronted with regular human compassion and is f*^king baffled.

I’m really looking forward to the next book and I can’t thank Crystal Ash enough for her intense release pace. I know that can’t be easy on her, and I am very appreciative of the short wait between my Steel Demon fixes.

Fearless (Steel Demons MC #3)

I once did everything in my power to save lives.
Now I stand aside and watch men die.

The man I love must kill one of his own. Someone he considered a brother, a fellow Steel Demon, put the entire club in danger. As president, Reaper must crush every last threat to his people, or the Steel Demons MC could cease to exist altogether.

Reaper is ruthless. His justice is punishing. But despite his name, he takes no pleasure in executing someone he once trusted. The task is weighing on him. That’s why he needs me.

But he’s not the only one.

The vice president with the seductive charm needs me. The silent soldier with terrifying nightmares needs me. And the sweet, golden man with the falcon on his shoulder? It scares me how much I need him.

All of these men have killed without hesitation. They all battle demons I can’t begin to fathom. In my journey to combat violence with healing, I found my home with men just as cruel as they are loving.

Can I be fearless enough to love them all?

Reviews:

Helle Gade
5.0 out of 5 stars I need more of this fabulous series!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2020
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OHMYGODS!!!!! That ending was friggin beautiful. I still get goosebumps when thinking about it! Aw man, this book hangover is going to be BAD!

I love this book so hard!!! Mari is amazing and Reaper and Jandro *sigh* well you learn much more about them. Their relationship is moving forward. The book was volcano hot, like seriously need new panties and chocolate hot! And I have to mention my favourite boy Hades ♡ I love him so much.

The author expertly weaves revelations in that makes you squeal in excitement. I can't wait until the next book comes out. I'm well and truly addicted to this series.

I highly recommend this book and the authors other books. You won't be disappointed.

Rachel
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Rollercoaster Ride
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2020
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The Steel Demons MC definitely know how to keep you on your toes. This third book of Ms. Ash's in the series is packed with action, steam, feelings, growth, and humor. Yet all of it is balanced and flows just right through the book so that it's never too much.
Mari, Reaper, and Jandro are figuring out how their relationship works and I loved the time spent with each of them individually as well as together. Shadow shined in this book in my opinion. The progress that he's made with Mari and the additional glimpses we get into his past and thought processes continue to make him an intriguing and stronger character. Gunner struggles in this book with what he wants (Mari) but his feelings on the relationship she's building with his best friends. I just wanted to wrap him up tightly and then shake him super hard.
The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, but does end with something important happening that I'm sure we'll see expanded upon in the next book. There's also something that happened regarding their enemies taking a new approach that we'll have to wait and see what it means in book 4. I'm so happy that Ms. Ash wrote this series and shared the Steel Demons with the world, they're something special and I'm hooked on the ride.

Jess McDaniel
5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps getting better and better!! 😍
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
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This series is taking me for a ride! I didn't know where this one was going to go, but I love that part about it. We don't know too much about the US after the Collapse, but we keep getting more and more snippets as the series moves along.

This book was pretty packed with action and it was also steeeeeeamy! Shew... 🥵🥵🥵 I love Mariposa! She's amazing. She has morals being a healer, but as she settles into the Steel Demons life, she realizes some things just have to happen. She is perfect for Reaper and Jandro, but definitely ready for Gunner to pull his head out of his rear. (🤞🏻 for soon!)

I love that Shadow is coming around to Mari as well. I think that it helps that she understands his PTSD. She always takes in account that when speaking with him and always gives him a choice.

The last bit of the book, I was on edge. I was so heartbroken and hopefully this will be a turning point for someone. I also love Hades and Horus and the connection they have with each other and their counterparts. There is some mystery to them and I hope we find out more about them in the upcoming books.

I cannot wait to see what else this series brings!

Powerless (Steel Demons MC Book 2)

The Collapse took my rights away.
But it’s my heart that will leave me truly powerless.

Somehow, I’m still alive.
So are the gruff, dangerous men I’ve found myself strangely at home with. The Steel Demons escaped execution only to find they’ve been betrayed by one of their own. Once an unbreakable brotherhood, tension and distrust grows between them.

Meanwhile I’m stuck between a rock and Reaper’s hard place.

I should have known better than to fall for the green-eyed, rough-handed president. I knew a man like him would only hurt me. When he drops hints about sharing me with his two best friends, that says enough about what he thinks I am–an object to be passed around, just like every other woman after the Collapse.

The only question is, can I find the power to walk away?

Rachel
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars I love the Steel Demons MC
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2019
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Powerless pulled a number of emotions from me, it was sort of like a fast motorcycle ride through a winding canyon. There's a lot of steam in this installment (which Ms. Ash always does well), some mystery over a betrayer within the MC, all the complexity of figuring out where Mari stands with Reaper but also Jandro and Gunner, and then Shadow...oh Shadow, who I want to wrap up in a giant blanket hug and keep him safe and warm forever (which he'd hate).
I was so wrapped up in the plot of Powerless and the flow of tension and events. The ending is not a cliffhanger per se, however there's a big information reveal from a character that made me almost gasp.
I loved this second book in the Steel Demons MC series and I'm really excited to see where things go from here and how Ms. Ash continues to develop these characters. This series has been refreshing and different and I definitely recommend!

Ashley R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend (cue annoying squee sounds and gushing review)
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2019
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Omg! Omg! Omg! The awesomeness continues. There are definitely still rollercoaster emotion moments, but the number of wow, holy crap, wtf, and hell yes moments sucked me and in kept me reading. I feel like I should insert sound effects here also to emphasize how much I liked the second book in this series. ::squee:: ::clapping hands:: ::jumping up and down in excitement::

Mari has a lot of pondering to do about the men around her and what she wants for her future (and from them). Sheol has started to feel like home, but life is always uncertain in this crazy messed up world she lives in, and even her strong-willed and powerful MC she’s found herself tied to is not without enemies. Threats abound from without - and possibly from within.

There were a few characters and scenarios I was especially curious about after reading the first novel. Some of those were fleshed out more, some still dangle hints and possibilities, and some new curiosities have arisen with book two.

Oh... And just wait until you get to the Epilogue...

FANCHON
4.0 out of 5 stars So much better than the first book
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
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This book was a definite improvement over the first one. A little Sons of Anarchy, a little handmaid’s tale, with a little side of magic thrown in there. And a dash of hotness. This was a quick enjoyable read, and has me looking forward to the next book. Mari was far more likeable in this book, although while they’re fleeing on motorcycles during an ambush in which they are actively being shot at, she still cried out “I need to help the wounded!” Like she actually expected Jandro to stop the motorcycle and let her off to start tending to the casualties? Literally while they are being shot at? It was a strange juxtaposition, as later she seemed intelligent and levelheaded while taking care of all of their wounded back at their compound. And again while educating everyone on preventative health and the services she could provide. Strange. But she’s definitely coming across the stronger in this book.

I love how you can actually see the differences in all the male characters. Sometimes in RH books, The character development isn’t really there and they are all interchangeable. That is definitely not the case here. It’s brilliant. They all have distinct personalities, and I feel emotionally invested in each of them. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it develops in the coming books.

Overall a fun intriguing read, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

Lawless (Steel Demons MC Book 1)

Do you remember the old advertisement for Lay’s potato chips? The tagline was “Nobody can eat just one!” I don’t normally read MC books, but this series combines both the MC with the Dystopian troupe. Once I got started, I had to read them all!
Reluctant Retiree

Book Blurb:

The Collapse changed everything. Good men became killers. Strong women became property. And every day turned into a fight for survival.

I once dreamed of becoming a nurse. That dream went up in flames the same day I graduated nursing school, when women were banned from holding any kind of medical license.

Now as an unlicensed medic, I travel what was once the southwestern United States, trading medical services for food, transportation, and shelter with the hopes of reaching Canada.

Because the United States is no more. And the lawless land that’s replaced it is a deadly place for a woman.

My worst fear comes true when I’m captured by the Steel Demons MC, the most ruthless biker gang in the Southwest. These men thrive on the violence and chaos brought on by the Collapse, and they’re eager to unleash it all on me.

It doesn’t even matter that the President’s dog likes me. I’m as good as dead.

Sons of Anarchy meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this dystopian reverse harem adventure! This wild ride is not for the faint of heart and contains adult themes that may be triggering.

Michelle P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Post apocalyptic handmaid's tail 💙👌👌
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019
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~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Fairly fast paced for a UF+RH

Character depth ~ 5/5 The Readers get POV - which I love!

Pacing ~ 5/5

Hero(es) ~ 5/5
Each man has distinct qualities and personalities. They are good men who sometimes have to do anti-moral things in order to survive.

Heroine~ 4/5
Strong-minded and feisty
However, it is slightly puzzling to me that
3 years after women's rights were taken away, Mariposa still seems quite naive - especially for someone who has been traveling as an unprotected, single woman. No weapons on her?
And her internal thoughts, in the beginning, border on being "high school-ish" when dealing with the men.
But once Mari becomes more acquainted with the men, it's like the author hit her stride and Mari's character becomes the intelligent and strong-willed person she should have been from the beginning.

Emotion felt by reader ~ 5/5

Dark themes (non-con, abuse, torture)
No. The heroes in this book are firmly against non-con. There is a scene where there is miscommunication and misunderstandings, but it's handled really well and it'll make sense how this scene occured. I promise, there's no non-con.

Sensuality, Passionate ~ 5/5
Lots of flirting and sensuality

Se(xxx)y time(s) ~ 4/5
Could have been dirtier...😉

Conclusion ~ 5/5

Cliffhanger ~
More like dunn, dunn, DUNN. Leads into the next book without too much of a cliffy

Book Cover ~ 5/5
STUNNING

Rachel
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars This may be my favorite Crystal Ash book yet...
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2019
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I started Lawless late at night, thinking that I'd be able to read a few chapters before I fell asleep. Ha! I could not put my Kindle down and at one point my husband woke up enough to ask if I was going to sleep at all to which I responded, "I'm almost done, just a little bit left..." I finished in the early morning hours and I regret nothing because I think this may be my favorite of Ms. Ash's books!
Mariposa is a strong FMC but she's living in a society that no longer values women so she's also vulnerable and cautious. I really liked that her skills lie in a practical area (medical training) and that she follows a moral code even if others don't necessarily.
The guys each stand out and I'm dying to know more about them as the series progresses. This is a multiple POV book and it's always fun to see inside the guys' heads and what's going on. Here, it definitely helps because post-Collapse, it's not realistic that the guys would immediately open up and spill their life stories/feelings.
As usual for Ms. Ash's books - there's a wonderful balance of action, drama, and steam. I'm so excited to dive more into this series and see what happens in the next book!

Maria Arnold
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic start to Steel Demons MC!!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2019
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I always love Crystal Ash's book. Lawless didn't disappoint me one bit!

Set in a time where the world we know it collapse, no such thing as women's rights and only the strong survives and takes what they want.

Mariposa just graduated from medical school to be a nurse, but with the world the way it is, to be a nurse... there's no such thing. Traveling west Mariposa seeks to find a place where she can be a medic. By a chance meeting, she meets four very hot, sexy and dangerous men. Meet Reaper, Gunner, Jandro and Shadow... the Steel Demons MC. And boy are they hot!

I was taken from the very first chapter. Mariposa is a strong woman, who seeks to find her place in a world that suppresses women. The men of the Steel Demons....they're hot, dangerous and everyone avoids them if they're smart. A definite must read. I love the interaction between them all and dang, I would love to take them all home with me! Even Hades and Horus. I can't wait to read the next book!!