#MCRomance – Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree

Atilla #BookBlitz

“You knew my mom.” She came up the steps and handed me a picture. Rebecca. My throat grew tight and then her words registered.
“What?”
“My name is Casey,” she whispered. “And I think you’re my dad.”

Atilla
Harley Wylde
(Savage Raptors MC, #2)
Publication date: May 26th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Solena — At the age of fifteen, my parents forced me to give my baby up for adoption. I never got to see his little face or hold him. All these years later, it still hurts — so much that one night I decide to dull the pain with alcohol and sex. There’s only one man I want, but the President of the Savage Raptors MC might be more than I can handle. I’ve had a crush on him for a while now. He says he can only offer one night. I want more. I want it all.

Atilla — Lost my woman seventeen years ago. Thought I’d lost my daughter too… until she showed up on my doorstep. Now I have a pregnant teen living with me, and a woman who wants more than I’m able to give her. Solena is far too young for me. Hell, she’s barely older than my daughter. So why is keeping my distance so damn difficult? Is it really okay to fall in love again?

WARNING: Atilla has a guaranteed happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger. There are subjects some readers may find difficult to read. Recommended for readers 18+ due to adult content.

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EXCERPT:

Solena

I didn’t know why I was here. This wasn’t my scene. The music was too loud, the women too wild, and the smoke nearly choked me. So why the hell hadn’t I turned around and gone home? The man at the end of the bar was the only reason I hadn’t run for the hills.

I’d seen him around town. In fact, he often came to the café where his daughter worked. The pregnant teen was working on her GED and waiting tables. I’d once been in her shoes, so I could sympathize. Except, I didn’t get to keep my baby. I’d been fifteen when my boyfriend didn’t take no for an answer. The result had been a little boy. One I’d never even gotten to hold. My parents had told the doctor to take him away before I even got a good look, and I had no idea where he was now.

I’d tried to find out, but I had had no luck. The place my parents supposedly used for the adoption had never existed. My stomach churned every time I thought about it. What had happened to my little boy? Was he okay? Did a loving family get him? Today he was especially on my mind, since it was his birthday. Which was the second reason I’d come here. I’d wanted a distraction so I wouldn’t think about him. Obviously, it wasn’t working.

I took a swallow of the cocktail I’d ordered and tried to get the courage to speak to the President of the Savage Raptors. He’d always seemed nice when he’d stopped by to visit Casey. We’d exchanged a few words here and there. Every time I got close to him, my heart raced, and I fought the urge to reach out my hand and touch him. Something about him called to me. I’d never been the type to go for bad boys or rough men. Atilla looked like both, and yet, I’d seen how gentle he was with Casey. Perhaps it was that side of him I yearned for.

More than once, I’d gone to sleep hugging my pillow, wondering what it would be like to have Atilla lying next to me. I didn’t know what I found so fascinating about him. I knew people would say he was too old for me. Their opinions didn’t matter. I’d never been so drawn to someone before, and I found him to be the sexiest man in town. Possibly in the entire world.

“You going to keep staring at him or go make a move?” someone asked from beside me. I startled and glanced in the man’s direction. Spade was on his leather cut, along with Vice President.

“Was I being that obvious?” I asked. Should I wipe my chin? Had I been drooling over the man? Wouldn’t be the first time. One of my co-workers once threw a napkin at me after Atilla left the café. I’d literally been salivating over him like a dog after a bone.

“Oh, yeah. I’m sure you’ve seen him wave off every woman who approached so far. I have a feeling he won’t turn you away. You’re different from the other women here. I can’t quite figure out why you came to a party at the clubhouse. You don’t seem like the sort to do this kind of thing.”

“I’m not. It’s my first time doing anything like this, and I’m extremely nervous.”

Spade smiled faintly. “You came for him, didn’t you?”

I nodded. I couldn’t deny it. The alcohol in my system hadn’t been enough to give me the courage to go up to him. I wasn’t sure anything could help me. What was I expecting from this, anyway? I wasn’t the one-night-stand type, and I didn’t think the man had come here to find a girlfriend. When I’d thought about getting a drink and possibly getting closer to Atilla, my brain hadn’t gone as far as the next step.

I yearned to speak with him. Get closer to him. If he kissed me, I might die from both pleasure and a shock to my system. In all this time, I’d never desired anyone. With Atilla, I found myself watching him whenever he was nearby, and wanting nothing more than to cuddle up to him. I couldn’t help but think if a man like him were part of my life, things would be different. It wouldn’t change my financial issues, but having someone to lean on, to give me their support and a little affection would have meant the world to me. Not just anyone… him. It had to be Atilla or no one.

Truth be told, I hadn’t slept with anyone since that one time. Then again, I didn’t consider what my boyfriend had done to me to be considered sex. He’d raped me. I knew it. He knew it. Everyone else thought I’d given consent, then changed my mind after the fact and made a fuss over nothing. Even my parents hadn’t believed me.

“Maybe I should just leave,” I said.

“Or you could follow me.” He snatched up my glass, and I hurried after him, keeping an eye on the open beverage. I knew nothing about these men, or what they were capable of. He wouldn’t put something in it, would he? I chased him down, only to come to a halt next to Atilla. Spade set my glass on the bar beside Atilla’s beer, then motioned to the empty stool. “Sit. Talk. But stop staring at him like a creeper.”

My cheeks warmed, and I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. Atilla’s lips kicked up on one corner and I saw the amusement in his eyes. I sat down and took another swallow of my drink. Then drained the glass. Atilla motioned to the guy behind the bar and before I knew it, I had a fresh drink sitting in front of me.

“You’re Solena, right?” he asked.

He remembered my name? It pleased me more than it should have. It wasn’t like he said I was special or anything. Just because he knew who I was didn’t mean anything. For all I knew, he remembered every person he ever met.

“Yeah. I work with Casey at the café.” Way to state the obvious, idiot.

“So, why did you come here?” Atilla asked.

“To see you.” I winced. I hadn’t meant to blurt it out. It seemed the alcohol was affecting me more than I’d realized.

“That right?” He grinned. “And what were you hoping to gain from it?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

He eyed me up and down. “Well, you’re showing off more than you usually do, but you’re still overdressed for a place like this.”

I looked around the room and noticed most of the women were naked already. And the things they were doing… I quickly turned my head. It felt like my face was on fire, and I knew I could never be like those women. Not that I condemned them for being so free. It just wasn’t something I could ever do. I had stretch marks from my pregnancy, and a little extra around the middle. I’d be too embarrassed to strip naked in front of everyone.

“Come on. I’m getting a fucking headache. Grab your drink.” Atilla stood, picking up his beer.

I picked my cocktail up and followed him toward the back of the building. He entered a door at the end of the hall and flipped on the lights. It looked like a boardroom. Well, a rustic version of one. The wood table looked sturdy. He pulled out one of the leather chairs and motioned for me to sit.

“Is it okay for me to set my glass down?” I asked.

He snorted. “Not going to hurt anything.”

With the door closed, it was far quieter than it had been in the main room. The fact we were alone made butterflies riot in my stomach. I didn’t know why he’d brought me in here. Did he expect something?

Author Bio:

Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil’s Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series.
When Harley’s writing, her motto is the hotter the better — off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can’t deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you’ve come to the right place. She doesn’t shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.

The times Harley isn’t writing, she’s thinking up naughty things to do to her husband, drinking copious amounts of Starbucks, and reading. She loves to read and devours a book a day, sometimes more. She’s also fond of TV shows and movies from the 1980’s, as well as paranormal shows from the 1990’s to today, even though she’d much rather be reading or writing.

You can find out more about Harley or enter her monthly giveaway on her website. Be sure to join her newsletter while you’re there to learn more about discounts, signing events, and other goodies!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Bookbub / TikTok

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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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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
Verified Purchase
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!!

Cyclops – Blitz

Cyclops
by Harley Wylde
(Reckless Kings MC)
Publication date: March 18th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Leigha — To say my dad is overprotective is too mild a description. Add in all my honorary uncles in the Dixie Reapers MC and going on dates is next to impossible. So when Lyssa invites me to visit her at the Reckless Kings in Tennessee, I jump at the chance. Maybe I can finally experience life a little. I know my family goes after bad men, the kind who hurt women and kids. I never counted on becoming a victim myself. The biker who comes to my rescue is… scary. Hot. And all alpha. He’s exactly what I need!

Cyclops — My stint in the military left me a parting gift. Scar tissue that not only left me blind in that eye, but makes the damn thing look spooky as fuck. I’m used to people staring. Mostly. Then my brothers had to stick me with the road name Cyclops. They’re not funny, even if they think they are. Uncle Sam may no longer find me fit for duty, but it doesn’t mean I’m useless. When I hear a scream, I don’t hesitate. Thought I was saving a girl. Turns out she’s a woman — and one I shouldn’t touch. The daughter of a Dixie Reaper, she’s her daddy’s little angel… and damn if I’m not tempted to lure her to the dark side and get her a little dirty.

WARNING: Cyclops is part of the Reckless Kings MC series. It contains an age-gap relationship of more than 10 years, violence, bad language, and adult situations. Some readers may find the subject matter difficult to read. But there’s a guaranteed happily-ever-after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!

Goodreads / Bookbub / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

I’d just pulled my keys free when I felt someone behind me. The heat of their body pressed into mine and I froze. How had I not heard anyone approaching? All the training I’d received flew out the window. My hand shook as the man caged me between his arms. He leaned in closer, the smell of beer and cigarettes making me cringe.

“Pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be out here all alone.”

Bluff your way out of this, Leigha. I licked my lips and tried to relax my body. “What makes you think I’m alone?”

“Saw you pull up. I don’t see a man with you. Unless you prefer women?” He put his lips near my ear and bit down hard enough I yelped. “That it? Maybe you just need a good, hard fucking to change your mind. Prove to you cock is better.”

No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. My heart raced and I couldn’t stop my hands from trembling. “I like men.” I took a breath and held it for a moment. “When one gets here, let me know.”

“You bitch!” He spun me around, making me drop my coffee and my keys. He pressed his forearm against my throat. “Think I’m not a man? Guess I need to prove otherwise.”

“Danny, there’s too many people,” another guy said. I glanced his way and realized he’d be no help. The look in his eyes said he didn’t care for what his friend wanted to do to me, but he was too chicken to make him stop.

“Then we’ll take her somewhere else.” He yanked me away from the car, his hand bruising my arm as he dragged me toward an alley. I struggled and fought, hoping someone would see us. If they did, they pretended otherwise. He shoved me against the brick building and started tearing at my clothes.

He ripped my shirt down the middle and started working on unfastening my jeans. “Help! Someone…”

His fist connected with my stomach before he slapped me across the face. I gasped and coughed. “Shut up. You keep fighting, it’s going to be even worse.”

“Never.” I spat in his face. “I’ll never let you touch me.”

He shoved my jeans down my hips and tried ripping my panties. I kicked at him, stomped on his feet, and clawed at his face. I did everything I could to break free. It only pissed him off more.

I refused to let this piece of filth take my virginity. Reaching up, I jammed my thumbs into his eyes and pushed as hard as I could. He screamed and backed up. I didn’t relent and clung to him like a barnacle. I wanted his eyes to pop, to make him suffer and remember this moment the next time he tried to hurt a woman. He’d gotten the drop on me, and I’d frozen like a damn deer in the headlights. But down deep, I was my father’s daughter, and while I might not wear a patch, I was part of the Dixie Reapers by blood. No way I’d let this asshole win.

“I’m not a damsel you can bully and terrify. I’ll kill you before I let you rape me.” He knocked me to the ground. Before I could stand, someone entered the alley.

I eyed him, tensing as I wondered if he was here to help, or to join my would-be rapist. Then I noticed the leather cut over his shoulders, and his attire. Biker. Relief flooded me. If he was part of a club, he’d likely be from the Reckless Kings. And if he wasn’t, my chances were still good he might help me. Even the weekend riders seemed to have a certain code they followed.

The new man went after Danny. I saw the back of his cut and smiled. Reckless Kings MC. Since he was one of Beast’s men, I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. He threw punches at the guy’s face and torso, not holding back. While he whaled on the asshole, I pulled up my jeans. My shirt was a lost cause. Even trying to tie it didn’t help, so I let it fall to the ground. The worrier who’d tried to tell his friend not to hurt me had fled down the alley.

Danny fell to the ground, and the biker nailed him in the ribs with the toe of his boot, then kneeled down beside him. “If I ever see you put your hands on a woman again, I will cut them off. Then I’ll remove your tongue. Your eyes. Your ears. And finally, I’ll cut off your dick and shove it down your throat. Assuming I can find something that small without a magnifying glass. Understood?”

Danny groaned and nodded. The biker stood and kicked him in the face, knocking him out cold. When he turned to face me, I scanned his cut. Cyclops. I would have asked why he had that name, but the guy wore an eye patch over his left eye. There had to be a story there, and I’d love to hear it. “Thank you,” I said.

He nodded and shrugged out of his cut. Reaching behind his neck, he pulled his shirt off and handed it to me. “Better cover up. Did I get here in time?”

“Yeah. He got close, but…” I pressed my lips together as I put on his shirt. A spicy scent made me want to lift the material to my nose and inhale, but I figured the guy might find that creepy. And weird.

My phone started chiming non-stop. The tone told me it was Logan, which meant my twin had sensed my fear. It had happened one other time when we were learning to drive. Except in reverse. Logan had taken Dad’s bike out without permission and wrecked it. I’d sensed his fear and pain the moment it happened. I’d need to text him back before he freaked out. Well, more than he already had.

He slipped his cut back over his shoulders and I tried not to stare at his broad chest, or the fact his abs were well-defined. I definitely didn’t eye the happy trail and imagine what he’d look like with his pants unzipped. Reaching up, I made sure I wasn’t drooling. On the plus side, the incident with the fucker on the ground hadn’t soured me toward men.

“Come on, kitten. I’ll walk you to your car. Make sure you get inside safely.”

I walked over to him and wrapped my fingers around his bicep. He reached up and covered my hand with his before leading me out of the alley. I pointed to my car and noticed he scanned his surroundings as we made our way over to it. I could feel the coiled tension in him and wondered if he’d gotten that way from being with the Reckless Kings, or if he’d been in the military. His behavior reminded me of all the men back home I called family, especially the ones who’d served our country.

He helped me gather my things, and I was thankful no one had stolen my purse and wallet. I didn’t even remember dropping them. I eyed the empty coffee cup forlornly and picked it up. After I tossed it into the trash, Cyclops reached out to take my hand.

“Why don’t we sit a minute? You have to be a bit shaken after that.”

I’d thought I’d been doing an admirable job of hiding it. Apparently, I hadn’t. I wondered if he knew who I was.

Author Bio:

Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil’s Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series.
When Harley’s writing, her motto is the hotter the better — off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can’t deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you’ve come to the right place. She doesn’t shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.

The times Harley isn’t writing, she’s thinking up naughty things to do to her husband, drinking copious amounts of Starbucks, and reading. She loves to read and devours a book a day, sometimes more. She’s also fond of TV shows and movies from the 1980’s, as well as paranormal shows from the 1990’s to today, even though she’d much rather be reading or writing.

You can find out more about Harley or enter her monthly giveaway on her website. Be sure to join her newsletter while you’re there to learn more about discounts, signing events, and other goodies!

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