Review: Hook (Time Served MC Series Book 2) by Cee Bowerman

Hook: Time Served MC, Book 2 by Cee Bowerman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hook Gets An Old Lady

This is the second book in a continuing series by Cee Bowerman. Though the relationship aspect of the book is standalone, the characters are introduced in the previous book and there is a slow-moving story arc that runs between this series and Ares Infidels MC by Ciara St James, which runs parallel to this series and has overlapping characters and storylines.

This story is about Hook, who is good friends with Boss and lives next door to him and his Old Lady, Jenn. Hook is a veterinarian and has all sorts of weird and wonderful pets which include an undersized tiger that was rescued from a circus after they declawed and defanged her as a baby. When they first started talking about the tiger I thought it was a euphemism for a really big striped domestic cat, but no, it’s an actual tiger.

Hook got his name from his boxing days. He was a highly ranked amateur until he got sent away for manslaughter. He was another of Pop’s rescue projects, like the rest of the MC members, and he took him on when he got out of prison after nearly 20 years and had nowhere else to go.

Paula is friends with Jenn, who she met in a salon. Paula, showing her character early on, got into an altercation with a mouthy young woman and dropped her phone in her foot bath. Jenn high-fived her and they’ve been friends ever since. Paula runs a craft stall where she sells all the jewellery she makes, so they see each other a lot when Jenn has her food truck at the market too. When Paula is at Jenn’s house a man tries to break in and attacks Paula, only Paula attacks back and between her and Jenn’s cast iron pan he goes down long enough to be tied up. They pretty much insist that Boss and the guys take him out back and ‘deal with him’. when this happens Hook takes on the task of keeping an eye on Paula to make sure she doesn’t talk. This of course leads to all sorts of fun and games.

I really really enjoyed this book. I loved Paula. She’s feisty, confident and funny. There were so many layers to her I thought we’d never reach the bottom, in fact, we probably didn’t. She fits right in with the Time Served MC as she is just as ruthless, pragmatic and dangerous as they are.

Hook is such a softy when it comes to animals. He’s constantly rescuing them and nursing them back to health before rehoming them. His tiger, Tonya has an entire habitat in his house and an outside enclosure too, not to mention she’s treated like a house cat the rest of the time. It shouldn’t be forgotten though that he’s capable of killing in defence of those unable to look after themselves, or those he cares about.

This story has lots of layers too and each layer was as good as the next. In this book, there was humour, danger, mystery and awesome hot bedroom scenes. I love the companionship displayed between the people in and surrounding the MC as they try to do the right thing by any means necessary and looking out for each other as they do it. I can’t wait for the next book in this series because I love these characters.

 

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Review: Bloody Union (Made Series Book 1) by Brooke Summers

Bloody Union by Brooke Summers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Arranged Marriage Can Be Fun

I’d probably give this book 3.5 ⭐️ if I could.

The heads of the Irish and Italian Mafia in New York decide to end their war by marrying off the Irish Head’s daughter and the eldest son of the Italian Head. The daughter, Makenna, is 14 when the arrangement is made and the wedding is held when she is 19. It’s five years since Dante has seen his fiancée and when he last saw her she was a quiet and obedient girl. Now she’s a woman, strong and beautiful and he hasn’t a clue who she really is.

When their wedding turns into a blood bath, it’s Makenna who protects and saves his brother, taking charge without blinking. Stunned by the woman he’s married to, Dante is determined to find out who she really is.

There’s a reason I don’t normally read mafia books. It’s because women are usually treated like objects, and this starts out exactly the same way. The reason I wanted to actually read this one is the blurb implied that Makenna was a different kind of mafia princess, and she is definitely that. The other reason I don’t normally like this kind of book is that the mob persona doesn’t really do it for me, it’s the same reason I don’t like some of the 1%er MC books. I prefer my characters to put their loved ones first, not profit at all costs, those costs being outsiders and their lives. So whilst this book has Makenna being treated differently from most women, the whole thing about outsiders being disregarded is definitely there.

I had a couple of problems with this book, the first being Makenna’s age. She acts like and is treated like she’s 10 years older than she actually is. Even if she was male she wouldn’t have been given the responsibilities she was at that age.

The second thing I have an issue with is the whole insta-lust/love thing that happened as soon as they laid eyes on each other as adults. That whole WHAM “wow she is my soul mate I am transformed into the perfect man for this goddess I’ve been waiting all my life for” thing drives me nuts.

If you can disregard these two items it’s not a bad book. It’s entertaining and the characters are interesting. It’s pretty violent, but in a casual way that doesn’t come across as particularly dark because it’s not dwelled upon.

Despite myself, I sort of liked this book, but probably not enough to read the next in the series. I just can’t seem to get over that mafia hurdle.

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Review: Covering Ollie (On Call Series Book 2) by Freya Barker

Covering Ollie by Freya Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hiding From The Mob

Ollie is 40 and for 18 years she’s been hiding from her deceased boyfriend’s family. She lost her lower leg to a car bomb and found out that the reason was that her boyfriend was a very bad man and part of a criminal organisation. When she lost her limb she found out she was pregnant and immediately took steps to run away to protect her child from becoming embroiled in that world.

Joe is 45 and has been a widower for the last year and a half. He has two sons, aged 8 and 12 and he recently moved to Durango to take over as Chief of Police as living in Denver as a homicide detective wasn’t a good way to raise two young motherless boys. Joe moved in across the road from Ollie a few months earlier and got to know her daughter Trinny well as she babysat for the boys most days, after school.

When Joe and Ollie finally meet there is a definite attraction there as they become involved in each other’s lives because of circumstances. There is pushing and pulling between them as they try and work out whether they are willing to risk being hurt in order to have something fulfilling.

I loved the way the children were involved in the relationship and they were front and centre for both Joe and Ollie. Their relationship was important, but nothing was as important as their children’s happiness and safety.

I liked the way they took their time getting to the physical part of their relationship. They were incredibly attracted to each other but waited until the right time and knowing how they felt about each other before jumping into bed. I think this is the difference between characters in their twenties and those in their forties. Fewer hormones running rampant and having different priorities.

The mystery aspect of the story was well done. No one behaved idiotically trying to get themselves killed by being stupid. Precautions were taken and stuck to. I love it when adults behave like adults! The mystery wasn’t the main focus of the story, but simply a vehicle for the romance, but it was still done well and there were a couple of surprises along the way, which is always good.

I will definitely be downloading the next story, as I like the way this author writes about people, in an engaging way with an eye to reality.

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Review: Enemy (The Aces Series Book 3) by AJ Macey

Enemy by A.J. Macey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An End To Keira’s Journey

I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.

This book starts with Keira and Chase in Europe. It’s been months since Keira saw the Aces, but Chase has been helping them keep an eye on Keira’s father, spending half his time with them and half his time with Keira. When Keira gets a heads up that her father has put out a bounty on all the top tier of the Aces MC, including her former lovers, she gets herself back to the Nevada to help them before her father than can destroy anything else of her life.

Whilst Keira doesn’t want her men to die, she’s not yet ready to forgive them for the hurt they caused her when they doubted her loyalty. It’s going to a long hard slog before she’ll trust them again. However, being there is half the battle as far as Garrett, Brooks and Stone are concerned and Chase just wants his girl to be happy, no matter how that’s achieved.

This book is no different from the others in that it has large amounts of action, large quantities of hot sex and lots of violence. Keira and her men are all passionate, fiery people and they live life on the edge. It’s well written with interesting characters and I enjoyed it a lot. It's a satisfying end to a dark and complex series.

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Review: Invading Alpha (Seraphine Thomas Series Book 9) by Erin R Flynn

Invading Alpha by Erin R. Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dealing With New York

This book has Sera and the FBI finally coming to deal with the problem that is New York. The New York Alpha put a hit out on Sera when she first became Alpha which means she can deal with him without going through all the normal fights for the position with lower ranking wolves. They have been fighting to stay afloat since this happened and now they finally are going to deal with it.

To help her, her adopted mother has sent her eldest daughter to take control of the New York pack once it’s been cleaned up. Their first meeting does not go well. When they finally get to New York they find help from the fae and the vampires as well as the shifter council. Glad to see Apollo, that happiness is soon turned upside down with the other councilman he brought with him shows his darkness to Sera.

With all the paranormal stuff going on, you’d think there wouldn’t be much time for anything else, but you’d be surprised who bad wolves get involved with in New York.

This book is very plot heavy and is back to how the series started with lots of crime fighting, whilst still trying to do her best for other people. It’s face paced and gripping. I highly recommend this book.

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Review: Just Drop Out (Hannaford Prep Series Book 1) by J Bree

Just Drop Out by J. Bree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Violence and Evil Deeds at Prep School

I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.

This book is an unusual blend of bully/academy/mafia. I’m not sure I like any of the characters but I couldn’t stop reading about them.

Eclipse or ‘Lips’ is a scholarship student at one of the best prep schools in the country. She never knew her father and her mother died of a drug overdose at the age of 9. She went into foster care and met some very dangerous people, who saw her potential and decided to test it. When she was given the opportunity for the scholarship she applied for emancipation and left her old life behind, only it doesn’t want to let go. In the mean time she’s got on the wrong side of the meanest and most ruthless family in the school and is alienated from Day 1.

This book has so many layers, you never know what’s going to crop up with the turn of the page. Who is going to be applying pressure, which member of staff is going to fold, or what outside forces will come to bear. It’s fascinating. But, like I said, I really don’t like any of the characters. Maybe I’ll be won over in the next book, because I think I need to know what happens next.

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Review: Adversary (The Aces MC Series Book 2) by A J Macey

Adversary by A.J. Macey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Violence, Rage and Thievery

Trigger Warning: This is not an easy or comfortable read, there is plenty of violence and rage and there is discussion of child abuse. If these things cause you anxiety, please don’t read this book.

Despite being an uncomfortable read in places, this book is gripping. The wonderfully flawed and difficult characters interact in a way that captivates me. I don’t want to like them because they are so angry and have a violent response to most things, but I can’t help feeling empathy for them as more of their history and back story is revealed. It becomes obvious why they behave in the way that they do, especially Keira.

In this book we see Keira and Chase becoming more involved in the activities at the Aces MC, despite the distrust and dislike of many of the patched members. Boss, however, has a firm handle on his club and we see him in all his presidential glory, as opposed to his normal easy going and affable self.

As the group become more involved they all practically move in together as they start to explore the possibility of a committed relationship. However, people seem to keep turning up uninvited and causing problems.

I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series, even if I have to wait a few more weeks to read it.

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Review: Rival (The Aces MC Series Book 1) by A J Macey

Rival by A.J. Macey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MC vs The Mob

This is quite a violent book, and the one perpetrating most of the violence isn’t the retired assassin it’s the thief.

Keira, is also known as The Cat. She started stealing when she was 9 years old from her father’s friends. Her father happens to be a mob boss and he didn’t treat his only daughter well. Over the years her stealing had one object, to get enough money and power to destroy her father.

Keira is arrogant, prickly with a hot temper and an abundant sex drive. She won’t tolerate any kind of control or disrespect and will often lash out violently when it happens. We don’t know what happened with her father, but from everyone’s reactions, including hers, we know it’s bad.

Six months previously she met Chase. He was an assassin sent to kill her. Instead he fell for her and moved in, teaching her everything he knew. Her step-brother is in The Aces MC, an officer of the club. Her best friend is also married to a member, so she has connections. When a club Old Lady is kidnapped, her step brother Garrett suggests that they hire The Cat to steal her back. That’s when she meets the President, Boss, and the the enforcer, Stone.

I really enjoyed the strength of Keira. She is fearless and angry and determined. She is badly damaged, and it shows in her behaviour, but I can’t help but like her. She is intelligent and ruthless and goes after what she wants. I also love Chase who is ridiculously enthusiastic about everything and a vegetarian to boot, because humans usually deserve to die, but animals don’t. He adores Keira and will do anything and everything to keep her happy, including accepting her sleeping with other men, in fact he quite enjoys watching if she does.

This reverse harem is unusual and violent and convincing. The characters are multi-dimensional and intriguing. There are lots of more back stories to come, I’m sure.

The plot is complex and fascinating and held me in it’s grip from start to finish. This is an excellent MC book and I can’t wait to read what comes next in the series.

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Review: Screw Me

Screw Me by Serena Akeroyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Mafia Romance I actually enjoyed!

This second book in the Screwed Duet is a necessity for your sanity if you read the first book, because of the cliffhanger. In this second book we see Aoife being stuck inside a safe house (aka a hotel that’s owned by the mob) with her mother-in-law for weeks. Whilst this is going on there is all sorts of mob related activity that is necessary for the women and children to be let out and be safe again.

Whilst in the safe house Aoife barely sees Finn and it would be warranted if she was livid with him, but she is a forgiving and calm character. I really like that about this book. Aoife is not a complete walk over but she is not an angry or angsty person. If she were those things it would be warranted as she has had a rough few years and not the easiest of introductions in the mob life, but she isn’t. It’s actually Finn who is the most fragile emotionally and I like how that is handled really delicately by the author.

There is no doubt of this couple’s love of each other, it is simply the terrible circumstances they find themselves in that leads to their difficulties, which is something I really like in a book. Life can be hard but a good couple works together to get through the tough times rather than running in opposite directions which is what we quite often see in romance books. This means the plot is less predictable and more enjoyable, for me anyway!

I’m so pleased to see that the rest of the brothers get their own books in the future. I’m looking forward to those, so it seems I’ve been won over by the Mafia romance genre after all!

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Review: Screw You

Screw You by Serena Akeroyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Irish Mobster Meets Irish Good Girl

I’m not usually one for dark romances. Personally I find there is enough darkness in the world without going looking for more in the name of entertainment, but that is only my personal preference. However, there has been a rash of bully romances around of late that I have enjoyed and that might have pushed my tolerance threshold somewhat, plus this book is by Serena Akeroyd and I really like her style of writing and her imaginative plot construction.

This book is about a good girl Aoife (and it’s good to see a pronunciation before the book even starts so you don’t get it wrong in your head) who is running a tea shop in an old building. A property developer wants her out of the building so they can tear it down and build a nice shiny sky scraper. As Aoife’s mother died a few months ago she is reluctant to sell the shop that houses her mother’s dream. However, when Finn comes calling with an envelope full of blackmail material and informs him that he is a member of the Irish Mob she knows that she is going to have to sell. On top of forcing her to sell Finn wants Aoife in his bed and takes her there without delay.

This is where I have my problem with dark romances. She is blackmailed into giving up her livelihood and into sleeping with someone within hours of meeting and instead of hating him because he’s good looking and charismatic and she knew his Mum she’s ok with it. It also makes me mad because I can accept it because of the way it’s written and my little feminist heart thinks I should hate it.

Serena writes such well thought out characters that I can skate over my misgivings and just let the story coast over me. The plot, as always, is quick moving and interesting and the writing style fluid and well edited. These are the reasons I read Serena’s work and enjoy them, even if the subject matter makes me slightly uncomfortable. I know I’m going to read the next book in the duet because that cliffhanger is going to drive me nuts otherwise!

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