Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday! Every week I'll be sharing my book recommendations within a romantic trope or theme.
Today I'm sharing the first five MC Romance stories I loved and reviewed on the blog. It was only when I was putting this post together that I realized I've read quite a bit of this trope. I may not be an expert, but I know what I like and here are some of them.
If you happen to know of a book in this trope that you think I'd love, please let me know.
Smokey by L. Wilder
Sometimes the road takes you on an unexpected turn, and you end up exactly where you're meant to be. I really liked this story and I'm not sure why I didn't read more from this series or this author. I guess it's time to fix that.
Find my review HERE
What Might Kill Us by M.N. Forgy
My first thoughts: Man oh man oh man!! So I like some gore in my romantic suspense and this book delivered it. It was so good!! Sounds like a great recommendation to me. I didn't continue reading much more of this series or of this author because at some point she changed the trajectory of these characters, making me miserable, but as a standalone, this book was amazing!
Find my review HERE
Tripp by S. Nelson
My first thoughts: This book was quick and yet somehow the author packed a whole heck of a lot into it. I'm still kicking myself for not reading more from this author. I will be fixing that as soon as possible, starting with the books I missed from this series.
Find my review HERE
Drifter by Janine Infante Bosco
There is something truly special about the way this author writes. She takes these men, who are supposed to be 'bad' men, and gives them so much heart. You can't help rooting for them, whether they're torturing their enemies or holding their loved ones close. JIB has easily made it onto my must-read list.
Find my review HERE
Wanderer by Janine Infante Bosco
I long to be property of Parrish. That's how good this series is. Who wouldn't want to be part of a family that looks out for each other, loves each other, and is there through all of the good times and especially the bad? Found family is my kryptonite and this series has it in spades. Truly the best of the best when it comes to MC Romance.
Find my review HERE
One of the things I love about the bookish world is that one book can evoke different feelings in all sorts of readers. One book can be a five-star read for me and a DNF for someone else. We all see something different because we're all different and I love exploring those differences by reading reviews.
Full disclosure: I read these books years ago, but I do remember enjoying them. Have you read them? Are you interested?
A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn
Veronica Speedwell #9
Historical Mystery Fiction
Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?
Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?
Rating - 
I wanted to try something different and the blurb of this one really tickled my fancy. The last time I read a historical mystery fiction book was when I went through an Amanda Quick phase (which was terribly great) and I was hoping for a similar experience. While this differed greatly from other works I read, I did find myself enchanted.
Stoker and Veronica were such an amusing pair. She was more delighted than he was to be embroiled in a murder plot and I liked being along for the ride. I could have done without the wordy prose—there are only so many costume changes I need to know the details of—but being in the midst of historical England was a pleasant ordeal.
With a cast of colorful secondary characters, there was a lot to like about this story. Stoker was my favourite and, for him alone, I'd read more of this series.
I wanted to try something different and the blurb of this one really tickled my fancy. The last time I read a historical mystery fiction book was when I went through an Amanda Quick phase (which was terribly great) and I was hoping for a similar experience. While this differed greatly from other works I read, I did find myself enchanted.
Stoker and Veronica were such an amusing pair. She was more delighted than he was to be embroiled in a murder plot and I liked being along for the ride. I could have done without the wordy prose—there are only so many costume changes I need to know the details of—but being in the midst of historical England was a pleasant ordeal.
With a cast of colorful secondary characters, there was a lot to like about this story. Stoker was my favourite and, for him alone, I'd read more of this series.
Heaven Hill Series Box Set by Laramie Briscoe
Heaven Hill #1-4
Contemporary MC Romance
Book #1 – Meant To Be
Single Mother Denise Cunningham meets her match when Heaven Hill VP Liam Walker convinces her to do a job for the club. Once she’s in, she’s not sure if she’ll ever want to get out.
Book #2 – Out of Darkness
Fan favorite Tyler Blackfoot helps rape survivor an ex-reporter Meredith Rager find her way to womanhood again.
Book #3 – Losing Control
Strip club waitress Bianca Hawks needs a mechanic in a bad way – good thing Heaven Hill member Jagger Stone is more than willing to offer his services.
Book #4 – Worth The Battle
Military veteran and newly patched Heaven Hill member Layne O’Conner struggles with PTSD and the return to civilian life when his first love, movie starlet, Jessica Shea asks for his help in getting her out of the public eye.
Rating -
As the first books in this series, these were a great introduction to a biker gang that felt more like family.
In Meant To Be we meet Denise and Liam. She's a single mother of twins, trying and failing to make ends meet when Liam's club offers her an opportunity she can't refuse. Money's coming in, a nosy reporter is on her ass, and Denise can't fight her attraction to Liam, the future prez. When imminent danger threatens her life and the safety of her kids, it's up to Liam to step up his game and prove his claim over his new family. The author even threw in a terrifying scene that I'm sure gets more exposure in the next book. This story was sweet with a touch of suspense.
In Out of Darkness, we see the fallout of what Meredith lived through in the previous book. Tyler was the one to find her and he's the only person who makes her feel safe. He's taken her in, provides her comfort, and even seeks outside help to get her back to some semblance of normal. Tyler was one exceptional hero and his patience and understanding knew no bounds. Everything comes to a head when one of their most trusted ends up being the one behind the horror that Meredith faced. Tyler was the best thing about this story and I hope I haven't seen the last of him.
In Losing Control, Heaven Hill's newest patched member, Jagger, finally gives into his feelings for the waitress he can't seem to get enough of. While Bianca made him work hard for her, there was no denying that she was experiencing the same 'out of control' emotions he was. Seeing the other members of the club was great and there was some suspense thrown in to keep things lively.
Worth the Battle was all about military veteran-turned-biker outlaw, Layne, and his second chance with the movie star who was also his friend, Jessica. She's running away from her problems, hoping to start fresh and he's running from the pain and torment of his PTSD. With a sprinkle of suspense and a whole lot of love, it made for some entertaining reading.
As the first books in this series, these were a great introduction to a biker gang that felt more like family.
In Meant To Be we meet Denise and Liam. She's a single mother of twins, trying and failing to make ends meet when Liam's club offers her an opportunity she can't refuse. Money's coming in, a nosy reporter is on her ass, and Denise can't fight her attraction to Liam, the future prez. When imminent danger threatens her life and the safety of her kids, it's up to Liam to step up his game and prove his claim over his new family. The author even threw in a terrifying scene that I'm sure gets more exposure in the next book. This story was sweet with a touch of suspense.
In Out of Darkness, we see the fallout of what Meredith lived through in the previous book. Tyler was the one to find her and he's the only person who makes her feel safe. He's taken her in, provides her comfort, and even seeks outside help to get her back to some semblance of normal. Tyler was one exceptional hero and his patience and understanding knew no bounds. Everything comes to a head when one of their most trusted ends up being the one behind the horror that Meredith faced. Tyler was the best thing about this story and I hope I haven't seen the last of him.
In Losing Control, Heaven Hill's newest patched member, Jagger, finally gives into his feelings for the waitress he can't seem to get enough of. While Bianca made him work hard for her, there was no denying that she was experiencing the same 'out of control' emotions he was. Seeing the other members of the club was great and there was some suspense thrown in to keep things lively.
Worth the Battle was all about military veteran-turned-biker outlaw, Layne, and his second chance with the movie star who was also his friend, Jessica. She's running away from her problems, hoping to start fresh and he's running from the pain and torment of his PTSD. With a sprinkle of suspense and a whole lot of love, it made for some entertaining reading.
Cole by Megan O'Brien
Ride #1
Contemporary MC Romance
For eight years I’d been content with my quiet life. I was safe in the bubble I’d built for myself. But I wasn’t really living.
Until one chance encounter changed it all.
Scarlet Malone has lived quietly for years hiding from her past. Aside from her best friend Kat she doesn’t allow herself to get close to anyone. Then Cole Jackson, Vice President of The Knights MC comes bursting into her life with his gorgeous eyes and fierce determination to have her in his bed and his life.
Scarlet’s letting her walls down for the first time in her life. Could Cole really be her happily ever after?
When Scarlet’s past becomes their present will she run to protect those she loves? Or can she trust in Cole to protect her life and her heart?
Rating -
I read this because who doesn't like a good biker book? This one had the potential to be great because it had great elements. However, for me, it needed to be fleshed out more.
What I enjoyed:
• Scarlet's background
• Cole's overall demeanor (Alpha baby)
• the camaraderie of all the side characters
• the elements of suspense from Jake
• the pacing and easy flow of the writing
What I didn't much enjoy:
• the fact that Scarlet always had something to say. I liked her feistiness but sometimes it was unnecessary
• the lack of details (I.E. Cole's missing mom was just thrown out there. Wtf?!)
• I like fast paced books but I needed more info
• how much time was given to Kat and Sal when they have their own book
• the fact that this is told entirely from Scarlet's POV
Overall, it was a good book and I'd read others from this author.
I read this because who doesn't like a good biker book? This one had the potential to be great because it had great elements. However, for me, it needed to be fleshed out more.
What I enjoyed:
• Scarlet's background
• Cole's overall demeanor (Alpha baby)
• the camaraderie of all the side characters
• the elements of suspense from Jake
• the pacing and easy flow of the writing
What I didn't much enjoy:
• the fact that Scarlet always had something to say. I liked her feistiness but sometimes it was unnecessary
• the lack of details (I.E. Cole's missing mom was just thrown out there. Wtf?!)
• I like fast paced books but I needed more info
• how much time was given to Kat and Sal when they have their own book
• the fact that this is told entirely from Scarlet's POV
Overall, it was a good book and I'd read others from this author.
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Sold to the Circus by Lani Lynn Vale
Rating -
1/2Standalone - Welcome to the Circus #5
Release - January 23, 2024
Genre/Trope - Contemporary Romance / second chance
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit scenes
Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 257 pages
Five years ago when she left, she broke my heart. No warning. No hey, this isn’t working out. No nothing. Just poof. One day she’s there, in my bed, and we’re talking about our futures. The next, she’s gone.
So when she shows up five years later and acts like she didn’t leave me with a broken heart, I get angry. So. Freakin’. Angry.
Of course, this is where I spiral. When we went through medical school together, we were on equal footing. Not anymore. Now I’m her attending, and I’ve made it my personal mission to make her life hell.
She wants to finish up her residency and finally become a doctor? Well, she’ll have to go through every single bad thing I can throw at her, first.
Seeping, maggot-infested, pus-filled bed sore? Yep, that’s hers to take care of. Man sh*tting every three seconds uncontrollably? That’s also hers. Man and woman having a baby while also in the throes of a divorce? You guessed it. Hers.
If I can make her leave after what she put me through, I’ll feel accomplished.
Only problem is, I forgot how determined Valhalla Singh was. Guess she’ll be reminding me.
Because Valhalla wasn’t named that for nothing.
So when she shows up five years later and acts like she didn’t leave me with a broken heart, I get angry. So. Freakin’. Angry.
Of course, this is where I spiral. When we went through medical school together, we were on equal footing. Not anymore. Now I’m her attending, and I’ve made it my personal mission to make her life hell.
She wants to finish up her residency and finally become a doctor? Well, she’ll have to go through every single bad thing I can throw at her, first.
Seeping, maggot-infested, pus-filled bed sore? Yep, that’s hers to take care of. Man sh*tting every three seconds uncontrollably? That’s also hers. Man and woman having a baby while also in the throes of a divorce? You guessed it. Hers.
If I can make her leave after what she put me through, I’ll feel accomplished.
Only problem is, I forgot how determined Valhalla Singh was. Guess she’ll be reminding me.
Because Valhalla wasn’t named that for nothing.
"I never hated you, Felix.
And I never will.
There's nothing you can do to change that."
And I never will.
There's nothing you can do to change that."
Previous books in the series:
Fun House * Freak Show * Show Off * Clown Motel
Even when they were bickering and sniping, or just plain trying to avoid each other, there was no denying the lasting connection between Val and Felix.
They were once a couple, finding their way to forever... and then they were not. When Val's father died, leaving a caveat in his will to force his children back to the circus, she and Felix made a plan to work around her new schedule. But things didn't work out that way and both thought the other had thoroughly abandoned them. All I wanted was for them to finally have a conversation, and when they did, it was amazing to see how fast everything worked out.
Well... sorta.
This was an entertaining read and I found myself amused by a character who tried to cause trouble.
"I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you. Try me." —Text from Val to Tammy
I found it so very easy to like Val and Felix. They were such warm and fun characters and their story was both emotional and realistic. Will Keene be next or will we watch Zip fall first?
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today bestsellers.
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com for more information.
Today's flashback is the When I Break series by Kendall Ryan. It's been almost 8 years since I read these books, but they made me fall in love with this author's writing. This series deals with an alpha hero with a sex addiction and the naive young woman who will be there for him.
1. When I Break
What happens when a sex addict falls for a virgin?
Fighting to fill the emptiness inside himself, Knox Bauer seeks solace in unfamiliar beds with unfamiliar women. As guardian to his three younger brothers, this can't go on...they look up to him in every way and all he’s done lately is prove how messed up he really is. Needing a change, he attends a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting, where he meets the alluring McKenna.
Rating -
I'm going to be honest and it goes against what most reviewers posted, but I liked Knox. Kenna not so much. Here's why. I felt that Knox was real. He didn't deny that he's broken, messed up, struggling, etc. Not once. We knew he was a mess from the first bit. But Kenna was living in the land of denial. She was a therapist and one of the things she spoke about was that the first step was admitting you had a problem. She needed to practice what she preached. She was hiding from life. She lost her parents in a tragic accident, but instead of living her life to the fullest, as her parents would want her to, she won't even touch the money they left for her. She'd rather struggle and 'enjoy' a friendless life. She does have one friend, Brian, but she shows no appreciation for him. She seemed to resent him. So yeah, there are many reasons I don't like this girl but I will continue to read the series for Knox.
BTW, why the heck is she surprised when Knox sleeps with women? You are a therapist for sex addicts correct? He is a member of your support group is he not? He's a freaking sex addict so what did she expect??? That he would be swept away by how great she is and stop, just like that? It's not like she's giving him sex. Get real. I don't blame him at all.
I'm going to be honest and it goes against what most reviewers posted, but I liked Knox. Kenna not so much. Here's why. I felt that Knox was real. He didn't deny that he's broken, messed up, struggling, etc. Not once. We knew he was a mess from the first bit. But Kenna was living in the land of denial. She was a therapist and one of the things she spoke about was that the first step was admitting you had a problem. She needed to practice what she preached. She was hiding from life. She lost her parents in a tragic accident, but instead of living her life to the fullest, as her parents would want her to, she won't even touch the money they left for her. She'd rather struggle and 'enjoy' a friendless life. She does have one friend, Brian, but she shows no appreciation for him. She seemed to resent him. So yeah, there are many reasons I don't like this girl but I will continue to read the series for Knox.
BTW, why the heck is she surprised when Knox sleeps with women? You are a therapist for sex addicts correct? He is a member of your support group is he not? He's a freaking sex addict so what did she expect??? That he would be swept away by how great she is and stop, just like that? It's not like she's giving him sex. Get real. I don't blame him at all.
2. When I Surrender
Undaunted by Knox's complicated history with sexual addiction, McKenna pushes forward in her relationship with this deliciously flawed man. She experiences the highest highs as they discover each other, along with the lowest lows, and worries that his past may not be entirely behind him.
But when a complication from her own past demands attention, she's forced to decide where their relationship is headed, and everything she thought she knew is questioned.
Rating -
I've gotta say that by the end of the book, I had a newfound appreciation for Kenna's character. It was already established that she was sweet, kind, self-sacrificing, etc. But now that she's confronted her grief over losing her parents, I think this character can only improve. I'm glad that she and Brian seem to be recapturing their lost friendship. I feel bad for what he's going through but it seems to have brought these besties closer.
I still love Knox. The effort he's making to be a better man and role model for his brothers, only serve to further endear him to me. I'm not sure what to make of the ending. Really, what's the deal with this Amanda person?? Guess I have to read the third book to find out.
I've gotta say that by the end of the book, I had a newfound appreciation for Kenna's character. It was already established that she was sweet, kind, self-sacrificing, etc. But now that she's confronted her grief over losing her parents, I think this character can only improve. I'm glad that she and Brian seem to be recapturing their lost friendship. I feel bad for what he's going through but it seems to have brought these besties closer.
I still love Knox. The effort he's making to be a better man and role model for his brothers, only serve to further endear him to me. I'm not sure what to make of the ending. Really, what's the deal with this Amanda person?? Guess I have to read the third book to find out.
3. When We Fall
The mistakes and secrets of their pasts have caught up to them and threaten their future happiness. Can McKenna trust that Knox’s sexual addiction is behind him and make a life with this beautifully troubled man? And when Knox reveals the full truth about his past, will McKenna be able to put her own fears aside and accept him?
Rating -
It was kind of weird to read a Knox that was all swoon-y but I liked it!! He got in touch with his heart and it paid off in a big way for Kenna. Once again, Kendall Ryan has won me over with an alpha - dominant with heaps of sexy and sweet. The sexy scenes were off the charts hot though I much preferred Knox's POV. Overall, this series touched on some serious issues (drunk driving, addiction) but kept it light.
It was kind of weird to read a Knox that was all swoon-y but I liked it!! He got in touch with his heart and it paid off in a big way for Kenna. Once again, Kendall Ryan has won me over with an alpha - dominant with heaps of sexy and sweet. The sexy scenes were off the charts hot though I much preferred Knox's POV. Overall, this series touched on some serious issues (drunk driving, addiction) but kept it light.
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