HE REFUSES TO GIVE IN. SHE REFUSES TO GIVE IT UP. Alexandra Mancuso knows all about regrets. She talked to the wrong person and started a war that’s ravaged her newly adopted motorcycle club family and threatens to cost Alex her life. Now, she’s cautious with the commitments she makes. Ryan Stone, road captain for the Forsaken Motorcycle Club regrets nothing—except putting Cub in danger one time too many. The Forsaken Motorcycle Club has a plan to end the war with the Mancuso crime family and they need everyone’s head in the game. But Ryan can’t focus on the club when he’s so distracted by a certain reckless brunette. She gives him everything except for what he really wants. Today, he refuses to take no for an answer and maybe, just maybe, this time Alex won’t be able to stand her ground. True love always defies the odds.

Death comes in Armani. Salvation comes in leather.Principessa to the Mancuso crime family, Alexandra knows a thing or two about living outside the bounds of the law. Suffocated by the future her father has laid out for her, she makes a choice she can’t take back, changing the entire trajectory of her life. Thrust into the dark and dangerous world of the Forsaken Motorcycle Club for her own protection, Alex finds herself faced with the last thing she needs right now: the man of her dreams. He’s sex in leather, the devil incarnate, and one hell of a kisser. But he’s also off-limits. Ryan Stone can be her friend, but he’s forbidden to be her lover. Third-generation Forsaken, Ryan knows nothing other than life on two wheels, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys the many privileges that come with the patch, and the only laws he recognizes are the ones set-forth by his club. That is, until who he wants more than anything isn’t allowed on the back of his bike —or in his bed. Balancing his desire for her body, and need to keep her safe, Ryan tries to keep Alex at a distance. Finally having made a choice for herself, she’s done hearing the word “no” and will push boundaries even Ryan himself doesn’t dare cross. Love is never more tempting than when it’s forbidden.

Ride (Bayonet Scars)  

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can’t imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories– and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Title: Rev

Author: JC Emery

Series: Bayonet Scars

Published by: Left Break Press

Date published: May 18, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery

Book Length: 360 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Grady & Holly

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“Grady and Holly’s story is an emotional roller coaster that part of me wanted to get off of half way through. Don’t get me wrong, the book is AMAZING…but every time it seems like things are finally going their way another rock is thrown onto the tracks and that nice, safe, comfy cart you are in gets thrown off track into something dangerous, crazy and plain out terrifying!” ~Becca 

Mature Content Warning: The Bayonet Scars novels are a dark romance series which features graphic sexual content, violence, and foul language that is intended for a mature audience. Each novel features a different couple, though it’s not recommended that they be read out of order due to the series story arc.  

Everyone belongs somewhere. Even the misfits. 

With the looming threat from the Mancuso Crime Family, the Forsaken Motorcycle Club is preparing for a war that could destroy them. Grady, the club’s Sergeant-at-Arms, knows that love makes you weak, and he has zero interest in adding to his liabilities– especially now. He’s already got his teenage daughter who keeps him on his toes and a beef within the club that could fracture his relationship with a fellow brother for good. 

For Holly Mercer, her life is finally getting on track and the last thing she wants is trouble from her hometown’s resident outlaws. Keeping her nose clean is easier said than done, when suddenly she finds herself embroiled in club business. Holly might like the idea of being with a real-life bad boy, but even being in the same room with tough-as-nails Grady flusters her. 

When Holly inadvertently finds herself on Mancuso’s radar, she has two choices: trust that Grady will protect her, or continue to refuse the club’s help. Both roads are dangerous, but only one has the chance to damage her beyond repair. 

Love is never more dangerous than when it can destroy you. 

COMING SOON by BreathlessInk!

OMG they just keep getting better! No seriously…Rev is INSANE! It’s hard to decide for sure…but I think this may be my favorite so far!

Rev follows Grady, the Sargent at Arms, basically the guy everyone is terrified of who keeps everyone else in line, who has always come across as the biggest and baddest of them all when it comes to these Forsaken men. As far as anyone was concerned Grady didn’t have a soft side and never will…

When Holly Mercer, niece of the town sheriff, moves home and gets a job at Cheyenne’s, Grady’s daughter, school all hell breaks loose. Holly is sassy, mouthy, and strong…yet she still has her weaknesses and is smart enough to know that.

So…let’s talk story line a bit.

On her first day at her new job at the high school, Holly is handed Cheyenne’s folder and told that if she can’t get the dad to sign a paper she will be expelled. Cheyenne is a handful, but Holly knows that she is not a bad kid. Holly is smart enough to see that something is going on. When she struggles for months on end to get Mr. Grady to talk to her and sign the form with no luck, she finally gives in and goes by the house. She never expected to find a biker and yet she still manages to stand up to him and fight for what she feels is right for Cheyenne.

Grady never expected the annoying woman that kept bugging him on the phone to show up at his house. I mean seriously, who would be stupid enough to confront HIM of all people? This lady has another thing coming if she thinks she can bully Cheyenne.

Needless to say, their encounter wasn’t pleasant and both pretty much never want to set eyes on the other again…well other than the fact that they find one another irresistible looks wise. Wouldn’t life be so much easier if the assholes weren’t so hot?? lol

Again, Rev goes back over a few things that we have already seen happen in the previous books, giving us yet another perspective to see it from. I really enjoy the fact that the books overlap a bit and we get background information on people from a different POV. While all of the main men, I so can’t call them heros…sorry, are total asshats…they are strong, strict, and caring in their own weird way. Getting a better look into Grady was amazing. Unlike most of the guys, he is actually sort of sweet…in a rough and tumble biker kind of way.

The story line is intriguing, captivating and realistic. JC writes in such a way that you can’t help but feel like you are a part of the story…you are experiencing what they are experiencing…which isn’t always a good thing! The situations that Holly and Mindy are forced to deal with him Rev…just DAMN!

So much happens in this book that I just can’t mention without spoiling it all. Trust me when I say that this is a raw and emotional book. If you thought some parts in the past two books were difficult to read…just wow. I’m not sure how JC managed to write one scene towards the end of Rev. It was horrible to read, but necessary for the story. I will say this much as a warning: If you have a trigger about major violence or rape…there is an extremely brutal and graphic rape scene near the end of the book. Having had the not so pleasure of dealing with rape and abuse in my life, I can say that this scene was a toughie. I read it…I cried…by the end I was trembling so hard I could barely hold my Kindle….I had trouble sleeping afterwards…I had flashbacks…PLEASE if you have a history of rape and aren’t sure if you can handle this part of the book…you will know when it’s coming…just skip over it! Part of me wishes I had. Even though my experiences weren’t anywhere near this…it was enough to bring things to the surface.

Relationships?

Rev is pretty much all about relationships! For once we have a book that even has a bit of romance! 

Seeing Grady and Cheyenne together brings about a totally different side to a Forsaken. So far, we have only seen the single guys and their interactions with the Lost Girls. Grady is not a young man…he is a grown father…he has responsibilities outside of the club. The relationship that Grady and Cheyenne share is so real and emotional that I couldn’t help but fall for him! Any man that treats his daughter with the level of love and respect that Grady shows Cheyenne can’t be all bad. I thought it was sort of cute when Cheyenne tries to help Holly and Grady “bump” into one another

Grady and Holly’s relationship is totally different than Ryan and Alex or Duke and Nic. Why? Well it’s simple, Holly isn’t from their world. She has no idea what to expect from being with a Forsaken…and the little she does know she isn’t sure she likes. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have much of a choice about being around Grady…and if she is around him she is definitely going to want him. The sexual tension between these two is electric! Unlike the last two books, we don’t get sex early on in the book…heck we don’t even get a kiss between these two until a little after half-way through! Grady and Holly’s story is an emotional roller coaster that part of me wanted to get off of half way through. Don’t get me wrong, the book is AMAZING…but every time it seems like things are finally going their way another rock is thrown onto the tracks and that nice, safe, comfy cart you are in gets thrown off track into something dangerous, crazy and plain out terrifying!

In the end, this book is epic. It is beautifully written and brings the reader into the story flawlessly. The romance/chemistry flowed well and was never dull to read. The action was insane to the point of being difficult to read at times. For the first time in a Bayonet Scars book I feel like Grady and Ian truly were heros. They stepped up and stopped being so crass in order to support Holly and Mindy. I can honestly say that I am foaming at the mouth to get my hands on Ian’s story as well as Cheyenne’s!

I’m still struggling to accept all of the Epilogues in the books. It bothers me for some reason that they jump so far ahead and yet some things that I feel should have been solved by then aren’t and things that I want to be brought up aren’t. But hey…that’s just me. The Epilogues definitely add another level to the depth these stories reach and I love that they are there…I guess I just wish there wasn’t such a huge jump between…I feel like we are missing so much!

Check out the other books in the series

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can’t imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories– and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Find JC Emery on the web…

Website     Twitter     Facebook     GoodReads

Could you step into the world of a biker gang after living a 100% normal life?

Title: Thrash

Author: JC Emery

Series: Bayonet Scars

Published by: Left Break Press

Date published: January 6, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery

Book Length: 293 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Duke & Nic

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“I am totally addicted to JC Emery’s writing style, it is so raw and real that it drags me, kicking and screaming, in to the story whether I want to be there or not. Thrash is a fast paced and action packed book that doesn’t have a dull moment in sight!” ~Becca 

Loneliness suffocates the heart. Acceptance breaks down walls.

As a Lost Girl to the Forsaken Motorcycle Club, Nicole Whelan knows how to party. She’s not cut-out for relationships and her life is way too complicated for anything more than casual encounters. But one night when she falls into Duke’s bed at the clubhouse, he sees something in her that he can’t let go of—no matter how many times she tries to run.

Having been left to raise her teenage brother, Jeremy, she’s already got her hands full and isn’t looking for anymore complications. But Duke’s just watched his best friend fall for the only girl he couldn’t have, and then almost lose her so shortly after, shaking him to his core. Faced with his own loneliness, he’s more determined than ever to break down Nic’s walls and show her that he can be good for her; but he’s got a bad track record and she’s got a bad temper. Changing his ways isn’t easy when he’s not sure what he’s even changing for.

The violence and turmoil are at an all-time high, and Forsaken is in a vulnerable place when a twist of fate breathes new life into the club. It’s a much-needed beacon of hope for the embattled biker family, even if everyone’s not exactly on board. With Duke and Nic’s relationship already on shaky ground, and something even more important at stake, the Forsaken Motorcycle Club will fight like hell to keep their family together and whole.

Love is never more precious than when it’s new.

COMING SOON by BreathlessInk!

Alright, so I thoroughly covered my feelings on MC novels while reviewing Ride, book one in the series, so I will try not to bring that up…much! I will say that Thrash took some of my 10 reasons I LOATHE MC books a bit further than Ride did…but hey…no one is perfect! Honestly, with the plot line of Thrash I sort of expected it to be a bit on the rough side.

Thrash doesn’t pick up where I thought it would. In my mind I pictured the books sort of picking up where the last one finished…boy was I wrong! JC Emery decided to challenge herself and write a sort of continuity series, like the Wedding Dare series, where each book overlaps and we see some scenes over and over again from different POVs. This means that with Thrash following Duke and Nic we get to see a few things that the doors were closed in our faces on in Ride. While Ryan is totally still an asshat and I don’t care for him…reading Thrash caused me to second guess a few things and have a much better understanding of why he behaved the way that he did. It doesn’t clear him of all wrong doing towards Alex…but it does make his “hot and cold” attitude make a bit more sense.

Let’s talk story line and characters in Thrash.

Unlike Ride, Thrash focuses solely on the biker side of things. We still get the action and suspense from the mafia issues but it’s a bit different. Nic, the step-daughter of a Forsaken that is in prison, has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders. Nic not only has to take care of herself, she also has to keep her 17 year old brother in line as well as try to figure out a way to get her dad out of prison. She was raised in this world and knows exactly what it means to be a Lost Girl…and an Old Lady. She has done everything in her power to avoid the one biker that can do major damage to her…but after one drunken encounter her life gets a lot more complicated. Growing up with her mom as a club whore, even once a decent man claimed her, made Nic a bit rough around the edges and bitter towards the life. Even though she knows what it means and doesn’t exactly like it, she somehow manages to become a Lost Girl in order to let loose and forget about some of her troubles.

Duke…mmm…Duke! I don’t know about you guys but Duke’s straight forward, brutally honest, and extremely sexual self totally caught my attention in Ride. Even if he was a total douche for what he did with Alex…he was still a sexy as sin douche! Anyways, moving on from his sexy side…Joshua “Duke” Wilcox is the Sexretary…I mean Secretary for the Forsaken. Duke has had a “thing” for Nic since high school and when he finally gets his hands on her he realizes that for her he is willing to give up sleeping around and have an Old Lady. Unfortunately for Duke…Nic isn’t going to make things easy. Her strength and independence that has drawn him to her may just be the death of their relationship. 

When Duke realizes that something more is going on with Nic than he, or any of the Forsaken, realized he knows that he has to step up and make sure that she is taken care of. But is he too late?

Chemistry? Romance?

With Duke and Nic there is definitely chemistry…these two are so explosive I can’t even begin to explain it. It is easy to see that both of them have spent so much time fighting their sexual attraction that they have lost sight of themselves. They are both sleeping around and being…well…slutty in order to keep away from the other. I can’t say that I approve of the slutty behavior, but hey..who am I to judge? Needless to say, when Duke and Nic finally let go and give in to the sexual tension…well there is a reason this book is named Thrash! The sex between these two is anything but sweet and gentle…it is rough, dirty and just plain fun!

Romance…hmm was there romance in Thrash? Actually yes! Not as much as you would find in a traditional contemporary romance novel…but it was there! Duke made a show in front of his “brothers” and played the part of asshole very well. However, when it was just the two of them…Duke showed that he has a whole different side of himself. He can be sweet and thoughtful…now don’t get me wrong…he is always in control and demanding…basically he is always a Forsaken. But when the lights go down and it’s just him and Nic…he has his moments of almost lovey-dovey!

That being said…Duke screws up…A LOT! He sleeps around, he gets pissy, he doesn’t think things through…he is your basic Forsaken biker dude! I can’t imagine how Nic felt while trying to overcome some of the positions Duke put her in…I mean just wow! I’m not sure I could forgive so easily. Because of all of Duke’s screw ups, I felt like I missed out on the good times. They were constantly at one another’s throats for some reason and it made it so that I honestly wasn’t sure if they SHOULD be together…maybe they weren’t good for each other. Once things settle down a little and they stop fighting their attraction, I changed my mind. If they can both control their tempers I think they could be VERY good for each other….that’s a big if though.

Nic’s character evolves greatly from the beginning of the book to the end. She comes across as strong and flippant in the beginning. However, over time we learn that maybe that isn’t exactly true. Maybe what we are seeing is more of a mask that she wants the world to see. Nic has had some pretty shitty things happen to her in life and unfortunately being a Forsaken’s daughter didn’t stop it. Watching as Nic grows and becomes even stronger was heart wrenching and wonderful. Some of it was a bit difficult to read…but I understand why it had to be in there as well. (For example…the wrench scene…goodness…I will never look at a wrench the same way again! Hehe JC did add in a touch of humor there for us….Jeremy stating that he will never give Nic attitude again was priceless! Oh and a little later on Duke making it clear that Nic isn’t allowed around his tools in the garage was just as great!)

Over all, Thrash is a very deep, very dark, and very good book. I am totally addicted to JC Emery’s writing style, it is so raw and real that it drags me, kicking and screaming, in to the story whether I want to be there or not. Thrash is a fast paced, drama filled and action packed book that doesn’t have a dull moment in sight!

Check out the other books in the series

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can’t imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories– and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Find JC Emery on the web…

Website     Twitter     Facebook     GoodReads

How do you feel about the idea of Lost Girls?

Title: Ride

Author: JC Emery

Series: Bayonet Scars

Published by: Left Break Press

Date published: October 19, 2013

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery

Book Length: 302 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Ryan & Alex

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“It’s tough, dirty, and all out crazy….but the story is so perfectly executed that all I can say is buckle up buttercup, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!” ~Becca 

Death comes in Armani. Salvation comes in leather.

Principessa to the Mancuso crime family, Alexandra knows a thing or two about living outside the bounds of the law. Suffocated by the future her father has laid out for her, she makes a choice she can’t take back, changing the entire trajectory of her life.

Thrust into the dark and dangerous world of the Forsaken Motorcycle Club for her own protection, Alex finds herself faced with the last thing she needs right now: the man of her dreams. He’s sex in leather, the devil incarnate, and one hell of a kisser. But he’s also off-limits. Ryan Stone can be her friend, but he’s forbidden to be her lover.

Third-generation Forsaken, Ryan knows nothing other than life on two wheels, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He enjoys the many privileges that come with the patch, and the only laws he recognizes are the ones set-forth by his club. That is, until who he wants more than anything isn’t allowed on the back of his bike —or in his bed. Balancing his desire for her body, and need to keep her safe, Ryan tries to keep Alex at a distance. Finally having made a choice for herself, she’s done hearing the word “no” and will push boundaries even Ryan himself doesn’t dare cross.

Love is never more tempting than when it’s forbidden.

COMING SOON by BreathlessInk!

The beginning of this review has VERY LITTLE to do with the Bayonet Series…just let me rant for a minute please

OOOHHH MC (motorcycle club) BOOKS HOW I LOATHE YOU…let me count the ways….

**Please envision the following: toe tapping, severe eye rolling, heavy sighs, head cocked to the side as I tick off annoying points on my fingers….**

1. Guys that make the term Alpha-Male equate to “Ass-hat”….
2. Excessive drugs…sex…and rock-n-roll….okay so maybe not rock and roll…but it’s a part of the saying dang it!
3. Degrading behavior towards women…club whores and old ladies. The humiliation, cheating and debauchery is just down right wrong!
4. Realistic dialogue….I know what you’re thinking…how is that bad? Well…the constant grammatically incorrect speech is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Can’t we have one book where a biker can at least speak somewhat properly???
5. Extreme language…I’m pretty sure some of these books would make sailors blush!
6. Violence….violence and more violence.
7. Lots and lots of leather….not sure this is really a bad thing…I mean sexy men in lots of leather…hmmm…
8. The inability to call a woman something other than “bitch”…and the few times they manage it…well it’s typically worse!
9. The lack of anything even remotely romantic between characters…
10. The fact that as much as I don’t want to….I enjoy them! I hate to love these books…but they hook me in and I can’t put them down…even with all of the crap they throw at me!

Okay…so now you have heard me rant…you have giggled at my excessive and indecisive arguments on why I hate to love MC Books…let’s talk about JC Emery’s Ride…because dang it if this book isn’t one of the best MC books I have read! I’ll admit it…I was hooked from page one and never looked back!

After reading the synopsis of Ride I was intrigued and just HAD to give it a shot…even with my quite strong and extremely negative feelings towards MC books…the story line just sounded too awesome NOT to read! What’s not to love about a book series where the Italian Mafia meets a biker gang?!? It would be difficult for this book not to rock and the way that JC Emery writes makes you feel like a part of the story whether you want to be or not.

What about the story line?

As you can guess from the synopsis and my thoughts on it…the story line is AMAZEBALLS! It is unique, captivating, emotional, scarring (yes I said that), raw, real, deep…so many damn descriptions fit this story line it’s hard to choose just one. JC Emery has created a fast-paced, white knuckled grip on your Kindle story that will leave you begging for more! In Ride, we get a dual POV that switches between Alex, the mafia Principessa, and Ryan (Trigger), the sexy as sin biker. I honestly wish we had gotten a bit more from Ryan’s POV…maybe then I could relate to him more and would be able to see him as more than a douche…because honestly I HATED Ryan. I have read MC books before where I started out hating a character and the author manages to turn things around for me…make me care about them. (Check out the Sons of Sangue series for an example.) Ryan is NOT one of those characters. I hated him from the first time we met him and I still hate him now! But we aren’t talking about characters yet…we are still on the story line….more to come on my intense hatred of Ryan later!

Back to the story! When these two worlds collide things get crazy! While the mafia and a biker gang may seem to be completely different…there are quite a few similarities in my eyes. Especially when it comes to a woman’s place. They are expected to be seen and not heard…dude…I would SUCK at this life! lol I am far from quiet and I don’t like being ordered around that’s for sure! Not to mention the danger that comes from living both of these lives. Ride is a fast paced, dark and dirty book with a ton of twists and turns to keep you on your toes! There were so many moments throughout this story that all I could think or say was “What the fuck?? No way that just happened!” Overall, the story is epic and intense…it will leave you with a ton of questions and emotions that you may not know how to deal with.

I was angry…

I was scared…

I was pissed…

I was annoyed…

I was excited…

I was terrified…

more than anything…I was hooked!

Now about the characters.

I started talking about Ryan Stone, AKA Trigger, earlier so let’s start with his petulant, annoying, bastard self shall we? Let’s see…Ryan is an officer in the Forsaken motorcycle club…I don’t remember his full title…something about Road Crew…or Street Leader…or heck if I know…basically he is in charge of how the bikers line up when they ride, among other things. Ryan is the club president’s son and a real piece of work. Honestly, I’m not sure if JC Emery wanted us to like him or not…it doesn’t come across that way. The little added bit at the end of the book where we get to re-read a few chapters from his POV really helped me understand him a bit better. However, he is still an asshole that I don’t like. Even with me hating him and understanding why he did some of the things that he did…he is a GOOD character. He is well developed, deep and evokes some pretty strong emotions from me as a reader. I lost count of how many times I wanted to hit him…or how many times I was literally screeching at my Kindle over some crap he pulled! JC definitely did a great job in writing him. No matter how much I hate him, I can’t see this story working or the plot line flowing as well without him.

When I was reading reviews of Ride the majority seemed to focus on Ryan being a shitty person….but what they don’t seem to realize is that for them to have that strong of a reaction to him he is a well written character. Yeah he is a douche and I hate him…but he is a damn good character and the story wouldn’t work any other way. In my opinion you need to remember what you are reading…this is a biker book and he is a young guy. If you are looking for a sweet, romantic and love-dovey book…move on because this is not the book for you!

Alexandra Mancuso is the Princepessa of the Italian Mafia…she has been raised to understand her role in life from an early age…but when things pop up that cause her to realize the little bit of freedom she expected will never happen she gets a bit freaked out. She is only 19 years old…and yet she has some pretty serious decisions she has to make when she accidentally gets in the middle of a gun fight. Little does she know that her decisions during those moments will change her life forever. When Alex finds herself on the other side of the country in the home of the president of a biker gang she has no idea what to think. These crazy bikers have saved her life…but at what cost? Her father will never let her go, not after what she has done. When she realizes that she is falling for the biggest bastard ever, one she has been told specifically to stay away from, her life gets even more hectic than it was before.

As a couple these two are explosive. Both know that they aren’t good for the other…and yet they aren’t willing to stay away. Ryan is a young (20 something) man with hormones that usually end up with him being with a different club whore most nights of the week. He isn’t used to having feelings…let alone the kind that make him want to be with just one person. I know that I said I hate him…and I do…but I also get it. The first time he feels something for a girl/woman it just has to be for the one woman that could cost him his patch? The Forsaken is his life, his family, his blood…but Alex is quickly becoming just as big of a part of it. To make matters worse, Ryan knows that having Alex be a part of his life will only cause her more troubles…he honestly doesn’t think he is worth it. (Or at least that is my view on the situation.) The sexual tension between these two is insane! I was honestly a little scared for Alex when she and Ryan finally manage some alone time…I wasn’t sure if it would be the type of explosion that leaves them clinging to one another and panting for breath…or the kind that leaves you hunting for body parts with no idea how you got here or what you are supposed to do now.

While Ride is definitely a romance novel…it sure isn’t a typical one! Ride is what I would categorize as a DARK Romance. The roller coaster ride that these two go on is intense and one that I’m not sure I could have survived. Ryan is a dick that sleeps around and screws up a lot. Alex is a spoiled kid that makes some pretty stupid decisions and cries a ton…but somehow they figure out a way to work things out. I do wish that there had been more HEA or romance in general in the story. I get that MC books aren’t all lovey-dovey and all that jazz, but I’m just not sure if maybe this one went a bit over board on the harsh crap. The way the characters treat one another is harsh to say the least and was difficult to read at times. With that being said, what JC Emery managed to pull off in this book is crazy! Each page of Ride is filled with action, suspense, sexual tension and a touch of humor and romance. Reading this book left me dizzy and a tad bit pissed, but in a way that had me digging for the next book in the series!

So again I am to this place where I think…OOOOH how I hate MC books! But…well…I didn’t hate Ride!

Yep, Ryan is an asshat that makes me so mad I want to throw things….but he is a character that has been written so damn well that you can’t help but react to him.

Drugs…sex…again yeah those are there and they are a huge part of the book. But they are described in such a way that makes me feel like I understand why these big, bad, biker boys do what they do.

Degrading behavior towards women? Oh hell yeah…this one almost TAKES OVER the entire story! It was difficult to read and relate to…most of the time I found myself shaking my head and saying that I would NEVER let someone treat me that way.

Realistic dialogue…well yeah! But it honestly wasn’t as bad as some books. I could even understand these guys!

Don’t get me started on the extreme language! I curse (heck I’ve done it quite a bit in this review…) but just wow! I’m pretty sure JC hit some world records with the creative uses of the words “Fuck” and “Bitch” in this one! Yet somehow it didn’t bother me, it just felt natural for the biker boys and therefor totally okay to me.

Violence….this book didn’t go overboard on the violence but it is definitely there. Again, JC manages to write it in a way that I could handle reading.

Lots and lots of leather…hehe yep that one was covered, but these bikers tend to wear jeans and a t-shirt under their cut…

Luckily the “bitch” calling issue wasn’t too bad in Ride….it was thrown around a bit, but not overdone.

The lack of anything even remotely romantic between characters…well yeah. Sadly, there isn’t a ton of “romance” in Ride. Part of me wishes that there had been…but then again a bigger part of me knows that had JC worked in more “romance” it would have felt forced and unnatural. The way things flow in Ride is perfect and believable. 

Well, while I hate to love MC books, I HIGHLY recommend Ride. It’s tough, dirty, and all out crazy….but the story is so perfectly executed that all I can say is buckle up buttercup, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

Check out the other books in the series

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year round in Northern California and can’t imagine a climate more beautiful.

JC writes adult, new adult, and young adult fiction. She dabbles in many different genres including science fiction, horror, chick lit, and murder mysteries, yet she is most enthralled by supernatural stories– and everything has at least a splash of romance.

Find JC Emery on the web…

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Do you hate to love MC books? Or maybe you just plain love them…

either way I want to know why!

Title: Rev

Author: JC Emery

Series: Bayonet Scars

Published by: Left Break Press

Date published: May 18, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance, MC Romance

Book Length: 360 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Grady and Holly

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“A turbulent love story that rips out your heart and puts it back together again”

~JC Emery

Everyone belongs somewhere. Even the misfits.

With the looming threat from the Mancuso Crime Family, the Forsaken Motorcycle Club is preparing for a war that could destroy them. Grady, the club’s Sergeant-at-Arms, knows that love makes you weak, and he has zero interest in adding to his liabilities– especially now. He’s already got his teenage daughter who keeps him on his toes and a beef within the club that could fracture his relationship with a fellow brother for good.

For Holly Mercer, her life is finally getting on track and the last thing she wants is trouble from her hometown’s resident outlaws. Keeping her nose clean is easier said than done, when suddenly she finds herself embroiled in club business. Holly might like the idea of being with a real-life bad boy, but even being in the same room with tough-as-nails Grady flusters her.

When Holly inadvertently finds herself on Mancuso’s radar, she has two choices: trust that Grady will protect her, or continue to refuse the club’s help. Both roads are dangerous, but only one has the chance to damage her beyond repair.

Love is never more dangerous than when it can destroy you.

As a child, JC was fascinated by things that went bump in the night. As they say, some things never change. Now, as an adult, she divides her time between the sexy law men, mythical creatures, bad-ass bikers, and kick-ass heroines that live inside her head and her Netflix addiction. JC is a San Francisco Bay Area native, but has also called both Texas and Louisiana home. These days she rocks her flip flops year-round in Northern California and can’t imagine a climate more beautiful. Her dream is to own her own Harley and she feels compelled to tell you that she is Team Peeta all the way.

JC is the author of the Men with Badges series, The Birthright Series, and the Bayonet Scars series.

Find JC Emery on the web…

Website     Twitter     Facebook     GoodReads

Describe Rev in 15 words or less!

 

A turbulent love story that rips out your heart and puts it back together again

 

 

We all need a hero! Tell us about the protagonist(s) in Rev? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

 

First, I would say my guys and ladies are anti-heroes. They’re definitely not traditional heroes by any means. Rev is the story of Sterling Grady (but don’t call him Sterling, it makes him grouchy!) and Holly Mercer (she loves to call him Sterling and make him grouchy!). Grady is known as the bad-ass Sergeant-at-Arms of the outlaw Forsaken Motorcycle Club for their Fort Bragg, CA charter. He is in his late thirties and the father of the seventeen-year-old Cheyenne (the heroine of the upcoming Crush). Grady and his club are in the midst of a war with the Italian mafia that has already taken the life of his best friend and promises more bloodshed before it ends.

 

Holly Mercer is the opinionated pain-in-the-ass secretary of his daughter’s high school who just wants to see Cheyenne graduate. She has a history that we still don’t fully know about, but she’s really got a solid heart. Holly pushes Grady’s buttons and doesn’t let him get away with anything. She’s pretty awesome.

 

I can’t say there was a real-life inspiration for either character. In a way, each of my characters are rooted in people I know (and sometimes myself). I’d say, if anything, Holly is who I want to be. She’s so strong and assertive. I’d love to have her backbone.

 

Who is your favorite character in Rev? Why?

 

When I started, it was Holly. As time went on, I fell in love with Cheyenne. She’s so spunky and independent. I love her total belief in love and her ability to understand very adult, very gruesome truths that I don’t think many teenagers get. She is, by far, more fun to write that I expected. You know how teens are– they can be a bit annoying when they’re on a roll.

 

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

 

I might get slapped for this, but it was the scene with Holly and Mindy in the office at the coffee shop. If you know what I’m talking about, then you’re probably shaking your head. It was so awful to write– so violent and depraved– but it’s important to the overall story arc in the series and it shows her strength and the depth of her love for Grady.

 

How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?

 

First– getting out of the house! I love being home, but I’m home all the time now. So when I can, I like to escape for a day. Otherwise, I tend to work all day and then crash in front of the TV in the wee hours of the morning.

 

You have written some very hot, very sexy, just plain out BAD BOYS! How did you manage to keep them so realistic and lovable while being so bad?

 

I think it begins with understanding human nature. No person is entirely evil, nor are they entirely good. I don’t think any character thinks of themselves as the villain in their own story and that’s important to remember when writing anti-heroes. Sure, they’re going to do awful things and they’re going to upset the people they love and who love them, but they usually have a good reason for it. In the Bayonet Scars universe, my guys are just trying to make it through the day. Sometimes they’re in danger and that means that somebody is going to be eliminated. Other times that means they’re grouchy. I think it’s hard to really get to know a person and not love them in a way, so I try to show their faults and strengths in equal measure. It makes them more relatable.

 

Do you prefer to write the strong female characters or the alpha males they fall for?

 

I love writing the guys, but I love writing the women even more. Their reactions to this hot jerk coming in and demanding something is always a blast. Some women fall at the guy’s feet and some step on their toes. Others still even push back and show him who’s boss. I never really know my female lead until the male lead has pissed her off. That always shows her true character.

 

Is it fun to take your big bad men and have someone coax out their softer sides?

 

Yes and no. I never want my guys to lose their edge just because they fall in love. That would be lame. But I do enjoy seeing the guys soften up around their women. They spend so much time being assholes, it’s great seeing them realize that there is someone more important than themselves.

 

What’s next for you?

 

Well, this is top secret for now. All I’m going to say is that I have something in the works that I think you’re all going to really love. I also hope to get around to the third Men with Badges book and the second Birthright Series book soon.

 

I have to throw in at least a few SILLY questions!

 

If Rev were a dessert what would it be and why?

 

I would say red velvet cake. It’s yummy, but rich, and tends to leave me a little uncomfortable afterwards (too much sugar!)

 

If you could have one super power what would it be and why?

 

Super strength for sure. I’d be kicking asses left, right, and sideways!

 

Who is your favorite “Book Boyfriend”? What series is it from and who wrote it?

 

Oh gosh. This is haaaard. I think my all-time favorite book boyfriend is Peeta from Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. That might sound weird because he’s so much younger than I am, but I can’t help it! He’s such a sweetheart and he’s so sincere. I adore him. I love to dance with the bad boys, but I don’t know that I’d want to keep one forever. Really, if I could just “sample” the rest, I’d be okay.

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