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Rebel Kings MC #3
Forgive Me Father: Rebel Kings MC: Embry & Mateo
"Intense and sexy, I love the MC world Garrett has created. These characters hold a special place in my heart." ~ Bestselling Author, Riley Hart Expect: a sizzling hurt/comfort MM romance with a damaged chaplain and a dark-souled enforcer with a tender-hearted secret. “I gave my darkest secrets to a man who doesn’t exist.” Embry
"...you don’t understand.”
Mateo lowered himself to sit, still vibrating with the need to fix me, the way he always did. “Then tell me. Explain it like I’m the simplest idiot you’ve ever met.”
I can’t. I’d never told anyone. Not the judge, the jury, or the legal aid barrister who’d written me off before she’d ever met me. But as I drowned in Mateo’s affection, in a love I’d done nothing to deserve, the words came tumbling out.
Bad words.
Dark words.
Darker than sin.
Darker, even, than Mateo’s battered soul and the secrets I didn’t know about yet.
I thought those words would shatter me.
Shatter us.
But when the devil came for us, it wasn’t mine.
It was Mateo’s, and the man I’d trusted with my fragile heart was a stranger more broken than his scars could ever show.
Forgive Me Father is a continuation of the best-selling Rebel Kings MC series. Content warning for violence and sexual trauma.
"...you don’t understand.”
Mateo lowered himself to sit, still vibrating with the need to fix me, the way he always did. “Then tell me. Explain it like I’m the simplest idiot you’ve ever met.”
I can’t. I’d never told anyone. Not the judge, the jury, or the legal aid barrister who’d written me off before she’d ever met me. But as I drowned in Mateo’s affection, in a love I’d done nothing to deserve, the words came tumbling out.
Bad words.
Dark words.
Darker than sin.
Darker, even, than Mateo’s battered soul and the secrets I didn’t know about yet.
I thought those words would shatter me.
Shatter us.
But when the devil came for us, it wasn’t mine.
It was Mateo’s, and the man I’d trusted with my fragile heart was a stranger more broken than his scars could ever show.
Forgive Me Father is a continuation of the best-selling Rebel Kings MC series. Content warning for violence and sexual trauma.
488 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2022
216 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Leigh
97 books2,406 followersShe/Her
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.
In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.
Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.
In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.
Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com
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July 25, 2023
Forgive Me Father is book three in the Rebel Kings MC series by Garrett Leigh. Every once in awhile you come across a series that becomes your world. Characters that live in your head all day long. Characters that you know you will never forget. This series has been that for me. Maybe it’s the dichotomy of these men. On the one side, they are gritty and dark. But they live by a strong moral code. Their hearts are huge and they love will all that they have.
“The best dreams were the ones that came true without you ever knowing they were there.”
Embry Carter is both the youngest on the council of The Rebel Kings at twenty five years old and the newest. He has been with the King’s for three years. His position is their chaplain. He has thousands of secrets from his brothers locked inside his head. But he also has plenty of his own. A past filled with pain and darkness. He has never told anyone until Mateo. The man he has loved since he came to the MC. A man he has never felt he deserved and was convinced he would never have. Until now.
“Maybe it wasn’t violence that would heal me for good. Maybe it was love.”
Mateo Romano is twenty seven years old and is the Enforcer. He always perceived himself as straight until three years ago when Embry walked in their door. He never acted on his attraction, he knew he couldn’t risk it, so he kept his love to himself. Because Mateo also has secrets. Something so huge that could put everyone he cares about at risk.
“His kiss was life, and I was drowning.”
The Kings are facing constant danger. They are being slowly worn down. But their real danger comes from a new source. Mateo’s past has caught up to him and now their entire club is at risk. But once his secret is exposed, do they cast him out for it? No, they band together as the brothers they are and fight.
I think what I love the most about these men is the way they love each other. Both their brotherly love and their love for the person that has stolen their heart. These men express themselves often. The words, “I love you,” flow easily and every time, it makes my heart skip a beat. I adored watching Embry and Mateo finally give in to their feelings. And hold on to your hats. The last thirty percent or so of this book about gave me a heart attack. Now I can’t wait for the next book, Love Thy Brother, which is Rubi and River’s book.
“You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
“The best dreams were the ones that came true without you ever knowing they were there.”
Embry Carter is both the youngest on the council of The Rebel Kings at twenty five years old and the newest. He has been with the King’s for three years. His position is their chaplain. He has thousands of secrets from his brothers locked inside his head. But he also has plenty of his own. A past filled with pain and darkness. He has never told anyone until Mateo. The man he has loved since he came to the MC. A man he has never felt he deserved and was convinced he would never have. Until now.
“Maybe it wasn’t violence that would heal me for good. Maybe it was love.”
Mateo Romano is twenty seven years old and is the Enforcer. He always perceived himself as straight until three years ago when Embry walked in their door. He never acted on his attraction, he knew he couldn’t risk it, so he kept his love to himself. Because Mateo also has secrets. Something so huge that could put everyone he cares about at risk.
“His kiss was life, and I was drowning.”
The Kings are facing constant danger. They are being slowly worn down. But their real danger comes from a new source. Mateo’s past has caught up to him and now their entire club is at risk. But once his secret is exposed, do they cast him out for it? No, they band together as the brothers they are and fight.
I think what I love the most about these men is the way they love each other. Both their brotherly love and their love for the person that has stolen their heart. These men express themselves often. The words, “I love you,” flow easily and every time, it makes my heart skip a beat. I adored watching Embry and Mateo finally give in to their feelings. And hold on to your hats. The last thirty percent or so of this book about gave me a heart attack. Now I can’t wait for the next book, Love Thy Brother, which is Rubi and River’s book.
“You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 25, 2022
GARRETT JUST WENT OFF THE CHARTS WITH THIS BEYOND EPIC MC ROMANCE
Jeeeeeze I’m not sure exactly how to articulate just how good this third entry in Garrett’s MC series in.
It kept me up half the night reading it because the constant adrenaline-packed action was so full of potential tension and an aura of dread that I needed to know what was going to happen.
There’ll be no spoilers here, I’ll just say that never in a million years would I have guessed what goes down in this book.
As for the couple at the heart of it, OMG they own me lock, stock and smoking barrel.
Embry and Mateo’s relationship and love is so complicated, so full of obstacles to overcome, but it’s also the most beautiful and important part of them and their place in the Rebel Kings.
Without giving anything away, I wasn’t a single bit disappointed by what happens between them, on the contrary, it was so much more than I’d expected.
More passionate, more comforting, more supportive but the emotional connection they share goes more deep than all that and into something beyond words.
When the sh*t hits the fan from a completely unseen direction, they have to draw on every ounce of that solid foundation to get through the challenges.
With the whole club’s future looking bleak, Garrett ramps up the narrative to breakneck speed and all you can do is cling on for dear life and hope all comes right at the end.
With some fabulous guest appearances from her Skins series, and obviously plenty of Cam, Saint and Alexei to keep us happy, this book delivers on every level.
The only thing I’m unhappy about is having to wait until next May for Rubi and River’s book!
Jeeeeeze I’m not sure exactly how to articulate just how good this third entry in Garrett’s MC series in.
It kept me up half the night reading it because the constant adrenaline-packed action was so full of potential tension and an aura of dread that I needed to know what was going to happen.
There’ll be no spoilers here, I’ll just say that never in a million years would I have guessed what goes down in this book.
As for the couple at the heart of it, OMG they own me lock, stock and smoking barrel.
Embry and Mateo’s relationship and love is so complicated, so full of obstacles to overcome, but it’s also the most beautiful and important part of them and their place in the Rebel Kings.
Without giving anything away, I wasn’t a single bit disappointed by what happens between them, on the contrary, it was so much more than I’d expected.
More passionate, more comforting, more supportive but the emotional connection they share goes more deep than all that and into something beyond words.
When the sh*t hits the fan from a completely unseen direction, they have to draw on every ounce of that solid foundation to get through the challenges.
With the whole club’s future looking bleak, Garrett ramps up the narrative to breakneck speed and all you can do is cling on for dear life and hope all comes right at the end.
With some fabulous guest appearances from her Skins series, and obviously plenty of Cam, Saint and Alexei to keep us happy, this book delivers on every level.
The only thing I’m unhappy about is having to wait until next May for Rubi and River’s book!
November 19, 2025
Sweet baby angel award of the day goes to…
Mateo and Embry. 🥹🥹🥹
They fact they resisted eachother and pined in semi-secret FOR THREE LONG ASS YEARS??????????
BIG SEXY OOOOOFT MY FRIENDS……
THE TENSION WAS PALPABLE, AND the pay off was ultimately:
I just feel like Garrett knows how to give fuckass hot sexy men deep, dark and dreadful back stories that flesh out further and further in each book you get through.
And I’m so completely sat. Cut my feet off because I don’t need them at this point. Because these characters immerse me completely in a biker gang that doesn’t exist, run by the sexist throuple gang leaders in history? (SEEING CAM, ALEXEI AND SAINT CAMEOS MAKE ME SO HAPPY, my baby Russian Alexei deserves the universe at his feet)
The secrets, the lies, the tension, the withholding of feelings, the white-knuckling the steering wheel, even the cringey “I’m so mysterious and only the open road understand me” vibes……. I’M EATING THEM UP GOBBLE GOBBLE BITCH NO CRUMBS
I want more club politics.
I want more found family.
I want more kissing and dick rubbing.
I want EVERY brother’s backstory, and I don’t care how unbelievable it may be that out of like 30 brothers there is only one straight one.
AND THE NEXT BOOK IS RUBI AND THE FLAKEY BROTHER????????
hold my mf poodle.
Mateo and Embry. 🥹🥹🥹
They fact they resisted eachother and pined in semi-secret FOR THREE LONG ASS YEARS??????????
BIG SEXY OOOOOFT MY FRIENDS……
THE TENSION WAS PALPABLE, AND the pay off was ultimately:
I just feel like Garrett knows how to give fuckass hot sexy men deep, dark and dreadful back stories that flesh out further and further in each book you get through.
And I’m so completely sat. Cut my feet off because I don’t need them at this point. Because these characters immerse me completely in a biker gang that doesn’t exist, run by the sexist throuple gang leaders in history? (SEEING CAM, ALEXEI AND SAINT CAMEOS MAKE ME SO HAPPY, my baby Russian Alexei deserves the universe at his feet)
The secrets, the lies, the tension, the withholding of feelings, the white-knuckling the steering wheel, even the cringey “I’m so mysterious and only the open road understand me” vibes……. I’M EATING THEM UP GOBBLE GOBBLE BITCH NO CRUMBS
I want more club politics.
I want more found family.
I want more kissing and dick rubbing.
I want EVERY brother’s backstory, and I don’t care how unbelievable it may be that out of like 30 brothers there is only one straight one.
AND THE NEXT BOOK IS RUBI AND THE FLAKEY BROTHER????????
hold my mf poodle.
December 19, 2022
Darkness. Do you know when the darkest hour is? Just before dawn's breaking light.
That's right. Reflections disappear, invisible shadows silently lurk, and truths have yet to be discovered. Then a faint promised glow appears, bringing with it all the gifts of a brand new day.
Embry and Mateo have been playing hide and seek for the past few years. They both yearn to be caught, but concealed chains hold them back. How can they move forward when the past refuses to let them go? Besides, their brothers need them now more than ever. War is on the horizon; love will have to wait. But if history has proven anything, you can't change yesterday, but you can lose tomorrow.
The Rebel Kings captured my heart from the very beginning and I’ve been on cloud nine since discovering the duet was in fact a full-bodied series of four (or maybe more?!) stories. Unseasoned Garrett Leigh groupies might wonder how anyone could follow in Cam, Saint & Alexei’s footsteps. Perhaps they could even feel sorry for the poor saps and lack confidence in this unexpected addition. I’ve been around Leigh’s playground long enough that I walked with sure feet and had to resist the urge to race and dive in head first. As usual, my trust was rewarded. Naturally, Garrett doesn’t make it easy for Mateo and Embry. Their relationship begins distant and muted. But just as the sun takes her time before she dazzles us and eventually blinds us, they find their place and purpose with fresh hope. Dawn will always soothe your soul…if you let her.
Can I tell you a secret? I’m a terrible secret keeper! My husband says I would be a miserable actress and a terrible criminal. I have no poker face! Secrets weigh on me and Embry can relate. He never conceived that Mateo not only carried his own share of hidden truths, but his shoulders were almost at their breaking point. He is the family’s chaplain or the support system of the club. How can he offer advice, comfort, and counsel when his own lover can’t confide in him? Even more, Mateo’s secret is the key to his heart and Embry had no chance of sharing it without this missing piece. Knife wounds eventually heal, but betrayal leaves Embry flayed open. But as their enemies pile up, they don’t have time to lick wounds. It’s now or never.
Considering this is the hot corner in this series, I can’t share everything I wish I could. What can I tell you? Emotions are high and the plot is heavy. If you’re looking for more of the set of three, don’t worry, the president is happily fastened between his two better parts. If you’re needing loyalty and devotion, you’ve got it. Feeling feisty? Crack those knuckles and jump into the melee. It’s a scorcher and some are about to get burned. Shadows linger. Brotherhood is challenged. Love is accepted. AND I loved every bit of the chaos and pain laced with kindness. We all leave our mark on this world, sometimes with full bellies or colorful art, and if you’re lucky, with long-lasting literary friends. Thank you Garrett for filling my heart with your bad boys with hearts of gold.
Beware of: Sins…yes, even the father has them. Justice…a promise that hopefully, we all find. And love…strong enough to withstand the greatest burdens.
This book is for: There is no question, you need to know and love the Rebel Kings before jumping into this leg of the journey. If you don’t know them, the devil has a dance waiting for you. Enjoy…and I’ll wait for you here. Did I tell you, this ride isn’t over…yet!
Book UNfunk
That's right. Reflections disappear, invisible shadows silently lurk, and truths have yet to be discovered. Then a faint promised glow appears, bringing with it all the gifts of a brand new day.
Embry and Mateo have been playing hide and seek for the past few years. They both yearn to be caught, but concealed chains hold them back. How can they move forward when the past refuses to let them go? Besides, their brothers need them now more than ever. War is on the horizon; love will have to wait. But if history has proven anything, you can't change yesterday, but you can lose tomorrow.
The Rebel Kings captured my heart from the very beginning and I’ve been on cloud nine since discovering the duet was in fact a full-bodied series of four (or maybe more?!) stories. Unseasoned Garrett Leigh groupies might wonder how anyone could follow in Cam, Saint & Alexei’s footsteps. Perhaps they could even feel sorry for the poor saps and lack confidence in this unexpected addition. I’ve been around Leigh’s playground long enough that I walked with sure feet and had to resist the urge to race and dive in head first. As usual, my trust was rewarded. Naturally, Garrett doesn’t make it easy for Mateo and Embry. Their relationship begins distant and muted. But just as the sun takes her time before she dazzles us and eventually blinds us, they find their place and purpose with fresh hope. Dawn will always soothe your soul…if you let her.
Can I tell you a secret? I’m a terrible secret keeper! My husband says I would be a miserable actress and a terrible criminal. I have no poker face! Secrets weigh on me and Embry can relate. He never conceived that Mateo not only carried his own share of hidden truths, but his shoulders were almost at their breaking point. He is the family’s chaplain or the support system of the club. How can he offer advice, comfort, and counsel when his own lover can’t confide in him? Even more, Mateo’s secret is the key to his heart and Embry had no chance of sharing it without this missing piece. Knife wounds eventually heal, but betrayal leaves Embry flayed open. But as their enemies pile up, they don’t have time to lick wounds. It’s now or never.
Considering this is the hot corner in this series, I can’t share everything I wish I could. What can I tell you? Emotions are high and the plot is heavy. If you’re looking for more of the set of three, don’t worry, the president is happily fastened between his two better parts. If you’re needing loyalty and devotion, you’ve got it. Feeling feisty? Crack those knuckles and jump into the melee. It’s a scorcher and some are about to get burned. Shadows linger. Brotherhood is challenged. Love is accepted. AND I loved every bit of the chaos and pain laced with kindness. We all leave our mark on this world, sometimes with full bellies or colorful art, and if you’re lucky, with long-lasting literary friends. Thank you Garrett for filling my heart with your bad boys with hearts of gold.
Beware of: Sins…yes, even the father has them. Justice…a promise that hopefully, we all find. And love…strong enough to withstand the greatest burdens.
This book is for: There is no question, you need to know and love the Rebel Kings before jumping into this leg of the journey. If you don’t know them, the devil has a dance waiting for you. Enjoy…and I’ll wait for you here. Did I tell you, this ride isn’t over…yet!
Book UNfunk
November 24, 2022
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
I fucking love this series. Mateo and Embry wrecked me in the best of ways. They're two very damaged men who deserve some happy. They worked for theirs, and it was pretty brutal at times. I hope all the guys can have some peace for a while. It's been quite the year for them!
Looking forward to Rubi and River's book. I really like Rubi. He's good people. River seems like he's kind of an ass, but that's maybe because we don't know him well and he's Cam's brother and family is complicated. And the cover, which is shown at the end of Forgive Me Father sure is pretty.
November 4, 2023
Mateo tiene un secreto, uno que ha mantenido desde que entro como prospecto en los Rebel Kings, uno que no le he contado ni siquiera a Embry, y quizás ese secreto sea lo que va a traer mas problemas a su club, y quizás ocasione su muerte, pero no puede confiar en nadie la vida de la persona que mas ama, y llega el momento sufrirá las consecuencias de sus actos. Pero sus sentimientos por Embry son cada vez mas profundos, la confianza que este le ha dado lo hace sentir culpable, y no quiere perderlo.
Así que cuando se descubre su secreto y tienen que enfrentar a otro enemigo mas difícil que el anterior, podrán mantener la relación que comenzaron a formar? Podrá el Club salvarse de nuevo? Quien los apoyara esta vez?.
Ahora este libro es mas un 3,5 ⭐ que 4, pero como me esta gustando la serie lo deje así. Este libro nos lleva un poco mas dentro del mundo fuera del Club, de las mafias, los acuerdos y la verdadera forma en que trabajan los demás grupos. Nos hace ver un poco mas de la relación actual de Cam-Saint-Alexei, y si nos deja un poco picados porque no sabemos realmente que esta pasando dentro de ese trio, solo pedacitos. Los protas como tal, cambiaron mucho desde el primer libro a ahorita, vemos un Mateo mucho mas centrado y un Embry mucho mas descontrolado, y es una pareja con mucha química así que las escenas entre ellos dos son muy hot.
Sin embargo, no me termino de convencer como termino la cosa, y porque termino así, después de que Cam esta tan convencido en no utilizar la violencia armada contra sus enemigos. En fin, tuvo un buen final, casi podría decir que hubiera sido un buen final para la serie, pero sabemos que tenemos por los menos 3 libros mas que leer, así que quiero ver como resultan las otras parejas o tríos, por lo que continuare leyendo la serie.
Así que cuando se descubre su secreto y tienen que enfrentar a otro enemigo mas difícil que el anterior, podrán mantener la relación que comenzaron a formar? Podrá el Club salvarse de nuevo? Quien los apoyara esta vez?.
Ahora este libro es mas un 3,5 ⭐ que 4, pero como me esta gustando la serie lo deje así. Este libro nos lleva un poco mas dentro del mundo fuera del Club, de las mafias, los acuerdos y la verdadera forma en que trabajan los demás grupos. Nos hace ver un poco mas de la relación actual de Cam-Saint-Alexei, y si nos deja un poco picados porque no sabemos realmente que esta pasando dentro de ese trio, solo pedacitos. Los protas como tal, cambiaron mucho desde el primer libro a ahorita, vemos un Mateo mucho mas centrado y un Embry mucho mas descontrolado, y es una pareja con mucha química así que las escenas entre ellos dos son muy hot.
Sin embargo, no me termino de convencer como termino la cosa, y porque termino así, después de que Cam esta tan convencido en no utilizar la violencia armada contra sus enemigos. En fin, tuvo un buen final, casi podría decir que hubiera sido un buen final para la serie, pero sabemos que tenemos por los menos 3 libros mas que leer, así que quiero ver como resultan las otras parejas o tríos, por lo que continuare leyendo la serie.
December 26, 2022
Oh. My. God. I'm such a mess now! I knew this would be a good book, but I figured it would be on the level with Saint's Song.
Spoiler alert: it's not.
Forgive Me Father had - for me anyway - the impact of Devil's Dance + Saint's Song to at least the third power. AT LEAST.
It has the swoony satisfaction of seeing Cam, Saint, and Alexi together, plus the soul-deep longing of Mateo and Embry for each other. We're not talking mere pining here. We're talking phantom limb syndrome level yearning. Their romance is one for the ages.
While this book is gritty and raw, and the characters are rough around the edges, Garrett's writing combines those elements into poetry. For example, from Embry, "But Orla knew as well as I did that love was noise and pain and joy, and none of it came easy."
And pretty much everyone has a secret. Many of those secrets are revealed by the end of this book, and it does end in a HEA for Mats and Em, but there's plenty more Rebel Kings story left to tell and I am here for every word of it.
There are content and trigger warnings, so please heed them. Also, this is not a series to read out of order. I'm posting my review right away so you'll have plenty of time to read the first two before this one releases. You may even do like I did and join Garrett's Patreon to get more stories from this phenomenal world.
Finally, for my fellow US readers: this book is set in the UK and uses British English and slang. Most of it makes sense in context, but if you run into any true mysteries, I recommend using the Kindle app for your phone and using the "Search Web" function from there, since Kindle (at least my Oasis) only pulls from Wikipedia and the dictionary, and some things are not in either place.
Strap in, you're in for a hell of a ride.
Spoiler alert: it's not.
Forgive Me Father had - for me anyway - the impact of Devil's Dance + Saint's Song to at least the third power. AT LEAST.
It has the swoony satisfaction of seeing Cam, Saint, and Alexi together, plus the soul-deep longing of Mateo and Embry for each other. We're not talking mere pining here. We're talking phantom limb syndrome level yearning. Their romance is one for the ages.
While this book is gritty and raw, and the characters are rough around the edges, Garrett's writing combines those elements into poetry. For example, from Embry, "But Orla knew as well as I did that love was noise and pain and joy, and none of it came easy."
And pretty much everyone has a secret. Many of those secrets are revealed by the end of this book, and it does end in a HEA for Mats and Em, but there's plenty more Rebel Kings story left to tell and I am here for every word of it.
There are content and trigger warnings, so please heed them. Also, this is not a series to read out of order. I'm posting my review right away so you'll have plenty of time to read the first two before this one releases. You may even do like I did and join Garrett's Patreon to get more stories from this phenomenal world.
Finally, for my fellow US readers: this book is set in the UK and uses British English and slang. Most of it makes sense in context, but if you run into any true mysteries, I recommend using the Kindle app for your phone and using the "Search Web" function from there, since Kindle (at least my Oasis) only pulls from Wikipedia and the dictionary, and some things are not in either place.
Strap in, you're in for a hell of a ride.
September 14, 2023
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
This book wrecked me. These two are soulmates.. that is all.
This book wrecked me. These two are soulmates.. that is all.
November 15, 2022
This series stole my heart. But this book? It owns my soul.
June 17, 2024
I am loving this series so much - I do enjoy a UK based story because there's no language or culture differences to confuse me!
This story absolutely broke my heart, I want to put Embry somewhere safe so he doesn't make me cry again 😂
Again, I loved the plot and the tension that never really stops, even with the resolution. I also think that Embry is a way better person than me, because if Mateo had betrayed me in that way after he knew every single thing about me, there is absolutely zero chance of me forgiving that - I would never trust him again! I love how strong Embry is and how he's on a journey to find himself again after previous events - the character development is always so good in a Garrett Leigh series.
Mateo is someone I am really on the fence about now though. I understood his actions, but I think he's stupid for not trusting his family to be there for him, and I don't like him for what he did to Embry - I feel like I get way too invested in fictional characters 😂😂😂 I also hate a martyr character so that bugged me so much.
I did love the amount of Saint content there was though, because he's close to Mateo and somewhat close with Embry - he's still my favourite character in the series by far - and I like how he's showing more of himself to the group and being more open with his affections towards Cam and Alexei now.
Excited for the next book!
This story absolutely broke my heart, I want to put Embry somewhere safe so he doesn't make me cry again 😂
Again, I loved the plot and the tension that never really stops, even with the resolution. I also think that Embry is a way better person than me, because if Mateo had betrayed me in that way after he knew every single thing about me, there is absolutely zero chance of me forgiving that - I would never trust him again! I love how strong Embry is and how he's on a journey to find himself again after previous events - the character development is always so good in a Garrett Leigh series.
Mateo is someone I am really on the fence about now though. I understood his actions, but I think he's stupid for not trusting his family to be there for him, and I don't like him for what he did to Embry - I feel like I get way too invested in fictional characters 😂😂😂 I also hate a martyr character so that bugged me so much.
I did love the amount of Saint content there was though, because he's close to Mateo and somewhat close with Embry - he's still my favourite character in the series by far - and I like how he's showing more of himself to the group and being more open with his affections towards Cam and Alexei now.
Excited for the next book!
March 19, 2024
I was looking forward to continuing the Rebel Kings with Em and Mats. These two have it bad for eafh other, but my dudes does it take them long to get together. It hurt, because I wanted them to find happiness so bad. Embry has trauma in spades and Mats is hiding a huge secret. The first half of the book dragged a bit, while they sorted their shit out and the bricks for further conflict were laid. Then about halfway through, action exploded and it was a fucking ride. I was suffering for them. I cried, stg. Over fictional bikers with dubious occupations...*sighs*
Alexei, my fav Russian -well, my fav fictional man probably-, is still the best character ever. Glad to see him, Cam and Saint being their cute albeit tough selves.
It's funny for me when one of the characters is of Spanish origin, like Mats with his bocadillos de manchego...
Embry and Mateo got a sweet HEA, but man the dragged me through hell to get there.
Alexei, my fav Russian -well, my fav fictional man probably-, is still the best character ever. Glad to see him, Cam and Saint being their cute albeit tough selves.
It's funny for me when one of the characters is of Spanish origin, like Mats with his bocadillos de manchego...
Embry and Mateo got a sweet HEA, but man the dragged me through hell to get there.
November 26, 2022
*4.5 stars*
November 17, 2022
If I could give this more stars I would. This series is amazing and Garrett Leigh at her very best.
November 24, 2022
Mateo and Embry were dancing around each other since the first book and now we know why. Both have secrets; one is dark and the other is light but dangerous.
But like Embry said:
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
I love this series, love all other characters in these books and don’t want to leave this world at all. But I have to...
Looking forward to Rubi and River's book. Can't wait!!! Literally!! I can't wait till May for their story!! Just kill me already!!!
PS: By the way, did I mention how much I love the covers? 🔥🔥
But like Embry said:
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
I love this series, love all other characters in these books and don’t want to leave this world at all. But I have to...
Looking forward to Rubi and River's book. Can't wait!!! Literally!! I can't wait till May for their story!! Just kill me already!!!
PS: By the way, did I mention how much I love the covers? 🔥🔥
January 7, 2023
3.5 Stars of Angst and Violence.
MC love
Past abuse
Lies
Secrets
Yearning
So much yearning
Bi awakening
HAF sex
HFN/HEA
Read in series order
Enjoy!
MC love
Past abuse
Lies
Secrets
Yearning
So much yearning
Bi awakening
HAF sex
HFN/HEA
Read in series order
Enjoy!
Read
December 19, 2024DNF @ 60%
No rating
Not because the story isn't good. Because it is.
But Dan Calley, the narrator, and I don't mesh AT ALL.
No offense to his fans but he's not someone I can tolerate listening to.
I may pick up the rest of the book to eyeball read it later. We shall see!
No rating
Not because the story isn't good. Because it is.
But Dan Calley, the narrator, and I don't mesh AT ALL.
No offense to his fans but he's not someone I can tolerate listening to.
I may pick up the rest of the book to eyeball read it later. We shall see!
May 15, 2025
God I loved this. Embry and Matteo were soulmate goals in a dark and gritty outlaw biker gang kinda way? Two broken men hiding secrets but finding a home in each other for sure. Embry secret hurt me but Matteo secret was even bigger and it kinda flayed me open, you fucking martyr Matteo! I’m still kinda mad at him, the ending seemed a little to wrapped up with the cartel which I’m guessing will come back to haunt the RK!
Anyways loving this series, in my binge era of it!
Anyways loving this series, in my binge era of it!
December 3, 2025
December 2025: Another great read, another star added. For a book that was initially 3 stars for me, it has gotten better and better each subsequent time I’ve picked it up.
October 2024: Upgrading to 4 stars for a very successful reread!
April 2023: I think I read a different book than everyone else. (Obviously, I didn’t, but I’m definitely in the minority on this one. No surprise there. It seems to be where I live in booklandia — the minority.)
The book started off okay, but I never felt any connection between Mateo and Embry. We know from book one that these two love each other and that they’re close. But I didn’t get any feelings in this book that it was anything other than their run of the mill Rebel Kings MC “brotherly” love. All their feelings were inside their heads. Everything outside their heads was a physical relationship. That was difficult, too, due to Embry’s past. Then there were all the secrets and lies.
However, I did love the second half of the book. Once Mateo’s secrets came out – and there was the fallout and everything that came with it – the book was amazing! I still don’t understand what it is that makes these two men love each other though. It was like it was just understood since it’s been hinted at ever since book one. The just love each other because they do. Well, that doesn’t really work for me.
By the time the last couple of chapters and the epilogue rolled around, I was starting to feel a bond between Embry and Mateo, but it still felt rooted in the physical realm. The epilogue was spectacular.
So, 1.5 stars for the first half of the book, but 5 glorious stars for the second half. That leaves me going with a 3 star rating.
I’m really hoping the connection between Rubi and River is more developed in the next book. They too have had some kind of love thing going on forever. At least they’ve know each other since they were kids. I’m hoping to feel their love like I felt between Cam, Alexei, and Saint.
October 2024: Upgrading to 4 stars for a very successful reread!
April 2023: I think I read a different book than everyone else. (Obviously, I didn’t, but I’m definitely in the minority on this one. No surprise there. It seems to be where I live in booklandia — the minority.)
The book started off okay, but I never felt any connection between Mateo and Embry. We know from book one that these two love each other and that they’re close. But I didn’t get any feelings in this book that it was anything other than their run of the mill Rebel Kings MC “brotherly” love. All their feelings were inside their heads. Everything outside their heads was a physical relationship. That was difficult, too, due to Embry’s past. Then there were all the secrets and lies.
However, I did love the second half of the book. Once Mateo’s secrets came out – and there was the fallout and everything that came with it – the book was amazing! I still don’t understand what it is that makes these two men love each other though. It was like it was just understood since it’s been hinted at ever since book one. The just love each other because they do. Well, that doesn’t really work for me.
By the time the last couple of chapters and the epilogue rolled around, I was starting to feel a bond between Embry and Mateo, but it still felt rooted in the physical realm. The epilogue was spectacular.
So, 1.5 stars for the first half of the book, but 5 glorious stars for the second half. That leaves me going with a 3 star rating.
I’m really hoping the connection between Rubi and River is more developed in the next book. They too have had some kind of love thing going on forever. At least they’ve know each other since they were kids. I’m hoping to feel their love like I felt between Cam, Alexei, and Saint.
October 31, 2022
J'avais adoré les deux premiers tomes des "Rebel Kings MC". On peut dire que Garrett Leigh avait mis la barre très haute dans "Devil's Dance" puis ensuite dans "Saint's Song" où elle nous dévoile l'histoire de ce club de motards, et plus particulièrement le trouple formé par Cam, Saint et Alexei.
Je me doutais que cette suite allait être bien, mais je crois que je n'aurais jamais imaginé qu'elle soit de ce niveau-là, le même que celui des deux précédents avec une intensité différente, une dynamique différente.
Dans "Forgive Me Father", Garrett Leigh nous offre l'histoire de Embry et de Mateo. Elle a merveilleusement bien mêlé l'intrigue générale du club avec la relation des deux hommes, j'ai envie de dire que la romance y est discrète, sans l'être. Embry et Mateo se connaissent depuis longtemps, et s'aiment depuis aussi longtemps. Normal, ils sont frères, tout comme tout les autres membres du club. Sauf qu'un autre type d'amour les lie, sans même qu'ils ne le sachent eux-mêmes réellement en fait, du moins, ils ne se l'avouent pas.
La plume de l'auteur est magique, on connaît les personnages vu qu'on les rencontre dans les deux autres tomes, mais leur couple apparait presque comme une évidence, comme s'il existait déjà depuis très longtemps, comme si nous les connaissions depuis toujours.
Je n'aurais jamais cru aimer autant Embry et Mateo. Mateo cache quelque chose, on le devine dès le départ. Il n'est pas ce qu'il semble être et si certains semblent avoir cerné le personnage, ils sont bien loin du compte. C'est un homme exceptionnel et lorsqu'on connait le fin mot de l'histoire, on ne peut qu'avoir de l'adoration pour lui, de l'admiration devant son parcours.
Mateo aime Embry, c'est viscéral, c'est un amour, une adoration qui se ressent à travers les lignes, même s'il n'est pas homosexuel, il aime juste lui, et ce, depuis si longtemps.
Embry est un être si complexe... Il vit avec ses démons, en permanence. Très peu de personnes le connaissent réellement, mais Mateo en fait partie.
Mais si leur amour est une évidence, leur relation est si compliquée, complexe... La romance développée ici n'a pas le schéma classique que l'on peut retrouver de façon générale, je n'étais pas forcément dans l'attente qu'il se déroule quelque chose. Comme je le disais, le couple, sans l'être de façon nette et précise, nous est acquis. On parle d'une autre attente, on ressent la douleur qu'ils ont de ne pas mettre des mots, des sentiments sur ce qu'ils ressentent l'un pour l'autre. C'est très étrange et beau en fait, du moins, c'est de cette façon que je l'ai ressentie.
On avance toujours un peu plus dans l'intrigue de fond, intrigue qui se complique encore et toujours avec encore un autre élément de taille. Le club est soudé plus que jamais. Mon dieu comme j'aime ces hommes, absolument tous... Si Garrett Leigh met en avant Mateo et Embry, les autres membres du club ne sont pas délaissés pour autant, au contraire. J'ai aimé, que dis-je, adoré chacune des interventions de Cam, puis Saint et surtout Alexei. Mais que j'aime Alexei, cet homme a un charisme de dingue. Je bois chacune de ses paroles. Comme je l'ai déjà dit, c'est un homme qui parle peu, mais lorsqu'il le fait... Ses interactions avec Mateo et aussi Embry sont juste dingues...
Je n'ai rien d'autre à dire sur la plume de l'auteur, juste ben qu'elle excelle ici. Cette saga est juste magique et sublime, et sa plume magnifie le tout.
J'ai encore plus vibré dans ce tome, et vu le niveau des deux précédents, c'était juste incroyable.
J'aime sa façon d'écrire, encore plus dans ce genre d'histoire, où elle pousse encore plus et où elle détaille la psychologie des personnages. Elle pousse encore avec ce rythme maintenu tout le long, où on craint le pire... Je n'ai pas les mots pour exprimer ce que j'ai ressenti pour Embry, Mateo et leur histoire. Les liens entre les différents membres du club sont tellement beaux, et bien mis en évidence... Des passages m'ont donné les larmes aux yeux.
Certains personnages d'une autre série y font une apparence, grâce aux liens avec Embry, je ne dévoilerai rien, mais c'était tellement touchant ^^
J'ai tellement mais tellement hâte de poursuivre la série et de découvrir ce que l'auteur nous réserve avec Rubi et River (le mois de mai est si loin....) mais aussi dans sa petite surprise de fin d'année !
Merci Madame Leigh pour ces sublimes moments de lecture !
Je me doutais que cette suite allait être bien, mais je crois que je n'aurais jamais imaginé qu'elle soit de ce niveau-là, le même que celui des deux précédents avec une intensité différente, une dynamique différente.
Dans "Forgive Me Father", Garrett Leigh nous offre l'histoire de Embry et de Mateo. Elle a merveilleusement bien mêlé l'intrigue générale du club avec la relation des deux hommes, j'ai envie de dire que la romance y est discrète, sans l'être. Embry et Mateo se connaissent depuis longtemps, et s'aiment depuis aussi longtemps. Normal, ils sont frères, tout comme tout les autres membres du club. Sauf qu'un autre type d'amour les lie, sans même qu'ils ne le sachent eux-mêmes réellement en fait, du moins, ils ne se l'avouent pas.
La plume de l'auteur est magique, on connaît les personnages vu qu'on les rencontre dans les deux autres tomes, mais leur couple apparait presque comme une évidence, comme s'il existait déjà depuis très longtemps, comme si nous les connaissions depuis toujours.
Je n'aurais jamais cru aimer autant Embry et Mateo. Mateo cache quelque chose, on le devine dès le départ. Il n'est pas ce qu'il semble être et si certains semblent avoir cerné le personnage, ils sont bien loin du compte. C'est un homme exceptionnel et lorsqu'on connait le fin mot de l'histoire, on ne peut qu'avoir de l'adoration pour lui, de l'admiration devant son parcours.
Mateo aime Embry, c'est viscéral, c'est un amour, une adoration qui se ressent à travers les lignes, même s'il n'est pas homosexuel, il aime juste lui, et ce, depuis si longtemps.
Embry est un être si complexe... Il vit avec ses démons, en permanence. Très peu de personnes le connaissent réellement, mais Mateo en fait partie.
Mais si leur amour est une évidence, leur relation est si compliquée, complexe... La romance développée ici n'a pas le schéma classique que l'on peut retrouver de façon générale, je n'étais pas forcément dans l'attente qu'il se déroule quelque chose. Comme je le disais, le couple, sans l'être de façon nette et précise, nous est acquis. On parle d'une autre attente, on ressent la douleur qu'ils ont de ne pas mettre des mots, des sentiments sur ce qu'ils ressentent l'un pour l'autre. C'est très étrange et beau en fait, du moins, c'est de cette façon que je l'ai ressentie.
On avance toujours un peu plus dans l'intrigue de fond, intrigue qui se complique encore et toujours avec encore un autre élément de taille. Le club est soudé plus que jamais. Mon dieu comme j'aime ces hommes, absolument tous... Si Garrett Leigh met en avant Mateo et Embry, les autres membres du club ne sont pas délaissés pour autant, au contraire. J'ai aimé, que dis-je, adoré chacune des interventions de Cam, puis Saint et surtout Alexei. Mais que j'aime Alexei, cet homme a un charisme de dingue. Je bois chacune de ses paroles. Comme je l'ai déjà dit, c'est un homme qui parle peu, mais lorsqu'il le fait... Ses interactions avec Mateo et aussi Embry sont juste dingues...
Je n'ai rien d'autre à dire sur la plume de l'auteur, juste ben qu'elle excelle ici. Cette saga est juste magique et sublime, et sa plume magnifie le tout.
J'ai encore plus vibré dans ce tome, et vu le niveau des deux précédents, c'était juste incroyable.
J'aime sa façon d'écrire, encore plus dans ce genre d'histoire, où elle pousse encore plus et où elle détaille la psychologie des personnages. Elle pousse encore avec ce rythme maintenu tout le long, où on craint le pire... Je n'ai pas les mots pour exprimer ce que j'ai ressenti pour Embry, Mateo et leur histoire. Les liens entre les différents membres du club sont tellement beaux, et bien mis en évidence... Des passages m'ont donné les larmes aux yeux.
Certains personnages d'une autre série y font une apparence, grâce aux liens avec Embry, je ne dévoilerai rien, mais c'était tellement touchant ^^
J'ai tellement mais tellement hâte de poursuivre la série et de découvrir ce que l'auteur nous réserve avec Rubi et River (le mois de mai est si loin....) mais aussi dans sa petite surprise de fin d'année !
Merci Madame Leigh pour ces sublimes moments de lecture !
May 17, 2025
Contemporary MM
Hurt/Comfort
Friends To Lovers
So Much Pining
Intense Action
Amazing Brotherhood
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Mother of Christ. I thought I was safe with this book. I didnt think it was going to be that emotional compared two the first two books. Well let me tell you, I was so beyond wrong. For the first half of the book I was like oh this isn’t so bad… then holy fuck the author just HAS to pack in the ALL emotional shit. I am just wrung out man.
This is friends to lovers in the best way… when they love each other forever, but life and issues just get in the way of them being together. And even though events from the previous books become the catalyst for these two, this is still a hard to get to HEA. That’s what makes it so great though. All that angst!
This review is vague in purpose. These books have to be read in order as it’s an ongoing and evolving plot so I don’t want to spoil a single bit. The characters are extremely intertwined and you can’t just pick it up in the middle, gotta start from book one. So worth it thought. I’m not a huge fan of long series, I tend to burn out or just get bored but I just can’t see that happening here. Three books in, all five stars, and it’s just getting better and better.
Hurt/Comfort
Friends To Lovers
So Much Pining
Intense Action
Amazing Brotherhood
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Mother of Christ. I thought I was safe with this book. I didnt think it was going to be that emotional compared two the first two books. Well let me tell you, I was so beyond wrong. For the first half of the book I was like oh this isn’t so bad… then holy fuck the author just HAS to pack in the ALL emotional shit. I am just wrung out man.
This is friends to lovers in the best way… when they love each other forever, but life and issues just get in the way of them being together. And even though events from the previous books become the catalyst for these two, this is still a hard to get to HEA. That’s what makes it so great though. All that angst!
This review is vague in purpose. These books have to be read in order as it’s an ongoing and evolving plot so I don’t want to spoil a single bit. The characters are extremely intertwined and you can’t just pick it up in the middle, gotta start from book one. So worth it thought. I’m not a huge fan of long series, I tend to burn out or just get bored but I just can’t see that happening here. Three books in, all five stars, and it’s just getting better and better.
April 15, 2023
Third book in the series, new couple, general arc continuing.
Embry and Mateo are pulled together but at the same time they're separated by all the secrets they're keeping. When they start revealing truths what they thought would separate them, actually brings them together.
They have dark pasts that they're both trying to escape and while one of them is running from people, the other one is running from his memories.
The book has a lot of action but it also has a lot of emotion. One of the secrets got revealed pretty quickly, but the other took a while and the half words didn't make it easy to guess exactly what it was.
There are so many interesting characters in this series that I can't decide who I hope will get a story next. For now though, I'm off to read Rubi and River's story!
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
Embry and Mateo are pulled together but at the same time they're separated by all the secrets they're keeping. When they start revealing truths what they thought would separate them, actually brings them together.
They have dark pasts that they're both trying to escape and while one of them is running from people, the other one is running from his memories.
The book has a lot of action but it also has a lot of emotion. One of the secrets got revealed pretty quickly, but the other took a while and the half words didn't make it easy to guess exactly what it was.
There are so many interesting characters in this series that I can't decide who I hope will get a story next. For now though, I'm off to read Rubi and River's story!
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
December 20, 2023
3.5⭐️
I was looking forward to this, mostly because I was curious about Embry but the first half of this book was a bit of a slog for me. I never hugely connected to Mateo and I found his chapters frustrating because he kept secrets from the reader.
The second half was a lot better, the pace picked up and there was so much going on. I never hugely warmed to Mateo, I’m not entirely sold on what Embry sees in him and why they’re well matched but I enjoyed it.
I thought I would really miss Alexei as an MC but honestly he really delivered still as a side character in this 😂
I was looking forward to this, mostly because I was curious about Embry but the first half of this book was a bit of a slog for me. I never hugely connected to Mateo and I found his chapters frustrating because he kept secrets from the reader.
The second half was a lot better, the pace picked up and there was so much going on. I never hugely warmed to Mateo, I’m not entirely sold on what Embry sees in him and why they’re well matched but I enjoyed it.
I thought I would really miss Alexei as an MC but honestly he really delivered still as a side character in this 😂
July 6, 2023
4.5/5 stars
I loved Mateo and Embry so much. They were everything. You can just tell from their actions how they love and care for each other. I do have to say I was very skeptical in the beginning. I was gonna dnf because I was so confused and just bored. But I’m so glad I kept going. Everything worked out in the end and was perfect.
“You shouldn’t look at me like that around other people.” Mateo edged closer, wrapping his leg around mine.
“Like what?”
“Like you want to eat me.”
“I do fucking love you.”
I laughed. “That’s not what I said, but I’ll take it.”
“All your dreams came true?” Mateo smiled. “The good ones. I love you so fucking much. You know that, right? Every fucking second I’m alive, I’m loving you. Goddamn, I’ll love you when I’m dead.”
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
I loved Mateo and Embry so much. They were everything. You can just tell from their actions how they love and care for each other. I do have to say I was very skeptical in the beginning. I was gonna dnf because I was so confused and just bored. But I’m so glad I kept going. Everything worked out in the end and was perfect.
“There’s no endgame.” He eased me forward. “You can kiss me a thousand times and it’s enough. You could never kiss me again and it’s enough. Do you understand?”
“You shouldn’t look at me like that around other people.” Mateo edged closer, wrapping his leg around mine.
“Like what?”
“Like you want to eat me.”
“I do fucking love you.”
I laughed. “That’s not what I said, but I’ll take it.”
July 16, 2023
I'm too tired for a full review (summer vacation is kicking my butt) No I didn't read books 1 & 2 becuase I'm a rebel like that 😂 loved both MCs and their love story .
Favorite Quotes:
“There’s no endgame.” He eased me forward. “You can kiss me a thousand times and it’s enough. You could never kiss me again and it’s enough. Do you understand?”
He felt like home, and desire coursed through me, searing my nerves, sending my blood sluicing round my body so fast it was a rush I couldn’t handle. A rush I lived for, cos I was an adrenaline junkie for him.
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
Favorite Quotes:
“There’s no endgame.” He eased me forward. “You can kiss me a thousand times and it’s enough. You could never kiss me again and it’s enough. Do you understand?”
He felt like home, and desire coursed through me, searing my nerves, sending my blood sluicing round my body so fast it was a rush I couldn’t handle. A rush I lived for, cos I was an adrenaline junkie for him.
“This is how it is, baby. How it’s always been. You kill for me, I kill for you. You love me, I love you. As long as we’re both alive, there’s nothing else.”
May 15, 2025
Mateo and Embry 😩🥺
I very much so enjoyed this book. This MC is probably one of my favorites. I've only just started and there's just so many more books to read. I can't wait to see the rest of the crew. The found family vibes in this series is just *chefs kiss * the only thing that didn't make this a five star read for me would be how it dragged for me toward the end, I def skimmed most of it.
I very much so enjoyed this book. This MC is probably one of my favorites. I've only just started and there's just so many more books to read. I can't wait to see the rest of the crew. The found family vibes in this series is just *chefs kiss * the only thing that didn't make this a five star read for me would be how it dragged for me toward the end, I def skimmed most of it.
April 2, 2023
I feel torn in a way as why I'm giving 4 stars here is kind more of my enjoyment of the entire group rather than only Embry and Mateo. There are many aspects that I LOVE about this book, to the point where I do find that any of my minor disappointments were insignificant, but I still had some. I'll start with this. After Saint's Song, I wasn't sure how much of an active presence Cam, Saint and Alexei would have. I mean realistically, knowing that it's a MC and obviously their major roles in the club, of course they would still be here. But unfortunately, there were times where I felt Embry and Mateos' respective POVs focused more on the throuple, almost to the point that it almost felt like E/M were still secondary characters.
I'm the type of person who loves seeing relationships continue to play out through the rest of the series so this didn't bug me on that front. What did make me feel bad was there were moments that I was enjoying them MORE than the main couple. Honestly, it does makes sense in the overall context. We were following the throuple for two books and Garrett did such an amazing job with them that I'll never not want to gobble up small moments between the three of them. 😂 Maybe that's why it felt so prominent to me here, since I was really enjoying any snippet we got.
On top of that, Embry and Mateo are kind of walking on eggshells for what seems like a lot of the book. Don't get me wrong, there was a LOT of good hurt/comfort between Embry and Mateo and their moments together are still great. But I do wish we got to see more of their past build-up, especially since their moments together seemed so rooted in things we never really see. These two have always been thought of as inevitable by the larger group and with each other, which is all fine, and their dynamic and chemistry together were still believable and hot, but in some ways, it felt like I was reading the second half of an established couple story. And I love those, but with the rest of the book, it was a bit tough and parts of it felt a little rushed.
I totally sympathize Mateo and his plight here (with what the title is referencing), but it was such a hard pill to swallow for me at first. It's the type of thing that I may have DNF'ed in any other story, but Garrett still made it work and had me hooked to reading more, especially as it expanded on a LOT of bigger worldbuilding things too. Another thing that I loved was setting up the threads for more books, and particularly Rubi. He was such a great character here and while I was already hyped to read his story, I'm SUPER DUPER excited for it now. Also Nash has got me raising eyebrows with anticipation because I really want him to get a book too and didn't think he would, but I feel like his moments here with Orla are absolutely telling us something positive for them together. 👀
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🥈Silver🥈
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Book 1: Devil's Dance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🥇(11/7/22)
Book 2: Saint's Song - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🥇(11/20/22)
Book 3: Forgive Me Father - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈 (1/11/23)
Book 4: Love Thy Brother: Rebel Kings MC: Rubi & River - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥉 (4/1/23)
Book 5: Reluctant Renegade: Rebel Kings MC: Decoy & Folk - TBD
I'm the type of person who loves seeing relationships continue to play out through the rest of the series so this didn't bug me on that front. What did make me feel bad was there were moments that I was enjoying them MORE than the main couple. Honestly, it does makes sense in the overall context. We were following the throuple for two books and Garrett did such an amazing job with them that I'll never not want to gobble up small moments between the three of them. 😂 Maybe that's why it felt so prominent to me here, since I was really enjoying any snippet we got.
On top of that, Embry and Mateo are kind of walking on eggshells for what seems like a lot of the book. Don't get me wrong, there was a LOT of good hurt/comfort between Embry and Mateo and their moments together are still great. But I do wish we got to see more of their past build-up, especially since their moments together seemed so rooted in things we never really see. These two have always been thought of as inevitable by the larger group and with each other, which is all fine, and their dynamic and chemistry together were still believable and hot, but in some ways, it felt like I was reading the second half of an established couple story. And I love those, but with the rest of the book, it was a bit tough and parts of it felt a little rushed.
I totally sympathize Mateo and his plight here (with what the title is referencing), but it was such a hard pill to swallow for me at first. It's the type of thing that I may have DNF'ed in any other story, but Garrett still made it work and had me hooked to reading more, especially as it expanded on a LOT of bigger worldbuilding things too. Another thing that I loved was setting up the threads for more books, and particularly Rubi. He was such a great character here and while I was already hyped to read his story, I'm SUPER DUPER excited for it now. Also Nash has got me raising eyebrows with anticipation because I really want him to get a book too and didn't think he would, but I feel like his moments here with Orla are absolutely telling us something positive for them together. 👀
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🥈Silver🥈
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Book 1: Devil's Dance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🥇(11/7/22)
Book 2: Saint's Song - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🥇(11/20/22)
Book 3: Forgive Me Father - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈 (1/11/23)
Book 4: Love Thy Brother: Rebel Kings MC: Rubi & River - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥉 (4/1/23)
Book 5: Reluctant Renegade: Rebel Kings MC: Decoy & Folk - TBD
April 26, 2024
4.5 Stars
This series just keeps getting better and better. Garrett Leigh is a master at spinning a detailed story that gives you an insight to these hard men and the bonds that form, binding them all together. Mateo and Emery's story is a powerful addition to this series. The emotional bond between these two is fabulous to read.
Both men have their secrets and both secrets have the ability to derail the bond they have formed. Mateo's ends up being the one that breaks the camels back and sends the club into another war but at the same time shows how the brotherhood all stick together and fight for each other. They all voted and everyone was given a chance to voice their opinion but in the end the brotherhood was what held steady and I really enjoyed watching them all work together to take on another foe.
The story is engaging and hooked me right in. I found it interesting with all the side players and trying to work out how it would all work out in the end.
Looking forward to Rubi's book as he really grew on me in this one and I can't wait to see him get his HEA.
*** Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest review ***
This series just keeps getting better and better. Garrett Leigh is a master at spinning a detailed story that gives you an insight to these hard men and the bonds that form, binding them all together. Mateo and Emery's story is a powerful addition to this series. The emotional bond between these two is fabulous to read.
Both men have their secrets and both secrets have the ability to derail the bond they have formed. Mateo's ends up being the one that breaks the camels back and sends the club into another war but at the same time shows how the brotherhood all stick together and fight for each other. They all voted and everyone was given a chance to voice their opinion but in the end the brotherhood was what held steady and I really enjoyed watching them all work together to take on another foe.
The story is engaging and hooked me right in. I found it interesting with all the side players and trying to work out how it would all work out in the end.
Looking forward to Rubi's book as he really grew on me in this one and I can't wait to see him get his HEA.
*** Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest review ***
January 9, 2025
The first 50% of this book was rough and I really struggled to keep going. If we didn't have Cam, Saint and Alexei popping up throughout, I might have called it quits.
The storyline was extremely weak until we hit the halfway point, and then it felt like I flew through the rest of the book. Loved all the drama and fighting, and it hugely redeemed the book.
Mateo & Emery weren't my favourite going into this, and unfortunately this book hasn't convinced me otherwise.
But I love the writing style - the author has me hooked on this world and the 'brothers'.
Excited to start Rubi and River's book!
Book Series Ranking
1. Devil's Dance & Saint's Song - 5 stars!
2. Forgive Me Father - 3 stars!
The storyline was extremely weak until we hit the halfway point, and then it felt like I flew through the rest of the book. Loved all the drama and fighting, and it hugely redeemed the book.
Mateo & Emery weren't my favourite going into this, and unfortunately this book hasn't convinced me otherwise.
But I love the writing style - the author has me hooked on this world and the 'brothers'.
Excited to start Rubi and River's book!
Book Series Ranking
1. Devil's Dance & Saint's Song - 5 stars!
2. Forgive Me Father - 3 stars!
December 25, 2022
The good
+ The strength of the connections and the love between all brothers
+ Mateo
+ The depth of Mateo and Embry's love for each other
+ Juana
+ The whole MC standing behind Mateo
+ All the brothers opening up to each other more and more. It's really becoming a tight-knit family
The neutral
o It confused me that
o The book was over 400 pages long, yet the development of their relationship was very rushed. I wish there were more good vibes and romance to level out the bleakness of the MC plot
The bad
- The plot made no sense to me at all. Maybe I was just too tired, but I really couldn't follow all the MC stuff. I just let it wash over me
- Embry
-
- Embry's inner monologue was 50% 'this is my job, but I'm not actually doing it right now'. He was completely useless to the MC for the entire duration of the book, which spanned months. How could he treat his brothers that way? It was like he didn't even care. He kept saying he loved his brothers, but he didn't show it
This was probably a better book than I thought it was, but it was way angstier than I thought it needed to be and I even had to put it down at some point because everything was so bleak all the time. I liked their eventual relationship and the unbreakable bond they shared, and I really liked the strong bonds between the MC brothers, but it still felt like this book fell short. It was both too long and too rushed. Too much complicated plot, and too little relationship development.
+ The strength of the connections and the love between all brothers
+ Mateo
+ The depth of Mateo and Embry's love for each other
+ Juana
+ The whole MC standing behind Mateo
+ All the brothers opening up to each other more and more. It's really becoming a tight-knit family
The neutral
o It confused me that
o The book was over 400 pages long, yet the development of their relationship was very rushed. I wish there were more good vibes and romance to level out the bleakness of the MC plot
The bad
- The plot made no sense to me at all. Maybe I was just too tired, but I really couldn't follow all the MC stuff. I just let it wash over me
- Embry
-
- Embry's inner monologue was 50% 'this is my job, but I'm not actually doing it right now'. He was completely useless to the MC for the entire duration of the book, which spanned months. How could he treat his brothers that way? It was like he didn't even care. He kept saying he loved his brothers, but he didn't show it
This was probably a better book than I thought it was, but it was way angstier than I thought it needed to be and I even had to put it down at some point because everything was so bleak all the time. I liked their eventual relationship and the unbreakable bond they shared, and I really liked the strong bonds between the MC brothers, but it still felt like this book fell short. It was both too long and too rushed. Too much complicated plot, and too little relationship development.
October 10, 2023
I didn’t think that I could love this book more than the first two in this series but I absolutely did! Embry and Mateo are everything! They were immediate friends from the day Embry set foot on the Rebel Kings MC compound. They’ve been in love with each other for so long. They know it. All their brothers know it. But these boys are so broken that neither of them ever think they’ll be put back together. They both have secrets and traumas, past and present, pulling them away from each other. Their relationship was just so tender and heartbreakingly beautiful. One of my absolute favorite things about this series and Garrett Leigh’s writing is that in the midst of all these big, tough MC men, their love is raw and vulnerable and powerful. As with the previous books, there is nonstop action around the new and old threats that the Rebel Kings face. While Mateo is still reeling from learning about Embry’s past, his own past catches up with him and puts all of their lives in serious danger.
Things I Loved About This Book:
Every single thing about how Embry & Mateo love each other. How they fight with each other and for each other and never doubt how much they love each other, even when they have trouble saying it.
Every single thing about how all these big, tough MC brothers love and protect each other.
Every single thing about Cam and Saint and Alexei and how happy it makes me that they were still fully present in this book.
Every single little thing about the end and how satisfying it was that Mateo and Embry finally got what they fought so hard for and deserved so much.
Bottom line: this series is a must read, and I can’t wait to continue with the next book.
Things I Loved About This Book:
Every single thing about how Embry & Mateo love each other. How they fight with each other and for each other and never doubt how much they love each other, even when they have trouble saying it.
Every single thing about how all these big, tough MC brothers love and protect each other.
Every single thing about Cam and Saint and Alexei and how happy it makes me that they were still fully present in this book.
Every single little thing about the end and how satisfying it was that Mateo and Embry finally got what they fought so hard for and deserved so much.
Bottom line: this series is a must read, and I can’t wait to continue with the next book.
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