Gunner

The Smoky Vale Alliance #2

by Gianni Holmes

I’ve lived a ruthless life full of resentment.
There’s nothing and no one I loathe more than Chief Ben Witter.

I'm the president of the Blood Hounds MC, and Witter has always been a thorn in my side.
He can’t be bought. And he’s on a mission to dismantle my club.
But my obsession with hurting him has nothing to do with club business.
It’s personal.
I want to annihilate him for making the man I‘ve always loved, fall for him instead. A dead man whose ghost lingers between us.

When Witter needs help to close a dangerous case involving my club, I volunteer. Being around him is the best way to ruin him. Except our mutual hatred makes for explosive heat. The more we fight, the more we wind up beneath the sheets. Chief Witter is an addictive man. How am I supposed to still carry a grudge when I've fallen for him like our ex did?

Gunner is best read after Biker Daddy and Bay. Content warnings include: graphic violence, baby farm, and the unaliving of pregnant women.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Romance, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Crime

Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Gianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.

These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...

Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems

Reviews

[aleksandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

It was okay, but I hated the fact that their cheating-dead-ex had a short excerpt from his diary at the beginning of each chapter. He was a cheater so I didn't care about him even though he was part of their story.

And, most importantly, there was not enough Bloom and Dr. Collier cameos. I need their book more than my next breath.

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[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunner is a fantastic enemies to lovers mc romance. I could not get enough of this dark, intense and possessive story between Blood Hounds president Gunner and police chief Ben. They have one of the most complicated foundations to any relationship I have read in a while. Their strong animosity towards one another made for such brilliant steamy moments where I never knew if they would kill or completely devour one another.

Their story intially starts due to a case of abductions terrorizing their town forcing Ben and Gunner to work together, which leads to many close proximity moments and their personalities clashing at every moment. Eventually they start a strictly physical relationship which quickly morphs into something more.

Ben is initally hesitant about pursuing anything with Gunner due to his job and bad past relationship expereinces. Gunner on the other hand once he sets his sights on Ben he cannot get enough of this straight laced police chief. His devotion to Ben is one of my favorite aspects of their story.

I love how polar opposite these characters are in not only personality but in how they handle and deal with every encounter. They really are perfect for one another and watching them both slowly fall for one another and their mutual surprise at their growing bond is such a wonderful surprise throughout their story.

Overall I could not get enough of Ben and Gunner. Their story is incredible from start to finish and it was such a joy being back in their world. So excited for Bloom's story next!!!

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

First off, I’ve a soft spot for couples solving crime, so I definitely enjoyed how the biker and the cop dichotomy tackled the baby farm case. And I liked that ben was thwarted on so many levels, and his being acting-chief didn’t feel easy. Just like their love story, which was built on traversing the divide between not only their archetypes…or their animosity based on past history…or their roles on both sides of the law, but the fact that they’d shared a lover who was cheating on them both. ew 🤮

So yeah, each chapter opened with a journal entry snippet of his relationship with either ben or gunner, and while I knew it was a device used to stir me up as a reader, it worked a little too well. it just pissed me off more that it was there because cheating is weak and I’ll forever be salty about that idgaf. It did add insight into the whys, but I was really happy that ben and gunner’s relationship felt like its own thing. And their thing was all kinds of steamy and antagonistic at times, but it was theirs and i really liked seeing them fall for each other. shout out to my furbaby, zeus, for being best boy🐕🐾

as for the drama drama, (this one's third act had TWO lol) -the penultimate being ben's finding out that mason was his and gunner's shared lover- I just didn’t really understand whyyy this was even a thing, but that’s probably just me lol😅 I’m sorry but you’re working a murdery case where some psycho is Ripper-ing pregnant women and you thought it was OK to use your pregnant lil sister as bait to help suss out the stabby players of this criminal enterprise? Umm what? like, you didn’t see that coming fr? i know my armchair detective skills aren't actually legit and this is just a plot in a romance.. but still. that ain't right.

all in all i liked this, even though some parts were uncomfortable and made no sense to me lol🤭 and also, i've not read a lot of motorcycle club books in general, but i think that Bloom's book would probs be fkin wild, so i look forward to scoping out GH's backlist while waiting for that installment to drop!✌🏽

[Lilly [Hiatus due to School] · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ten years ago, I wasn’t afraid of your bullets. And I’m still not. I knew being with you wouldn’t be easy, Benjamin, but I already got my mind set on you, so it’s gotta be you.”

My first buddy read of the year with the lovely Haletostilinski 💞

I’ve been excited for Gunner’s story ever since meeting him in Biker Daddy! I’ve wanted to know more about the man who was part of the trio with Grimm and Mason, the ruthless leader of the Blood Hounds MC, and I enjoyed every page.

Gunner is a darker MC romance with an enemies-to-lovers theme. I’m not the biggest fan of enemies to lovers trope, but I think I might have to rethink my stance. I really loved how Gianni captured their complex relationship.

I enjoyed how Ben and Gunner’s relationship evolved from two men willing and ready to kill one another to a high-heat, possessive romance with deep love between the two.

Gunner is dealing with the aftermath of his MC’s involvement with the baby trafficking ring from Bay. He’s trying to rebuild his club while trying to work with Ben and the police to figure out who is behind these horrific crimes. After the death of his lover and police chief, Mason, Ben has been appointed the role of acting chief. He’s got a lot on his plate, investigating the trafficking ring and insubordination from his fellow officers, and on top of it all he also has to work with the one man he hates the most, Gunner.

The chemistry between Ben and Gunner is explosive and so raw. These two aren't just enemies but total opposites too. Ben is a straight-laced officer who wants things done by the book, and then you have Gunner, who is all about throwing rules out the window.

I loved seeing how their feelings towards one another evolved from hatred to love. The attraction and lust are there, but deeper feelings between the two take a while to develop. I loved how one Gunner was committed; he was by Ben's side - no matter how hard Ben tried to push him away.
How he was by his side taking care of him was amazing. He didn't run away or react to Ben pushing away - he understood why and knew he needed to prove that he would always be there and put him first. I wouldn’t say Gunner is romantic in the traditional sense but his actions and intense care is swoony. He just tries so hard for Ben and you can’t help loving that.

“Like I said before, Ben, I’m not the marrying kind, but if I lose you, my life’s completely meaningless.” Warmth pooled in my chest. I pressed my face into the crook of his neck and shoulder and pressed a kiss there. “I know. I feel the same.”

Both men loved Mason but got played by him. Ben especially. He fell in love with Mason and wanted to have a life with him. Mason pushing him away and cheating on him caused insecurities and trauma in him. So I can totally understand his hesitation towards Gunner - this is not even considering that Gunner is a biker and he’s the acting police chief and the man who his lover had the affairs with.

Mason’s ghost was with us throughout the book. Reading his journal entries felt like he was there hanging over the reader just like the way he was a constant dark cloud over Gunner and Ben.

I already disliked Mason because of his antics in Biker Daddy but Gunner just made me hate him! He really thought he could have both of them after all the crap he put them through, and the fact that he wanted to share Ben with Gunner as if Ben would go for it - hell no. I am glad he’s gone and that Gunner and Ben got a chance at true love. They’re both so much better off without him in the picture.

“You fucked us both over, Mase. I’ll never understand why you did it, but I don’t want to be angry all the time anymore. I want to take care of Ben for as long as I can. I’m gonna make him happy. He deserves it more than anyone else I know.”

Overall I enjoyed Gunner. Ben and Gunner totally captured my heart and deserved their well earned happy ever after (especially after all the crap Mason put them through over the years).

I can’t wait for Bloom! It’s my most anticipated book from the Smoky Vale world. I’m also excited for the Winter and the Priest’s story!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was really great. It was quite excellent really.

It feels like I read Bay a million years ago, so I'm not sure how accurate the comparison is, but this one felt much darker and grittier. The mystery plot in this is intense and some of the events that transpire are EXTREMELY TRAGIC.

I loved Gunner and Ben together. Wow, they really were just a joy to read.

At times I felt like the romance was secondary to them trying to figure out the case.

I just adored how Gunner was so dedicated to pursuing things with Ben in this.

[nark · Rating 3 out of 5]

these two were ✨ hot✨

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: opposites attract, forbidden relationship, biker/police chief
Feels: 3.5/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: dirty talk, public sex
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: baby farming/trafficking, murder, violence, deaths of loved ones, grief/guilt, alcoholism, cheating (not between MCs), annoying ex drama (he's dead, but sooo annoying)

3.25 stars

Gunner is 46, bi, and the president of his motorcycle club. He's lived a rough life. Ever since he was a teenager, he has had an off and on relationship with Mason. Mason wanted to keep their relationship a secret. Mason was the chief of police. Mason died almost 2 years ago.

When Mason was alive, he also had another secret relationship going. He was dating his partner at work Ben. Ben worked with him for about 8 years. It's unclear how many of those years they spent in a relationship, I wish we had known that fact. Ben is now 38 years old, he's gay, and he is the acting Chief of police.

Gunner kind of imploded with his grief when Mason died, he's always been a drinker but he took that final step into alcoholism and crashed and burned. He's been trying to get sober for the last hundred or so days before the book starts, lots of 1 day chips and then starting over.

Ben is investigating a big baby farming/trafficking case. It started out of a prison and they shut that down and now the people responsible are victimizing the public, brutally murdering pregnant women and carving the babies out of their wombs. Some of the people in Gunners motorcycle club we're involved in the crime so Gunner has been helping Ben. Gunner knows about Mason's relationship with Ben so he feels a lot of resentment initially towards Ben. But he quickly lets that go and starts to like and be attracted to Ben for who he is. Ben has no clue that Gunner has history with Mason. There are people involved in the crime that are still working for the cops and working in the motorcycle club so there's a lot of betrayal and a failure to make progress with the case. Also Ben's sister is pregnant. So there's a lot of conflict going on.

I liked the relationship between Ben and Gunner. I liked the characters. I liked the writer's world building and complex plot. It was nice how Gunner pursued Ben and didn't give up on him. Gunner's relationship with Ben's dog was cute.

There were two minor things that I didn't like and one major thing that I didn't like. I didn't like the use of the word p****, how it was used was just a bit too derogatory for my taste. I didn't like the flagrantly inadmissible attaining of evidence and unrealistic police actions.

The major thing that I didn't like was Mason's massive involvement in this story. It started off mildly annoying me and eventually made me ragey. I hated how every chapter starts with a quote from like Mason's journal. And I hated how big of a role he played throughout the entire book, all the mentions of him, all the drama around his journal being found, how he was a key turning point in Ben and Gunner's relationship. The biggest thing was the quotes from the journal. I don't care about learning about Mason's inner thoughts. I don't care if he was conflicted about what he had with Ben or Gunner. He's dead, he's not the MMC. He was an indecisive wimpy jerk who played both of the guys. I know their shared history was how they all met, but the author could adequately have acknowledged that without turning the book into the Mason show. All the mentions were annoying, unnecessary, and a waste of pages. I felt like he was being shoved down our throats, and we were supposed to sympathize with him. It's like the author was trying to sell us on a tragic romance between ghost!Mason, Ben and Gunner, like oh they could have been a beautiful throuple if they had only talked. Mason was a selfish prick who wanted it both ways and couldn't commit to one or the other. I had no sympathy for him. I just wanted to smack Mason with a reality stick even though he was dead.

Some notable moments:

Enemies era! "Hold it in, Ben. Hold it in. Just a few more seconds until they get into the elevator. Then you can take Gunner to the balcony and shove his ass over the edge."

"“Well, I find you so damn hot,” Winter said. “From the first moment I saw you, I’ve thought of little but to put you on your knees—” “—in prayer!” I jumped to my feet and marched to the front of the gathering. Winter peered at me, his pupils dilated. His face broke into a grin. “Gunner? Well, I’ll be damned. What the hell are you doing here? You’re not looking to bang the reverend too, are you? Because I call dibs.”"


*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐︎ 4.75 Stars Rounded Up ⭐︎

My third buddy read with Lilly. I had a blast discussing this with you! 😍

I absolutely loved this.

Gunner and Ben had me from the beginning. The chemistry was so on point, and the enemies to lovers vibe was so good.

The main plot continues the baby farm plot from the last book, and focuses on Ben trying to solve the case and Gunner having agreed to help him in any way he can to solve it.

We learn in this one that Gunner is a recovering alcoholic, and when Mason died (Jaime's father), his drinking got the worst it has been, and he almost ran his club into the ground.

Now, he's not completely sober until a good portion into this, but he's a lot more sober than he was, and he's working on rebuilding his club to the glory it once was. And that starts with doing better himself.

His members aren't 100 percent keen on him working with Ben, a cop, now the police chief, but Gunner, at first, is planning to fuck up his life in some way by working with him, as he's had misplaced anger and hatred for Ben for being with Mason for awhile - ever since Mason died? I suspect? Because we learn that Mason was two timing them both, and was with the both of them at the same time without the other knowing.

Gunner knows now that Mason was with Ben, but Ben still doesn't know that Mason cheated on him repeatedly with Gunner.

And Gunner doesn't expect to give into any attraction he has for Ben, much less fall for him.

But fall for him he does. As they continue to try to find leads on the baby farm case, and more pregnant women keep turning up dead, they grow all the closer as they work together on it.

These two were really just perfect for each other. Ben is ultimately a good guy, but he has moments of darkness that shows he's just right for Gunner. He wants to save lives and help people, but falling the law to the letter is wearing on him, especially when it takes so much time to go through the proper channels.

Gunner, as an outlaw biker, doesn't have that problem, or any problem with torturing and/or murdering people. But Ben reigns him in when it's needed, and brings out a softer side to Gunner.

Man, I loved these two. This book is fairly long, so it really takes its time developing these two and their relationship.

Ben tries and tries to resist, but he can't resist Gunner for long.

I think these two, in the Smoky Vale series and spin-off (of what I've read, which isn't much. I have to catch up), our my favorite couple so far. They just clicked so well and had such amazing chemistry, the sex scenes were off the charts good, I couldn't get enough.

My only teeny tiny niggles, and thus my .25 stars off, is at the end, what happened with Ben's sister, with her dying - it didn't feel like enough time was spent on it, on Ben's grief. Yes he had Gunner to get him through, which was amazing, but it doesn't take long for a distraught Jackson (Ben's sister's husband) to let go of the anger and blame he put on Ben the night before and for Ben to be somewhat okay, to be functioning. I think a little more time could have been spent on Ben's grief, is all.

I also dunno why their wedding had to be a bonus scene. It wasn't long, so it easily could have fit in the epilogue or it could have been the entire epilogue. It just seemed unnecessary to make it a bonus scene. (The scene itself was amazing, but still, it didn't need to be extra, it should have been in the book at the end.)

But other than those pretty small niggles, I absolutely loved this.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend this. This was definitely a win for me. I'm excited to get Bloom and Logan's story next. The beginning scene where Bloom mailed himself to Logan certainly has me intrigued for their romance.

Can't wait! 😘

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

My Ratings for The Smoky Vale Alliance Series:

💥 Bay: 4 stars (my review)
💥 Gunner: 4.75 stars
💥 Bloom: TBR
💥 Winter: TBR
💥 Sarge: TBR

[Ninni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police Chief Witter and Gunner, the President for the Blood Hounds MC, hate each other. Despite that they team up to find the guilty ones behind the baby-fabric (Bay's book). These two have CHEMISTRY and I couldn't stop reading. These two also have something (or someone) in common and I couldn't wait to see how that would reviele. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Bookish Meag 🩵 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Smoky Vale Alliance series and its reminding me how much I love reading motorcycle club romances. This series should be read in order.

Thank you @EvaReadsWithDog for buddy reading this series with me.

MM Romance
Pierced 🍆
Possessive
Police Chief
Found Family
Motorcycle Club
Opposite Attract
Strict Top/Bottom
Enemies to Lovers

This book was so beautiful, emotional, and raw. The last few chapters left me in tears. I love the books that pull all the emotions from me. This series is mixed with betrayal, revenge, suspense, and ruthless bikers falling in love.

Gunner is the president of the Blood Hounds and Ben Witter is the acting Police Chief for Smoky Vale. These two detest each other with a passion. Gunner is always pushing each button Ben has. While Ben prides himself by doing everything by the book. One mishap in his career cost him greatly and now he makes sure he keeps his composure. Gunner is also struggling with getting his club back in order and growing the number of members he has.

In the beginning these two are working together to try and put a stop to the abductions of pregnant women and those running the baby farm.

Gunner may have ulterior motives for helping the police chief but once he gets know Ben, Gun realizes their shared past isn’t Ben’s fault. Ben had no knowledge of what Mason was doing behind both, Gun and Ben’s back. As feelings change and grow between these two, things continue to escalate with the police case. Keeping everyone on alert.

When Gunner get arrested for the murder of a cop, Ben ask him for trust and patience. After all, Ben is his alibi. Ben trying to exonerate Gunner without damaging his career, gets held up at a shoot out.

The way these two go at each other is the hottest. As the book continued, I loved how they embraced each other without fear of who was around. Their shared past made it difficult for them but it didn’t stop them from being open and honest with each other. Gianni knows how to write the best steamy/stolen moments.

Gianni, this book was fabulous. The world you brought to life, I have deep dived into and I don’t want out. I’m so excited for Bloom’s story and I can’t wait to see where you take this series. Is it March yet? Because I’m ready to discover more about Bloom and what comes next in Smoky Vale.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride this book was, and I enjoyed every second of it! I'm such a huge fan of this series and this installment did not disappoint! Gunner and Ben are total opposites, but complimented each other perfectly. They were so filthy hot together, but gave me so many other feels. It has great world building, great characters, and packed with plenty of steam and action, as well as guilt and grief. It was everything and I just loved it! I even more excited for book #3, Bloom now. I definitely recommend this book/series, it's sooooo good!!

Read trigger warnings, there's definitely sensitive/intense topics written throughout the book.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ruthless MC president seeks revenge on her rival, Chief Witter, for stealing the love of her life. But as they work together on a dangerous case, their mutual hatred turns into explosive attraction.
Possible Triggers: graphic violence, a baby farm
Gunner and Ben's story is an enemies-to-lovers tale. You can feel their animosity, fueled by years of resentment, betrayal, and tangled emotions oozing off the pages.

Gunner is the fierce, brooding president of the Blood Hounds Motorcycle Club, and Ben, is the principled and unyielding Chief of Police. How could two characters be more opposite? They have several fiery clashes throughout the story. Every scene explodes with energy and making you wonder if they're going to tear each other apart or just give in to their undeniable attraction. Turns out that they often do both. What sets this book apart is how the author has the ability to portray their complicated, and very unlikely, relationship. It’s not just their chemistry, it’s their history, the events of their past, the things they have in common; like a cheating ex-lover, and the grudges they’re forced to confront.

Both characters are so well developed, and their journey from enemies to totally unexpected lovers is filled with twists, emotions, and vulnerability. Watching them slowly fall for one another is a testament to the author...Gianni Holmes, storytelling abilities. If you like "enemies-to-lovers" romances, with a slightly darker edge, this one is a "must-read". It’s intense, emotional, and impossibly addictive, with a perfect balance of heat, and action, but perhaps most importantly.... filled with loads of heart.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunner is the Pres of the Blood Hounds MC, he hates Chief Ben Witter, and everything he stands for.
Gunner grieves the death of Mason Denahey. They were lovers, secretly because Mason kept him behind closed doors. But… Mason also shacked Ben.
Ben is grieving just as hard.

“Gunner was a loner”

Ben needs Gunner’s input on the baby farming case. They struggle to work together.
There’s fire between them, one that makes Ben give Gunner the reins, only in bed.

Gunner understands he’s treated the same by Ben as by Mason, kept as a secret.
His hate turns into completely different feelings.

“I let him wander around and piss on a tree just like I wanted to mark his owner.”

Ben caught feelings for Gunner, he wanted to be the only one for him, not just a side piece.
He never wants to feel the way he did with Mason.

It’s complicated, with all the mixed feelings. In bed, or wherever they have sex, they are
so compatible, always hot scorching encounters.

Besides, Ben and Gunner’s complicated relationship there’s the case with the baby farming, cruel things happen, gruesome things, read the trigger warnings!

“You’re mine, which means you’re under my protection and that of my club.”

I loved that we got to know Mason's role better, and especially how the author made it happen applause!
There’s a subtle humor that made me laugh so loud (Yes Homer I mean you!)
I want to shine a special spotlight on Zeus, Ben’s amazing German Shepherd, what a dog!
Overall an amazingly written, super entertaining read, with an excellent plot. The biker men are good for their own people, outside their circle they can act like beasts.
Ben and Gunner’s road wasn’t easy with Mason in the background, but they made it, thank goodness!
There’s something special waiting for you when finishing this story!!

[Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 infinite stars story!!!

I honestly did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I thought it would. It is so hard to find enemies to lovers to lover to friends to friends to relationship books without having to deal with childish banter. The truly did an amazing job with this story! The relationship development and dynamics were on point! And the mystery part of the story was just as awesome

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded. Well, the fact that I waited MONTHS for this really made it hard for it to meet any expectations. I loved Gunner and Ben together, but I think their relationship felt rushed. I wish there was more anger, hatred, and tension between them before the lust kicked in. And I also found it weird how Gunner was so obsessed with Ben when he was hung up on Mason for the longest time. Speaking of that douchebag, fuck Mase Fr. I hate that mf and am glad his character was taken out early on. The fact that he used both of these men was vile and so fucking selfish. His journal entries toward the situation were so sad imo, especially when he “chose” Gunner. I also wish we got more insecurities out of Ben because with those excerpts, you’d think there would be more self-doubt and sadness. I was waiting for this for so long, and it sucks that it wasn’t even longer. The plot was fine, but I wanted more emphasis on the romance between Gun and Ben.

Their interactions, while hot and sweet overall, deserved more attention and time. I wanted more build-up and a more satisfying ending. This book felt extremely unpolished compared to Gianni’s previous works; like the writing itself felt choppier than usual. Idk if that’s just me though.

Anyways, I’m excited for Bloom and Logan. Bay’s book is still the best in this series though. Such a shame Gunner’s didn’t beat it, but I can’t do much about it atp.

Also, is it bad that I kinda want Saint, Dove, and Jasper to all be together 💀 (OMG I JUST READ CHRIS AND SARGE’s PREQUEL AND IT SPOILS SO MUCH ABT THE COUPLES IM SO HAPPY BRUH)

[Gianni Holmes]

Thank you all for your patience for me to get Ben and Gunner's book just right. These two start out as true enemies-to-lovers so please expect violence and lack of kindness toward each other. If you are currently pregnant, I would dissuade you from reading until after your safe delivery. There is gruesome depiction of violence against pregnant women in this book.

Other potential triggers include:

graphic depiction of violence and sex, dubcon, deliberate use of terms associated with cis-female sex organs to simultaneously humiliate and titillate, the brutal murder of pregnant women (the aftermath is depicted on page), crude and forced c-section, human baby harvesting, foul language, homophobia, internalized homophobia, the clergy, drug addiction, alcohol addiction, dog attack, torture, abduction. .

I hope you enjoy. Can't wait to share Bloom's story with you. In the meantime, you can read Chris and Sarge's prequel by downloading here:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/o2pd625mf9

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would’ve been ok if not for Mason’s unnecessary looming presence

[Ryry (SCHOOLLLL) · Rating 4 out of 5]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚ 4.25 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️


⌗ ┆Main Thoughts ★ ₊ ˚
I am a slow reader. I do like reading, yes; however, I usually avoid 500 pages and opt for 400 at most so I can adapt to the size slowly. Which is why when I saw Gunner was going to be about 500 pages I knew I probably wasn’t going to stick around too long. I was wrong. So utterly wrong. I’m not gonna pitch this as a masterpiece—it has its flaws—but it was so worthy of investing I swear I was on my kindle more than I was on my phone or rather TikTok bc I’m a TikTok addict 😔. Anyways, this book started alright and I was lowkey loving that it wasn’t insta attraction or interest when it was sexual or romantic. It’s better than what other books would advertise as “enemies to lovers” (THEYRE NEVER ENEMIES TO LOVERS UGHH). The characters were great to me and I didn’t favor either over the other because both were just so interesting. However, this book would also PMO sooo bad. I mean the pacing was great don’t get me wrong but I feel like the plot could’ve been tweaked with a little because while I ADOR3DDD Gunner and Ben’s development and dynamic, it was also likeeee hello??? There’s a BABY farm we need to expose here… Anyways, the plot was decent enough where there wasn’t ONLY sex but it could’ve been tamped down a bit to actually let some plot other than the romance aspect to flow. (spice was amazing tho 😫🙏)

˚₊ · »-♡→ ⋆˙⟡ { Characters + bc I don’t wanna go in depth } :
Gunner: 😫😫😫 I needed a longer haired mc so bad. Likeee he was raw and dirty in the best ways possible. I feel like we could’ve addressed more w him because likeeee all I got or remember from his povs is him being a drunk after Mason and him being essentially whipped for Ben. But he was great likeee he may not be a green flag but he is a green flag for Ben 😇🫶 However, I liked how he was the prez of the club which should’ve meant something more in the book but felt more like just a title tbh.

Ben: He’s a super solid character that I liked and rooted for. Love u Ben 🫶 He’s sort of a victim to the justice system/law being corrupted and prejudiced as HELL. I also loved that he also changed because yes, sometimes to get what you need for the truth, violence is SOMETIMES needed. It’s a hard truth. Especially w the way the plot and who the perpetrators actually were in the end.

Zeus: yes, I’m going to talk about the dog. Zeus was the best thing in the story. He is SUPERR cute likeee 😫🫶 like i could imagine him barking and whining and just AGHHH I love dogs sm 😢💗

Mason: dead so idgaf but tbh while he was SUPPOSED to be haunting the narrative w those goofy ah blurbs in the beginning of every ch and Gunner, he still felt irrelevant af other than kind of catapulting Ben and Gunner’s relationship. (I found it interesting that he topped Ben and bottomed for Gunner only though) BUT HE’S A CHEATER. I get that he was feeling those things but it doesn’t justify him cheating 😒.

+ they could’ve given a little more “leeway” to “side characters” but seeing as how most have their own books 🤷


ˋ°•*⁀➷ { Conclusion } :
Plot was interesting enough and played well w the romance if not sometimes overtaking my mind more than the romance. It was sort of underwhelming tho but I’m glad it got solved (at what cost 💔). More romance or relationship driven which makes the plot more “lazy”. However, they balance enough not to overwhelm each other too much. DYNAMIC IS AMAZING THOUGH SO YAYYYY.



-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ ciaooo 😚

———

Pre review:

Honest to god I did NOT expect to get invested into this story AT ALL. I didn’t even put it on Goodreads as currently reading where it could’ve been put into the DNF shelf if I really didn’t find it appealing but I was gonna just leave it as a book I started and left drifting away left unfinished in my memories. Holy hell did it prove me wrong.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He took over my mouth like it was property he won in a bloody war. He deepened the kiss and ravaged my mouth, licking his way inside and sucking on my tongue."

I am loving the Smoky Vale Alliance series by Gianni Holmes. Gunner is book 2 in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend that you read book 1, Bay, first for context and the back story that is woven throughout Gunner too. This is Gunner and Ben's story.

Look, enemies to lovers is my kryptonite, especially when they actually despise each other at the start of the book - and quite a way into it too! Opposites attract at its finest, Gunner is the President of the Blood Hounds MC and Ben Witter is the Chief of Police, on the trail of a baby trafficking operation which started in Bay and which seems to implicate Gunner's MC.

And then there's the matter of Ben's ex Mason, who had (unbeknownst to Ben) had an affair with Gunner since their teenage years.......

There are some confronting themes, and this is a crime thriller as well as a MM romance, so do check the author's notes before reading.

Can recommend!

4 stars

[Ziezie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars

[Showarst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that i’ve mentioned before that enemies to lovers is not one of my favorite tropes, but leave it to Gianni Holmes to make me love it in her new book Gunner. Gunner is the president of the Blood Hounds MC. He is struggling with alcohol addiction and the death of the man he loved, Mason (Jamie’s father). He hates Chief Ben Witter because he once arrested Gunner but also because he was in a relationship with Mason. Honestly, no offense to Jamie because I love him, but his dad was a dick. He was in a secret relationship with Ben (because he had no intentions of coming out) but cheating on Ben with Gunner. Gunner knew, but Ben did not. So the hatred between the two was very real, very palpable. When they gave in to their attraction, it wasn’t clear if they would survive it. Mason’s journal entries at the beginning of each chapter were necessary and heart-breaking. It was such a great way for us to understand what Mason was feeling when he was hurting both men he claimed to have loved. I knew when Ben found out about Gunner’s past with Mason it would be explosive. It did not let me down. I just loved how these two were able to see in each other what they had been looking for in the wrong places. The baby ring mystery that had been started in Bay was also concluded here though with a heartbreaking conclusion. I could not put this book down. It is massive and I just devoured it in an afternoon because I had to see that these two men would get up to. I absolutely loved this one and cannot wait for Bloom’s story!

I received an ARC for my honest review

[Amy Voce · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭.”

☆“𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘝𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘻𝘦. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦.”

☆“𝘞𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘴? 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘥.”

☆“𝘎𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸…𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰.”

I am obsessed with this murky world Gianni has created, and the bikers stomping ground that is Smoky Vale. We have waited so long for its return, and what a more than satisfactory return it was. This was an explosive Enemies/Rivals-to-lovers story, and I was engrossed in Ben and Gunner's bitter feud along with the suspense around the stolen babies. These two men's hostility towards one another was like water thrown on hot oil, it stoked the flames of their underlying attraction until it was an uncontrollable force; nothing could damper it while they were reluctantly partnered up to try get to the bottom of the vile crimes haunting Smokys residents and the suspicion in and around the biker clans. Gunner is a thrilling ride that had many twists and turns that kept me glued, and I absolutely loved Zeus, he was just as hopeless when it came to the Gunner's charm. And Mason, I'm still controlling my rage at that piece of work. Really can't wait for the next books in this series, I want Winters and Blooms books like yesterday.

[Paulina | bitofabookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY #%%!!!!!

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary dark romance, MM
Main tropes: enemies to lovers, opposites attract, bikers / MC

Gianni Holmes is back with the second instalment in The Smoky Vale Alliance series, and what a fantastic read it was!

Gunner and Ben were everything I could have wished for, their chemistry was through the roof and I loved how they just couldn’t resist each other. These two had a lot of history, and I really enjoyed the development between them. Both Ben and Gunner were complex characters that managed to surprise me a few times, I wasn’t prepared for the protectiveness and gentleness that came out in some scenes. The enemies to lovers trope was so well done here, and I loved the tension and how explosive they were!

While this was Gunner and Ben’s story, Mason’s ghost was very present and there were excerpts from his diary at the start of every chapter. They definitely added a layer to the story, but if I thought I disliked Mason in Biker Daddy… let’s just say that he didn’t grow on me. I liked how his entries gave some insight to the history between all three men though, and it was easy to feel emotional while reading them.

The case with the baby trafficking from Bay continued here and it got really dark and gritty at times. I liked how the case kept putting Ben in Gunner’s proximity, and the twists and turns the investigation took. Gianni Holmes did a great job at keeping me guessing as the suspense built and every odds seemed to be against Ben and Gunner… A very captivating and engaging read!

This series has started off so strong, and I loved being back in Smoky Vale! I can’t wait to go back and I’m really excited about the coming books, especially Bloom’s. I highly recommend these books - just check the recommended reading order for the best experience!

-
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Mia Phillips (currently in a book slump) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Chief Witter is an addictive man. How am I supposed to still carry a grudge when I've fallen for him like our ex did?’

Wow Gunner is a fantastic book that despite its length didn’t drag or feel too long to be quite honest I probably would have liked it to be longer. I was really looking forward to this book and I can honestly say it didn’t disappoint.
To begin with we see the first meeting of Ben and gunner that really helped us to understand how they started and when we learn more about what went on between them both and Mason we get a much better understanding however it becomes clear as Gunner and Ben work together forming a relationship that Mason isn’t a focal point but that they have a bond of their own.
This has to be my favourite book in the biker series which is why I’ve given it 5 stars. I definitely recommend reading this book you won’t regret it.

[RedsBookReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second book in the Smoky Vale Alliance series and it is just as amazing as the first. While you could arguably read this as a standalone, you would benefit from having read the previous book as well as the Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale series as the characters and the storylines follow on.

Gunner is such a great character and he is unashamedly himself throughout the book and I love him. He always seemed a harsh character before now but he really comes into his own in this book and you can’t help but like him. You also get to understand Ben a lot better and the history who made him how he is.

This book does provide some great answers to questions that were raised in Bay’s book as well which I am totally here for. I absolutely cannot wait for the next books in this series. Another phenomenal book from Gianni Holmes that sucks you in from the start!

[M Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an ARC. SOOOO GOOD. I love Ben and Gunner!

[BookRealmRoamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and Gunner releases January 9, 2024!

I have been looking forward to Gunner and Ben’s story ever since Biker Daddy, and it was so worth the wait. Gunner and Ben work hard for their HEA, and this book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!

The heat between them was incredible, Gunner is literal fire, and the possessiveness is off the charts. I could have read another 600 pages of them; I couldn’t get enough. I don’t know if I’ll find another read that tops this one!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Gunner is a dark motorcycle romance between the Chief of Police and the president of a biker gang. Two men who used to be in love with the same man who struggled to choose between them. The author and book says that this best read after reading Biker Daddy, but personally I think this stands just fine on its own. It's also been so long since I read Biker Daddy book that I couldn't remember anything about it, and I still enjoyed every minute of this one.

One second, he acted like he was flirting dangerously with me, and the next, he seemed to want nothing more than to bury me six feet under.

Anyway onto the story! Gunner and Ben's journey is a genuine enemies to lovers romance. Ben hates Gunner for being a biker and for living a life against the law. Gunner hates Ben because they both loved a man named Mason and while Mason spent his days with Ben, he slept with Gunner and kept him a dirty secret. Gunner spiraled after Mason's death and is trying to get his act together and get his club thriving. Ben is trying to take down a baby farm and needs help from Gunner. Along the way of working together they discover under the hate is attraction which leads to so much more. But when Ben learns of Mason's connection between them will he believe Gunner's feelings are true and not twisted revenge.

I wanted his jealousy. His hatred. His honesty, no matter how ugly it was.

Gianni Holmes is on a roll with this series. The animosity between Gunner and Ben is palpable. Then when you throw in the sexual tension it creates the perfect tension and when that tension peaks it's DELICIOUS ! Oh Lordy the sex scenes in this one are panty melty. But it does take a little bit of a burn for them to get there because these two really hate each other.

Fuck, once wasn’t enough. I still wanted him. Every dirty talking, disgusting inch of him.

Gunner and Ben are so much more than explosive sex though, which is why I love them so much. I loved Gunner's possessiveness of Ben and the soft side that only Ben can bring out of him. He's rough, violent, unapologetic, but still Gunner took care of him, made sure he ate, and took care of his dog, his edges softened just the amount Ben needed. I loved the way that publicly claimed each other, as soon as they discovered the seriousness of their feelings. Neither, Gunner and Ben, wanted to hide what was forming between them.

“You may be a cop, but you’re also mine, and any threat to you, I take as a threat to me. That bastard is going to wish he’d never been born."

This one packs an emotion punch. At first, it hurt my heart to read Mason's journal entries at the start of each chapter, but those quickly turned to exhaustion. Mason was a real piece of work, and Gunner and Ben both deserved to be treated way better. It made the two of them finding each other even better because they were able to be for each other what mason never could. Besides that, there are some high stakes situations our main characters find themselves in and a loss for one that punches you right in the gut.

Cameos: If you've read here other motorcycle books you'll recognize some name-drops and if you've read her recently finished trilogy you'll get a cameo that will instantly make you smile. But don't worry if you don't recognize anyone , you won't feel left out.

Overall, Gunner was a fantastic addition to The Blood Hounds MC series by Gianni Holmes. A MC enemies to lovers with morally gray characters, high steam, neck grabs, danger and a satisfying ending. My excitement for the next book is unreal!!



Other Favorite Quotes:

''It’s not going to work,” he said. “Trying to distract me from the reason I’m here. I wouldn’t let your mouth anywhere near my ass if you were the last man on earth.” I smirked. “Then I’ll wait for the day you beg me to eat you out like a hot pocket. But until then, I can’t hand over the list of my club members to you.”

A smile without malice, manipulation, and his usual smirk. Was he always this handsome? Usually, my reaction whenever I saw him was irritation. I’d never noticed how inky black his hair was nor how the waves framed his oval face.

This was wrong. Kissing him wasn’t on the agenda. It couldn’t be, but the urge to sink my fingers into his hair slammed into my gut. I tugged my arm, impatient to touch him, moaning openly and leaning into him.

I was attracted to the man I hated most, and I didn’t know what to do with the feeling. Was it possible to fuck someone out of your system until only the hate remained?

I wanted Ben. I wanted what he was. Not his job. Not his past with Mason. Just the man who riled me up and put up with my endless bullshit.

We stood on different sides of the law, but if this man reciprocated my feelings, he would be everything to me.

You fight. Fight back like you own me, dammit.” Fight for me.

“Shows how much you know. All I do is worry. I’m not used to it, Benjamin. I’m not used to the things you make me feel.”

“Did you listen to what I just said, Ben? It wasn’t Mason who mattered all those times. It was always about you and wanting to one-up his ghost. I wanted to be better than him for you.” “You expect me to believe that?” “I’ve always been truthful to you.” “Except for the things you omitted.” “Yes, I may have omitted some things, but whatever I said was always the truth. Mason’s gone, Ben. It’s just us now. Are we going to let his ghost divide us?”


“That you make falling in love seem like it’s not such a bad thing after all.” My knees buckled, and I swayed toward him. “I want to be with you, Ben.”

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 3rd re-read **

Mam słabość do historii Bena i Gunnera, więc zdecydowałam się ponownie z nimi spotkać. Tym razem w formie audiobooka i muszę przyznać, że Gunner w wykonaniu Johna Solo to jest coś cudownego. Ten niski charczący głos - normalnie się rozpłynęłam.