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82 Street Vandals #8
Reckless Thief
The mentor.
The doctor.
The Vandal.
I grew up on the streets despite my older sister's best efforts to keep my nose clean. I thought I knew better. I worked hard. and made money. Who cared if what I did was a little illegal?
Then a little boy paid the price for my carelessness. A little boy and his baby sister. It was the wakeup call I needed, even if the cost came too high.
Rough choices made for rough outcomes and when I had the chance to join the military or go to jail to get straight, I went to the military.
I paid for my thoughtless actions by becoming deliberate.
I paid for my greed by offering service.
I paid for my chance at a better life with blood, sweat, and fire.
That service left me scarred but determined. Medical school and training taught me I could continue to serve.
I walked away from the streets, from the blood, the violence, and costs of doing business. Living a life I stole not once, but twice, I focused on helping, on protecting, and on healing.
Until she came back into my life.
I didn't start this current war, but I will damn well end it.
My name is Mickey James. Little Bit is everything. I fought to stay away, and I'll fight to keep. Our enemies are going to learn that my skill at healing broken bodies makes me damn talented at damaging them too. They drew blood, we'll bury them.
RECKLESS THIEF is a full-length mature dark, new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. The dark romance aspects of this tale continue. Please be aware some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. Trigger warnings can be found in the foreword should you require them. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book eight in the series.
The doctor.
The Vandal.
I grew up on the streets despite my older sister's best efforts to keep my nose clean. I thought I knew better. I worked hard. and made money. Who cared if what I did was a little illegal?
Then a little boy paid the price for my carelessness. A little boy and his baby sister. It was the wakeup call I needed, even if the cost came too high.
Rough choices made for rough outcomes and when I had the chance to join the military or go to jail to get straight, I went to the military.
I paid for my thoughtless actions by becoming deliberate.
I paid for my greed by offering service.
I paid for my chance at a better life with blood, sweat, and fire.
That service left me scarred but determined. Medical school and training taught me I could continue to serve.
I walked away from the streets, from the blood, the violence, and costs of doing business. Living a life I stole not once, but twice, I focused on helping, on protecting, and on healing.
Until she came back into my life.
I didn't start this current war, but I will damn well end it.
My name is Mickey James. Little Bit is everything. I fought to stay away, and I'll fight to keep. Our enemies are going to learn that my skill at healing broken bodies makes me damn talented at damaging them too. They drew blood, we'll bury them.
RECKLESS THIEF is a full-length mature dark, new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. The dark romance aspects of this tale continue. Please be aware some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. Trigger warnings can be found in the foreword should you require them. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book eight in the series.
340 pages, Hardcover
Published April 11, 2023
331 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Heather Long
261 books2,286 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 30, 2023
Dark / why choose
⭐⭐/5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️/5
I wouldn't advise anyone to read this series.
This series had been my favorite for a very long time. With the first 5 books, I was recommending this series to everyone. Something's changed, and I have disliked books 6, 7, and now 8. I knew going into this book that I was likely not going to be a fan, but I figured with only 2 books left I wanted to know the conclusion. Now, I'm wondering if I should make something up in my head and not put myself through the last book next month.
⭐⭐/5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️/5
I wouldn't advise anyone to read this series.
This series had been my favorite for a very long time. With the first 5 books, I was recommending this series to everyone. Something's changed, and I have disliked books 6, 7, and now 8. I knew going into this book that I was likely not going to be a fan, but I figured with only 2 books left I wanted to know the conclusion. Now, I'm wondering if I should make something up in my head and not put myself through the last book next month.
April 9, 2023
Wow, just wow. That cliffhanger shot right through my heart. I knew something like that would happen, but so much more occurred and I NEED to know what happens!
I love Emersyn and her guys and I really don’t want this series to end lol. Her relationship with the guys is so good and different with each one. I loved how Doc came around to Little Bit. I love how hard her brother Milo loves her. I also love how there's a book that represents each boy. I just love everything about this series 🤪
Although I don’t want this series to end, I can’t wait to see how Heather Long finishes Emersyn and her men’s story!
I love Emersyn and her guys and I really don’t want this series to end lol. Her relationship with the guys is so good and different with each one. I loved how Doc came around to Little Bit. I love how hard her brother Milo loves her. I also love how there's a book that represents each boy. I just love everything about this series 🤪
Although I don’t want this series to end, I can’t wait to see how Heather Long finishes Emersyn and her men’s story!
April 10, 2023
Back for round 8 of my favourite gang, the 82nd Street Vandals, and the PENULTIMATE book of the series. 😭
Hand on heart, I've never read a RH series like this. It grips me like nothing else and I adore it so damn much, every single detail, each and every one of the guys, the relationships, the setting of the decaying concrete jungle of Braxton Harbor and the love shared between Emersyn and her men who continually have to be on guard and fighting with everything they have!
And if y'all have stayed up to date with my reviews of this series as I've received each ARC and divulged my innermost feelings then you'll know that I've had, and will always have, very special love for Rome and Freddie, that'll never change. But what has changed and it's been a wonder to witness, is Freddie developing, growing more comfortable in his skin and his wants in life. My wishes for justice for Freddie have been so very nearly answered, but damn, I squealed with absolute delight with him and his bravery in this book! And Rome, dear God my heart just can't cope with the level of love I have for this quiet, protective, empathetic and calculating man. And of course, it goes without saying, the twin sandwiches with Rome and Liam will forever be scorched in my brain with how f*king FIRE they are!
Now I've sufficiently got that off my chest, we pick right back up where the evil genius heather long left us dangling over the damn harbour, and it was not an easy read for a while. That cliffhanger in Merciless Spy was awful and suspenseful, but it's not a SCRATCH on the one we've just been delivered. This ending has blown my mind and I'm having to actively try and reduce my heart rate because I couldn't imagine a more tense situation to leave us on until we get the final book!
If Doc is your favourite then you're in for a treat as this book gives us so much more of him, the good, the bad and the heartbreaking. And we get the gift of closure for some elements of these hyper-intelligent and linking storylines and relationships, the Vandals really do come together and build back stronger in the face of danger.
And now I'm thankful the final book is a rapid release because my heart has to witness everything coming to the perfect end I just know we're going to get!
Hand on heart, I've never read a RH series like this. It grips me like nothing else and I adore it so damn much, every single detail, each and every one of the guys, the relationships, the setting of the decaying concrete jungle of Braxton Harbor and the love shared between Emersyn and her men who continually have to be on guard and fighting with everything they have!
And if y'all have stayed up to date with my reviews of this series as I've received each ARC and divulged my innermost feelings then you'll know that I've had, and will always have, very special love for Rome and Freddie, that'll never change. But what has changed and it's been a wonder to witness, is Freddie developing, growing more comfortable in his skin and his wants in life. My wishes for justice for Freddie have been so very nearly answered, but damn, I squealed with absolute delight with him and his bravery in this book! And Rome, dear God my heart just can't cope with the level of love I have for this quiet, protective, empathetic and calculating man. And of course, it goes without saying, the twin sandwiches with Rome and Liam will forever be scorched in my brain with how f*king FIRE they are!
Now I've sufficiently got that off my chest, we pick right back up where the evil genius heather long left us dangling over the damn harbour, and it was not an easy read for a while. That cliffhanger in Merciless Spy was awful and suspenseful, but it's not a SCRATCH on the one we've just been delivered. This ending has blown my mind and I'm having to actively try and reduce my heart rate because I couldn't imagine a more tense situation to leave us on until we get the final book!
If Doc is your favourite then you're in for a treat as this book gives us so much more of him, the good, the bad and the heartbreaking. And we get the gift of closure for some elements of these hyper-intelligent and linking storylines and relationships, the Vandals really do come together and build back stronger in the face of danger.
And now I'm thankful the final book is a rapid release because my heart has to witness everything coming to the perfect end I just know we're going to get!
May 18, 2023
Reckless Thief by Heather Long is a reverse harem romance. This is the eighth book in the 82 Street Vandals series.
I absolutely love this series! Heather does an amazing job pulling me in from the first chapter and keeping me hooked until the very end. I am loving the relationship between Emersyn and the Vandals.
I really enjoyed getting Emersyn, Kellan, Doc, Vaughn, Liam, Jasper, Rome, Liam, Milo and Freddie's point of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ends on another amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the final book in the series Fierce Dancer is released on May 23, 2023.
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves dark romances, enemies-to-lovers romance, new adult romances, reverse harems, or romantic suspense.
I absolutely love this series! Heather does an amazing job pulling me in from the first chapter and keeping me hooked until the very end. I am loving the relationship between Emersyn and the Vandals.
I really enjoyed getting Emersyn, Kellan, Doc, Vaughn, Liam, Jasper, Rome, Liam, Milo and Freddie's point of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ends on another amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the final book in the series Fierce Dancer is released on May 23, 2023.
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves dark romances, enemies-to-lovers romance, new adult romances, reverse harems, or romantic suspense.
April 9, 2023
I think this is probably my new favourite. Everything about it was just a big screaming yessssssss! It was action packed with absolutely everything and I was here for it all.
I am desperately awaiting the final instalment now, even more so after that ending!
I am desperately awaiting the final instalment now, even more so after that ending!
April 22, 2023
Started off strong 💪 got emotional with what happened to ms Stephanie and then I hit the half way mark and it was all just filler.
The ending was so out of left field and random like no leading up to it, just here's an ending. Kinda can't wait for this series to be over now it's dragged on long enough... 3.5 stars from me.
The ending was so out of left field and random like no leading up to it, just here's an ending. Kinda can't wait for this series to be over now it's dragged on long enough... 3.5 stars from me.
April 20, 2023
Woah…getting closer to the end. I can’t wait. I sooo badly want to know what will be revealed in Fierce Dancer!! I love Heather Long’s books/stories!! Heather has nice long series and I am so here for it. One thing readers can count on with Heather’s series are they are usually long or should I say have a lot of books in each series and that each book is long. I really don’t like short books in series that only gives very little info before having a cliffhanger. It seems like authors who do that just want to get a couple of chapters down so that they can release it then move onto the next book. With Heather you actually have nice long books and series. They have lots of details and you really get to know the characters and can’t wait to see what is happening with each character. Readers can actually see the progression and growth each character goes through in each book. These are just a little of why Heather Long is on of my top favorite author’s list. More reasons are all the twists, turns, things going sideways, drama, angst, secrets, revelations, all the feels, and sooo sooo much heat🔥🔥🔥! If you haven’t read a book from Heather you are really missing out!! All of these elements are present in Reckless Thief! Reckless Thief needs to be read in order of the series as readers will get lost if you are not reading in order. That being said Emersyn (or should I say Starling, Boo Boo, Hellspawn, Ivy, Dove, Swan, Little Bit, or Sparrow. Love that each of the guys have their own nickname for Emersyn and the Vandals all of names of birds 🦅 🦢🕊️) the guys have all come so far and have learned together through mistakes and plain trial and error. The ending of Merciless Spy was a huge cliffhanger and Reckless Thief picked up where it left off and answered soo many of my questions and soothed my anxiety with how things turned out. I have to say though that Reckless Thief was tear jerker! As with the majority of Heather’s books you go through all the feels from laughter to crying! As you probably know by now, I highly recommend Reckless Thief, the 82nd Street Vandals series, and Heather Long as an author!! Quick note have tissues on hand while reading and give yourself time to read without interruption. Happy reading!!!
April 11, 2023
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
In case you haven’t been following along… this series has me in an absolute choke hold! This is the penultimate book in a dark romance, reverse harem series with found family, protective MMCs, and definite “who hurt you” moments. The FMC and MMCs all have trauma in their pasts and work through it together as they fight for the future they want. This is book 8 of 9, so you’ll definitely want to start from the beginning with Savage Vandal, but I HIGHLY recommend this series. (Please do check trigger warnings on this one.)
We left off in the last book with the mother of all cliffhangers, I swear Heather is trying to dethrone Tate as the queen of cliffies! As this book kicks off we see the events through multiple POVs. Our beloved characters are left beaten and bruised and in the midst of a tragedy. Emersyn’s uncle has struck and they have to decide how to respond.
I absolutely loved the growth and relationship development we saw in this book. Freddie and Em have been the slowest to move their relationship forward, for clear reasons. They are so respectful of each other’s boundaries and it’s beautiful to see them both growing. Doc and Em have also had to work on their relationship after some previous issues. Mickey really opens up to her about his past and his time in the military. We also get to meet his military team who come in to provide some extra security for the Vandals — and I’m loving the Easter egg connection to Blake’s Bastard Brother’s of Carnage series! Speaking of Easter eggs, I also LOVED seeing Vienna and her guys from the Cardinal Sins series — it’s so entertaining that these series all exist in the same universe!
We also learn quite a bit in this book — what Emersyn’s parents did or didn’t know and also a little something about the King that rocks everyone’s world. And it wouldn’t be a mid series book by Heather without a cliffy. I can’t say this one was quite as heart palpitation evoking as the last one, but NOOO! I will stay on the edge of my seat until 5/23 when Fierce Danner, the final book in the series, releases!! I am certain it will be an epic conclusion to an epic series.
In case you haven’t been following along… this series has me in an absolute choke hold! This is the penultimate book in a dark romance, reverse harem series with found family, protective MMCs, and definite “who hurt you” moments. The FMC and MMCs all have trauma in their pasts and work through it together as they fight for the future they want. This is book 8 of 9, so you’ll definitely want to start from the beginning with Savage Vandal, but I HIGHLY recommend this series. (Please do check trigger warnings on this one.)
We left off in the last book with the mother of all cliffhangers, I swear Heather is trying to dethrone Tate as the queen of cliffies! As this book kicks off we see the events through multiple POVs. Our beloved characters are left beaten and bruised and in the midst of a tragedy. Emersyn’s uncle has struck and they have to decide how to respond.
I absolutely loved the growth and relationship development we saw in this book. Freddie and Em have been the slowest to move their relationship forward, for clear reasons. They are so respectful of each other’s boundaries and it’s beautiful to see them both growing. Doc and Em have also had to work on their relationship after some previous issues. Mickey really opens up to her about his past and his time in the military. We also get to meet his military team who come in to provide some extra security for the Vandals — and I’m loving the Easter egg connection to Blake’s Bastard Brother’s of Carnage series! Speaking of Easter eggs, I also LOVED seeing Vienna and her guys from the Cardinal Sins series — it’s so entertaining that these series all exist in the same universe!
We also learn quite a bit in this book — what Emersyn’s parents did or didn’t know and also a little something about the King that rocks everyone’s world. And it wouldn’t be a mid series book by Heather without a cliffy. I can’t say this one was quite as heart palpitation evoking as the last one, but NOOO! I will stay on the edge of my seat until 5/23 when Fierce Danner, the final book in the series, releases!! I am certain it will be an epic conclusion to an epic series.
April 7, 2023
Poignant penultimate book!🥺
*reverse harem
*contemporary
*multi-pov
*established harem (7)
*mid burn 🔥
*gangs
*abused FMC
*vengeance
*📕8/9
Wow well everybody is certainly on the same page now and determined to get Emersyn her answers… for the everything she has been put through and each individuals responsibility in that!! 😫😫
The focus of this book is attempting to eat hod of the so called Sharpe family…yet they’re proving elusive- it also doesn’t help that other players on the board seem to be disappearing and popping up at will! Do the vandals have enough numbers and strengthen to keep putting out the fires and achieve the life they want?! Arghh it’s so gripping 😬😬
There’s so much at play here but Heather is so clever in weaving it so smoothly into the storyline that you can follow it and never once get lost, so you get to enjoy all the snippets dropped in for you 😄
I just honestly love the connections between Emersyn and her vandals, with each revelation it o their own backstory’s you get their more nuanced characters but also the relationships between the men themselves and the banter they have 😄 and finally despite some tough convos Milo and Ivy are finally at a happy sibling relationship 🥰🥰 but will those shocking revelations and that BRUTAL cliffhanger severe their connections?? 😖😖😖
Soo good I finished on one sitting 😄
*reverse harem
*contemporary
*multi-pov
*established harem (7)
*mid burn 🔥
*gangs
*abused FMC
*vengeance
*📕8/9
Wow well everybody is certainly on the same page now and determined to get Emersyn her answers… for the everything she has been put through and each individuals responsibility in that!! 😫😫
The focus of this book is attempting to eat hod of the so called Sharpe family…yet they’re proving elusive- it also doesn’t help that other players on the board seem to be disappearing and popping up at will! Do the vandals have enough numbers and strengthen to keep putting out the fires and achieve the life they want?! Arghh it’s so gripping 😬😬
There’s so much at play here but Heather is so clever in weaving it so smoothly into the storyline that you can follow it and never once get lost, so you get to enjoy all the snippets dropped in for you 😄
I just honestly love the connections between Emersyn and her vandals, with each revelation it o their own backstory’s you get their more nuanced characters but also the relationships between the men themselves and the banter they have 😄 and finally despite some tough convos Milo and Ivy are finally at a happy sibling relationship 🥰🥰 but will those shocking revelations and that BRUTAL cliffhanger severe their connections?? 😖😖😖
Soo good I finished on one sitting 😄
April 15, 2023
I don’t think I can even clearly write my overall feelings right now, it’s SO raw because Heather you know what you did!
We pick back up following the brutal finale of Merciless Spy and honestly the first few chapters/15% took me a couple days to get through, I could feel the emotions of all the guys and Emersyn flowing in to me and I honestly shed some tears with them.
As always though there’s light through the dark and the closeness of Emersyn with her guys constantly made me smile, the growth with her and Freddie especially just, I am so proud of him and their authenticity of their pace especially.
As always there were many oh WOW moments and some questions throughout answered. I loved the little cross over with the Cardinal Sins crew and I’m so curious about Mickey’s friends!
Now the elephant in the room… that ending. Oh wow, the whole chapter was just brutal. I am so glad Fierce Dancer is so close but I really don’t want to say goodbye at the same time!
We pick back up following the brutal finale of Merciless Spy and honestly the first few chapters/15% took me a couple days to get through, I could feel the emotions of all the guys and Emersyn flowing in to me and I honestly shed some tears with them.
As always though there’s light through the dark and the closeness of Emersyn with her guys constantly made me smile, the growth with her and Freddie especially just, I am so proud of him and their authenticity of their pace especially.
As always there were many oh WOW moments and some questions throughout answered. I loved the little cross over with the Cardinal Sins crew and I’m so curious about Mickey’s friends!
Now the elephant in the room… that ending. Oh wow, the whole chapter was just brutal. I am so glad Fierce Dancer is so close but I really don’t want to say goodbye at the same time!
April 12, 2023
This series gives me all the feels. This book had me so sad in the beginning. My heart broke for all of them. Doc is family all in, and just in time because he really needs Little Bit. The moment with Freddie…gosh, that made me so happy. I know there will be more to come there, and I can’t wait! Liam and Rome continue to be my favorite pairing, I love their relationship with each other so much. Emersyn has come such a long way from the scared, timid, broken girl the Vandals first kidnapped. She has faced so many things and come out stronger. She has the Vandals at her side, finally all of them. They won’t let anything happen to her. She trusts them, and that was a hard won battle. I absolutely adore the way the guys love her. They’re so sweet and loving with her, and she’s the same. There’s never jealousy, they know when one of them needs her and make sure it happens. They are facing so much, but they do it together. They make each other stronger. I love the friendship and brotherhood between all the guys too. No matter what has gone down, they always have each other’s backs. This is a true family. I can’t wait for the final installment, but I also don’t want this story to end. Highly recommend this series to everyone
April 11, 2023
***4.5 Stars***
I can’t believe that this is book 8 and we only have one more book in this series!!! This book is action-packed and brings out all the emotions right from the start.
With each book, I love Emersyn more! She’s so strong and loves fiercely. She makes each of the guys a better version of themselves. Doc has been one of my favorites from the start and this book just made me love him even more. I also really like Freddie and I can’t wait to see him push more of his boundaries.
So much happens in this book including that cliffhanger! I can’t wait until the next book comes out. I need to know what happens and how everything works out for Emersyn and all the guys!
I can’t believe that this is book 8 and we only have one more book in this series!!! This book is action-packed and brings out all the emotions right from the start.
With each book, I love Emersyn more! She’s so strong and loves fiercely. She makes each of the guys a better version of themselves. Doc has been one of my favorites from the start and this book just made me love him even more. I also really like Freddie and I can’t wait to see him push more of his boundaries.
So much happens in this book including that cliffhanger! I can’t wait until the next book comes out. I need to know what happens and how everything works out for Emersyn and all the guys!
May 8, 2023
I love this series although I still think there are too many guys! I still wish Mickey (and Jasper) were just Emerson’s friends and nothing more (although I adore the friendship between Jasper and Freddie). I love Liam, Rome and Freddie the best. What a cliffhanger! Looking forward to reading the final book in this series and seeing them all get a HEA.
April 18, 2023
WTF was that cliffhanger!?! This is why I wait for entire series to be out.
February 12, 2024
*Probably like 3.25ish stars*
April 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We are nearing the end of this fantastic series. Revelations and some secrets have been exposed. Relationships are deepened amongst these fantastic characters. The pages couldn't stop turning and after another wild cliffhanger, I am so read for the finale.
We are nearing the end of this fantastic series. Revelations and some secrets have been exposed. Relationships are deepened amongst these fantastic characters. The pages couldn't stop turning and after another wild cliffhanger, I am so read for the finale.
April 12, 2023
This book comes with a content warning in the forward, please head the authors advice
Book eight picks up where book seven ended, and let me tell you Heather Long does not do anything by halves.
Two of our Vandals are in for a world of pain when they lose loved ones closest to them, but more-so when they work through their grief with Emersyn by their side. And finally the moment we have all been waiting for, when Doc finally claims Emersyn in a moment of raw emotional tenderness.
From happiness, comes heartache, when Emersyn finally shares her truths with her brother Milo, for what she endured at her uncles hands. Each time Emersyn rips the band aid off, it hurts a little less, but still hurts non the less. It hurts Milo more than Emersyn could understand, for when she was adopted, he was assured she would be in safe hands, little did he know that was the case.
With her mother Moria, finally in a good head space, is Emersyn finally able to have a conversation with her, to finally confront the truth of wether her mother knew what had been happening to her at her uncles hands. But nothing will prepare Emersyn and Milo for the truth that she reveals, leaving Emersyn devastated.
After putting extensive feelers out, do they finally locate her father, Reginald, in Las Vegas. There are things that Emersyn is not ready to confront yet, but knows this will most likely be the only opportunity she gets to get the answers she deserves. The Vandal’s inflict the maximum amount of pain that they can, but it can only go so far. With her Vandals by her side does she learn the devastating truth of her fathers actions, of what his own selfish needs cost her and her mother.
With everything going on, they still have to contend with the King. During a rendezvous he makes his intentions clear that he still wants Emersyn to join his ranks, Emersyn throws the gauntlet down, which throws open an opportunity for Emersyn to make one request, to locate the exact whereabouts of her uncle. However a sketch opens age old wounds for Milo, when he shares the startling truth, that they’re illustrious Mr. King, is none other that Jeffrey Hardigan, Milo and Emersyn’s biological father that abandoned them.
Through not fault of Doc’s own, he attacks Emersyn in his sleep, she is able to break him out of his hold, and when he realises what he has done he feels disgusted. As the Vandal support him, Emersyn and Freddie finally have their moment, giving Freddie nothing but unyielding praise, confidence and trust. It purely was a beautiful moment for them.
Moria finally confronts Reginald, her husband over his atrocious actions, are they able to finally discern a location for uncle Bradley. This also gives Emersyn and Moira the opportunity to talk about their relationship and what has happened since then. Emersyn isn’t able to forgive her mom, but time will tell.
And together the Vandal’s put their plans into action, they feel something is wrong, but still proceed. Only when Milo feels searing pain, is he confronted by Bradley and the agonising sounds of what he put Emersyn through. Milo is in a precarious position, and hopes that Emersyn stays hidden, but with Bradley taunting her, it’s only a matter of time before she is discovered. And when she is, she fights with all her strength not acquiescing to his demands that leads to her own precious situation. And when Milo is able to take advantage of his situation, his only thought is getting to Emersyn, only to realise he is injured, his only hope is that there family finds them in time before it is too late.
But on a side note we cannot forget the illustrious Vandals - Kellan, Jasper, Liam, Rome and Vaughan who tease and please there girl, giving her pain and pleasure, owning her mind, body and soul. For she is there’s and they are hers. She loves them and they her, and will do anything to protect her and keep her safe and she them.
And to now await the highly anticipated epic conclusion Fierce Dancer
I received an ARC, therefore am leaving a voluntary review.
Absolutely highly recommend both author and book!
Book eight picks up where book seven ended, and let me tell you Heather Long does not do anything by halves.
Two of our Vandals are in for a world of pain when they lose loved ones closest to them, but more-so when they work through their grief with Emersyn by their side. And finally the moment we have all been waiting for, when Doc finally claims Emersyn in a moment of raw emotional tenderness.
From happiness, comes heartache, when Emersyn finally shares her truths with her brother Milo, for what she endured at her uncles hands. Each time Emersyn rips the band aid off, it hurts a little less, but still hurts non the less. It hurts Milo more than Emersyn could understand, for when she was adopted, he was assured she would be in safe hands, little did he know that was the case.
With her mother Moria, finally in a good head space, is Emersyn finally able to have a conversation with her, to finally confront the truth of wether her mother knew what had been happening to her at her uncles hands. But nothing will prepare Emersyn and Milo for the truth that she reveals, leaving Emersyn devastated.
After putting extensive feelers out, do they finally locate her father, Reginald, in Las Vegas. There are things that Emersyn is not ready to confront yet, but knows this will most likely be the only opportunity she gets to get the answers she deserves. The Vandal’s inflict the maximum amount of pain that they can, but it can only go so far. With her Vandals by her side does she learn the devastating truth of her fathers actions, of what his own selfish needs cost her and her mother.
With everything going on, they still have to contend with the King. During a rendezvous he makes his intentions clear that he still wants Emersyn to join his ranks, Emersyn throws the gauntlet down, which throws open an opportunity for Emersyn to make one request, to locate the exact whereabouts of her uncle. However a sketch opens age old wounds for Milo, when he shares the startling truth, that they’re illustrious Mr. King, is none other that Jeffrey Hardigan, Milo and Emersyn’s biological father that abandoned them.
Through not fault of Doc’s own, he attacks Emersyn in his sleep, she is able to break him out of his hold, and when he realises what he has done he feels disgusted. As the Vandal support him, Emersyn and Freddie finally have their moment, giving Freddie nothing but unyielding praise, confidence and trust. It purely was a beautiful moment for them.
Moria finally confronts Reginald, her husband over his atrocious actions, are they able to finally discern a location for uncle Bradley. This also gives Emersyn and Moira the opportunity to talk about their relationship and what has happened since then. Emersyn isn’t able to forgive her mom, but time will tell.
And together the Vandal’s put their plans into action, they feel something is wrong, but still proceed. Only when Milo feels searing pain, is he confronted by Bradley and the agonising sounds of what he put Emersyn through. Milo is in a precarious position, and hopes that Emersyn stays hidden, but with Bradley taunting her, it’s only a matter of time before she is discovered. And when she is, she fights with all her strength not acquiescing to his demands that leads to her own precious situation. And when Milo is able to take advantage of his situation, his only thought is getting to Emersyn, only to realise he is injured, his only hope is that there family finds them in time before it is too late.
But on a side note we cannot forget the illustrious Vandals - Kellan, Jasper, Liam, Rome and Vaughan who tease and please there girl, giving her pain and pleasure, owning her mind, body and soul. For she is there’s and they are hers. She loves them and they her, and will do anything to protect her and keep her safe and she them.
And to now await the highly anticipated epic conclusion Fierce Dancer
I received an ARC, therefore am leaving a voluntary review.
Absolutely highly recommend both author and book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
Oh wow. This series just keeps getting better. Soo much is revealed in this book and we learn who more of thier enemies are. I love doc and how he manages to get back to where he should have always been. Such a great book but that ending killed me
April 18, 2023
I can hardly believe this is the penultimate outing in this complex and addictive Vandals world. And my goodness, how far these characters have come. From the guarded, traumatized, enigmatic and distrustful characters we met in book one to vulnerable, trusting, emotionally healing characters. Oh, danger is still looming everywhere and enemies still abound, butthey aren’t trying to navigate these murky waters alone. No, now the Vandals are facing pain and danger by leaning into their histories, by leaning on each other more, by exposing themselves to those that care for them so that they can tap into the entirety of themselves. This is a story about persevering through trauma, of finding family and healing somehow from the deepest darkness and pain.
Heather has been especially brutal with the cliffies this series, and the one prior to this 8th book had me desperate to know more, for answers. Heather dives in with gusto - there’s much still to uncover, and as we careen towards the anticipated finale, there is a lot to weave together. Fortunately Reckless thief delivers some answers…and yet somehow posits even new questions to explore. While these characters have grown and evolved so much, solidified their strength as a team and started to do some MUCH need (and long deserved) healing, there is still trauma and pain to be had. This story is rife with loss and adversity, set backs, and enemies galore as our embattled and bruised motley crew continues to forge a path forward….and after 8 books, it’s quite a Herculean uphill battled they’ve fought.
Heather somehow seamlessly weaves together all the seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive narrative, one that has spanned many books and the various characters. The pieces of the puzzle continue to come together, and the big bads and action are always engaging. But the heart of this story is always Emersyn…and her Vandals. This is truly a character piece- an exploration of the impact of trauma, of nature and nurture, of the hard and messy work of healing and growth, of trusting. Their pasts have always felt at tension with their presents- little parts of each of them mired in the ghosts of pain and various hardships and misdeeds, but as the series has evolved we see each character more and more find a foothold in their present- and in their desire for a fulfilling future. We’ve seen them start to slowly shuck the shackles of pain of their ghosts and to find courage in emotional vulnerability, healing in connection. Past trauma unites them, but their individual journeys have been their one- at different paces, with different challenges, with their own triggers and healing balms. But love- brotherhood and romantic- has been their guiding force now, more than anything.
I love how Heather too has given each character their own romantic arc with Emersyn- not only is she central to their self-actualization but they are also key to hers, each playing a pivotal role in her own healing and strength while carving a sacred and independent space within her heart. Some have felt easier and more natural for Emersyn, and some have been harder- both because of their baggage and/or because of her own. Some are slow and delicate, like Freddie who is trying REALLY hard to try to steal my favorite spot (and sorta succeeding), some have felt secure and solid and others more fragile and raw, more tenuous and complicated, like Doc. I knew once we learned more about him the stoic, detached, and enigmatic man would reveal himself to be so much more than we see. Each guys has a role and a moment, each connection special and unique.
Of course, it’s the second to last book…so Heather lays another cliffhanger at our doorstep to propel us into what I’m sure will be a heart pounding finale. But while I might not know how it all ends, I will know this. The broken and battered ballerina has become the Fierce Dancer, and with her Vandals by her side, nothing will conquer them.
Heather has been especially brutal with the cliffies this series, and the one prior to this 8th book had me desperate to know more, for answers. Heather dives in with gusto - there’s much still to uncover, and as we careen towards the anticipated finale, there is a lot to weave together. Fortunately Reckless thief delivers some answers…and yet somehow posits even new questions to explore. While these characters have grown and evolved so much, solidified their strength as a team and started to do some MUCH need (and long deserved) healing, there is still trauma and pain to be had. This story is rife with loss and adversity, set backs, and enemies galore as our embattled and bruised motley crew continues to forge a path forward….and after 8 books, it’s quite a Herculean uphill battled they’ve fought.
Heather somehow seamlessly weaves together all the seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive narrative, one that has spanned many books and the various characters. The pieces of the puzzle continue to come together, and the big bads and action are always engaging. But the heart of this story is always Emersyn…and her Vandals. This is truly a character piece- an exploration of the impact of trauma, of nature and nurture, of the hard and messy work of healing and growth, of trusting. Their pasts have always felt at tension with their presents- little parts of each of them mired in the ghosts of pain and various hardships and misdeeds, but as the series has evolved we see each character more and more find a foothold in their present- and in their desire for a fulfilling future. We’ve seen them start to slowly shuck the shackles of pain of their ghosts and to find courage in emotional vulnerability, healing in connection. Past trauma unites them, but their individual journeys have been their one- at different paces, with different challenges, with their own triggers and healing balms. But love- brotherhood and romantic- has been their guiding force now, more than anything.
I love how Heather too has given each character their own romantic arc with Emersyn- not only is she central to their self-actualization but they are also key to hers, each playing a pivotal role in her own healing and strength while carving a sacred and independent space within her heart. Some have felt easier and more natural for Emersyn, and some have been harder- both because of their baggage and/or because of her own. Some are slow and delicate, like Freddie who is trying REALLY hard to try to steal my favorite spot (and sorta succeeding), some have felt secure and solid and others more fragile and raw, more tenuous and complicated, like Doc. I knew once we learned more about him the stoic, detached, and enigmatic man would reveal himself to be so much more than we see. Each guys has a role and a moment, each connection special and unique.
Of course, it’s the second to last book…so Heather lays another cliffhanger at our doorstep to propel us into what I’m sure will be a heart pounding finale. But while I might not know how it all ends, I will know this. The broken and battered ballerina has become the Fierce Dancer, and with her Vandals by her side, nothing will conquer them.
April 10, 2023
This is the 8th book in the 82 Street Vandals series and yes they absolutely have to be read in order.
Y'all, I was NOT ready for this book. AT ALL. This book broke me worse than Broken Knight by LJ Shen. IYKYK! It takes a lot for a book to make me cry and this book had me bawling. Not just for one chapter either. I cried through SIX CHAPTERS!!!!!!! Ugly cried. Bawled like a baby. My dog had to come check on me b/c she thought something was seriously wrong. So there is your warning. Be prepared.
Now on to other things. This book has more of a focus on Doc. We get to learn his back story. The life he lead before the military and the reasons for him choosing the path he chose. Loved getting to learn more of him. So to back up a bit, we left off in the last book with a ton of damage happening. So we pick back up there. The group is dealing with all of the carnage. Things are set in motion and moves are being made. Big moves. I have to say that Emersyn has grown so much over this series and it shows a lot in this book. How she has come to trust not only the vandals but herself as well. She shows grit and determination and the strength that she has. While growing herself, she also has learned how to help each and every one of her vandals. She knows what they need and how to help them through the tough times they have landed in.
Now we all know that Freddie is my absolute favorite. Love me some Freddie. He has some major moments in this book and I was so happy for him. He too has shown magnificent growth. The way he will do anything at all to protect Em is the best too.
Ok so there are some MAJOR revelations in this book. I'm talking game changer revelations. This may be my favorite book of the series. Yes even with it breaking me down. There is just SO MUCH that happens in this book. All of the pieces are coming together to show the whole picture. We only have one more book left guys. Of course we are left on a major cliffy too. Like, may be the biggest one Heather has ever done. Y'all need to stop telling her "it wasn't so bad" b/c she just keeps digging deep to see how bad she can mess us up on these endings. This one hurt. Good thing Fierce Dancer is set to release NEXT MONTH!
Y'all, I was NOT ready for this book. AT ALL. This book broke me worse than Broken Knight by LJ Shen. IYKYK! It takes a lot for a book to make me cry and this book had me bawling. Not just for one chapter either. I cried through SIX CHAPTERS!!!!!!! Ugly cried. Bawled like a baby. My dog had to come check on me b/c she thought something was seriously wrong. So there is your warning. Be prepared.
Now on to other things. This book has more of a focus on Doc. We get to learn his back story. The life he lead before the military and the reasons for him choosing the path he chose. Loved getting to learn more of him. So to back up a bit, we left off in the last book with a ton of damage happening. So we pick back up there. The group is dealing with all of the carnage. Things are set in motion and moves are being made. Big moves. I have to say that Emersyn has grown so much over this series and it shows a lot in this book. How she has come to trust not only the vandals but herself as well. She shows grit and determination and the strength that she has. While growing herself, she also has learned how to help each and every one of her vandals. She knows what they need and how to help them through the tough times they have landed in.
Now we all know that Freddie is my absolute favorite. Love me some Freddie. He has some major moments in this book and I was so happy for him. He too has shown magnificent growth. The way he will do anything at all to protect Em is the best too.
Ok so there are some MAJOR revelations in this book. I'm talking game changer revelations. This may be my favorite book of the series. Yes even with it breaking me down. There is just SO MUCH that happens in this book. All of the pieces are coming together to show the whole picture. We only have one more book left guys. Of course we are left on a major cliffy too. Like, may be the biggest one Heather has ever done. Y'all need to stop telling her "it wasn't so bad" b/c she just keeps digging deep to see how bad she can mess us up on these endings. This one hurt. Good thing Fierce Dancer is set to release NEXT MONTH!
April 12, 2023
another gut wrenching cliffhanger
Heather Long does it again with Reckless Thief. She manages to hit all your nerve endings with every book in this series: you’re happy and laughing and the guys joke with Em; you’re angry at all the pain and suffering they’ve all endured in their respective pasts; you’re crying because of some devastating losses in the present.
“You are not alone. No matter how much it hurts or what happens, we will always come for you. We will catch you, and if we can’t, we will fucking jump right after you.”
Let me tell you, Heather does not give an inch when it comes to being brutal with her characters. I hated the way certain lines played out, but only in a selfish way bc I want that HEA for them all and I want it NOW. But the author is a magician and we must let her spin her magic.
This book is yet again rife with the tenderest moments you could never imagine for a dancer and her gang. The group is overflowing with love and respect for each other. The support that they give unwaveringly to one another is admirable and enviable. We should all be so lucky to have the kind of love and support that Em and the guys have for each other.
“But one, she’s here with us. Two, she trusted us by telling us what had happened. She’s trusting us to hear her, to protect her. The fact she trusts us at all is a fucking gift. Three? We’re together. Not only is she here. You are here. Doc is back. Even fucking Liam…maybe especially fucking Liam.”
“Someone want to tell me where the fuck all the chairs went?” Kellan asked. “And why are we remodeling that wall?” “Percussion therapy,” Milo deadpanned his answer without missing a beat. “I’m working on my feelings. It’s taking some practice.”
And aside from the tender moments, Heather added in some really great spicy scenes. Lots of sandwiches, singlets, doublets, you name it, she did it. And I am living for them all. Great chapter in the Vandals series. I cannot wait for the final book!!!!
“Sweet, tight little cu*nt, taking my c*ck so f*cking well. I want to fill you up, f*ck you until you can’t walk, then roll you over and f*ck you again. Look at how good you take me…”
Heather Long does it again with Reckless Thief. She manages to hit all your nerve endings with every book in this series: you’re happy and laughing and the guys joke with Em; you’re angry at all the pain and suffering they’ve all endured in their respective pasts; you’re crying because of some devastating losses in the present.
“You are not alone. No matter how much it hurts or what happens, we will always come for you. We will catch you, and if we can’t, we will fucking jump right after you.”
Let me tell you, Heather does not give an inch when it comes to being brutal with her characters. I hated the way certain lines played out, but only in a selfish way bc I want that HEA for them all and I want it NOW. But the author is a magician and we must let her spin her magic.
This book is yet again rife with the tenderest moments you could never imagine for a dancer and her gang. The group is overflowing with love and respect for each other. The support that they give unwaveringly to one another is admirable and enviable. We should all be so lucky to have the kind of love and support that Em and the guys have for each other.
“But one, she’s here with us. Two, she trusted us by telling us what had happened. She’s trusting us to hear her, to protect her. The fact she trusts us at all is a fucking gift. Three? We’re together. Not only is she here. You are here. Doc is back. Even fucking Liam…maybe especially fucking Liam.”
“Someone want to tell me where the fuck all the chairs went?” Kellan asked. “And why are we remodeling that wall?” “Percussion therapy,” Milo deadpanned his answer without missing a beat. “I’m working on my feelings. It’s taking some practice.”
And aside from the tender moments, Heather added in some really great spicy scenes. Lots of sandwiches, singlets, doublets, you name it, she did it. And I am living for them all. Great chapter in the Vandals series. I cannot wait for the final book!!!!
“Sweet, tight little cu*nt, taking my c*ck so f*cking well. I want to fill you up, f*ck you until you can’t walk, then roll you over and f*ck you again. Look at how good you take me…”
April 12, 2023
OHHHHHHH I SWEAR THIS WILL BE IT. I'LL MURDER HEATHER AND HER STUPID CLIFFHANGERS THAT EVERYONE TELLS HER THAT IT WASN'T SOOO BAD BECAUSE HOWWWW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT!!!!!!!! OK I GET IT BUT REALLY HEATHER? I SWEAR, THIS WOULD BE SOOOO MUCH EASIER IF YOU JUST RELEASED THE ENTIRE SERIES AT ONCE. IS EMERSYN DEAD? NO YOU WOULDN'T BE THAT EVIL. *evil laugh comes out of nowhere* AND NOW I'M DOUBTING YOU. REALLY? WOW. OK I GET IT BUT STILLLLLLL. I HAVE TORTURE PLANS. ONES THAT INCLUDE ABDUCTING YOU AND MAKING YOU SIT AND WRITE THE BOOK IN ONE SITTING.
Ok, now I've got it all out. Well not all but we all get it right? I'm in a community with people who understand me. Anyway, don't read this before starting the series. Ok? I swear you read this book first and perhaps I may just kill you for spoiling the entire thing for yourself. Anyway, read the first book FIRST. I mean it. Anyway, I just finished it and I just..... Whyyyyyy, Heather? I love how she makes you fall in love with the side characters and doesn't end the story in one book. You really get the feels with the longer series if they are done write (or right :D) and she did it write. Anyway, Freddie and Mickey really shine in this book, we see a lot more of that. And the SPICE!!! Let's be real, we're here for that too. So be prepared and don't read in public. I swear books should come with warnings like that. I sometimes purchase the discreet covers and then end up regretting reading it in public when I'm on the bus and choking on my coffee, with my red face showing everyone that I'm reading romance. Anyway...... Read the triggers. There's a lot going on and You need to remember the entire series too. So maybe reread the series and then read this one altogether because you'll get the full experience. Try the Naughty Book Box blog if you want book recs. I'm not a blogger but it really does have a lot of good books. I love it's not insta love and you get the whole experience. But..... read the triggers and remember to read the series before starting this one. It's worth it. Trust me (the random woman online threatening to murder you ;D)
Love,
Ishya (ish-ya nothing else)
Ok, now I've got it all out. Well not all but we all get it right? I'm in a community with people who understand me. Anyway, don't read this before starting the series. Ok? I swear you read this book first and perhaps I may just kill you for spoiling the entire thing for yourself. Anyway, read the first book FIRST. I mean it. Anyway, I just finished it and I just..... Whyyyyyy, Heather? I love how she makes you fall in love with the side characters and doesn't end the story in one book. You really get the feels with the longer series if they are done write (or right :D) and she did it write. Anyway, Freddie and Mickey really shine in this book, we see a lot more of that. And the SPICE!!! Let's be real, we're here for that too. So be prepared and don't read in public. I swear books should come with warnings like that. I sometimes purchase the discreet covers and then end up regretting reading it in public when I'm on the bus and choking on my coffee, with my red face showing everyone that I'm reading romance. Anyway...... Read the triggers. There's a lot going on and You need to remember the entire series too. So maybe reread the series and then read this one altogether because you'll get the full experience. Try the Naughty Book Box blog if you want book recs. I'm not a blogger but it really does have a lot of good books. I love it's not insta love and you get the whole experience. But..... read the triggers and remember to read the series before starting this one. It's worth it. Trust me (the random woman online threatening to murder you ;D)
Love,
Ishya (ish-ya nothing else)
June 16, 2023
Nine books is a lot and so I am only going to write a series review not an individual review for each book. The series started out with 5 stars but then it got boring and did not have enough interesting things to keep my attention. Books 6-8 can be completely skipped. I read them but after reading them I felt they could have been skipped.
There were a lot of things that happened thought the series that were not needed the most annoying one being her mother. Throwing her mother's rescue and recovery in the book was way too much I didn't care enough about the mother for it to be worth reading. Also when I read RH I expect each guy to be completely unique and distinct and have different personalities so they don’t blend together. In this series, the guys all blend together. There was only one of her guys who stood out and had a completely unique personality and he became by far hands down my favorite guy Rome. I also loved how unique Freddy was but I considered him a friend in books 1-5 so I don’t consider him one of her guys. The biggest problem red flag with this aeries was how long it took the guys to realize who her abuser was and for them to take nine books before they get rid of her abuser is way way way too long. When he was not gone and still a problem in book four I lost a lot of respect for the guys.
I would give books 2-5 and book 9 ⭐️5 stars. But when you add in all the filler things that happened thought the series that were not needed it becomes a 3-star series that being said ai am a sucker for unique nicknames and tattoos. Both of which the book has lots of so I am putting the series at ⭐️ 4 stars. The reason it gained a star was because each guy had a truly unique and beautiful different nickname for the heroine. The other reason for gaining a star was how much detail the author goes into describing each of Romes's art pieces and the guys and the heroine's tattoos. The author did a great job painting the picture in my mind so I can give the series ⭐️4 stars!
There were a lot of things that happened thought the series that were not needed the most annoying one being her mother. Throwing her mother's rescue and recovery in the book was way too much I didn't care enough about the mother for it to be worth reading. Also when I read RH I expect each guy to be completely unique and distinct and have different personalities so they don’t blend together. In this series, the guys all blend together. There was only one of her guys who stood out and had a completely unique personality and he became by far hands down my favorite guy Rome. I also loved how unique Freddy was but I considered him a friend in books 1-5 so I don’t consider him one of her guys. The biggest problem red flag with this aeries was how long it took the guys to realize who her abuser was and for them to take nine books before they get rid of her abuser is way way way too long. When he was not gone and still a problem in book four I lost a lot of respect for the guys.
I would give books 2-5 and book 9 ⭐️5 stars. But when you add in all the filler things that happened thought the series that were not needed it becomes a 3-star series that being said ai am a sucker for unique nicknames and tattoos. Both of which the book has lots of so I am putting the series at ⭐️ 4 stars. The reason it gained a star was because each guy had a truly unique and beautiful different nickname for the heroine. The other reason for gaining a star was how much detail the author goes into describing each of Romes's art pieces and the guys and the heroine's tattoos. The author did a great job painting the picture in my mind so I can give the series ⭐️4 stars!
April 13, 2023
I loved this book, just as much as I love the series as a whole.
The relationship between Mickey and Emersyn is finally progressing romantically, and I liked how we got a bit of a deeper insight to his past, and saw how he was still working through his trauma.
I also loved a particular scene between Emersyn and Freddie (he is one of my favourites, and such a sweetheart). I feel like Freddie and Emersyn have always been connected in a different way due to their traumas, that separates from a lot of the bonds Emersyn has with the other guys.
I did not expect the beginning of the book. I know the last one ended on, sort of a dark, cliffhanger, but I somehow thought everything would be fine, and my heart broke when I realised it would not, in fact, be fine.
I wish Emersyns own struggles had shined through a little better, I feel like for a lot of the book she was being there for the guys, and there are a lot of love interests, so I can understand how it takes up a lot of time in the book to dive into all of their feelings and emotions. But besides one incident with a beginning of a panic attack we didn’t get to see some of the struggles she had in the previous books when it came to intimacy, or her dreams. (There was one bad dream, but she only mentioned it after it happened, and we never got to see it).
I am the most excited to learn about The King, and how they will handle the revelation of his identity, now that the secrets regarding the Sharpes have finally come to light. They still have to deal with Bradley Sharpe, but the questions surrounding The King has my interest piqued even more.
I am also praying Emersyn will get the killing blow:))
Overall I am happy to see character growth regarding all of the characters, which several “why choose” books are severely lacking. This is one of the few Reverse Harem book series I would ever recommend!
The relationship between Mickey and Emersyn is finally progressing romantically, and I liked how we got a bit of a deeper insight to his past, and saw how he was still working through his trauma.
I also loved a particular scene between Emersyn and Freddie (he is one of my favourites, and such a sweetheart). I feel like Freddie and Emersyn have always been connected in a different way due to their traumas, that separates from a lot of the bonds Emersyn has with the other guys.
I did not expect the beginning of the book. I know the last one ended on, sort of a dark, cliffhanger, but I somehow thought everything would be fine, and my heart broke when I realised it would not, in fact, be fine.
I wish Emersyns own struggles had shined through a little better, I feel like for a lot of the book she was being there for the guys, and there are a lot of love interests, so I can understand how it takes up a lot of time in the book to dive into all of their feelings and emotions. But besides one incident with a beginning of a panic attack we didn’t get to see some of the struggles she had in the previous books when it came to intimacy, or her dreams. (There was one bad dream, but she only mentioned it after it happened, and we never got to see it).
I am the most excited to learn about The King, and how they will handle the revelation of his identity, now that the secrets regarding the Sharpes have finally come to light. They still have to deal with Bradley Sharpe, but the questions surrounding The King has my interest piqued even more.
I am also praying Emersyn will get the killing blow:))
Overall I am happy to see character growth regarding all of the characters, which several “why choose” books are severely lacking. This is one of the few Reverse Harem book series I would ever recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
If you haven't read the other books in this series, STOP! Go back and read them all, each book adds significantly to the story, and it is imperative to read them in order.
This book tells us Doc's story, and it begins with a recap of the end of Merciless Spy. This gives us much more detail of what went on and let me just say go grab some tissues.
As we work through each pair of Vandals, we see the damage of this ambush not only to properties but also and more importantly the physical and mental.
The losses make for many tears as well as a determination to finish this horrible game Emersyn's uncle is playing once and for all.
For Doc/Mickey J it means the Vandal in him is back, as he not only calls in support from his team but also surrenders to his feelings for Little Bit/Emersyn.
While Emersyn has told everyone her story, she had yet to tell Milo. She didn't want to tell him what her life had been with her uncle. Now she has to tell him, there is no question in anyone's mind that her Uncle Bradley was behind this.
They need a lot of answers so they can plan, and Emersyn's mom Moira, could hold some important ones.
Now this book is really about everyone, but I have to say watching Freddie is one of the best parts of it.
Finding Reginald Sharpe is only the first step, and we also get to know the identity of The King. Now that was a surprise I didn't see coming. But then Heather is always throwing those curveballs at us.
As always, this book has plenty of sizzle mixed in with everything else. While I knew something to happen at the end, I didn't expect what actually does. GASP!
It's going to be a very long month until the final book arrives.
This book tells us Doc's story, and it begins with a recap of the end of Merciless Spy. This gives us much more detail of what went on and let me just say go grab some tissues.
As we work through each pair of Vandals, we see the damage of this ambush not only to properties but also and more importantly the physical and mental.
The losses make for many tears as well as a determination to finish this horrible game Emersyn's uncle is playing once and for all.
For Doc/Mickey J it means the Vandal in him is back, as he not only calls in support from his team but also surrenders to his feelings for Little Bit/Emersyn.
While Emersyn has told everyone her story, she had yet to tell Milo. She didn't want to tell him what her life had been with her uncle. Now she has to tell him, there is no question in anyone's mind that her Uncle Bradley was behind this.
They need a lot of answers so they can plan, and Emersyn's mom Moira, could hold some important ones.
Now this book is really about everyone, but I have to say watching Freddie is one of the best parts of it.
Finding Reginald Sharpe is only the first step, and we also get to know the identity of The King. Now that was a surprise I didn't see coming. But then Heather is always throwing those curveballs at us.
As always, this book has plenty of sizzle mixed in with everything else. While I knew something to happen at the end, I didn't expect what actually does. GASP!
It's going to be a very long month until the final book arrives.
April 11, 2023
If you haven’t read this series then definitely start it. This is my favourite series, it is incredible, and this book is a masterpiece. My mind is blown. Reckless Thief is a journey, you’ll be undoubtedly happy, you’ll swoon, but this book will break your heart, you’ll cry and you’ll get a few lumps in your throat. Like previous books, Reckless Thief is action packed and so emotionally charged that you get completely sucked into the story, feeling everything alongside Emersyn and her vandals. With each book, I’ve struggled to pick a favourite, and this book isn’t any different. With each moment between Emersyn and a vandal or the vandals together, my mind changes. I’ve fallen for each and every vandal and knowing this is the penultimate book, I can see the next book being the same. This is the first whychoose/RH series that I’ve ever read that I couldn’t pick a favourite. I LOVED THE SPICY SCENES… they’ve been everything that I’ve waited for. Each scene unbelievably hot and yet so emotional, the moments beautiful.
Heather is an €vil Genius. That ending has completely ruined me, sent my mind spiralling, my anxiety through the roof, my blood pressure sky high and broken my heart into tiny little pieces. Bring on the next book, next month. I cannot wait, I’m already counting the days down. The writing is phenomenal, with twists I never seen coming. I’m really hoping that we get the stories for some new & old characters. Heather is a go to author for me, and once you start reading you can’t help but fall in love with her words. Her character development and world building is unlike anyone else’s. She’s incredible. Highly Recommend!
Heather is an €vil Genius. That ending has completely ruined me, sent my mind spiralling, my anxiety through the roof, my blood pressure sky high and broken my heart into tiny little pieces. Bring on the next book, next month. I cannot wait, I’m already counting the days down. The writing is phenomenal, with twists I never seen coming. I’m really hoping that we get the stories for some new & old characters. Heather is a go to author for me, and once you start reading you can’t help but fall in love with her words. Her character development and world building is unlike anyone else’s. She’s incredible. Highly Recommend!
April 12, 2023
5/5 ⭐
5/5 🌶️
Holy shitake mushrooms that was a doozy. I was wondering when Heather was planning on wrapping up the series, and if her 9th and final book announcement didn't come right before Reckless Thief released, I still would have known it was coming. This was the ultimate penultimate book, the suspense was unreal, the truths coming out were mind blowing and honestly, Em's relationships with Doc and Freddie were healing at a pace that made it clear as well. I freaking loved this book.
The beginning was so incredibly heartbreaking... I just wanted to hug this rag tag bunch of misfits and never let them go. They've already been through so much and it just keeps coming... We do find out a crap ton of new information in this story though, which is fantastic. Get ready to read this is one sitting, because you won't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the fridge action, you won't believe who they got tied up in there. And I really enjoyed the developments with Moira too.
Freddie is my favorite. That's all. If you agree, you'll love this one.
The cliffhanger though. My gods, the cliffhanger. I kinda wish I would have stopped the chapter before when everything was happy and perfect, but noooo, Heather had to go and ruin everything. The good news is she knows she did a bad thing and has put herself in timeout in her corner. Hopefully finishing up Fierce Dancer, because I CAN NOT WAIT for this epic conclusion.
5/5 🌶️
Holy shitake mushrooms that was a doozy. I was wondering when Heather was planning on wrapping up the series, and if her 9th and final book announcement didn't come right before Reckless Thief released, I still would have known it was coming. This was the ultimate penultimate book, the suspense was unreal, the truths coming out were mind blowing and honestly, Em's relationships with Doc and Freddie were healing at a pace that made it clear as well. I freaking loved this book.
The beginning was so incredibly heartbreaking... I just wanted to hug this rag tag bunch of misfits and never let them go. They've already been through so much and it just keeps coming... We do find out a crap ton of new information in this story though, which is fantastic. Get ready to read this is one sitting, because you won't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the fridge action, you won't believe who they got tied up in there. And I really enjoyed the developments with Moira too.
Freddie is my favorite. That's all. If you agree, you'll love this one.
The cliffhanger though. My gods, the cliffhanger. I kinda wish I would have stopped the chapter before when everything was happy and perfect, but noooo, Heather had to go and ruin everything. The good news is she knows she did a bad thing and has put herself in timeout in her corner. Hopefully finishing up Fierce Dancer, because I CAN NOT WAIT for this epic conclusion.
April 11, 2023
Reckless Thief brings us up to book 8 in the 82nd Street Vandals and I can't believe we are almost at the end. It truly leaves me feeling sad to think that in just a few short weeks, the story of Emersyn and her vandals will be over.
After the brutality we were hit over the head with at the end of Merciless Spy, imagine my surprise, when I found myself right back on that same cliffy!!! Still dangling, barely hanging on, having to go through it all again but this time, in much greater and more brilliant detail. Books make me teary, sure. I have a heart and a soul, kinda. But Reckless Thief, absolutely wrecked me. By 30%, I was a sobbing, blubbering mess and I had to stop reading because I just couldn't see the words.
While we got some answers, I have still have so many questions. Is it possible that FBucket and The King are working together? And if so, why? I still can't figure out what The King's goal is. Do the Vandals have a mole? But mostly..... OMG..... how did the end play out the way it did?
And after the ending that was served up this time, I think Emersyn is going to be out for blood and I don't think she will be ok with sitting on the sidelines at all anymore. And I am so here for it!!! Fierce Dancer can't come soon enough!!!
After the brutality we were hit over the head with at the end of Merciless Spy, imagine my surprise, when I found myself right back on that same cliffy!!! Still dangling, barely hanging on, having to go through it all again but this time, in much greater and more brilliant detail. Books make me teary, sure. I have a heart and a soul, kinda. But Reckless Thief, absolutely wrecked me. By 30%, I was a sobbing, blubbering mess and I had to stop reading because I just couldn't see the words.
While we got some answers, I have still have so many questions. Is it possible that FBucket and The King are working together? And if so, why? I still can't figure out what The King's goal is. Do the Vandals have a mole? But mostly..... OMG..... how did the end play out the way it did?
And after the ending that was served up this time, I think Emersyn is going to be out for blood and I don't think she will be ok with sitting on the sidelines at all anymore. And I am so here for it!!! Fierce Dancer can't come soon enough!!!
April 17, 2023
Vandal. Doc. Mickey. After a misspent youth and a call to duty, Doc has spent his years trying to serve the neighborhood. While he once walked on the seedy side of the streets and led more than one lost soul to destruction, he now saves lives. He put the darkness behind him until his Little Bit arrived. The baby he once carried has turned into a beautiful woman. One he will cross any line to protect.
If I thought the last book was a bit of a letdown, this one more than made up for it. More revelations, more healing, more relationship growth, more momentum, and more cliffhangers. Just more. They took so many hits but came through them together. This was Mickey's book but Milo proved ot be the real third by stealing part of it away. I adore the sibling relationship developing between Ivy and Milo. He lived for her as a boy and it's beautiful seeing them grow closer. Emersyn has found her place and her people and while they will always be overprotective, they are letting her spread her wings. She's going to need all of her strength to see this fight to the end. Time for her Chosen Family to rid themselves of all the dysfunctional family members threatening their world. All that's needed are clothes, coffee, and carnage.
If I thought the last book was a bit of a letdown, this one more than made up for it. More revelations, more healing, more relationship growth, more momentum, and more cliffhangers. Just more. They took so many hits but came through them together. This was Mickey's book but Milo proved ot be the real third by stealing part of it away. I adore the sibling relationship developing between Ivy and Milo. He lived for her as a boy and it's beautiful seeing them grow closer. Emersyn has found her place and her people and while they will always be overprotective, they are letting her spread her wings. She's going to need all of her strength to see this fight to the end. Time for her Chosen Family to rid themselves of all the dysfunctional family members threatening their world. All that's needed are clothes, coffee, and carnage.
April 11, 2023
Fantastic series and read...
Bittersweet penultimate book of Vandals brings us Doc's story. I love that each book gives us the back story of each character. Learning to know each one has been a great journey, and I am sad that Fierce dancer will bring end to the Vandals.
Reckless thief is filled with angst and anticipation, the planning and search for Uncle Bradley and his demise. Dealing with Emersyn's unwanted family has become a constant issue, and shocking revelations bring an urgency to dealing with it.
Emersyn and Vandals find domesticity in hiding out and regrouping.
Doc's team brings intrigue and curiosity. I hope we will have an offshoot of their story. Emersyn growth in strength and determination is a wonderful read to experience. Even the changes in the Vandals are noticeable. Oh my gosh, Freddie's vulnerability and growing strength is a masterpiece.
I do have my favourite in the harem. However, they all are fantastic growly men filled with determination to allow Emersyn to fly.
A story filled with growth, strength, determination, and love. Finding love, friendships, and devotion. Family strengthened by blood, shared and bled.
Bittersweet penultimate book of Vandals brings us Doc's story. I love that each book gives us the back story of each character. Learning to know each one has been a great journey, and I am sad that Fierce dancer will bring end to the Vandals.
Reckless thief is filled with angst and anticipation, the planning and search for Uncle Bradley and his demise. Dealing with Emersyn's unwanted family has become a constant issue, and shocking revelations bring an urgency to dealing with it.
Emersyn and Vandals find domesticity in hiding out and regrouping.
Doc's team brings intrigue and curiosity. I hope we will have an offshoot of their story. Emersyn growth in strength and determination is a wonderful read to experience. Even the changes in the Vandals are noticeable. Oh my gosh, Freddie's vulnerability and growing strength is a masterpiece.
I do have my favourite in the harem. However, they all are fantastic growly men filled with determination to allow Emersyn to fly.
A story filled with growth, strength, determination, and love. Finding love, friendships, and devotion. Family strengthened by blood, shared and bled.
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