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It’s the age-old tale of the Princess and the Frog. If the princess was a Forensic Odontologist and the frog was the Sergeant at Arms of a badass motorcycle club.
Esmeralda Upton enjoys her life as a Forensic Odontologist helping to bring families closure and delving into history through the lens of those who lived it. The only thing currently on her agenda is preparing for upcoming Comic Con. Not verbally sparing with a sexy biker and definitely not depending on said biker to keep her safe from an unseen threat.
Xavier ‘Toad’ Carmichael loves two things, his MC and his Harley. His commitment to the fitness center he runs comes in at a distant third. As the Sergeant at Arms of the Sin City MC Oakland Chapter, his dedication to keeping order and protecting his brothers comes before anything else. He never dreamed a woman with ample curves and an even bigger brain would enter his life and challenge him to spread his protective arms wider.

The members of Sin City MC never leave before all the cards are played.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2023

47 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Darie McCoy

25 books59 followers

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5 stars
135 (60%)
4 stars
64 (28%)
3 stars
20 (8%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,424 reviews496 followers
July 28, 2025
Toad by Daria McCoy
Sin City MC: Oakland Chapter
Esmeralda Upton joins Sin Gym where her best friend is a trainer. She meets Xavier “Toad” Carmichael while touring and then filling out her forms. She’s very interested and he returns the feelings. When her tires are slashed and she’s almost kidnapped, Toad is there to take care of and protect her. He’s not happy with her job a Forensic Odontologist since that means she works with the police and he’s guessing that’s where the danger is coming from. Esmeralda isn’t so sure but she’s glad to have the support. Their relationship grows even as she’s a little concerned about his Sergeant of Arms position in the Oakland MC chapter.

The suspense ramps up as it becomes clear someone is definitely threatening Esmeralda. Good thing she knew some of the rules of an MC. I didn’t know her just going into the building with him would have implications.
A couple parts left me with questions like the twin story in the first chapter that’s never revisited. And parts of the MC operations. But maybe I don’t really want to know. 🤣
Traits of dominance via rule following. It gets steamy as the relationship moves forward. HEA.
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,866 reviews1,400 followers
August 11, 2023
4.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

An MC Sergeant at Arms falls for the forensic dentist that starts taking classes in his gym. The story is fast-paced love at first sight with BDE and suspense. It makes me excited to read the rest of the books about this chapter of the Sin City MC.

CW: Stalking, Kismet, MC Business

Video review available in Week 32: Aug 6 – Aug 12, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Profile Image for Bree.
473 reviews34 followers
August 26, 2023
Enjoyable.

So I thought this was fine. I liked Toad pretty much from go, Esmeralda not so much. She seemed rude and hostile for no real reason.

This had a interesting enough plot but it felt surface level on a lot of things. Like in the beginning she has inner dialogue about his road name, but she never asks about it. We know his brother and the loss of him is important, but again we don’t really get anymore insight into that subject.

Also there were “villains” in this story. The stalker is wrapped up fine but the enemy of the club just felt kind of tacked on. I would’ve like to somehow she that club enemy be the overarching villain. Maybe they get identified and go on a campaign against the club and Esmeralda.

Overall not bad, give it a read. 3.75 stars
Profile Image for BookKraves.
491 reviews100 followers
August 21, 2023
Don't Let the name TOAD fool you. The author weaves a captivating story that challenges stereotypes and introduces readers to a cast of characters as diverse as they are engaging. This unlikely romance between the spirited forensic dentist, Esmeralda, and the enigmatic biker Toad, Sergeant at Arms of the Sin City MC, took me on a thrilling journey of danger, unexpected connections, and undeniable attraction.

Esmeralda defies conventional norms with her love for her job, Cosplay, and her determination to live life on her own terms. Her refreshing blend of intelligence, confidence, and body positivity adds layers to her character.

Toad, the tattooed and rugged biker, comes across as more than just a leather-clad stereotype. His role as Sergeant at Arms immediately sparks intrigue, but it's his complex persona that truly captured my attention. Despite his tough exterior, Toad reveals glimpses of vulnerability as he navigates his feelings for Esmeralda and the pull of his MC responsibilities.

Esmeralda and Toad's relationship connection is far from instant, and the author masterfully builds tension and chemistry between them. Esmeralda's initial skepticism about Toad and the MC life sets the stage for a slow-burning romance that feels organic and believable.

The suspenseful backdrop of danger adds a layer of urgency to the story. As Esmeralda finds herself in the crosshairs of a mysterious threat, she's forced to rely on Toad and the Sin City MC for protection. The juxtaposition of their contrasting worlds creates moments of both intensity and tenderness.
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
930 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2023
Princess Peach and the Toad!!

Whewwwweeee Chile! Darie McCoy did that with this book!! I love me some Toad aka Xavier. That man is hotter than the Arizona desert at noon! And my girl Esmeralda. She was DEFINITELY not what I expected. She exceeded my expectations. Now I did question her capabilities as a odontologist when her naiveté showed about the mysterious phone calls. I was like, really? You really think some kids are playing phone tag with you? But I let that slide cause I was waiting for cupid's arrow to strike another Sin City brother. And when it did...BOOM went the dynamite! The chemistry, foreplay, nasty looks between Toad and Esmeralda was everything. I loved how the MC family welcomed her and protected her without question. The drama that Esmeralda was going through was a dang good shocker. I did and didn't see it coming. But my favorite part of this book was what Toad was willing to do for his Princess Peach. No spoilers! You'll have to read the book. I give this book 5⭐ happily. It checked every box and then some. The authors of season 2 of the Sin City MC are not playing. They are SLAYING! I can't wait to read Frenchie. There's somthing about that guy. 🤔
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,699 reviews22 followers
December 5, 2023
Fantastic

Awesome series that I have really enjoyed. All the books in this series a must for me. I'm a huge fan. I enjoy that the women are strong and brave and the men are protective and will fight for their partners to reach for futures with them and of course their hot and steamy connections with each other. Every couple has really interesting story line. The stories are fast paced and just as passionate and full of romance. All of the characters are excellent. I happily started binging this author because all of her stories are intriguing with humor and some suspense. Also along with their sizzling hot passions which will keep you turning pages until you finish the book. I always enjoy every moment of their relationship. The stories are all great and each one makes it so that you can't put down your reader until you finished the story if you are like myself you will enjoy it because they are all totally romantic. This is a must read romance series! OH My! they are such a awesome storytellers ! I have highly enjoyed all of this series, they have kept me up way past my bed time and I have enjoyed every moment.


Profile Image for Tammy.
1,037 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2025
3.5 stars rounded to 4

When forensic odontologist Esmerelda sees gym owner Toad she is instantly in lust. Luckily gym owner Toad feels the same way. Esmerelda has some reservations when she finds out Toad is a high-ranking member of 1% motorcycle club. She worries that Toad and his brothers may be involved in illegal activities. Their lust for each other proves too hard to resist and Toad’s motorcycle club connection prove to be useful when Esmerelda finds herself in danger. The book is very steamy and the dirty talk is a bit racy for me. I will admit I have an aversion to certain words being used to describe body parts. There is a violent scene towards the end of the book that also made me uncomfortable. I do not read motorcycle club books so this may be normal for the trope. While this book wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, I am sure it will appeal to people who like steamy romance and don’t mind a morally gray MMC and a bit of violence.
Profile Image for MichelleVeiga.
228 reviews
September 6, 2023
Peaches Are Yummy!

Toad aka Xavier loves peaches. So imagine his surprise when a feisty woman named Esmeralda aka Princess Peach for her intoxicating scent enters his realm. Being a part of Sin City MC he could have any woman he wants. Yet Toad can't deny the pull he feels towards a woman who he never saw coming. They will share a mystery , chemistry & intelligence needed to figure out just what is going on behind the scene. Of course there is a HEA & spice to hold your attention. Enjoy!
3 reviews
August 29, 2023
Toady

Toad turned out to be just the type of prince Esmerelda needed. They were both looking for something and found it through each other.

Who would have thought being a dentist would bring that much excitement in your life.

This is an excellent read. 👏🏽 I'm looking forward to more from this amazing author.
Profile Image for Reading4_Ash.
830 reviews32 followers
November 15, 2024
🍑🐸 peach and toad

This was my first book by this author. It was good. I read it in one sitting. I don’t do a ton of 3rd person. But this one kept my attention. The tension and banter were good. It was also full of action and intense moments. I also loved she was strong & made Toad work for her attention. Definitely recommend.
959 reviews
September 28, 2025
Toad has two passions – his MC and his Harley. He owns and operates a gym and this is where he meets Esmerelda. Esmerelda has come to the gym on advice of her friend Coral. Both are smitten with each other but Esmerelda is hesitant since his is involved in a motorcycle club. Toad isn’t quite as hesitant and jumps in with both feet when Esmerelda is threatened. Great story.
Profile Image for Cleo.
417 reviews
August 28, 2023
Excellent!

Darie McCoy never, never disappoints! Great story and great chemistry between Xavier and Esmeralda. And I love how she tied Dominique in this story! I hope her story is next!
236 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2023
Loved this book!

I loved everything about this book. The characters and storyline were awesome. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family. I gave this book 5 stars because it held my interest and was well written.
704 reviews
September 13, 2023
Time to pay for your crimes.

Esmeralda was doing her job when she stubble on a crime committed by the husband, he tried to shut her up but luckily she had Toad/Xavier to save her and she became his woman.😄
445 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2023
Toad and Princess Peach

Love Toad and Esmeralda. I like that she didn’t just drop to his feet when she saw him. Made him work for it. And the twist and turns were great. I just love this series
Profile Image for Bev Simon.
541 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2023
Loved this, I want to read more

I read this in a day or less. Loved the characters and the plot. I love the MC SIN CITY, I want to read all of the especially if written by black authors!!
611 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2024
LOVED TODE

I enjoyed reading Toad's story loved all the characters as well. This was a short sweet very entertaining and an enjoyable read which I would absolutely recommend reading to anyone. Good job Ms. McCoy and please keep these stories coming, and thank you.
1,865 reviews24 followers
August 29, 2023
It is love at first sight for Xavier. For Esmeralda it's a slow burn which soon heats up. But when Esmeralda is threathened Toad is quick to act and ask questions later. A good quick read.
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
September 5, 2023
I'm in love...

I really like this MC series. I can't wait to read enough the other brothers. But there was a few unanswered questions I would have liked to see answered
6 reviews
May 15, 2024
Who done it

Loved this book, well written, mystery and intrigued kept me on the edge of my seat till the end . Esmeralda was smart and sassy
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,283 reviews14 followers
August 1, 2024
3.5 star

I thought it was good generally, but I couldn’t connect with Esmeralda. I loved Toad. The story felt a bit underdeveloped but the plot was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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