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Skulls Creek #1
Vipers Run: A Skulls Creek Novel by Stephanie Tyler
The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be……
Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens joined the Vipers Motorcycle Club for its sense of brotherhood. In return, he pledged to live outside the law, protecting club members and their families, as well as keeping other MCs out of Skulls Creek. But when Cage discovers that a rival MC—one Cage has an all too familiar past with—plans to push meth into his town, he calls an old Army buddy turned private investigator who’s helped the Vipers in the past. By doing so, Cage endangers both his friend and Calla, a woman who works in the PI’s office. Now he’s made it his mission to track Calla down and do whatever it takes to protect her.
Thanks to the phone call with Cage, Calla knows she’s formed a deep connection to a dangerous man. She quickly discovers that although he may live by a different set of rules, Cage is an honorable man who wants to be more than her protector—if only she can accept his dangerous lifestyle. But Calla comes to Skulls Creek with her own set of secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage—and the Vipers MC—apart. As they put their newfound love to the ultimate test, Cage will risk everything he cares about to save her……
Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens joined the Vipers Motorcycle Club for its sense of brotherhood. In return, he pledged to live outside the law, protecting club members and their families, as well as keeping other MCs out of Skulls Creek. But when Cage discovers that a rival MC—one Cage has an all too familiar past with—plans to push meth into his town, he calls an old Army buddy turned private investigator who’s helped the Vipers in the past. By doing so, Cage endangers both his friend and Calla, a woman who works in the PI’s office. Now he’s made it his mission to track Calla down and do whatever it takes to protect her.
Thanks to the phone call with Cage, Calla knows she’s formed a deep connection to a dangerous man. She quickly discovers that although he may live by a different set of rules, Cage is an honorable man who wants to be more than her protector—if only she can accept his dangerous lifestyle. But Calla comes to Skulls Creek with her own set of secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage—and the Vipers MC—apart. As they put their newfound love to the ultimate test, Cage will risk everything he cares about to save her……
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Tyler
80 books1,280 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels novels starring warrior heroes, all complete with happy endings. She also writes as SE Jakes.
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 14, 2014
DNF at 21%
I don't mind insta-love/lust but this was over the top. Falling in love over a 10 minute phone call, sight unseen? And then mourning him for two months when you think he's dead? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Several things didn't make sense to me, and I just couldn't read any longer. Not my cup of tea.
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I don't mind insta-love/lust but this was over the top. Falling in love over a 10 minute phone call, sight unseen? And then mourning him for two months when you think he's dead? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Several things didn't make sense to me, and I just couldn't read any longer. Not my cup of tea.
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2014
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: D
Well...Vipers Run lost me pretty much from the start when the heroine and hero have a connection immediately upon “meeting” via a telephone call. Cage is dying but Calla’s voice gives him strength and now that she’s connected to Cage, her life is in danger so she’s hidden away by friends of Cage’s until a plan is put together. She doesn’t know if Cage is alive or dead so weeks later he shows up and BAM, instant love connection. Ah, no.
Cage had been caught between two worlds. He grew up as the son of a Heathen MC member but bad, bad stuff happens in that club, and when Cage’s mom turned to drugs and ended up dead, he made a run for it and tried to help his siblings best he could. One sibling sided completely with Cage’s father and both want Cage dead. He found help in a rival MC, the Vipers, and became a member after he joined the Army. He’s now in the middle of a mess that involves drugs, a potentially crooked FBI agent with ties to Calla, and trying to protect information he has that could set the Heathen MC up for a downfall.
Calla was sexually assaulted at 15 and the man responsible is still making her life a living hell. Add to that, her half-brother has photographs taken during the horrible night Calla wants desperately to move past and is using it as blackmail against Calla and her wealthy father. She’s still healing from this past nightmare and feels instantly safe around Cage, nevermind his life is anything but safe. She opens up to him about her past, how it’s threatening her future and Cage, not one to sit around, takes action. He wants the men to die for what they did to Calla, and for Cage and his MC, that’s something they can make happen. But a man from Calla’s past crosses over into Cage’s current trouble and something’s got to give.
I really had a hard time with this story. Part of it was the story itself and the characters. The other part was the way it was written. First, the story and characters – everyone came off as so unlikable. I never felt any kind of connection with Cage or Calla. There was something very surface about them and I really didn’t like that they supposedly has this crazy attraction and connection by just talking on the phone for a few minutes.
For someone who’s still dealing with her past trauma, who’s currently in hiding and has a hit out on her life from a dangerous motorcycle club, Calla sure falls into bed easy with Cage. But she wasn’t a heroine I had much respect for anyway – she makes a few stupid decisions along the way that had me shaking my head. Although I will say it’s a huge annoyance of mine when a heroine who’s been sexually assaulted in the past, finds herself naked and vulnerable again to the bad guy (be it a new danger or someone from her past). I thought this scene might be coming, I had hoped it wouldn’t because it seemed so clichéd but yup, there it was.
That brings me to the story and how it was written as a whole. This is not a story I would have expected from Stephanie Tyler. Not necessarily regarding the type of story, a suspenseful plot surrounding motorcycle clubs, but the writing style read weird to me. The point of view changes between Calla and Cage and usually in odd spots – scenes would feel half finished, or it would jump from one scene to the next and I’d feel like a big chunk of story was missing which made it a confusing story to follow at times. That just added to my overall frustration level as I found myself having to go back and reread parts just because the scene change made zero sense.
There were some supporting characters introduced, mainly related to the Vipers and I really didn’t find any of them to be that interesting. I’m not sure if it’s how the MC was described, but I can’t say that there was another club member, save for maybe Cage’s younger brother who’s technically not in the club, that I found appealing enough to want to know more about. I did enjoy Tenn, a man who’s in the business of filming gay porn, but he’s not in any motorcycle club. The whole gay porn part really threw me because the book starts off with this business of Tenn’s showing up front and center and I had to do a double take because we go from a man filming gay porn at his house (where Calla is hiding out when she doesn’t know if Cage is alive or dead) to Cage showing up and the motorcycle clubs being introduced and playing a larger role. In a way, Tenn’s business it felt tossed in and I get that it was more to introduce Tenn, but still, it just seemed weird to start out the book and a new series like that.
Needless to say, this wasn’t a story for me. I had a hard connecting to the characters, I didn’t buy in at all to the love connection between Cage and Calla and I didn’t find myself invested enough in this world or the other characters we’re introduced to, to continue with the series.
Blog rating: D
Well...Vipers Run lost me pretty much from the start when the heroine and hero have a connection immediately upon “meeting” via a telephone call. Cage is dying but Calla’s voice gives him strength and now that she’s connected to Cage, her life is in danger so she’s hidden away by friends of Cage’s until a plan is put together. She doesn’t know if Cage is alive or dead so weeks later he shows up and BAM, instant love connection. Ah, no.
Cage had been caught between two worlds. He grew up as the son of a Heathen MC member but bad, bad stuff happens in that club, and when Cage’s mom turned to drugs and ended up dead, he made a run for it and tried to help his siblings best he could. One sibling sided completely with Cage’s father and both want Cage dead. He found help in a rival MC, the Vipers, and became a member after he joined the Army. He’s now in the middle of a mess that involves drugs, a potentially crooked FBI agent with ties to Calla, and trying to protect information he has that could set the Heathen MC up for a downfall.
Calla was sexually assaulted at 15 and the man responsible is still making her life a living hell. Add to that, her half-brother has photographs taken during the horrible night Calla wants desperately to move past and is using it as blackmail against Calla and her wealthy father. She’s still healing from this past nightmare and feels instantly safe around Cage, nevermind his life is anything but safe. She opens up to him about her past, how it’s threatening her future and Cage, not one to sit around, takes action. He wants the men to die for what they did to Calla, and for Cage and his MC, that’s something they can make happen. But a man from Calla’s past crosses over into Cage’s current trouble and something’s got to give.
I really had a hard time with this story. Part of it was the story itself and the characters. The other part was the way it was written. First, the story and characters – everyone came off as so unlikable. I never felt any kind of connection with Cage or Calla. There was something very surface about them and I really didn’t like that they supposedly has this crazy attraction and connection by just talking on the phone for a few minutes.
For someone who’s still dealing with her past trauma, who’s currently in hiding and has a hit out on her life from a dangerous motorcycle club, Calla sure falls into bed easy with Cage. But she wasn’t a heroine I had much respect for anyway – she makes a few stupid decisions along the way that had me shaking my head. Although I will say it’s a huge annoyance of mine when a heroine who’s been sexually assaulted in the past, finds herself naked and vulnerable again to the bad guy (be it a new danger or someone from her past). I thought this scene might be coming, I had hoped it wouldn’t because it seemed so clichéd but yup, there it was.
That brings me to the story and how it was written as a whole. This is not a story I would have expected from Stephanie Tyler. Not necessarily regarding the type of story, a suspenseful plot surrounding motorcycle clubs, but the writing style read weird to me. The point of view changes between Calla and Cage and usually in odd spots – scenes would feel half finished, or it would jump from one scene to the next and I’d feel like a big chunk of story was missing which made it a confusing story to follow at times. That just added to my overall frustration level as I found myself having to go back and reread parts just because the scene change made zero sense.
There were some supporting characters introduced, mainly related to the Vipers and I really didn’t find any of them to be that interesting. I’m not sure if it’s how the MC was described, but I can’t say that there was another club member, save for maybe Cage’s younger brother who’s technically not in the club, that I found appealing enough to want to know more about. I did enjoy Tenn, a man who’s in the business of filming gay porn, but he’s not in any motorcycle club. The whole gay porn part really threw me because the book starts off with this business of Tenn’s showing up front and center and I had to do a double take because we go from a man filming gay porn at his house (where Calla is hiding out when she doesn’t know if Cage is alive or dead) to Cage showing up and the motorcycle clubs being introduced and playing a larger role. In a way, Tenn’s business it felt tossed in and I get that it was more to introduce Tenn, but still, it just seemed weird to start out the book and a new series like that.
Needless to say, this wasn’t a story for me. I had a hard connecting to the characters, I didn’t buy in at all to the love connection between Cage and Calla and I didn’t find myself invested enough in this world or the other characters we’re introduced to, to continue with the series.
Read
September 25, 2014DNF
For once, I should have read reviews first!
For once, I should have read reviews first!
October 14, 2024
I got pulled in by the cover and blurb, but unfortunately this novel didn't work for me and I DNF'd it.
I don't mind reading insta-love/lust, but this one was over the top. How can anyone fall in love over a 10 min phone call, sight unseen? Then add in the two months of her mourning this guy she never meets and think’s is dead? A lot didn't make sense.
Up to this point Cage and Calla haven't talked, shared, or gotten to know each other. All they have is this attraction, sex, and trying to avoid the past. I can't understand how Calla can feel, at this point, even at the begging, the way she does about Cage. She feels a deeper bond, something profound, but I just don’t see it. She also feels that the sex is more then sex. As for the sex... They don’t use condom’s (not once), Cage has a pierced cock, but it doesn’t come up during the sex scenes, and the sex scenes are bland and glossed over.
Next not much is talked or introduced on the other guys in Cage's MC. The only thing I learned is that they are the good MC, not the bad kind.
Then their is the writing. The chapters are divided up into POV’s. One chapter we have Calla and then the next is Cage. For some reason the writing felt disjointed, broken, and off. Maybe the off is; because I didn’t care for the story or the characters. Who knows?
Vipers Run was not the book for me. It had several things that didn't work and make sense to me, so I just couldn't read any longer. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
DNF at 41% at pg. 148.
I don't mind reading insta-love/lust, but this one was over the top. How can anyone fall in love over a 10 min phone call, sight unseen? Then add in the two months of her mourning this guy she never meets and think’s is dead? A lot didn't make sense.
Up to this point Cage and Calla haven't talked, shared, or gotten to know each other. All they have is this attraction, sex, and trying to avoid the past. I can't understand how Calla can feel, at this point, even at the begging, the way she does about Cage. She feels a deeper bond, something profound, but I just don’t see it. She also feels that the sex is more then sex. As for the sex... They don’t use condom’s (not once), Cage has a pierced cock, but it doesn’t come up during the sex scenes, and the sex scenes are bland and glossed over.
Next not much is talked or introduced on the other guys in Cage's MC. The only thing I learned is that they are the good MC, not the bad kind.
Then their is the writing. The chapters are divided up into POV’s. One chapter we have Calla and then the next is Cage. For some reason the writing felt disjointed, broken, and off. Maybe the off is; because I didn’t care for the story or the characters. Who knows?
Vipers Run was not the book for me. It had several things that didn't work and make sense to me, so I just couldn't read any longer. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
DNF at 41% at pg. 148.
July 13, 2014
2.5 Meh Stars!!
eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Signet (Penguin)
Gah! I wanted to love this book as I am a softy when it comes to MC books but this one felt more like a watered down version of the SOA. Some of the conversions were rushed and confusing. The dual POV's often weren't clear and I had to re-read to find out who the POV was supposed to be from.
The idea of the book was good, where one chance phone call can change the fate of everything but it just didn't have the oomph to pull it off. Calla works for a PI and answers the phone when she's not supposed to. This call happens to be from Cage who happens to be dying because he was beaten, stabbed and shot.
After talking to Calla, Cage has something to fight for. This phone call is the catalyst for many things that felt all over the place and kind of jumbled but there was a HEA. This is the part where I felt like I was re-watching a watered down version of the SOA. But I did get my HEA in this MC world so that did make me happy.
I so badly wanted to love this. It definitely was not my favorite but I would be willing to give this series another go to see if this was just a 'meh' one off or if the whole series will be 'meh'.
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did-not-finish
June 29, 2014I made it to about 50%, and I just can't keep reading. I really enjoy Tyler writing as SE Jakes, but something about her Stephanie Tyler penname just doesn't work for me.
The heroine falls in insta-love with the hero, after a 10 minute phone call. While I can suspend my disbelief a lot when reading, there were just way too many eye roll situations that didn't sit well with me.
I'm super disappointed this one didn't work out for me.
The heroine falls in insta-love with the hero, after a 10 minute phone call. While I can suspend my disbelief a lot when reading, there were just way too many eye roll situations that didn't sit well with me.
I'm super disappointed this one didn't work out for me.
May 27, 2014
Cage and Calla
Heroine cried too much and was in love with hero after a 10 minute phone conversation. I couldn't handle her. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Heroine cried too much and was in love with hero after a 10 minute phone conversation. I couldn't handle her. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
June 29, 2014
A woman with a past takes a phone call that connects her with a dying man that leads her to flee into the night toward a new destiny. A man hears a woman's voice over the phone and it gives him the will to live and claim her as his own even if it means straddling a line between two warring MCs, his past, hers and anything else that comes at them.
This book promised thriller-like excitement, a tough road to love and two people needing only what the other can give. I'm just dipping my toe into the biker romance world, but I felt this one is a good start to a new series. It offered a strong overall series plot thread, exciting book plot threads and twists, engaging characters, well-painted backdrop and a fascinating anti-hero element with its dark, gritty tone.
The story jumps right into the middle of a situation so there is quite a bit of suspense for the heroine, Calla Benson, because this is the point she enters a very dangerous situation that makes no sense to her until much later. For now, she has experienced a brief, but deeply memorable connection over the phone with a dying man looking for her boss' help. Danger finds her and her boss sends her into the night on a run to reach safety. Safety is with an old army buddy of her boss' before she finally meets the man on the other end of the phone who insists she is with him now and he will keep her safe from those who are hunting them both. Calla is terrified of how quickly she has fallen for a man particularly a dangerous one from a whole different world.
Christian 'Cage' Owens knows the beautiful Calla gave him the will to live the night he nearly died, but he owes her for more than that because it is his past and present activities that put her in the crosshairs of another MC against whom he's seeking revenge. Cage didn't realize it was possible to fall in love after only hearing someone's voice, but he knows its not enough because Calla is not the type of woman to thrive in a biker club. He can't let her go even if he knows he should. With the other MC coming after both of them and the trouble from her past also closing in, he brings them home to the Vipers and with the backing of his brothers turns around to go on the offensive to protect his woman, his club and his town.
When this one started, I felt totally off kelter and I'm sure it was on purpose to create a feeling of suspense for the reader. I've had author's take that approach before so I knew to be patience and muscle through it until the explanations came later. And they did and I was fine with it though some stuff still felt vague even at the conclusion. There were some things that were brought up that I felt needed more teasing out, but I suppose its possible that it will come out in later books in the series.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and action plot created by the war over the rival MC trying to push into Viper territory with their drugs and the murder investigation with the police. I liked the dynamics of Cage returning to the Vipers as the prodigal son and Calla learning about life in the MC.
As to the characters, I struggled to connect with Calla. There is really nothing that I can overtly put my finger on. She has gone through so much. Her mom turned her against her dad, she has a jerk for a brother and she basically got raped and used by a group of guys invited to do it with and by her boyfriend. I totally respect her for picking up and trying to put her life together again so for the life of me I don't know why I didn't like her. Her abandonment issues made sense, but her anger and poorly done denying with Cage in the beginning just left me impatient because it felt more like a snit. He said he would come back to her and he did. She didn't have all the information so she went with what she knew, but her reaction just felt exaggerated particularly the obvious lies. He let her think he was dead while he recovered which was hard, but how was he to know that she connected so deeply with him after a few moments on the phone. Dang the guy was recovering from a murderous attack and had to figure out a lot of stuff that was complicated so he could make a wise move. Fortunately, she moved on from that and things settled down into more genuine reaction/actions from her. Cage was another tough cookie. He grew up fast and hard. It's amazing that he came out at the end of it with a heart to love and a soul to care about doing right by his own moral code. Cage had amends to make with his Viper brothers and he felt he had to prove himself because of his background. I loved the camaraderie he was part of between the Vipers and his Army buddy.
It took me a while to warm up to the romance. Falling in love with a voice on the phone was a tough sell for me and for that to strengthen because they shared a porn video moment only struck me as hot and not deep. I was enjoying the rest of the story so I went with it. Eventually, I learned more about them as they learned about each other. These two got past their respective barriers and worked hard to be together showing me it was more than mere attraction. I respected the honesty when they both shared and shared what they wanted. In the end, I wanted them together and I was totally into their story as they healed and grew closer together.
To sum up, it took me a while to get into this one, but I was fully engaged in the end. It was gritty, but not as gritty as many biker romances out there which worked for me since I'm still getting used to this anti-hero story backdrop. The combo of suspense and romance was good and well balanced. I look forward to reading more from the series. I would definitely recommend it for those who enjoy biker romances, but also those who enjoy slightly darker romantic suspense.
My thanks to Penguin group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book promised thriller-like excitement, a tough road to love and two people needing only what the other can give. I'm just dipping my toe into the biker romance world, but I felt this one is a good start to a new series. It offered a strong overall series plot thread, exciting book plot threads and twists, engaging characters, well-painted backdrop and a fascinating anti-hero element with its dark, gritty tone.
The story jumps right into the middle of a situation so there is quite a bit of suspense for the heroine, Calla Benson, because this is the point she enters a very dangerous situation that makes no sense to her until much later. For now, she has experienced a brief, but deeply memorable connection over the phone with a dying man looking for her boss' help. Danger finds her and her boss sends her into the night on a run to reach safety. Safety is with an old army buddy of her boss' before she finally meets the man on the other end of the phone who insists she is with him now and he will keep her safe from those who are hunting them both. Calla is terrified of how quickly she has fallen for a man particularly a dangerous one from a whole different world.
Christian 'Cage' Owens knows the beautiful Calla gave him the will to live the night he nearly died, but he owes her for more than that because it is his past and present activities that put her in the crosshairs of another MC against whom he's seeking revenge. Cage didn't realize it was possible to fall in love after only hearing someone's voice, but he knows its not enough because Calla is not the type of woman to thrive in a biker club. He can't let her go even if he knows he should. With the other MC coming after both of them and the trouble from her past also closing in, he brings them home to the Vipers and with the backing of his brothers turns around to go on the offensive to protect his woman, his club and his town.
When this one started, I felt totally off kelter and I'm sure it was on purpose to create a feeling of suspense for the reader. I've had author's take that approach before so I knew to be patience and muscle through it until the explanations came later. And they did and I was fine with it though some stuff still felt vague even at the conclusion. There were some things that were brought up that I felt needed more teasing out, but I suppose its possible that it will come out in later books in the series.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and action plot created by the war over the rival MC trying to push into Viper territory with their drugs and the murder investigation with the police. I liked the dynamics of Cage returning to the Vipers as the prodigal son and Calla learning about life in the MC.
As to the characters, I struggled to connect with Calla. There is really nothing that I can overtly put my finger on. She has gone through so much. Her mom turned her against her dad, she has a jerk for a brother and she basically got raped and used by a group of guys invited to do it with and by her boyfriend. I totally respect her for picking up and trying to put her life together again so for the life of me I don't know why I didn't like her. Her abandonment issues made sense, but her anger and poorly done denying with Cage in the beginning just left me impatient because it felt more like a snit. He said he would come back to her and he did. She didn't have all the information so she went with what she knew, but her reaction just felt exaggerated particularly the obvious lies. He let her think he was dead while he recovered which was hard, but how was he to know that she connected so deeply with him after a few moments on the phone. Dang the guy was recovering from a murderous attack and had to figure out a lot of stuff that was complicated so he could make a wise move. Fortunately, she moved on from that and things settled down into more genuine reaction/actions from her. Cage was another tough cookie. He grew up fast and hard. It's amazing that he came out at the end of it with a heart to love and a soul to care about doing right by his own moral code. Cage had amends to make with his Viper brothers and he felt he had to prove himself because of his background. I loved the camaraderie he was part of between the Vipers and his Army buddy.
It took me a while to warm up to the romance. Falling in love with a voice on the phone was a tough sell for me and for that to strengthen because they shared a porn video moment only struck me as hot and not deep. I was enjoying the rest of the story so I went with it. Eventually, I learned more about them as they learned about each other. These two got past their respective barriers and worked hard to be together showing me it was more than mere attraction. I respected the honesty when they both shared and shared what they wanted. In the end, I wanted them together and I was totally into their story as they healed and grew closer together.
To sum up, it took me a while to get into this one, but I was fully engaged in the end. It was gritty, but not as gritty as many biker romances out there which worked for me since I'm still getting used to this anti-hero story backdrop. The combo of suspense and romance was good and well balanced. I look forward to reading more from the series. I would definitely recommend it for those who enjoy biker romances, but also those who enjoy slightly darker romantic suspense.
My thanks to Penguin group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2014
4.5 Stars
This thrilling action paced takes readers on a roller coaster of danger, romance, drama and passion. Vipers Motorcycle Club member goes rogue to protect his club from a rival club from his past and when he call for help endangers his friend and the young woman who works for him. Now he’s made it his mission to protect her, but Calla has her own secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage – and the Vipers MC- apart.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of well orchestrated action and suspense that is believable and exciting. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details that make it easy for the reader to get lost in this dangerous world and the strong compelling characters are understood and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Spine tingling chills and thrills abound throughout the book from Cage’s enemy as well as the one from Calla’s past.
The attraction between Cage and Calla begins with a phone call and escalates to a raging inferno of passion that neither can deny and the sex scenes are even hotter. But the questions looming over the relationship adds lots of drama to the situation. Can Calla make a life for herself inside the MC? Will one of their pasts put an end to it all? The reader can’t help but get caught up in Calla’s story and get emotionally involved in the outcome of her HEA, her heartbreaking past and the strength of courage she shows in surviving and trusting in Cage just makes the reader want to give a great big hug and well what woman can resist the perfect bad boy, especially when he’s determined to make all your monsters go away.
Stephanie Tyler has done it again, she’s taken a wild concept and turned into a fantastic woman meets bad boy romance and I was completely captivated from beginning to end with all of the characters and the non-stop drama/action and I can’t wait to read the next one.
- Eva
This thrilling action paced takes readers on a roller coaster of danger, romance, drama and passion. Vipers Motorcycle Club member goes rogue to protect his club from a rival club from his past and when he call for help endangers his friend and the young woman who works for him. Now he’s made it his mission to protect her, but Calla has her own secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage – and the Vipers MC- apart.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of well orchestrated action and suspense that is believable and exciting. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details that make it easy for the reader to get lost in this dangerous world and the strong compelling characters are understood and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Spine tingling chills and thrills abound throughout the book from Cage’s enemy as well as the one from Calla’s past.
The attraction between Cage and Calla begins with a phone call and escalates to a raging inferno of passion that neither can deny and the sex scenes are even hotter. But the questions looming over the relationship adds lots of drama to the situation. Can Calla make a life for herself inside the MC? Will one of their pasts put an end to it all? The reader can’t help but get caught up in Calla’s story and get emotionally involved in the outcome of her HEA, her heartbreaking past and the strength of courage she shows in surviving and trusting in Cage just makes the reader want to give a great big hug and well what woman can resist the perfect bad boy, especially when he’s determined to make all your monsters go away.
Stephanie Tyler has done it again, she’s taken a wild concept and turned into a fantastic woman meets bad boy romance and I was completely captivated from beginning to end with all of the characters and the non-stop drama/action and I can’t wait to read the next one.
- Eva
July 4, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review at Seductive Musings.
Thanks to the success of television shows like Sons of Anarchy, one of the big new trends in romance is the Motorcycle Club romantic suspense novel. In these books, the MC provides the structure and context for whatever sort of havoc may occur as the hero (usually a member of the club) and heroine (who may or may not be an innocent civilian) find true love. I’ve only read a few of these books so far, but unfortunately VIPERS RUN was only a so-so read for reasons almost entirely unrelated to this particular trope.
The book begins with an introduction to Calla, who has always felt split between two worlds without being a full member of either one. Her father is an extremely rich and powerful man, but her mother forced him to stay away, preferring the company of low-lifes who only brought pain. It was only after Calla had suffered her own victimization by a man she should not have trusted that her father entered her life, but now eight years later, Calla is still barely scraping by as receptionist to a slightly shady but kindly private investigator. When her boss leaves behind his cell phone one fateful morning, the call that comes in is one she’ll never forget. And when that call forces Calla’s journey to the doorstep of a man she’s never met, what happens next will change her life forever.
Cage is the voice on the phone and the man who will soon claim Calla as his own. He went rogue on the Vipers six months back and now that impulsive act has left him dying on the floor of a parking garage. But it’s Calla who keeps him talking on the phone when all he wants to do is curl up and die, and it’s Calla who will eventually redirect him away from suicidal revenge against the evil Heathens MC trying to destroy Skulls Creek. But can Calla and Cage really live happily ever after in the face of all that threatens them?
As you can see from what I’ve written here so far, there is a whole lot going on in VIPERS RUN even without the additional need to set up the world for this new series. What made reading this book difficult for me, in spite of a hero and heroine that I genuinely liked, were all the machinations required to get from the nearly implausible start to the somewhat improbable finish, not the least of which was how the romance part of the story begins. I tend to take a charitable view of “insta-lust” and “insta-love” in romances, but I simply could not wrap my head around the notion of two people falling in love from a single telephone call, albeit one as emotionally charged as theirs was. Another plot maneuver involved characters who had previously remained off-screen suddenly appearing in ways that were clearly meant to serve the predetermined outcome, if not its actual credibility. Then when the final two major conflicts played out within the last few pages of the story, each was resolved far too easily with actions that were told, rather than shown.
There were a few other continuing issues I had with VIPERS RUN as I struggled to get to its end. Although Calla and Cage move quickly to a sexual relationship, there is never any reference, not even in passing, to their use of any protection against unintended pregnancy or STDs. This notable absence grated on me even more when Cage made a point of sneering at the other evil MC for heedlessly “breeding” their women. There was also an excessive amount of switching between Calla’s first person POV, Cage’s third person POV, and a late addition of yet another character’s third person POV. All that head-hopping, including an occasional slip from third to first person in mid-paragraph, often made it difficult to keep track of who was telling the story and where.
So if I had all these problems with VIPERS RUN, then why am I giving it 3 stars? Because as I mentioned before, the hero and heroine were a couple I really did like, in spite of how they’d found each other. Calla never veered into Too Stupid To Live territory, and Cage was able to balance his need to claim her with the reality of how his chosen life would impact hers. And what I got to see of the Vipers’ world, I found interesting and convincing. But in the end, VIPERS RUN was simply not the right book for me, and I’ll likely pass on the rest of the Skulls Creek series.
Ratings:
Overall: 3
Sensuality level: 3.5
Thanks to the success of television shows like Sons of Anarchy, one of the big new trends in romance is the Motorcycle Club romantic suspense novel. In these books, the MC provides the structure and context for whatever sort of havoc may occur as the hero (usually a member of the club) and heroine (who may or may not be an innocent civilian) find true love. I’ve only read a few of these books so far, but unfortunately VIPERS RUN was only a so-so read for reasons almost entirely unrelated to this particular trope.
The book begins with an introduction to Calla, who has always felt split between two worlds without being a full member of either one. Her father is an extremely rich and powerful man, but her mother forced him to stay away, preferring the company of low-lifes who only brought pain. It was only after Calla had suffered her own victimization by a man she should not have trusted that her father entered her life, but now eight years later, Calla is still barely scraping by as receptionist to a slightly shady but kindly private investigator. When her boss leaves behind his cell phone one fateful morning, the call that comes in is one she’ll never forget. And when that call forces Calla’s journey to the doorstep of a man she’s never met, what happens next will change her life forever.
Cage is the voice on the phone and the man who will soon claim Calla as his own. He went rogue on the Vipers six months back and now that impulsive act has left him dying on the floor of a parking garage. But it’s Calla who keeps him talking on the phone when all he wants to do is curl up and die, and it’s Calla who will eventually redirect him away from suicidal revenge against the evil Heathens MC trying to destroy Skulls Creek. But can Calla and Cage really live happily ever after in the face of all that threatens them?
As you can see from what I’ve written here so far, there is a whole lot going on in VIPERS RUN even without the additional need to set up the world for this new series. What made reading this book difficult for me, in spite of a hero and heroine that I genuinely liked, were all the machinations required to get from the nearly implausible start to the somewhat improbable finish, not the least of which was how the romance part of the story begins. I tend to take a charitable view of “insta-lust” and “insta-love” in romances, but I simply could not wrap my head around the notion of two people falling in love from a single telephone call, albeit one as emotionally charged as theirs was. Another plot maneuver involved characters who had previously remained off-screen suddenly appearing in ways that were clearly meant to serve the predetermined outcome, if not its actual credibility. Then when the final two major conflicts played out within the last few pages of the story, each was resolved far too easily with actions that were told, rather than shown.
There were a few other continuing issues I had with VIPERS RUN as I struggled to get to its end. Although Calla and Cage move quickly to a sexual relationship, there is never any reference, not even in passing, to their use of any protection against unintended pregnancy or STDs. This notable absence grated on me even more when Cage made a point of sneering at the other evil MC for heedlessly “breeding” their women. There was also an excessive amount of switching between Calla’s first person POV, Cage’s third person POV, and a late addition of yet another character’s third person POV. All that head-hopping, including an occasional slip from third to first person in mid-paragraph, often made it difficult to keep track of who was telling the story and where.
So if I had all these problems with VIPERS RUN, then why am I giving it 3 stars? Because as I mentioned before, the hero and heroine were a couple I really did like, in spite of how they’d found each other. Calla never veered into Too Stupid To Live territory, and Cage was able to balance his need to claim her with the reality of how his chosen life would impact hers. And what I got to see of the Vipers’ world, I found interesting and convincing. But in the end, VIPERS RUN was simply not the right book for me, and I’ll likely pass on the rest of the Skulls Creek series.
Ratings:
Overall: 3
Sensuality level: 3.5
July 5, 2014
4 out of 5 stars
Description ~
The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be……
Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens joined the Vipers Motorcycle Club for its sense of brotherhood. In return, he pledged to live outside the law, protecting club members and their families, as well as keeping other MCs out of Skulls Creek. But when Cage discovers that a rival MC—one Cage has an all too familiar past with—plans to push meth into his town, he calls an old Army buddy turned private investigator who’s helped the Vipers in the past. By doing so, Cage endangers both his friend and Calla, a woman who works in the PI’s office. Now he’s made it his mission to track Calla down and do whatever it takes to protect her.
Thanks to the phone call with Cage, Calla knows she’s formed a deep connection to a dangerous man. She quickly discovers that although he may live by a different set of rules, Cage is an honorable man who wants to be more than her protector—if only she can accept his dangerous lifestyle. But Calla comes to Skulls Creek with her own set of secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage—and the Vipers MC—apart. As they put their newfound love to the ultimate test, Cage will risk everything he cares about to save her...
My Review ~
I'll admit I went into this slightly skeptical as I am not a huge MC storyline fan. However this book was not at all a typical MC storyline. Vipers Run was almost all about Calla and Cage with a handful of the MC members popping in to add to the storyline.
Calla 'meets' Cage the first time as she's answering her boss's cell phone, which he'd left behind. Normally she wouldn't touch it but something tells her to pick it up. Cage is on the other end, he's hurt and she's his anchor while they are on this short call. He leaves her with a set of numbers and tells her to share them with her boss as soon as possible. This sets of a chain of events that sets the action on a whirlwind trip. For this book it's hard to talk about the storyline without giving away major and semi-major plot points.
So I'll leave it up to you readers to discover the rest of their story. Which you'll enjoy because Calla and Cage belong together. They come from completely different backgrounds but in the end their individual strengths make them a solid couple. There is the MC element to the story but it's just not the main focus of this book. Which as I said before I really liked because I don't like the harsher, more graphic MC stories. This book introduced quite a few secondary characters that will allow the author a way to keep this a very long running series.
This book also ties in with the author's alter-ego, S.E. Jakes, Havoc MC series. I recommend this for those that like action-based romance like Cherry Adair and Suzanne Brockmann. ~ Reviewed by Chris
This review is the property of Chris and not be shared or copied unless by the Publisher or Author or unless credit is given.
Description ~
The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be……
Former Army Ranger Christian Cage Owens joined the Vipers Motorcycle Club for its sense of brotherhood. In return, he pledged to live outside the law, protecting club members and their families, as well as keeping other MCs out of Skulls Creek. But when Cage discovers that a rival MC—one Cage has an all too familiar past with—plans to push meth into his town, he calls an old Army buddy turned private investigator who’s helped the Vipers in the past. By doing so, Cage endangers both his friend and Calla, a woman who works in the PI’s office. Now he’s made it his mission to track Calla down and do whatever it takes to protect her.
Thanks to the phone call with Cage, Calla knows she’s formed a deep connection to a dangerous man. She quickly discovers that although he may live by a different set of rules, Cage is an honorable man who wants to be more than her protector—if only she can accept his dangerous lifestyle. But Calla comes to Skulls Creek with her own set of secrets…secrets that threaten to tear her and Cage—and the Vipers MC—apart. As they put their newfound love to the ultimate test, Cage will risk everything he cares about to save her...
My Review ~
I'll admit I went into this slightly skeptical as I am not a huge MC storyline fan. However this book was not at all a typical MC storyline. Vipers Run was almost all about Calla and Cage with a handful of the MC members popping in to add to the storyline.
Calla 'meets' Cage the first time as she's answering her boss's cell phone, which he'd left behind. Normally she wouldn't touch it but something tells her to pick it up. Cage is on the other end, he's hurt and she's his anchor while they are on this short call. He leaves her with a set of numbers and tells her to share them with her boss as soon as possible. This sets of a chain of events that sets the action on a whirlwind trip. For this book it's hard to talk about the storyline without giving away major and semi-major plot points.
So I'll leave it up to you readers to discover the rest of their story. Which you'll enjoy because Calla and Cage belong together. They come from completely different backgrounds but in the end their individual strengths make them a solid couple. There is the MC element to the story but it's just not the main focus of this book. Which as I said before I really liked because I don't like the harsher, more graphic MC stories. This book introduced quite a few secondary characters that will allow the author a way to keep this a very long running series.
This book also ties in with the author's alter-ego, S.E. Jakes, Havoc MC series. I recommend this for those that like action-based romance like Cherry Adair and Suzanne Brockmann. ~ Reviewed by Chris
This review is the property of Chris and not be shared or copied unless by the Publisher or Author or unless credit is given.
July 4, 2014
Tyler's kick off to the Skulls Creek series features well-developed characters, good dialogue, and some excellent tension . . . oh and some really sexy moments. I was completely hooked from the beginning because Tyler's opening chapter was absolutely riveting. You simply can't look away. Cage and Calla both have a great about of depth, and they have great chemistry, which you feel from the beginning. Though some other reviewers find Calla and Cage's telephone conversation chemistry to be suspect, I would say their conversation and ability to connect makes sense even if you have to potentially suspend some disbelief. (Maybe you just have to believe a bit in fate and the ability to make instant connections, which is something I absolutely believe in.) I appreciated Tyler's ability to tell a thoughtful and intriguing story. I must say that I would have like the the motivations and paths of the "bad guys" to have been a bit more fleshed out because it would have solidified certain plot pieces. Viper's Run is a great start to the series, as it told an excellent story but also set up so many other people and plots to follow. I can't wait to read more of this series, and it was great to get the nod to the Havoc series via Tyler's alter-ego SE Jakes--I'm looking forward to some potential cross-overs . . . Tenn, please??? I can highly recommend this book. As a final note, I'll offer a trigger warning, but I'll also say that the issues are dealt with well and thoughtfully.
August 15, 2014
Ok, so let me start out by saying I mostly read M/M these days. And that I love me some SE Jakes. Never read Stephanie Tyler. Add to that the fact that I'm not a fan of insta-love. And then let me tell you that I could not put this book down. It has what I look for in a good book - a good hook, a good story. I didn't see it as falling in love over a phone call - I saw it as an instant connection - crazy but it works. Calla (whose name reminds me of one of my favorite flowers- and is so perfect because she does bloom throughout the story) and Cage (who is just so sexy, loving and protective) have a great story - of an instant connection that has to build into trust and friendship - which actually makes sense, if you think about it. The excitement around the MC, the family bond, both characters' pasts and resolution - all of it just came together wonderfully for me. This is my first Stephanie Tyler read, and it will not be my last. Can't wait for the next one in this series!
*Received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review*
*Received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review*
August 25, 2014
Loved this book! 4.5 stars! Calla is not your typical whiny heroine. She's tough & knows what she wants. She wants Cage. How to explain Cage? As Calla says, Cage is sexy and possessive. This pretty much sums them up. They have an instant connection with a phone call, then an amazing story to follow. The MC world is explained in a way you can understand and not get lost along the way. There's a lot of little story arcs with the different characters that keep you hooked and wanting more. This book is sexy and hilarious. Just how I like them. Can't wait for more of this series!
*recieved an ARC for an honest review*
*recieved an ARC for an honest review*
November 21, 2015
Wow this was the instalove that topped all instalove. Did you know you could fall in love with someone from a 5 minute phone call? While they're DYING? No? Neither did I.
This was nothing like her Defiance series (which I LOVE & yes I know is apocalyptic) but I didn't like the characters or even the MC. A lot of the relationships felt forced. Super disappointed. 2 stars.
This was nothing like her Defiance series (which I LOVE & yes I know is apocalyptic) but I didn't like the characters or even the MC. A lot of the relationships felt forced. Super disappointed. 2 stars.
July 8, 2014
It read like Tyler's publishing company handed her a list of what components she had to add and create into a story. It was a smorgasbord of disjointed elements. Tyler is so much better than this.
August 31, 2017
Okay book with plenty of action and suspense and a romance that was a bit of a stretch. It opens with Calla, who works for a PI, taking a phone call from a dying man. Their conversation touches something deep inside her, and she mourns for the man. He had also given her some information that ends up putting her in the crosshairs of danger. Her boss sends her away just in time to save her life, counting on an Army buddy to keep her safe. She's stunned when the man on the other end of the phone shows up alive and determined to protect her. Cage is in the midst of a quest to take down another motorcycle club. He had been close to death when he called his friend and got Calla instead. Talking to her gave him the will to hang on until help arrived. Now he's determined to protect her from the danger he caused for her.
I understood Calla's need to mourn the man on the other end of the phone. The conversation they'd had was short but intense. I thought that her conviction that she loved him was a little far-fetched. However, I completely understood her anger when he showed up alive, and no one had bothered to let her know. Cage is slightly apologetic but adamant that he'd done the right thing. Now he's determined to take her to a place where he can ensure her safety - the home of the Vipers motorcycle club.
There was plenty of action as the Vipers are determined to keep a rival club from moving in a selling drugs in their territory. Cage has an even more personal stake in the fight, as the other club is run by his father and brother. They are determined to take Cage down for having the audacity to leave their club when he was younger. Blaming them for his mother and sister's deaths, Cage has acquired evidence that will send them to prison. Cage has also taken on the role of protector and avenger for Calla, who was assaulted as a teenager and is still being threatened by the man who did it. There are twists and turns and a surprising connection between the two missions. There are several satisfying confrontations before the final resolution. The final confrontation was intense as Calla was taken captive. I did rather like the immediate justice that was meted out to the kidnapper.
The relationship between Calla and Cage was an intense one. I felt that it began more with lust than with love, but the feelings between them did grow to be more. In spite of her assault when she was younger, Calla feels safe with Cage. She's a little leery at first, being thrown into the MC environment, but she adapts pretty well. Cage is stunned by the speed with which he develops feelings for Calla. I liked that they were able to share so much of their pasts and fears with each other, and it was that which made their romance more believable. I did like the ending, as they were honest with each other about their expectations moving forward.
I enjoyed the other characters, mostly members of the MC. Preach was especially fascinating and I liked the control he had over the club and their actions. He's also much more caring than the tough guy exterior would indicate, which really showed after the tattoo shop incident. The scene with Calla, Rocco and the cop had me laughing out loud.
I understood Calla's need to mourn the man on the other end of the phone. The conversation they'd had was short but intense. I thought that her conviction that she loved him was a little far-fetched. However, I completely understood her anger when he showed up alive, and no one had bothered to let her know. Cage is slightly apologetic but adamant that he'd done the right thing. Now he's determined to take her to a place where he can ensure her safety - the home of the Vipers motorcycle club.
There was plenty of action as the Vipers are determined to keep a rival club from moving in a selling drugs in their territory. Cage has an even more personal stake in the fight, as the other club is run by his father and brother. They are determined to take Cage down for having the audacity to leave their club when he was younger. Blaming them for his mother and sister's deaths, Cage has acquired evidence that will send them to prison. Cage has also taken on the role of protector and avenger for Calla, who was assaulted as a teenager and is still being threatened by the man who did it. There are twists and turns and a surprising connection between the two missions. There are several satisfying confrontations before the final resolution. The final confrontation was intense as Calla was taken captive. I did rather like the immediate justice that was meted out to the kidnapper.
The relationship between Calla and Cage was an intense one. I felt that it began more with lust than with love, but the feelings between them did grow to be more. In spite of her assault when she was younger, Calla feels safe with Cage. She's a little leery at first, being thrown into the MC environment, but she adapts pretty well. Cage is stunned by the speed with which he develops feelings for Calla. I liked that they were able to share so much of their pasts and fears with each other, and it was that which made their romance more believable. I did like the ending, as they were honest with each other about their expectations moving forward.
I enjoyed the other characters, mostly members of the MC. Preach was especially fascinating and I liked the control he had over the club and their actions. He's also much more caring than the tough guy exterior would indicate, which really showed after the tattoo shop incident. The scene with Calla, Rocco and the cop had me laughing out loud.
June 14, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Ahhhh Vipers Run. It was an interesting read that's for sure. I've read Tyler in the past as Sydney Croft and just loved her. Those are erotic paranromals with Larissa Ione. So I was pretty excited to try her on her own. Throw in an MC romance and hell yeah I'm all in. I love my MCs. And while I wasn't blown away byt it I enjoyed Vipers Run for the most part as a phone call changes everything for two strangers and throws their lives into danger, turmoil and a relationship they'd never have expected.
The quick of it...Cage is part of an MC and working to protect his club from a rival group wanting to bring drugs into their area. Things are tense and dangerous and that lands him in a world of hurt on night. It also brings him to Calla. A woman he's never met, that's not part of his lifestyle and that saves him in her own way.
What worked for me:
What didn't so much work for me:
Overall, while I enjoyed quite a few aspects of Vipers Run it had quite a few problems as well that overshadowed the experience and left me pretty unsatisfied in the end. It very much felt like a first book and just wasn't finished enough for me. I am curious about book two and will likely give it a try. Hopefully the issues that popped up in Vipers Run will work themselves out as the series progresses.
Ahhhh Vipers Run. It was an interesting read that's for sure. I've read Tyler in the past as Sydney Croft and just loved her. Those are erotic paranromals with Larissa Ione. So I was pretty excited to try her on her own. Throw in an MC romance and hell yeah I'm all in. I love my MCs. And while I wasn't blown away byt it I enjoyed Vipers Run for the most part as a phone call changes everything for two strangers and throws their lives into danger, turmoil and a relationship they'd never have expected.
The quick of it...Cage is part of an MC and working to protect his club from a rival group wanting to bring drugs into their area. Things are tense and dangerous and that lands him in a world of hurt on night. It also brings him to Calla. A woman he's never met, that's not part of his lifestyle and that saves him in her own way.
What worked for me:
One of the best opening scenes I think I've ever read. The start of Vipers Run was pretty damn incredible. Calla answers a phone call at work to find a man on the other end. He's been attacked and needs to get a message to her boss before he dies. I mean. Holy shit. It was crazy emotional as the two talked and he tried to hold on despite his injuries. Then top it all off with the fact that now that she knows what happened her life is in serious danger and she's going to have to run and hide.
I liked both Calla and Cage. Especially Cage.
My favorite piercing! Yep. Cage is rocking a pierced cock. Be still my pervy heart.
The POV-- This one moves from 1st person (Calla) to 3rd person (Cage).
I really liked getting to see his side of things as well.
Some very hot sex though it was limited. It did fit the storyline though I thought so I'm happy with it.
Some nicely emotional scenes as the past was dealt with mixed with some pretty humorous ones as well. It was a good mix that kept things interesting.
Great secondary characters! From the guys behind the MC to Tenn--the man Calla is sent to for protection--who runs a gay porn business. *raises eyebrows* He was...quite the character and caught my eye for sure. Especially when he took payment for things in form of performing in one of his moves. Hmm.
What didn't so much work for me:
Things just weren't fleshed out--Writing-wise this one felt like a draft that hadn't quite been filled out yet. It was just too bare bones and needed some more meat in quite a few spots to really bring it to life
Glossed over events--This kinda ties into the above point of not being fleshed out enough. At one point someone crumples to the ground during an encounter and is walked out of the room. To me it so seemed like just an emotional drain and the woman collapsing from the stress of it all. But turned out pages later they'd been shot. It just never seemed that way in the actual scenes. There were just too many jumps like that were the writing didn't quite follow the happenings and it would be quite a bit later the pieces fell together finally for me even though I was supposed to have already known that fact. Can get to be rather frustrating.
****Insta love. Alright so the two met via phone call like I mentioned and talked for just a few minutes before the call was dropped and Cage assumed dead. And Calla grieves hardcore. Like totally falls apart because she loves him. It was a touch ridiculous to see that jump. I didn't buy into the whole falling in love at just that bit of contact. Being rocked by the event, yes. But the extreme response of being madly in love with him...not so much.
Overall, while I enjoyed quite a few aspects of Vipers Run it had quite a few problems as well that overshadowed the experience and left me pretty unsatisfied in the end. It very much felt like a first book and just wasn't finished enough for me. I am curious about book two and will likely give it a try. Hopefully the issues that popped up in Vipers Run will work themselves out as the series progresses.
July 3, 2014
A review by The Blogger Girls.
This starts off really strong with a lot of excitement. Calla meets Cage when she picks up her boss’ phone. They have a 10 minute conversaton, at the end of which, Calla thinks Cage is dead. Then, all hell breaks loose and her boss sends her to a destination unknown (she is to follow the car’s GPS) where she will be safe.
Upon arrival, she meets Tenn, an old military buddy of her boss, who runs a gay porn business in addition to being affiliated with a motorcycle club (MC) by way of his brother who is a member. Tenn basically takes care of Calla while they await word about Cage. Meanwhile, thinking Cage is dead, Calla grieves and tries to think about what she will do with her life. I did think it a bit odd that she seemed more upset about Cage dying than her boss, whom she has known for years, which is one of the things that didn’t quite sit right with me.
When Cage shows up, there is posturing and arguing and crying, etc. But they eventually team up to deal with the various situations at hand. They, or Calla, is immersed very quickly into MC life. There are quite a few things going on here, but the main story surrounds Calla and her family, or her father anyway, who is a pretty wealthy man she has been estranged from for some time thanks to her mother. Then there is her brother, who is also involved with the guy who hurt Calla many years ago. There is also quite a bit going on with the rival MC’s. All of this makes for some unique twists and turns and quite a bit of action along the way.
There were a few elements here I found to be a bit unbelievable, such as the insta-love after a 10 minute dying telephone call (upon which their whole relationship is premised), but I really enjoyed the overall story. I don’t often read M/F romance these days, mainly because I find the female characters lacking in too many areas. Here, Calla had some of those traits, but was pretty strong for the most part. I’m not a fan of some of the terms used for female parts, such as “her sex,” but they only distracted me momentarily before the story moved on. There were quite a few really sexy scenes which did not disappoint.
This first book of the series was very promising. It brings you into a world of MC’s with many aspects I know to be true. I don’t watch Sons of Anarchy, but I imagine it to be somewhat similar to that with a little bit more romance thrown in. If you’re in the mood for hot, sexy, dangerous bikers, be sure to check this story out.
This author is highly successful in the M/M Romance genre as S.E. Jakes, and if you find you have the same issues as me, then I urge you to give her a try. In addition to the series she has that are a bit further along, there is a new series set in this same MC world that I highly recommend you try – Running Wild (Havoc #1).
December 6, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and the Unread:
This story starts off in proper dramatic fashion, with the heroine answering two potentially life-changing phone calls, although it’s not immediately apparent to the reader which will be the more important to the plot. Calla’s first call, received on her own cell phone, is from her billionaire father, informing her that her half-brother is threatening to cause trouble again. However, it’s the second call, which she answers on behalf of her absent private investigator boss, that immediately turns Calla’s life upside down. The man on the other end, Cage, tells Calla that he’s dying and it transpires that both she and her boss are now in danger from the same people who attacked him. And so the adventure begins.
Sent to stay with a friend of her boss for safety, Calla can’t forget the conversation she had with Cage, and keeps wondering if there’s any way that he could have survived, in spite of what had happened to him before he made that last phone call. When Cage reappears, miraculously recovered from his injuries, Calla sets off with him to Skulls Creek, home of the Vipers Motorcycle Club. At this point, I gave the story a little extra kudos for mentioning that most people’s impressions of motorcycle culture are now heavily influenced by what they’ve seen on Sons of Anarchy (and I still love that show in spite of being a series I’m behind on at present). However, the Vipers are a little watered down from what we’ve seen on that aforementioned show, and I feel once again that I’m not seeing in novels the tough women that I’ve come to love on the TV. Meanwhile, the bad guys – in the form of a rival gang to which some members of Cage’s family still belong – are far more involved in the full gamut of illegal activities that people associate with biker culture.
And as for that other phone call Calla received back at the start of the story? Well, her half-brother has got hold of material related to an incident in Calla’s past, the memories of which still haunt her, even though none of what happened was in any way her fault, and he’s trying to blackmail her and her father with the possibility of it gaining a wider audience. So Cage gets involved in sorting out Calla’s family issues as well in protecting her from the escalating war between the two clubs – and then the whole mess gets taken a little too outside the heroine’s control for my liking.
Cage does have a softer side, which I’d have liked to have seen explored more; and several potentially interesting side plots crop up without being resolved in this particular story, but I’m not grabbed hard enough by any of those to want to see what happens with them in later parts of the series.
This story starts off in proper dramatic fashion, with the heroine answering two potentially life-changing phone calls, although it’s not immediately apparent to the reader which will be the more important to the plot. Calla’s first call, received on her own cell phone, is from her billionaire father, informing her that her half-brother is threatening to cause trouble again. However, it’s the second call, which she answers on behalf of her absent private investigator boss, that immediately turns Calla’s life upside down. The man on the other end, Cage, tells Calla that he’s dying and it transpires that both she and her boss are now in danger from the same people who attacked him. And so the adventure begins.
Sent to stay with a friend of her boss for safety, Calla can’t forget the conversation she had with Cage, and keeps wondering if there’s any way that he could have survived, in spite of what had happened to him before he made that last phone call. When Cage reappears, miraculously recovered from his injuries, Calla sets off with him to Skulls Creek, home of the Vipers Motorcycle Club. At this point, I gave the story a little extra kudos for mentioning that most people’s impressions of motorcycle culture are now heavily influenced by what they’ve seen on Sons of Anarchy (and I still love that show in spite of being a series I’m behind on at present). However, the Vipers are a little watered down from what we’ve seen on that aforementioned show, and I feel once again that I’m not seeing in novels the tough women that I’ve come to love on the TV. Meanwhile, the bad guys – in the form of a rival gang to which some members of Cage’s family still belong – are far more involved in the full gamut of illegal activities that people associate with biker culture.
And as for that other phone call Calla received back at the start of the story? Well, her half-brother has got hold of material related to an incident in Calla’s past, the memories of which still haunt her, even though none of what happened was in any way her fault, and he’s trying to blackmail her and her father with the possibility of it gaining a wider audience. So Cage gets involved in sorting out Calla’s family issues as well in protecting her from the escalating war between the two clubs – and then the whole mess gets taken a little too outside the heroine’s control for my liking.
Cage does have a softer side, which I’d have liked to have seen explored more; and several potentially interesting side plots crop up without being resolved in this particular story, but I’m not grabbed hard enough by any of those to want to see what happens with them in later parts of the series.
July 2, 2014
Vipers Run by Stephanie Tyler is the 1st book in her new Skulls Creek series. This series is about Motorcycle Club members and the women in their lives. The story starts with Calla, who is hiding from her family working for former Army Ranger turned private investigator. A phone call changes Calla’s life as she knows it, as the man on the other ending is dying, and her boss is not around to help. For whatever reason, Calla feels an immediate bond to the man called Cage, who will eventually survive and become our hero.
This is an exciting and very hot story of two people so different, each with their own issues that come together for salvation. Because of danger, Calla is sent away by her boss, to a place for safety. She has no idea where she is going, but no knows she needs help, as everything around her is crumbling. When she reaches her destiny, she discovers she is at a MC (motorcycle club), and meets their leader, Tenn. He puts her under his protection, until he can find out why Bernie (Calla’s boos) sent her to them. Weeks go by, and then out of the blue, Cage appears to take her with him. Calla despite her fears, is drawn sexually to Cage, as he is to her.
They head for Vipers MC, where Cage is a member, though he has been away for a while trying to find information to help his club. During their travel to Skulls Creek, and even after they arrive, the chemistry between Calla and Cage is off the wall sizzling. Cage has to come to terms with his MC brothers, why he left and that he is here to stay to help them. He also knows they will be under attack soon, and with the secrets Calla has of her past, the danger will escalate. Calla has lived with a terrible event that took place when she was only 15, and it will take her love of Cage to help her get past it. Cage has his own issues of his past with his family that will push the danger to the limit. But the brotherhood of Viper MC will stand together against a strong and powerful enemy who want nothing better than to destroy them, and Calla too.
What follows is an exciting and tense story of a rival drug MC trying to push themselves into Viper MC’s town; of a couple that must reveal their own hidden secrets to be able to fully trust each other; of a group of men and women who will stand together to protect their own. Viper’s Run is also a very hot steamy romance throughout, with a couple that though coming from different backgrounds were meant for each other. Viper Run is filled with suspense, excitement, heated sexual scenes, a great couple, and a well written story by Stephanie Tyler.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
This is an exciting and very hot story of two people so different, each with their own issues that come together for salvation. Because of danger, Calla is sent away by her boss, to a place for safety. She has no idea where she is going, but no knows she needs help, as everything around her is crumbling. When she reaches her destiny, she discovers she is at a MC (motorcycle club), and meets their leader, Tenn. He puts her under his protection, until he can find out why Bernie (Calla’s boos) sent her to them. Weeks go by, and then out of the blue, Cage appears to take her with him. Calla despite her fears, is drawn sexually to Cage, as he is to her.
They head for Vipers MC, where Cage is a member, though he has been away for a while trying to find information to help his club. During their travel to Skulls Creek, and even after they arrive, the chemistry between Calla and Cage is off the wall sizzling. Cage has to come to terms with his MC brothers, why he left and that he is here to stay to help them. He also knows they will be under attack soon, and with the secrets Calla has of her past, the danger will escalate. Calla has lived with a terrible event that took place when she was only 15, and it will take her love of Cage to help her get past it. Cage has his own issues of his past with his family that will push the danger to the limit. But the brotherhood of Viper MC will stand together against a strong and powerful enemy who want nothing better than to destroy them, and Calla too.
What follows is an exciting and tense story of a rival drug MC trying to push themselves into Viper MC’s town; of a couple that must reveal their own hidden secrets to be able to fully trust each other; of a group of men and women who will stand together to protect their own. Viper’s Run is also a very hot steamy romance throughout, with a couple that though coming from different backgrounds were meant for each other. Viper Run is filled with suspense, excitement, heated sexual scenes, a great couple, and a well written story by Stephanie Tyler.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
July 9, 2014
There are not many things in this world that I love more than a sexy bad boy, and Christopher Cage Owens is the epitome of smexy badness. Good god, the man is pure lust. Bossy, possessive, and protective, with the heart of a teddy bear… geez, seriously I couldn’t get enough of him. Cage is who he is and he’s not willing to change that. Admittedly, he does change his stance on relationships but that’s because the love of his life gave him something to live for... literally. But he’s part of a MC and he makes no excuses about it. He loves his life—good, bad, ugly, and illegal—and doesn’t plan on leaving it any time soon.
Now Calla (love the name, by the way) is a whole heap of broken. A traumatic experience in her teens shattered her innocence and her trust in humanity. Then her step brother stole everything from her. And finally what she always believed to be true about her family—her mother and her father—turns out to be less than accurate. It’s a freakin’ wonder the girl is able to dress herself in the morning. But she is. In fact, despite her obvious trust issues and jaded perspective on life, she is surprisingly strong and resilient, although confidence takes a minute. Cage is her saving grace. He gave her something to live for. He’s the reason she is able to feel again.
They saved each other.
And this story. Holy cow, guys, it’s one thing after another, yet it all ties in. There is so much mystery, intrigue, and emotional trauma… erm… I mean tension, emotional tension. I was glued to the pages. The live inside a motorcycle club is outlined in great detail. I’m gonna throw a curve ball in here—and you’ll have to read the book to understand it—but the whole Jeffrey Harris story line? I did not see that coming. My only complaint is that it ended so abruptly, but then again I can see as why, with Calla’s past, she wouldn’t want to see that part.
I am beyond words at this point. There’s so much I want from her on out. Like Preacher. He and Holly? Please. And am I alone in hoping that Jameson Bradley gets a story someday? I sure hope I’m not. So yes, I loved this book. I’m not one to read a lot of m/f books, but this author is one of my favorites all around. And for reasons, such as those that are shown in this book, she will remain one of my must reads.
I highly recommend Vipers Run by Stephanie Tyler.
Now Calla (love the name, by the way) is a whole heap of broken. A traumatic experience in her teens shattered her innocence and her trust in humanity. Then her step brother stole everything from her. And finally what she always believed to be true about her family—her mother and her father—turns out to be less than accurate. It’s a freakin’ wonder the girl is able to dress herself in the morning. But she is. In fact, despite her obvious trust issues and jaded perspective on life, she is surprisingly strong and resilient, although confidence takes a minute. Cage is her saving grace. He gave her something to live for. He’s the reason she is able to feel again.
They saved each other.
And this story. Holy cow, guys, it’s one thing after another, yet it all ties in. There is so much mystery, intrigue, and emotional trauma… erm… I mean tension, emotional tension. I was glued to the pages. The live inside a motorcycle club is outlined in great detail. I’m gonna throw a curve ball in here—and you’ll have to read the book to understand it—but the whole Jeffrey Harris story line? I did not see that coming. My only complaint is that it ended so abruptly, but then again I can see as why, with Calla’s past, she wouldn’t want to see that part.
I am beyond words at this point. There’s so much I want from her on out. Like Preacher. He and Holly? Please. And am I alone in hoping that Jameson Bradley gets a story someday? I sure hope I’m not. So yes, I loved this book. I’m not one to read a lot of m/f books, but this author is one of my favorites all around. And for reasons, such as those that are shown in this book, she will remain one of my must reads.
I highly recommend Vipers Run by Stephanie Tyler.
September 16, 2014
*I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads*
“Not this one,” he told me. “Your walls are back up, but I’m already inside. Don’t you get that? You walled us in together.”
The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be…Oh my, oh my! I can’t even properly express myself through words about this book. (A VERY good thing) This book contains twists and turns, that I couldn’t even put the book down. Not that I even wanted to anyway. It get’s you hooked right from the first chapter, and you find yourself quickly falling in love with the characters. I know I did.
You have Christian “Cage” Owens, a former Army Ranger, and now a member of the Vipers Motorcycle Club, add in Calla Bradley, the rich girl, who has daddy issues and a past she tries to hide from and what do you get? TROUBLE. *cue Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” song* However, in this case Cage was trouble from the very first time Calla heard his voice…over the phone.
This book is not like any other I have read, probably in my life. Why? Because it starts off with a phone call that changes both her life as well as Cage’s life. With just that one phone call, Cage now has a purpose for staying alive – Calla.
You can’t help but fall in love with Cage. Although Calla has a dark past, which leads to her trust issues and her pushing Cage away in the beginning. Cage doesn’t take any of it. *swoons* Right from the start, Cage claims Calla, and vows to protect her and keep her safe. Does he keep that promise? Hell yes! He even goes a step further as to try and end all the demons from her past while dealing with his own.
I give this book 5/5. With the way the book ended, I’m sure there’s a sequel in the works as we speak. I would honestly recommend this book to anyone that is look for a hot/steamy love book. I can’t wait to found out what happens next!
“Not this one,” he told me. “Your walls are back up, but I’m already inside. Don’t you get that? You walled us in together.”
The Vipers Motorcycle Club has strict rules for their brotherhood and the women who enter it. Now one Viper is about to find out how much trouble one woman can be…Oh my, oh my! I can’t even properly express myself through words about this book. (A VERY good thing) This book contains twists and turns, that I couldn’t even put the book down. Not that I even wanted to anyway. It get’s you hooked right from the first chapter, and you find yourself quickly falling in love with the characters. I know I did.
You have Christian “Cage” Owens, a former Army Ranger, and now a member of the Vipers Motorcycle Club, add in Calla Bradley, the rich girl, who has daddy issues and a past she tries to hide from and what do you get? TROUBLE. *cue Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” song* However, in this case Cage was trouble from the very first time Calla heard his voice…over the phone.
This book is not like any other I have read, probably in my life. Why? Because it starts off with a phone call that changes both her life as well as Cage’s life. With just that one phone call, Cage now has a purpose for staying alive – Calla.
You can’t help but fall in love with Cage. Although Calla has a dark past, which leads to her trust issues and her pushing Cage away in the beginning. Cage doesn’t take any of it. *swoons* Right from the start, Cage claims Calla, and vows to protect her and keep her safe. Does he keep that promise? Hell yes! He even goes a step further as to try and end all the demons from her past while dealing with his own.
I give this book 5/5. With the way the book ended, I’m sure there’s a sequel in the works as we speak. I would honestly recommend this book to anyone that is look for a hot/steamy love book. I can’t wait to found out what happens next!
July 2, 2014
I received a free copy of this book. I wasn't sure if I would like it or. Well I finished it last night and just let me say WOW, HOT, VERY HOT. The book was amazing. It truly held my undivided attention from the first page to the last. I didn't want the story to end. The characters were real and touchable. By that I mean I felt the emotions and feelings in the story. I totally connected to Cage And Calla. Their chemistry towards each other was very hot and steamy.
I am not really familiar with Motorcycle clubs but I felt like the book gave a truly honest look at how they are. It's a very different life, a bit "outside" the law and more wild almost feral feel. But the members are very close and protect their own. It was very evident in this story. All the members of the Vipers came to defend and protect Calla.
I really, really recommend "Vipers Run". If you like strong alpha males and a lot of hot and steamy scenes you won't be disappointed.
I look forward to the next Skulls Creek novel.
I am not really familiar with Motorcycle clubs but I felt like the book gave a truly honest look at how they are. It's a very different life, a bit "outside" the law and more wild almost feral feel. But the members are very close and protect their own. It was very evident in this story. All the members of the Vipers came to defend and protect Calla.
I really, really recommend "Vipers Run". If you like strong alpha males and a lot of hot and steamy scenes you won't be disappointed.
I look forward to the next Skulls Creek novel.
May 19, 2016
I liked this one in spite of myself trying not to. The inst-connection over the phone kinda got to me, but they were both in need of something to believe in and it happened. I can actually kinda picture it. Both had walls so steep that a moment that was full of vulnerable possibilities did them both in for good. Calla seems strong and weak at the same time, so she made an interesting heroine. Cage was a badass, but a good man. I loved Eli. Poor thing was caught in the cross-fire from the beginning with no one to protect him but Cage. Some of the tough guys in this one have hearts of gold. I will likely read more of this series to see what happens to some of them.
June 26, 2014
This story was really quite good. Could not put it down. The chemistry between Cage and Calla was great. Both people thought of them self as damaged but with each other they could see the real person underneath. Quite shocked with the bad guy in this story but it brought the entire story together. Really loved this book. Will enjoy reading other books by this author.
May 13, 2015
This book was ok, I totally prefered her Other series but sure....
October 2, 2018
This book had the coolest start to the book and it totally hooked me, but it kind of failed to deliver. There wasn’t enough grittiness for me, it more just skimmed along the top, and I don’t know about you but I like my MC romances dark and gritty.
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The book starts with our heroine answering a phone call meant for her book (private investigator), and on the other end is a man who is in his dying moments and they connect on a deep level and he promises to come for her. What she doesn’t know is that phone call changes her life and put her in danger from an MC. Our hero, the man on the other end of the phone, lives and comes to keep his promise and drags her into the MC world in the process.
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I had a slight issue with the writing- the heroine was writing in 1st POV but the hero in 3rd POV which was a bit jarring to read at the start. Do I want to continue the series? Undecided at this stage.
.
The book starts with our heroine answering a phone call meant for her book (private investigator), and on the other end is a man who is in his dying moments and they connect on a deep level and he promises to come for her. What she doesn’t know is that phone call changes her life and put her in danger from an MC. Our hero, the man on the other end of the phone, lives and comes to keep his promise and drags her into the MC world in the process.
.
I had a slight issue with the writing- the heroine was writing in 1st POV but the hero in 3rd POV which was a bit jarring to read at the start. Do I want to continue the series? Undecided at this stage.
November 17, 2019
She fell in love with him over the phone. One call. He was ‘dying’ and needed help. She unloaded all her problems on him and he promises to fix it for her - a dying stranger who doesn’t know her but cares about her problems?
She falls into a depression that lasts for weeks after the phone call ends and she’s sure her true love, who she’s never met and knows nothing about, probably died.
Nope. This book is shit.
She falls into a depression that lasts for weeks after the phone call ends and she’s sure her true love, who she’s never met and knows nothing about, probably died.
Nope. This book is shit.
August 9, 2017
Reading that has plots and cliffhanger
Reading a good book that gives you interest in wanting to read it non stop is my thing thank you for keeping me interested. Look forward to more
Reading a good book that gives you interest in wanting to read it non stop is my thing thank you for keeping me interested. Look forward to more
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