Wilde

The Ridge MC #1

by Susan Stradiotto, Anja Barrons

Nothin’s cozy about this small town

Bou
Ridge life is all I’ve ever known, where the land is harsh and the men harsher. On the Arizona map, my tiny hometown is Park Ridge, but we call it The Ridge . There’s only one enterprise in the middle-of-nowhere between LA, Phoenix, Vegas, and the Mexican border—running drugs—and the local MC has the market cornered. Even the town cop answers to the prez.

I’m Bou, pronounced like a ghost sound or Boo Radley. It’s short for something I don’t talk about—ever. The Ridge might not sound like a fun place, but it’s home, and I hold my own with my buddies Smith and Wesson . I’ve grown to love my little corner of the world, the red sands at sunrise, and the solitude of a desert night. People don’t pass through the Ridge, so when a stranger crashes his bike outside my shop, it’s clear. Ridge life is about to change.

Wilde
I grew up fast in an East Compton trailer park not far from the Los Angeles River. Under pressure from the law, I left “home,” and ran a small drug ring under the radar of the big gangs until one of the prominent leaders used my old man’s crimes to set me up with the LAPD. I may not be big time, but I take care of what’s mine. When turning the tables on the LA gang leader stirs up more trouble than I bargained for, where do I end up? Alone. On the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Bullet in my shoulder. Bike wrecked. Leg—well, I’m not walking anywhere soon. As it turns out, gang wars and bullets have nothing on the little spitfire who comes to my rescue.

Author's Note
This book contains situations that may be tough too read, including violence, death of family, abuse of family, language, and non-consentual situations. Your mental health is important, so please consider any triggers this may cause prior to reading.

*This book was previously published in the "Tease Me" collection under the title "Throttle Me."

Genres: Dark, Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2023

About the author

Susan Stradiotto is passionate about the written word, whether it is in her own writing or her editing practice. She is a fan of well-told stories. Susan is always searching for unique voices and stories that tell a truth. As Neil Gaiman said in his master class, “Write the truest story you can.” She believes that is what makes a story sing.

Susan is an author of fantasy and romance and has professional editorial experience with genres such as romance, memoir, mystery/thriller, cozy mystery, fantasy, and women’s fiction. She attended Capella University for her BS in Information Technology and the University of Chicago’s Graham School for her professional editing certification. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, a hoard of Bernese Mountain Dogs, and one Miniature Dachshund.

Instagram: @susanstradiotto or https://www.instagram.com/susanstradi...

Author website, worldbuilding blog, and book reviews: https://susanstradiotto.com

Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/susanstradio...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanstradi...

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanstradiotto


Write-In-Progress
A serial novel based on George MacDonald’s 𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑠: 𝐴 𝐹𝑎𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛.

Reviews

[ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

! big trigger warning for rape !

this would have been better stars if it wasn’t for the sexism. i mean calling random women “whores” and “bitches”? get a grip. and i didn’t think i’d ever say this but i got kinda bored with the smut.

thank you to booksirens and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Esther T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for the faint of hearts, its gritty, gut wrenching, naughty, spicy and dark read. Mind your triggers before picking up this book. I went through every emotion while reading this book telling myself I can’t continue and refusing to stop reading at the same time! This book grabs you and won’t let you go until you’re done reading. Bou (pronounced boo) lives in The Ridge and runs her late father’s motorcycle shop. She’s a tough cookie that’s been the some tough stuff. Wilde has also had a very tough life and has earned becoming the President of his own Motorcycle Club. The author did an amazing job with character development and capturing the emotions of every person in difficult situations.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jojo Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down, although it is MC it’s not really centred around it, it’s focus is on eBay happens when Wilde, the Diablo president goes on a solo hunt for his sperm donor to clear his own name. The slow burn romance between Wilde and Bou, as he recovers from his near death crash with the woman who saved him. The town is practically lawless despite her brother being the local , the resident MC is in charge and drugs are the business that everyone is involved in somehow.
The main characters of Wilde, Bou and Celt with Doc, Kimmers and Cook as supporting roles take you down some dark roads and believe me I cried s couple of times but their were some smiles and laughs at Boy’s Sass and banter and Cooks naughty slogan Tees .
This is not a fluffy read it’s dark and, at times painful, gritty ride and I can’t wait to start Celts book

[Magic book club · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and I liked it. The book had everything I was looking for - a good story, lots of action and an intense love story. I liked the protective attitude of the main characters towards their loved ones, I liked how they take care of each other. They are together in good times and in bad times. The only thing I didn't like was that the main female character experienced the same trauma twice, which is a little illogical to me. Maybe it's possible, I don't know, but I didn't like that in the book. Everything else was ok.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captured by this book immediately. I liked the characters, good and bad. Wilde ( who I have to admit reminded me of Johnny Cash's 'A Boy Named Sue' 🤣) was a great romantic lead. Bou and her family was like the gift that keeps giving. Some twists, lots of steam, lots action with a HEA. Now to get the next book 📖

I received an advance review copy for free, and I
am leaving this review voluntarily.

[R Rais · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author for me and its a good dark MC romance. The triggers are brutal, i must say. Although the actiom was not all the way told in detail, but the rap3,more than one scene, was vividly there.
The chemistry between the main character was fast. The steamy scenes were good. The side characters have their own story coming up.
My question was... As the Prez, no matter how small, i dont see the Brotherhood in Wilde's MC until waaaay to the end. Even that, it was felt more like he was bossing the men, not leading his brothers.
And for Bou...i understand the author wants to picture her as this bad ass strong girl, but to had a segsual assault, seeing your love one got assaulted as well, got your self tortured, carved like a tree, the terror it self would effect any strong man. But Bou felt like brushing it all at the end. Like nothing happen. Its too flat feeling for me for an ending.

And talk about the ending, its HFN. Not HEA. For the bad guys are still on the loose. Justice haven't been served.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ShadowKissed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely read the trigger warnings. But omg this book is freaking amazing. You feel every freaking emotion under the sun... you definitely feel a lot of anger but the story is absolutely amazing can't wait for book 2

[CYNDY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This is a very fast-paced book with things coming at fast. There are some many questions I have that I will have to wait for more to know how this all plays out.

[Victoria Liiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m slowly reading through the Tease Me boxset, and while the set is not available any longer the authors are re-publishing their books under new names. Throttle Me is the third book I’ve finished from the set and it is now up for preorder as Wilde: The Ridge MC.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Genre: Contemporary Romance

-Motorcycle club
-Found Family
-Stuck together

Warnings:
- Violence
-Torture
- Rape

Bou and Wilde’s story is heartbreaking and intense. It takes them through so much pain that brings them closer together. That strength in those characters is so admirable and my heart goes out for both of them.
Wilde’s motorcycle crashes in the ditch in front of Bou’s repair shop when he’s being chased by an enemy club. A man like him takes having a broken leg from the accident in a way you’d expect: refusing painkillers, and stumbling through the pain. It was fun getting to know him in this weakened state. He needs to get on his feet, get back on his bike and deal with business, but he is stuck with Bou until his leg heals. And he is starting to like his predicament! That tension between them is hot as f… Really truly addicting. And they are dancing around their attraction and desire.
Bou’s a tough woman. She grew up in the Ridge, established herself as one of the guys and nobody fucks with her, although they want to. Oh damn how they want to. Capable of protecting herself with guns around her workshop, she still ends up taken by surprise. I’m so fucking glad that Wilde was there to rage upon the situation, with his broken leg and all.
Those two broken souls find a home in each other and I am thoroughly happy with the way this book ended. I really, really needed this ending, because somewhere along the road this book got incredibly heavy. I suggest checking out the trigger warnings, because there are graphic scenes involving all sorts of violence. If you don’t mind any of that, this story is waiting for you to fall hard.

[Tracy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author I happen to come across and am so glad I did. This is Kt and easy read but it’s so worth it. The characters are so well written. You love them from page one. I couldn’t put it down. I so want to know more about all the other characters as well. I will be on pins and needles waiting for the next book.

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bou and Wilde’s story is a well written , first in series MC read with a nod towards fated mates. The characters each have their own unique qualities that are shown throughout the book. This is a very graphic read , there is sex, rape on page, beatings etc, check the trigger warnings. 18+ only. I loved this book and can’t wait to read her brother Celt’s upcoming story . 5✨’s !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐s The boy named Sue had it easy compared to the boy named Jane.

I don't think I have ever read a more brutal book than this one. There are so many triggers in it. Murder, drugs, alcohol, child abuse, beatings, torture, rapes, both male and female, kidnappings, betrayal, hatred, and corruption. Despite wanting to close the book, remove it from my eReader, and try to forget about it, the story kept drawing me in. I had to learn what happened to Wilde and Bou. And darn it, I even want to read the next book in the series to learn what happens to Bou's brother, Celt.

Despite all the darkness, this is also a love story. There's romantic love between a man and a woman. There's love between siblings. And there's the love between your family, some of whom share not a drop of blood with you.

 I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kymber Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

|Wilde, by Anja Barrons, is book one in the Ridge MC series. This book introduces how two different clubs from two states next to each other (the Diablo MC in Los Angeles and the Ridge MC in Ridge Park, AZ) have never heard of each other, and later become so intertwined they become sister clubs before becoming one club.

Wilde is on a hunt for his "so-called" father when he ends up in Ridge Park, injured, and having to to hide out for awhile until he heals. There, he encounters Boudicca (Bou) and falls for her, but refuses to settle down due to his past and what he considers his obligations.

Bou, having been raised in Ridge Park, refuses to settle away from her family, and won't take anyone walking over her. Having already been assaulted twice by two different people at two different periods in her life, she refuses to allow anyone to anyone to intimidate her.

Anja Barrons is one of the more grittier, more hard core authors out today, but the way she uses emotions and details to bring her stories to life is an absolute treat. Fans of Elizabeth Knox, Sapphire Knight, T. O. Smith, Terri Anne Browning, and Jessica Ames will find Ms. Barrons books just as amazing.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Wilde and Bou

POV- 1st person dual

Genre- MC Romance

Heat- 🌋🌋🌋☄️(1🌋=2☄️). They do the thing and name the parts.

Series? Y

Safety: N. There’s a lot of s. violence. However, there’s no cheating/sharing or OW/OM drama. No cliffhanger, HEA.

Triggers- more triggers than an NRA swap meet. Abuse, addiction, assault, a corps of corpses, explicit erotic content, graphic (on-page) M/F S.A., Language, M/M S.A., substance abuse, violence.

Tropes- Forced proximity, Dysfunctional Family FTW, Bike Naming, Bad Guy Whack-a-Mole, Everybody Knows Everything But Nobody Knows Nothing.

What I liked- the story was engaging; a real page turner. It was never boring. I also enjoyed the electricity between the two main characters.

What I didn’t- the book was a little too triggery for me. There’s a good TW at the beginning, though.

I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not a very good MC book. In fact, there was actually no writing about the various MCs (one good, one bad, one both good & bad?) in the book aside from a few brief references. The book was about the “romance” between Wilde and Bou. Unfortunately the book was extremely slow so the romance fell flat for me and I ended up skimming the last 50% to just see how it ended. Even that was disappointing because it was a HFN and you’d have to endure at least 3 more books apparently to get closure for the ongoing storyline. No thanks. There were multiple characters r*ped including the mfc and her brother. The graphic description of these assaults was excessive and not at all necessary to the overall story. So beware if you have any triggers for SA. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.

[Chris06 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow.

My heart took a beating on this book… it’s dark .. this isn’t your typical MC book were the angst is between exs and the crowd that hangs around.

This FMC .. Bou … she is strong. This woman seems to have the worst freaking luck outside of Wilde crashing near her shop.

The things that happen to her, her brother and Celt will take your breath away …

I couldn’t put this one down and now to see if Celt can rise from what just happened.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a dark gritty, gut wrenching, naughty, with some triggers so read the warning before picking up this book. You will through every emotion you have when reading this book.
This book grabs you and won’t let you go until you’re done reading

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought that riding a bike could be so evocative, so incredibly sexy! Who would have thought that someone as hardened as Wilde could get under my skin? Who would have imagined a story so raw could undo me?
Well heck was that something! It DID completely undo me!!!! My senses are still reeling, my guts are churning with emotions, emotions of horror, emotions of disbelief, emotions of warmth, just freaking emotions! This author, let me tell you, knows EXACTLY how to keep one glued to the pages, EXACTLY which buttons to push when and EXACTLY how to pull the stings until I thought I was going to snap! There is no gentle easing into the book, it's action, it's tension, it's passion right from the start and it continues to grow and expand and swell into a story so profoundly brutal to my senses. Don't be misled into thinking this book has all the roughness of violence, of unspeakable acts, yes there are but it's a story of hope, of overcoming vile deeds against one, and boy were there many! It's a story of personal growth and the lengths one will go to, to survive, to overcome and to heal. It's a story of organised crime at it's best!

Wilde is so yummy!!! He had my mama bear instinct on high alert with the THINGS he had to endure as a youngster, REALLY REALLY protective mama and a tear or two...it was so awesome to see how he overcame his trauma, the way he put all the cr*p behind him. Except...cr*p follows him! And heavens above does it get dished out in spades! The coolest, the most awwww moments are his reaction and actions around Bou, she really does a number on him! A good one that is....Bou is a tough cookie, she too has had major trauma raining down on her, in her past as well as the present, real heart sinking moments, real physical and emotional pain. She too has much to overcome, which she does. Her strength, her fierceness leap off the pages and her inherent compassion is her biggest attribute, she saves an unknown man for heavens sake! I simply sunk into the romantic elements of this story, so tasty and delicious!

This author set my mind into overdrive, this author sets a scenario so vividly raw, so graphical, so gruesome at times, utterly commanding my every thought, my every emotion, my horror, my joy at her immensely powerful and tense story. It's not a read for the feint hearted, it's a read full of EVERYTHING that's vile, so please read the triggers carefully. Me, well, I was so immersed I felt every blow, every trauma every character experienced, and as I said at the beginning of this review, I was nearly undone! This fast paced read took me to a world of depravity and debauchery and spat me out on the other side, with a warmth and a very different kind of HEA. I'm ready for the next installment, oh SO ready!!!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up #5 Their Princess up via ARC, it was the first I read by this author, and I loved it so much, I went looking for the rest in the series, which luckily enough were still in ARC.

I'm one of these sad people who like to read a series in order, as you get so much of the back story that way, even though they are stand alone novels. But love when the secondary characters then become primary in the following books.

This first one sets out the plot lines that will run through the books and how the different groups play a part in their present and past lives.

Wilde who is the Prez of Diablo MC has gone off his own, he is hunting down his father. But gets ambushed by AX3 while driving through The Ridge.

Bou, who has a shop in the area, hears the commotion and gun shots and comes out to investigate. Where she lives is neutral territory between the gangs, so normally, she doesn't have any problems. But she finds Wilde injured and she takes him back to her home. She calls Doc and her brother Celt who is a policeman. Because of the injuries Wilde can't leave, Bou offers to put him up while he recovers.

From the initial meeting, there is a connection between the 2 of them. they both skate around their feelings towards one another. Bou has incidents in her past that makes her wary of men, but she survived and it has made her stronger. Wilde's upbringing was bad, he saw too much far too young which made him stay away from any kind of involvement.

Both are strong characters, but Bou finds that she can let her guard down around Wilde, he is very protective of her and comes to her aid when she has an altercation in her shop. This brings Wilde's feelings to the forefront, the one's he was trying to surpress.

On top of all this, Wilde still has to finish what he set out to do but different gangs are closing in, causing mayhem at The Ridge. Who can they trust? How are the different gangs connected? Loyalties are tested, is anyone safe?

Read this book in one sitting and can't wait to start on #2 Celt. Up to now both books I've read #5+#1 have been brilliant. Very detailed, great characters throughout the book. Enjoyed both strong female and male leads in each book. I like that the woman are fiesty and give the man a run for their money. Both have to overcome a lot to get where the are but the love they have makes it worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the beginning of the book, the author manages to instill in the reader the danger and drama that come from Wilde's lifestyle. In a bid to clear his name of crimes he didn't commit, he sets out to track down his 'father', but in doing so, he incurs the wrath of a very dangerous gang who are baying for his blood. When the gang follows him, shoots him, and causes him to crash, he is left stranded in a ditch until Bou, a local girl and business owner, finds him and rescues him. I want to say what follows is their love story, and it does, in a way, but it's a hard read; it's dark and gritty and full of danger and betrayal. The book does discuss SA in very explicit detail and on more than one occasion (not between the two main characters), so if this is a trigger for you, then I'd recommend you avoid this book, but I found the way the author dealt with those assaults very well written, discussing not only the physical effects but the mental and emotional effects too.
Due to Wilde's injury, a lot of the story takes place in a close proximity scenario, and while it's mainly just Bou and Wilde, the involvement of sideline characters such as Celt and Doc does add a lot to the story. Both Wilde and Bou are kick-ass characters, both amazingly strong to have survived their pasts, but I found the way they softened to each other showed the most strength because they allowed their vulnerabilities to show, which wasn't easy for either of them. They were both determined to protect those they loved too.
Even though the main danger and betrayal don't happen until towards the end of the book, I felt it was built up well throughout rather than just dropped on us, and you could still feel the tension and risk even early on in the story. As readers, we are always aware of who the bad guys in the story are, but nothing prepared me for just how far they were prepared to go. The story ends with a happy (ish) ending for Bou and Wilde but leaves a lot for the other characters, especially Celt, to work through in future books as they try to deal with the events that took place in Wilde.
 

[Dimitra A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

I liked this book, although I think it got the potential to be even better. To start, this is my first read of Anja Barrons. I really liked the writing style and the plot development as a whole. It was interesting and flowing, and had all the elements of a good book. The characters were interesting – main and secondary. I loved Wilde and Bou. They were both damaged souls – souls that fate somehow brought together to heal each other. They were very alike as characters – both strong-willed, tough and determined, but vulnerable as well – in a deep level. Both had traumatic pasts – different trauma, but trauma nonetheless. I loved their slow burn, their way to surrender to their mutual attraction. They’ve gone through hell to get to their HEA – and I loved every step of the way to get there. However, there were some things that I didn’t like. To start – the book said :The Ridge MC. Well....maybe there is something that I missed, but to be honest, I never got the MC vibe anywhere in the book...Don’t get me wrong – the plot was great – action packed, kept me invested, but this was not an MC book in my eyes. Not in the slightest. Also, the Luke incident regarding Bou was completely unnecessary in my opinion – why would Bou get through this type of abuse (for the second time, I might add), while Wilde was a room away??? It didn’t make sense to me and the way it happened was at the odds with Bou’s character as we got to know it. Last, too much inner turmoil/debating/dialogue regarding the characters, little actual interaction and expression of their thoughts and feelings that show the forming of the bonds regarding them. I had the feeling that, while Wilde and Bou got together, the actual way there was explicit in their heads more than in (the book) reality.

All in all, it was a good read, but it could definitely be better – the writer has the gift and potential to get it there. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, because I have the feeling that this series will get better book by book. I am torn between 3.5 and 4 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books where the hero arrives just in time to save the day? Well, this isn’t one of them, and all the main characters will have the physical and emotional scars to prove it. Dark and gritty is a mild way to describe this book. When Bou saves Wilde by the side of the road, she has no idea of the dramatic events that are about to unfold. Running from a rival gang, he is wounded and saved by Bou, who offers him a place to lie low, though I had to wonder why the people who’d shot him didn’t finish the job. Anyway, forced to wait while his wounds heal, Bou tries to keep her distance because she knows he’s not here to stay. Let me say, there are some truly brutal scenes in this book, so readers please be aware. While I admired Bou’s strength and resilience, I was a bit dubious about the way she decided to deal with her trauma, but hey, we all deal with sh*t in different ways. Although Wilde was the cause of most of their problems, it seemed that Bou and her brother Celt took the brunt of the blows. With explosive violence, murder, rape, torture and a whole lot more, this is not a book for the faint of heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am a fan. Wilde is the president of the Diablo MC. He has had a rough life growing up and when he finds out where his father is hiding, he sets off to Mexico to find him. On his way alone, he is found by the gang looking for him and is shot. Luckily for him Bou finds him and brings him home to nurse him back to health. We meet Bou’s brother Celt (the law in the small town) and Doc. They are both protective of Bou and not so sure they want to leave her by herself with Wilde.

Wilde comes through when Luke comes to her shop to pick up his bike and he is trying to take advantage of Bou. He ends up killing Luke and now with Celt’s help, they are hiding the body. By this time, the feelings are just too intense for both Bou and Wilde. One thing leads to another.

When Wilde leaves town to find his father, the gang looking for Wilde end up kidnapping Bou and her brother Celt. Will Wilde be able to save them? Or will he be too late? Lots of twists and turns, some triggers, and a few secrets. I cannot wait to see what happens in Celt’s story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bou aka Boudicca is a artist in customizing motorcycle paint, but she has to deal with some rough and dangerous people so she has several guns around her shop in the Yuma, AZ area. Wilde is the President of the Diablo MC in LA who knows that his father killed his mom when he was a teen so he had to take care of himself from a young. He looked so like his father that he had found out that a 'wanted poster poster from the police appeared to show him not his father' . So he was going to find him and take him in. Plus Wilde had issues with the AX3 drug cartel who were looking for him. Angel , his best friend, would be in charge while he was gone. Wilde is being chased by other bikers and shot at before being run off the road across from Bou's shop; she grabs a gun and go to help him. She texted her brother, Celt, is the local cop to bring Doc to her shop. And so starts the hiding Wilde from whoever is trying to kill him plus allowing his injuries to heal. Will Wilde ever find his father to turn him in and clear himself? Will Wilde stop AX3 from trying to kill him? Will something happen between Bou and Wilde?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in—I couldn’t stop reading. Yes, it’s MC romance, but it’s not all club politics and biker chaos. It’s really about Wilde, a club president on a mission to clear his name, and Bou, the woman who saves him after a crash that nearly kills him. What follows is a gritty, emotional, slow-burn romance that honestly surprised me with how much heart it had.

Wilde and Bou’s connection felt real—damaged, intense, and tender in the middle of a brutal, lawless town where nothing feels safe. There’s violence, trauma, and a lot of heavy content (definite trigger warnings for SA), but there are also soft moments, fierce loyalty, and some unexpected laughs—especially from Cook’s ridiculous T-shirts and Boy’s sass.

I won’t lie, some parts were hard to read. And while I loved Bou’s strength, I did wish the emotional fallout from her trauma was explored more deeply. Same for Wilde—he’s the club Prez, but the brotherhood didn’t really show up until the very end, and it felt more like a power move than true leadership.

The ending left me with a lot of feelings—more HFN than HEA—and I’m still thinking about some of those unanswered threads. But overall? This was a dark, emotional ride, and I’m absolutely ready to dive into Celt’s book next.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stradiotto just loves to shred my heart and stitch it back together again with a HEA. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is beautiful. I particularly appreciate how the author gives unlikely characters, who would more often than not feature as villains in most romance novels, their own love stories, showing how awful circumstances can be that can keep good people trapped in really bad situations, and how resilient they have to be when they are faced daily with the real villains. There are some real psychopaths, sociopaths and manipulators in this story, and Stradiotto doesn't shy away from showing how truly resilient people have to be when they're in that sort of environment. The Motorcycle Club surroundings made for a very gritty reality to feature Bou and Wilde and to show a world that's not all sunshine and roses, but that doesn't mean people living in such circumstances can't find love. Absolutely adored every nail-biting, heart-stopping moment of this book. I blazed through it and won't be waiting long to find out what happens next in Celt's story.

[Candace Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Spoilers ✨

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞/𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:

Wilde - Anja Barrons

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:

- Wilde
- Bou

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:

"It was beautiful. No, that wasn't the right word. Something about it was...safe."

"Sitting there, holding her in the dark was a high better than any drug."

" I felt love growing between us, and I didn't need any announcement to be sure."

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

Bou is so cool. She was such a a BA from the start and took control of everything. She didn't let anything get in her way. Then we have Wilde. His name sure fits him well. Well his "road name" lol. He came in broken but didn't let that take him out. This book had a tion right from the beginning and it was intense. It was such a a good read and MC's are my favorite so it's got a good 4 star from me. It was spicy in all the right ways. This was a first by this author for me and I definitely will pick up another.

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:

• Mc romance
• Dual pov
• He falls first
• Spicy
• Dual POV


𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞:

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde completely pulled me in from the first chapter and didn’t let go. This isn’t just your typical MC romance, it’s darker, rawer, and filled with tension that simmers right beneath the surface. Wilde as a character is everything I want in a leading man: intense, flawed, protective, and dangerous in all the best ways. And the heroine? Strong in her own right, not just a sidekick to his story, which I loved.

The chemistry between them was fire, and I appreciated that the emotional buildup was just as powerful as the physical side of their relationship. The writing was sharp, fast-paced, and gritty it gave me that adrenaline rush I always hope for in an MC romance.

This book has all the right elements: found family, danger, redemption, and just enough heartbreak to keep it real. If you’re into darker romance with a strong plot and characters that stay with you, Wilde is a must-read.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bou lives on the Ridge, where the only industry is drug running. She’s her own woman, treated like one of the boys, but her life turns upside down when Wilde crashes his bike near her shop.

The story is told from Bou and Wilde’s perspectives, as they both try to deny their feelings. Added to the risks involved to Bou for aiding Wilde is the knowledge that there are more dangerous drug runners looking for Wilde, and who are desperate for payback.

Motor Cycle culture books aren’t normally the type of books I read, and I probably won’t try it again, as it’s slightly too dark for me. That said, the writing is good, there is a good story there and the characters backgrounds are interesting. Just not the book for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilde is President of the Diablo MC, when his father tries to ruin his life again, he heads toward the Ridge to find him. What finds is a bullet, wrecked leg and bike. They probably would have finished the job if it wasn't for Bou. As he starts to heal, she grabs his attention, he starts falling for her.

Bou took over her father's garage, pretty much keeps to herself, except for her brother's group. Wilde is stuck staying with her due to his injuries, but the hot biker is making her hot. When a loser comes around harassing her, Wilde is the one who protects her.

Can Wilde take care of the mess his father left him in and protect Bou at the same time? Some may find part of the book triggering, for violence and assault. The books should be read in order as they are interconnected.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.