Celt

The Ridge MC #2

by Susan Stradiotto

Two tormented pasts, one healing future.

Celt

My body and soul are broken. Beyond repair.
There’s no return.
The Ridge is my past, and I can’t see a future.

Roni

Finally, I have a normal, middle-class, and blessedly boring future on my horizon. I have one more hurdle—a testimony to give—and everything before will be erased. I’ll close the door on the family I left and on the life of crime I found. With my Practical Nursing Diploma, a passing score on my exam, and a stable job at the St. Joseph’s Medical Center in an upscale suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, everything looks promising for the first time in over a decade. But, there is this one patient . . .

Note: Celt is Book 2 in The Ridge MC Series following Throttle Me, currently featured in Tease Me: A Contemporary Romance Collection. Throttle Me will be re-released in late May, 2023, as Wilde: The Ridge MC, #2.

Genres: Romance

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 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

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Dark MC Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Ridge MC series. This book like most other MC Romance as a lot of things that can trigger a reader, and they are not for everyone. Please look into triggers before picking up this book. I did read the first book in this series before picking up this book, and I do feel you really need to have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. This book picks up right where the other book ended. I was not sure how I felt about Celt's character after the first book, but this book is all about him healing after everything that happened in the first book. I am glad we get to see a softer side of him. I really fell in love with Roni's character from the beginning, but I do not think we got her whole backstory. I hope more of her backstory comes out in another book in this series. I loved reading this book, and I will keep reading this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bronzewood Books) or author (Susan Stradiotto) via Booksirens, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg this was so much better than the first one. BUT the smut still wasn't smutting unfortunately.

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

[Esther T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt Murray is a broken man mind, soul and body. Victoria “Toni” Lewis is a nurse with a lot of secret L’s but so is Celt. The instant attraction and the love that blossomed is something these two needed and I needed it for them as well after everything they’ve been through. You have to read “Wilde” before because this is just a continuation and you’ll better understand the story line. Ms. Stradiotto you know how to put us through the wringer!! Phew This story is very well written, love the characters and secondary characters, plot just everything. I absolutely can’t wait for who you’ll write about next perhaps Cook or Angel. Please don’t leave us hanging too long!!!

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

[Victoria Liiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

-Motorcycle club
-Medical Romance
-Stuck together

Warnings:
- Violence
-Torture


I read the first book, Wilde’s story, in the Tease Me boxset and when Susan offered ARC copies of Celt I just had to have it. She writes damaged characters with rough pasts and mixed in difficult situations. The end of the first book, which I will not spoil for you, opens up to Celt’s story incredibly well. The man is not in a great place, he is broken and damaged, refusing to see his sister. The only thing keeping him from going completely berserkers on everyone around him is a blonde nurse. There is this hyperfocus Celt has on this woman every time she walks into his hospital room that is absolutely thrilling to see. We all crave for the sort of devotion Celt shows to Roni from the moment he lays his eyes on her. Their connection is so beautiful and crushes through all the reasons why they shouldn’t be together.

Just like Celt, Roni has a difficult past. While Celt refuses to talk about his, Roni is not allowed to. She is finally starting to get to a decent place in life, into something ‘normal’ when Celt comes around and shatters the meaning of ‘normal’ altogether. Roni is sweet and soft on the surface, but she is a damn warrior on the inside and it is not only her past that proves it.

Susan Stradiotto knows exactly how to create the perfect tension, break down the walls between her characters and just when you think everything is going smoothly all hell breaks loose. Absolutely enjoyed this story.

[Magic book club · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

“The devil himself sent me here.” He paused and his throat worked
for several beats before he added, “But an angel is taking me home.”

This book was much more emotional for me than the first one and I enjoyed it from the very beginning to the end. I like the main characters and I'm sorry that they had to go through some terrible things in their lives.

But love is a universal medicine that heals a wounded heart and soul and that gives you the strength to deal with life.

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

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Roni and Celt’s story ! He gets closure with Rex, but a whole new problem arises in the Ridge when Celt rescues Roni, so we get a cliffhanger ! Luckily the next book is already available. This was a 5⭐️ read for me due to the storyline and the character development.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt Murray was a cop in the ridge, he felt like he held the town together. But after what happens to him while he and his sister were held hostage, he does not know if he can ever go back to his home. He cannot even look at his sister after the events that happened (Wilde). When a nurse comes into his room, things look so much better, he believes she is his.

Roni just wants to live an quiet and uneventful life. She can see the pain behind Celt's eyes and she can put two and two together about what happened to them. When shows interest her, she is not sure if she should bring her issues into his life.

Celt has not seen the last of the man who put him in the hospital, will he be able to protect Roni? 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.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt is the intensely emotional and completely amazing second book in this series. Once I started it, I literally could not put it down. Main characters Roni and Celt are each beautifully broken with dark pasts, trauma that keeps coming after them, and a smokin hot connection that is undeniably insatiable. The author weaves a complex and haunting story that continues the overarching series plot while letting us get to know these two deeply and enjoy their love story. This well-written, gritty, action-filled suspense novel is not for the faint of heart, but it is an amazing read. I’d give it 10 stars if I could!

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

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt and Roni’s story you should read the first book cuz this is a continuation of that but in this you see a softer side to Celt. These two needed each other to help heal their troubled souls. But you will be waiting for the next book to find out what else happens. This has suspense and drama along with violence. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book I downloaded and read Wilde which was the 1st in the series. I was glad I did as it did make a difference for me. Celt is the brother of Bou and what passes for law on the Ridge. The book is well written and has elements of an M.C. story with general lawless and gang/cartel type situations. In fact , for me this story was well rounded with action and romance. Certainly well worth reading but read Wilde first.

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

[LJ Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Celt and Roni's story. Both have been through traumatic experiences and are trying to figure out how to heal from them and come out the other side. The moment Celt sees Roni he feels an instant connection. In the process of him physically healing and then getting to know each other they heal each other as well.
I can't wait to read Angel and find out who the woman in red is!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved book two, it's heart-wrenching to see what Celt goes through but knowing roni the nurse is his light but what is she hiding? Can Celt save her in time or is it to late and he loses to his enemy?.

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

[Kurtins R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celt is the second book in the Ridge MC series. Celt has been through a terrible trauma and his nurse, Roni, becomes his light to a better future. She has baggage, as well, though, so expect another twisted and engaging read. There is a ton of action, danger, twists and, yep, a steamy HEA.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character work and story line were well written and kept me entertained, making this a great addition to the series. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

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

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS

I was so excited to get back into this world, a world of survival, a world of brotherly love, a world of unimaginable horrors, a world of resilience and a world of hope, all smashing together to leave me raw, exposed, vulnerable, just like the characters. When I read the first book in this series, Wilde, I could never have imagined that the subsequent books would be as powerful, as intense as Wilde. Well... I was in for a shock! Not only is it as powerfully raw as book 1, but it evokes extreme emotions in me, an indication of a skilled author. Which Anja Barrons undoubtedly is... I was like bait on her fishing rod and she was directing where to set her lure for maximum effect.

This tale starts off innocuously enough, with Roni, a nurse, happy at being able to be where she was, happy to be moving forward in life, assigned to care for Celt Murray in her ward. But there's nothing innocuous about this book. My goodness, Roni.... Celt.... the animal magmatism.... I was salivating just by reading it. It's not an instant love thing, it's the "looking across the room heart pulsations" thing, when an inexplicable jolt hits. A chemistry thing. Defying logic thing. And the author really coined it! Two broken individuals, Celt and Roni, play out this tale flawlessly. It's because they are themselves so flawed, it rings true. The author doesn't shy away from the guts, the gore, the odious, she lays it out, exposes the ugly nature of some of the worst in people. And geez did my stomach churn!

The love story in itself is alluringly heavenly. Delicate yet unavoidable charges are drawing Celt and Roni together, like opposites on a magnet, they attach to one another. Both are hiding secrets, both have experienced major trauma, they're kindred spirits, subject to much pain and a good portion of regret, they fit like bread and butter. What went down in this book was emotional and darnright stressful, masterfully twisted by Ms Barrons, I gasped aloud more than once. I love how she shows that what's worn the surface is far from what's underneath. There's a complexity that just begs to be unravelled and her depiction, to me, was enticing as it was compelling.

Celt had suffered immeasurable, physically, mentally, emotionally and though he's at breaking point, his guilt threatening to overcome him, fate sent him a lifeline in the form of Roni. This phrase says it all, "The devil himself sent me here, but an angel is taking me home". The strength he shows, the mental might, again, excellently depicted, so realistic. And Roni is not who she appears to be, she's on the run, she's hiding, terrified the mob will find her. She too endured much, although starting a new life as a new person wasn't all she expected. She is caught, but not by the mob. Good golly were those scenes intense!

Yes it's dark, yes it's violent, yes it showcases some really vile deeds, but at the centre of it, is a powerful tale of love, of family, of warmth and unity. So while the upheaval stimulated a feeling of pure emotional rawness, the HEA, left me with an immensely satisfied smile. This author gives it all! And I am lapping it up like one starved!

[Dimitra A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book in the series

I knew it! I had a feeling that this series would get better book by book and this is exactly what happens here. This is the second book in the series and it was significantly better that the first book – which, don’t get me wrong, was not a bad book at all; it just had the potential for being even better. I love the author’s writing style. The plot is flowing and consistent, with enough action and suspense to keep me glued to my kindle. However, I must point out that the plot seems to be quite interconnected within each book, which means that there are some things that happened in the previous book that are addressed, continued or/and concluded in this one. So, although each book contains a particular couple’s story, the series definitely needs to be read in order.

That being said, let’s talk about the characters in this book – main and secondary. All characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional. I really liked both Roni and Celt. It is love at first sight for both of them, but in Celt’s case, it’s what keeps him alive, especially mentally. One look on Roni for the first time is enough to start the heeling process within him. The same goes for Roni, who has her own demons and problems of the past to face – serious problems. Although at first she looks more confused than determined, this only lasts for a while, only as many days Celt spends in hospital. Roni is a nurse in the hospital Celt ends up after the events that happen in the previous book. When he is released and has nowhere to go, she takes him home. She wants to help him even if she is amidst facing her own problems. I loved how they are drawn to each other, how their relationship is presented and developed. Most of all, I loved the blind faith each one has for the other – their story was an amazing journey to follow. I was also pleased to see Bou and Wilde again and how their relationship is now, but most of all, I loved reading about Celt and Bou’s way back to each other. Their sibling love and how they mend each other’s pain and move forward was an amazing thing to read. The MC aspect of the story is slightly more prominent in this book as well, which pleased me. There are some loose ends from the previous book that find their conclusion, but there are also some new ones that appear in this book that I believe will conclude in the next book. I can’t wait to learn more about everything in the next book – Angel is a very intriguing character and I have a feeling his story will be a blast.

All in all, it was a great book. 4.5 stars

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

[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.

#1 Wilde covers Celt's sister Bou and her meeting and falling in love with Wilde, the Prez of Diablo MC. But when the gangs start causing more problems at The Ridge Celt and Bou are taken hostage by AX3 and the Prez of their local MC, who want information from them. Both undergo assualts especially Celt who is brutalised in front of his sister. Because of the injuries he sustained, he is rushed to A+E to undergo surgery.

Celt is struggling to deal with the assualt and can't face his sister, who he turns away, but in walks Roni, a nurse, an angel, who takes him from the hell he is in. She is the only one he will deal with, the only only one that calms him.

Roni, is new at the hospital, she has moved there under a new name as she is in witness protection. She is due to give evidence against a top mobster when it eventually goes to court. She is a survivor, she is dealing with issues from her capture by the mafia. She feels the hit, the connection to Celt as soon as she looks into his eyes. She tries to keep it professional with being his nurse but the longer she is around Celt the more she is drawn to him. When it comes to his release from hospital, Celt has no where to go and can only leave if he has someone to help him and his 'angel' comes to his aid again.

As the story progresses, it follows the hunt for Rex, who has brutalised Celt's family. Things come to light from the past, that he and Bou have to deal with. Roni is in danger again, but who from? Has her past eventually caught up with her and this time they'll be no escaping? Or has Rex taken another thing from Celt?

Celt now has to decide, does he go by the book to keep his family safe and those he loves, or is he judge, jury and executioner?

Again, loved this book as much as #1+#5, now, I have to read #3 Angel, so definitely not getting anything done today apart from sitting in my chair and my nose firmly in my kindle!!.

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family secrets are revealed.

Compared to book one, "Wilde," this book is less brutal, although still dark. Some enemies have been dealt with, but evil always seems to have more evil in the background waiting for their chance. Violence, including murder, kidnapping, torture, and human trafficking, occurs. 

Roni is just beginning her career as a LPN at a LA hospital, working nights in the short-term recovery ward. There's a secret in her past that could put her in harm's way, along with anyone in her vicinity. 

When Celt was taken to the hospital after he was attacked, Roni was one of his nurses. Something about her calms him, so while he's hospitalized, she's his main caregiver, other than for his meds. Even while in the hospital, Rex is threatening him. Celt has to decide if he will leave The Ridge or stay and try to return it to what it once was when his father was in charge.

When it's time for him to be released, he has no place to go. His sister, Bou, had burned down the family home to erase the site where Rex inflicted the atrocities upon them. Against all the warnings she was taught in nurse's training to not get involved with your patients, Roni allows him to use the second bedroom in her apartment.

When Roni is kidnapped, at first no one is certain who took her. Is it someone from her past or his? Celt only knows that he will get her back and that someone will pay for taking her. In rescuing Roni, the men discover a human trafficking ring run by Rex.

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

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not surprisingly, a good chunk of this book is devoted to Celt’s recovery from the abuse he suffered in book one. It’s difficult to imagine what goes through a man’s mind in that situation but the appearance of his nurse, Roni, seems to calm him and give him a sense of peace for the first time. Though there’s an undeniable connection, Roni has her own secrets to hide, yet when Celt has nowhere to go, she offers him the spare room in her apartment. As Roni and Celt grow closer, he starts to see a brighter future and perhaps a way to forget what he has suffered. Although he has not forgotten his plans for revenge and has someone watching Rex (from the first book), his focus is on Roni. When Roni is kidnapped on their first date, all hell breaks loose and the violence we saw in the first book of the series makes a return. It’s always been true that a crisis reveals who your true friends are and Celt gathers them around him as they ride to get Roni back. When they finally catch up to Rex, I was disappointed at the all-too-quick end. I was really hoping for some deserved retribution for everything that he had done. While Roni does not escape all this unscathed, her ordeal cements exactly what she means to Celt in his mind and though we have yet to learn her full backstory, there’s no doubt who will be there by her side.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt was injured seriously and had to be taken to Phoenix for treatment after he was captured by Rex, his enemy, leader of Ridge MC and the AX3 cartel. His sister, Bou, was also hurt. Celt is in ICU until he was stable enough for surgery for his injuries. He would be brought to the short-term recovery & rehab floor where Roni, who was 6-weeks in her 1st job as a LPN after she had works a week in the ICU for shift rotation. She had seen Bou there as Celt refused to see Bou. After surgery, Celt wouldn't calm down and guards were summoned to possibly strap him down to avoid him hurting himself. When Celt saw Roni as she entered his room with his IV med; he calmed down. The surgery nurse asked Roni to remain with the patient. Several days later, black roses are delivered for Celt with a card and when Celt reads the card--Rex knows where he is. He lets Wilde know that Rex sent flowers and a card; Wilde starts a search for Rex. Do they find Rex's whereabouts? As Celt is scheduled to be released from the hospital, he has no where to go since his house in Ridge is where his injuries occurred; he doesn't want to return there. Roni offers him her spare bedroom. He accepts. How will this play out? What is Celt respond when Roni is kidnapped? Read what happens!

Each book in this series builds on the previous books.

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

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

This book is a powerful ending to the duology and must be read in order as it continues right where Wilde ended. This is Celt's healing story following everything he went through in the previous book.

Roni is a wonderful character, with her own dark past and things to work through, so she matches Celt very well. The insta-love, a trope I'm not usually very fond of, was done exceptionally well and I could just go with it and enjoy the ride.

Stradiotto really likes to put her characters through the wringer and this book is no different from the previous one. There are triggers galore, but it is an incredible book. Well thought out and deeply moving in that it seeks to find HEAs for broken people who so often don't get even a HFN. It's an intense read that I blazed through in just a few hours because no matter what, I couldn't put the book down. I'm curious if there's going to be a third book because although the love story is satisfactorily completed, there are still some loose ends on the wider plot, especially with Roni's unfinished business from her past and the one villain that got away in this book. But either way, I love this author's works and will be reading everything else I haven't yet gotten to while I wait for new releases. Highly recommend! This is gritty dark steamy romance at its best.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

Celt picks right where Wilde ends. Celt is in the hospital trying to heal physically. Emotionally, he is pushing those he knows away due to shame after his attack. Roni is his nurse. She has her own troubled past that she is hiding from. Celt finds she calms him and he seeks her out. Celt spends all his time with Roni, who allows him to live with her while he heals. When Rex, his attacker comes back into the picture, the original gang come to help.

The healing that they both go through (but especially Celt) is tough. They are a great couple that realize this as they spend time together. This book isn't as hard to read as Wilde but it is still dark. The story really needs to be read after Wilde so that you understand what happened to Celt. There are a few points that do not wrap up at the end but it doesn't really end on a cliffhanger. This book is more of an emotional journey than full of physical action. It is a satisfying read. The characters are well written. Each book's plot pulls me farther into the world created. I recommend Celt.

[vixen ‹𝟹 reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘/𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖜 ↴
(𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔰𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔩𝔢𝔯𝔶)‼️

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘: The Ridge MC #2
𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞 𝖙𝖞𝖕𝖊: interconnected
𝖍𝖊𝖆/𝖈𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗: hea/hfn ღ
𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: dark romance
𝖕𝖔𝖛: dual

𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖕𝖑𝖊: Roni & Atlas
𝖕𝖊𝖙 𝖓𝖆𝖒𝖊: (H) “Charlie” (h) “Roni-girl”

♥️ 𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘 - nurse x patient, age gap, close proximity, healing (fractured mmc), she’s the exception, scarred fmc, hidden identity, protect/provide

🧨 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊 - size difference, insta-spark, praise

🚩 𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖋𝖑𝖆𝖌𝖘 - only she can calm him, insta-possessive

⛔️ 𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖌𝖌𝖊𝖗𝖘 - violence, de/ath of family, ab/use of family, non-consensual situations inc male on male ‘R’ as an act of tor/ture (off-page) + themes, triggers and content in line with dark romance genre.

────── ⋆⋅🖤 𝖒𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘 🖤⋅⋆ ──────

Sometimes it’s the raw emotions that can capture you more than all the sminkyness, and this delivers emotional bucketloads.

My heart physically ached. But I couldn’t put this book down, it had a hold over me like it was the source of my next breath.

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
⇉ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series hurts in the best way—and Celt might be my favorite yet. You definitely need to read Wilde’s book first, as this one picks up right where it left off and dives even deeper into the emotional wreckage.

Celt is broken—mind, body, and soul. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him after book one, but this story gave me a whole new side to him. He’s angry, haunted, and raw—but when Roni enters his world, something shifts. She’s calm, quiet strength wrapped in softness, and their connection is undeniable from the start. It’s messy, intense, and full of that hyper-focused, ride-or-die energy I love in an MC romance.

Roni’s backstory is still mostly hidden, but you can feel the weight she carries—and I need more of her in future books. I also loved seeing familiar side characters again (Cook’s book when?!), and the emotional depth of this one really hit me hard.

⚠️ This is dark MC romance with heavy triggers—check them before diving in. It’s not a fluffy read, but if you love damaged characters, gritty plots, and hard-won love, this delivers.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt Murray was a cop in the ridge, he felt like he held the town together. But after what happens to him while he and his sister were held hostage, he does not know if he can ever go back to his home. He cannot even look at his sister after the events that happened (Wilde). When a nurse comes into his room, things look so much better, he believes she is his.

Roni just wants to live an quiet and uneventful life. She can see the pain behind Celt's eyes and she can put two and two together about what happened to them. When shows interest her, she is not sure if she should bring her issues into his life.

Celt has not seen the last of the man who put him in the hospital, will he be able to protect Roni? 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.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart broke reading this story. What Celt endured at the hands of Rex is just too much for words and could cause triggers. The abuse that Celt endured would break any man, any man except Celt that is. With the help of Roni (his nurse while he was recovering in the hospital), Celt feels like he has a reason to go on. She helps to calm him. Roni just started at the hospital and has a few secrets of her own. Her and Celt have a connection and when he is released, she agrees to let him stay at her house for a few days until he can figure out where he is going to go.

When Roni ends up kidnapped by Rex, Celt is ready for war – someone is going to die and Roni will be saved no matter what. When they go to rescue her, the end up finding out that Rex was part of a human trafficking ring.

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

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second instalment of The Ridge MC series is just as intense as the first. Celt has been through so much, and getting to see him heal was wonderful. I liked how the author portrayed Celt and Roni, and their interactions. They felt like a solid, wholesome couple right from the start, and I really liked how they offered each other the emotional support each of them needed.

The broader story that connects the novels in this series is gearing up to be incredibly violent and intense. At first I thought this story would be very contained within the community of "The Ridge", but the author has done an amazing job to intermesh the invented location with real world places and fill it with not only biker gangs, and all their "stuff", but even with hints of trafficking and links to the Mafia. It's great worldbuilding and these stories honestly look at the darker side of life and find beauty in it despite everything.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celt: The Ridge MC is the second book of this series. I absolutely love reading MC romance books. I found this book to be both suspenseful and a page-turner. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat the entire time I read this book. I thought it to be both enjoyable and entertaining at the same time. The second book of this series, follows the story of Celt and Roni. I thought these two characters were quite interesting and I enjoyed learning about them. Now I’m not going to give out any details of this book because I don’t want to spoil the book for future readers. However, I would most certainly recommend this book to others.

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

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their connection was instant and everyone could see it. The way she settled him was wonderful but a little scary. She just wanted to find a new normal and he was never part of her plan. He didn't think he would ever be close to the man he was before the incident that put him in the hospital. Once she stops pushing him away and he starts to fight for what he wants they are unstoppable. What she goes thru at the hands of the same man who broke so much of his family was scary and unthinkable. I'm glad he was able to do what he did to move forward. I look forward to reading about what happens next for all of these characters.

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

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on what happened in Wilde, book 1, I needed to read this one to see how Celt (and Bou) overcame their trauma. I dreaded this story as much as I craved it and the author did not disappoint! Celt is in the hospital recovering from his injuries when he meets Roni, who is his nurse. She has her own past with secrets that she is hiding from. The two recognize the damaged souls they each carry and find solace in each other. When she takes him home to her house to help him recover, after plenty of dancing around their attraction they finally connect. This is an emotional read between two damaged souls with lots of heart.

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