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Wicked Men of Rockland #1
The Wicked Bad
Nick Crocetti is an imposing figure in black leather riding his motorcycle about the town of Rockland. Owner of a bar, The Chief, whispers of criminal dealings and a murky past swirl around him. Dark and brooding, Nick is “the wicked bad” in looks and demeanor.
Veronica Barnes, leaving a husband from a disastrously quick Las Vegas marriage and her high-paying consulting job, returns home after ten years to follow a lifelong dream and open her own bakery.
Despite the mutual physical attraction—and a shared past—Nick and Veronica are wary of each other and have protective fences around their hearts.
Can they break down the barriers of past heartbreak, or is Veronica just a good girl who longs to rub against “the wicked bad”?
Veronica Barnes, leaving a husband from a disastrously quick Las Vegas marriage and her high-paying consulting job, returns home after ten years to follow a lifelong dream and open her own bakery.
Despite the mutual physical attraction—and a shared past—Nick and Veronica are wary of each other and have protective fences around their hearts.
Can they break down the barriers of past heartbreak, or is Veronica just a good girl who longs to rub against “the wicked bad”?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2013
5 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Karyn Gerrard
51 books598 followersI no longer come to Goodreads, so there will be no updates by me on this profile.
For further information on my books, check out my site here: http://karyngerrard.com/
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 10, 2015
1 star. DNF at 30 %. Review posted April 18, 2013
Note to readers: You must select at least one right answer. Good luck!
I swear by everything holy I tried to like this book, but the story and its characters failed big time. This is beyond bad.
Anyways, I really don't want to waste my precious reading time by writing a long review. Therefore I apologize in advance for quoting way too much, but I think it will give you a feel what you can expect in case you'd like to read the book.
In a nutshell
They meet, awkward and embarrassing interaction, mutual attractiveness, they fix a date. She is on cloud nine. *sunshine & roses*
The Wicked Bad was beyond bad. Awfully bad. In fact, it must be one of the worst books I've read this year. Very poor, cheesy, and amateurish writing, no build-up whatsoever, no chemistry, no sexual tension. The sex scenes are a turn-off. To top everything off the MCs are incredibly bland as well as one-dimensional. The narrative is horrible, and the stilted and uninspiring dialogue are the icing on the flavorless cake. Nick has a hard-on all the time and the crying heroine felt forced, totally misplaced. Also, the physical attributes of hero and heroine are mentioned ad nauseam. Hence, I highly dislike repetitiveness. Besides, telling me over and over again how incredibly hot or muscled or luscious the characters are will not draw me into the story. If anything, it will encourage me to get irritated in no time flat. Truth be told, this story made me want to gag and I was rolling my eyes all the time. In any event, I can't believe that such a crappy book has found a publisher.
Whoa. Hold your horses, Ronnie.
I wanted to burn this book.
Hmm...I can see your problem, Nick. You always have to think about your raging hard-on. 24/7. That's hard work, for sure. So, it's kinda normal when your brain takes a break.
Yeah, why bother? *rolls eyes* You know while reading this story I've had quite a few WTF moments...
The Wicked Bad is beyond help. Do not attempt at resuscitation.
Huh? This is supposed to be funny? How wonderful.
Rawwwrrrr! *shudder*
Sorry, but I'm so done…
Read at your own risk.
P.S. There is always a first for everything. I returned The Wicked Bad to amazon because it's a shame to pay 3.62 euro for this sorry excuse of a book.
Note to readers: You must select at least one right answer. Good luck!
I swear by everything holy I tried to like this book, but the story and its characters failed big time. This is beyond bad.
Anyways, I really don't want to waste my precious reading time by writing a long review. Therefore I apologize in advance for quoting way too much, but I think it will give you a feel what you can expect in case you'd like to read the book.
In a nutshell
They meet, awkward and embarrassing interaction, mutual attractiveness, they fix a date. She is on cloud nine. *sunshine & roses*
The Wicked Bad was beyond bad. Awfully bad. In fact, it must be one of the worst books I've read this year. Very poor, cheesy, and amateurish writing, no build-up whatsoever, no chemistry, no sexual tension. The sex scenes are a turn-off. To top everything off the MCs are incredibly bland as well as one-dimensional. The narrative is horrible, and the stilted and uninspiring dialogue are the icing on the flavorless cake. Nick has a hard-on all the time and the crying heroine felt forced, totally misplaced. Also, the physical attributes of hero and heroine are mentioned ad nauseam. Hence, I highly dislike repetitiveness. Besides, telling me over and over again how incredibly hot or muscled or luscious the characters are will not draw me into the story. If anything, it will encourage me to get irritated in no time flat. Truth be told, this story made me want to gag and I was rolling my eyes all the time. In any event, I can't believe that such a crappy book has found a publisher.
Great, he stood in a bakery with a raging hard-on.
(…)The leather pants hid nothing. He was determined he'd talk to her today even if it killed him, and at this rate it would. Baba thinks: Great, another hero who has to deal with a raging hard-on 24/7. Too bad you're still here, Nick. I really hope your c@ck is going to kill you.
Black leather pants caressed his muscular thighs and--her head snapped back up--he had a package that could win a first place blue ribbon on one of those bulge websites, not that she ever visited them.
A trace of heat traveled through her as she stared at him. Veronica observed his eyes darken, with interest? Surely, she was mistaken. She licked her lips as they had gone dry, but not her thighs; they were a raging river in the early spring thaw. Baba thinks: Our Swiss Alps are really close to spring thaw at the moment. Yup, my focus is missing. Blah, blah, blah. *major headdesk moment*
"Yeah, and you're Veronica Barnes. Hi."
Her throat closed over. Never in her life did she have such an immediate reaction to a man like this. All she wanted to do was throw him to the floor and crawl all over his tall, muscled frame. Taste his golden skin. Kiss those full lips. Grind her very core into his huge bulge. Oh, wow! She felt her face flame hot.
Whoa. Hold your horses, Ronnie.
I wanted to burn this book.
A low animal snarl escaped his lips as he strode outside. His growl sent a wave of heat straight between Veronica's legs.
There wasn't much in this world that rattled her, but standing before the sexy presence of Terminator Nick rocked her senses.
Nick hadn't slept for two nights. He had restless-sheet-twisting-brain-racing-staring-at-the-clock-with-cat-naps-in-between type of sleep. Where to take Ronnie for dinner? Where to go for the drive? What in hell would they talk about?
Hmm...I can see your problem, Nick. You always have to think about your raging hard-on. 24/7. That's hard work, for sure. So, it's kinda normal when your brain takes a break.
She could go full-bore slut mode, but she didn't really own any sexy clothes. Well, except for one dress William made her buy in Vegas. The outfit was cut so low her size D-cups spilled out into her lap. Turn suddenly and her nipples would pop out and wink at someone. No way.
William used to go on and on about it, forever grabbing her like he married her tits instead of her.
"I William Forteque Titus the II, take these tits to be my legally married…" Veronica giggled. Even his name---'Tit-us.' It fit. If you can't laugh about it, why bother?
Yeah, why bother? *rolls eyes* You know while reading this story I've had quite a few WTF moments...
She walked past him, close enough to brush by his sweater and allowing him to have a whiff of her delicious aroma. Some fruity body wash, delicate, not overpowering. He could detect expensive cologne mixed with her distinct, sexy, feminine scent. He closed his eyes briefly and savored it. Nick stepped aside so she could lock the door.
They enjoyed a bowl of crab soup and were waiting for the steaks to arrive. In between courses they made small talk about generalities, nothing too heavy or probing personally. Nick was too preoccupied by the perpetual hard-on he had since Ronnie climbed on the back of his bike and snuggled her lush body against his. The sensation of those luscious breasts slammed against his back with her small, delicate hands around his waist, and her feminine core nestled against his ass—lingered. Nick had felt her heartbeat, every intake of her breath and he could feel it still. Never was he so in-tune with a woman’s body before, every twitch and every movement without sex being involved. His cock was hard as granite. Unbelievable. The erection felt damned painful and embarrassing.
The Wicked Bad is beyond help. Do not attempt at resuscitation.
"You haven't been with any women…"
"Oh, I didn't say I haven't been with women, just haven't been on a date." One corner of his mouth twitched in what Veronica supposed was amusement.
Veronica laughed out loud, she couldn't help it. Nick smiled broadly in return. He could be funny. How wonderful.
Huh? This is supposed to be funny? How wonderful.
Out of the corner of his mouth snarled a sexy, animal groan of pure longing.
Veronica could feel every hardened edge of him. Nick was aroused, how could she miss it?
He was ready to go off like a roman candle.
Nick almost spilled himself in his jeans right then and there. Never saw anything so sensual as Ronnie climaxing merely by rubbing against him. He sat up and kept her firmly straddling his erection. If it was hard before, now it was beyond. Damned cement.
A low, languid moan escaped from Nick. The noise rumbled up from his toes and shook him.
"Off," she snarled (yes, she snarled) as she pulled at his sweater.
Her face and breasts stung gloriously from his closely-cropped goatee rubbing against her skin. She wanted to feel that silky, soft facial hair rub against the inside of her thighs and that magical, probing tongue of his firmly planted in the deepest and wettest part of her. Veronica had to bite back a moan from escaping her lips from the image.
Veronica bent over to grab her clipboard when she glanced outside. What she saw made her drop it on the floor with a clatter.
Under the streetlight with his long muscular legs spread apart and his hands at his side clenched into fists, stood Nick Crocetti. Getting past the initial shock of seeing him, what shocked her further was the look on his face.
Pure, feral, animal lust. Want. Desire.
Rawwwrrrr! *shudder*
He took her hand and placed it over his hard-as-a-rock dick. Veronica moaned, she couldn't help herself. He had a brick down his pants, surely.
"I've been in this condition since Saturday night," he rasped.
His hand lay atop hers, pressing and urging her to grab as much of him as she could. She did. Nick groaned right from his toes.
"Is your brother here?"
Damn, how could she have hot, wild, feral sex if her brother was in the next room?"
Nick looked around, how to do this? He sat her on the tall crate. Perfect. Exact height he hoped for. All he had to do was stand in front of her, spread those luscious thighs, and take what he had dreamed about since he was eighteen years old. He lowered his zipper. He wore no underwear either tonight. Grabbing his hardened cock, he pulled it out.
"Nick. Your cock is so--thick," she whispered, almost with awe.
So thick that at times it was hard to get a condom on. Baba exclaims: WOWWWWW!
"Help me out here, Ronnie."
She didn't hesitate. She grabbed him with both hands while he tried to get the condom over his rock hard prick. He was so rigid, never been this stiff before. His breath puffed out in ragged gasps, he'd be hyperventilating soon. Yeah, that would be attractive. Breathe into a paper bag while having sex. Baba thinks: Let this be over...soon! *groans*
The scent was enticing and male--wildness--a feral tiger. Her crotch nestled firmly against his muscular ass. The friction from the bumps and lurches and the rhythmic vibrations of the bike as he drove caused a landslide of heat to envelope her. The bike and Nick were one entity, each an extension of the other. Dominant, throbbing and lustful. Desire pierced her. She barely bit off a moan before it floated past her lips.
Sorry, but I'm so done…
Read at your own risk.
P.S. There is always a first for everything. I returned The Wicked Bad to amazon because it's a shame to pay 3.62 euro for this sorry excuse of a book.
August 6, 2013
3 stars
Mmmm… biker-bar owner Jake has been waiting for his chance, ten years later and more experience under his belt he finally gets it, Ronnie’s back in town and she’s here for good. Opening day at Ronnie’s bakery is full of surprises, the biggest one is about six foot five motorcycle riding leather weathering man strolls in and asks her out on a date. Ronnie remembers Jake, he was the bad-boy of the school, the man-boy that no one had the nerve to go up and talk to. Thrown back in time to high school, trying to satisfy the curiosity of eachother out of their systems, only the more time they spend together the more cravings they have to satisfy. Jake isn’t anything like what his reputation paints his to be, and it’s up to her to prove to this man what they have is real
Jake didn’t know any better and kept a ten-foot wall around him daring only the brave to come talk to him. Ronnie shows no fear; she sees this man for what he truly is and can’t help but fall for the big teddy bear. Who could refuse a man who plays along with your fantasies and can fuck you six ways till Sunday.
The Wicked Bad started a bit slow for me, but half way through it took off and to my benefit it took on a different feel. What a nice change to read a book where the couple actually communicated and didn’t feel like they had to keep secrets, accepting each other for who they are. It was an overall cute-sexy read.
“Are you some thrill seeker, one of those good girls eager to rub up against some wicked bad? Is that why you’re here? I’ll be as bad as you want, just say the word.”
Mmmm… biker-bar owner Jake has been waiting for his chance, ten years later and more experience under his belt he finally gets it, Ronnie’s back in town and she’s here for good. Opening day at Ronnie’s bakery is full of surprises, the biggest one is about six foot five motorcycle riding leather weathering man strolls in and asks her out on a date. Ronnie remembers Jake, he was the bad-boy of the school, the man-boy that no one had the nerve to go up and talk to. Thrown back in time to high school, trying to satisfy the curiosity of eachother out of their systems, only the more time they spend together the more cravings they have to satisfy. Jake isn’t anything like what his reputation paints his to be, and it’s up to her to prove to this man what they have is real
“I meant what I said, Nick. In case you were lying here doubting my word. I love you. Love. You. Get used to it, because I’ll be saying it a lot.” She kissed his cheek tenderly. “Love Nick, the forever type. The share everything type. The passion type. The ‘I will look after you in sickness and health’ type. You’re coming home with me, agreed?”
Jake didn’t know any better and kept a ten-foot wall around him daring only the brave to come talk to him. Ronnie shows no fear; she sees this man for what he truly is and can’t help but fall for the big teddy bear. Who could refuse a man who plays along with your fantasies and can fuck you six ways till Sunday.
The Wicked Bad started a bit slow for me, but half way through it took off and to my benefit it took on a different feel. What a nice change to read a book where the couple actually communicated and didn’t feel like they had to keep secrets, accepting each other for who they are. It was an overall cute-sexy read.
June 4, 2015
This book had a lot going for it. The dark, brooding ‘hero’ (biker guy, even better). The whole wounded soul thing.
I admit I’m not a fan of insta-sex. I know it’s supposed to be sexy, but to me, I’m not invested in the characters yet. Veronica struck me as flighty and way too ‘easy’ - I was disappointed that Nick didn’t have to work harder to get sex from her. On the other hand, the sexy parts were imaginative (think dress-up play) and different.
Lots of little things that bugged me, though. Veronica’s short marriage did not seem like enough to cause her state of ‘poor me’ given her happy childhood and existence up to then. The ‘bad guy’ seemed like a real stretch of imagination. The fact that fire could be burning on Nick’s arm yet his friend could just stand there in the bathroom and make calls. The scenes with the cop/brother.
The text was sort of tired and cliché (“She took it all, took all he had”) and consisted of a fair amount of run-on sentences or partial sentences. Used sparingly and well, short partial sentences can give a sense of urgency but that wasn’t needed here. On the other hand, the author nailed the Irish friend. 3.5 stars.
I admit I’m not a fan of insta-sex. I know it’s supposed to be sexy, but to me, I’m not invested in the characters yet. Veronica struck me as flighty and way too ‘easy’ - I was disappointed that Nick didn’t have to work harder to get sex from her. On the other hand, the sexy parts were imaginative (think dress-up play) and different.
Lots of little things that bugged me, though. Veronica’s short marriage did not seem like enough to cause her state of ‘poor me’ given her happy childhood and existence up to then. The ‘bad guy’ seemed like a real stretch of imagination. The fact that fire could be burning on Nick’s arm yet his friend could just stand there in the bathroom and make calls. The scenes with the cop/brother.
The text was sort of tired and cliché (“She took it all, took all he had”) and consisted of a fair amount of run-on sentences or partial sentences. Used sparingly and well, short partial sentences can give a sense of urgency but that wasn’t needed here. On the other hand, the author nailed the Irish friend. 3.5 stars.
April 18, 2016
I stopped reading at 37% and skimmed the rest.
There were allot of things that didn't work for me, the first being that TWB was very much a traditional romance. From the description I was hoping for an anti-hero and unfortunately for me Nick Crocetti is more "mildly naughty" as opposed to "wicked bad".
As a traditional romance the story did not keep my attention and I had to stop reading and skim when boredom overtook me. Initially I found the story to be unintentionally funny and it reminded me of a Saturday Night Live skit with the constant references to Nick's "package, perpetual hard on, huge bulge that would send old ladies screaming, brick down his pants."...I could actually keep going.
The sex scenes were copious, but didn't do anything for me given that I wasn't really invested in the characters and honestly they felt more like caricatures than characters to me. I found the dialogue to be a bit off, not how "regular people" talk and that turned me off because I love dialogue and character driven stories.
I think my feelings are summarized by the classic scene ( SPOILER) where Nick comes to Veronica's bakery because he has not been able to get rid of his...you know...since their date where they both relived their teenaged fantasies by dry humping each other (it was good for both of them if you're wondering, but apparently not good ENOUGH for Nick). They can't use Veronica's home as her brother is staying with her and Nick gasps that he "Won't make it" if they try to go to his house (sounds like a medical condition he should have checked); so they decide to get it on in the alley behind the bakery. Veronica gushes about Nick's endowments, and orders Nick to "Do it, now. Hard and fast. Against the crates, I don't care". Funny? Yes, but it only goes so far.
Then there are some contrived plot devices that lead Nick to get over his commitment issues (his parents neglected him and his first "love"/Mommy figure broke up with him - poor baby, thank God nothing REALLY bad happened to him); opening up the way for a HEA. (END SPOILER)
Might be exactly what some people are looking for...just not for me.
There were allot of things that didn't work for me, the first being that TWB was very much a traditional romance. From the description I was hoping for an anti-hero and unfortunately for me Nick Crocetti is more "mildly naughty" as opposed to "wicked bad".
As a traditional romance the story did not keep my attention and I had to stop reading and skim when boredom overtook me. Initially I found the story to be unintentionally funny and it reminded me of a Saturday Night Live skit with the constant references to Nick's "package, perpetual hard on, huge bulge that would send old ladies screaming, brick down his pants."...I could actually keep going.
The sex scenes were copious, but didn't do anything for me given that I wasn't really invested in the characters and honestly they felt more like caricatures than characters to me. I found the dialogue to be a bit off, not how "regular people" talk and that turned me off because I love dialogue and character driven stories.
I think my feelings are summarized by the classic scene ( SPOILER) where Nick comes to Veronica's bakery because he has not been able to get rid of his...you know...since their date where they both relived their teenaged fantasies by dry humping each other (it was good for both of them if you're wondering, but apparently not good ENOUGH for Nick). They can't use Veronica's home as her brother is staying with her and Nick gasps that he "Won't make it" if they try to go to his house (sounds like a medical condition he should have checked); so they decide to get it on in the alley behind the bakery. Veronica gushes about Nick's endowments, and orders Nick to "Do it, now. Hard and fast. Against the crates, I don't care". Funny? Yes, but it only goes so far.
Then there are some contrived plot devices that lead Nick to get over his commitment issues (his parents neglected him and his first "love"/Mommy figure broke up with him - poor baby, thank God nothing REALLY bad happened to him); opening up the way for a HEA. (END SPOILER)
Might be exactly what some people are looking for...just not for me.
April 18, 2013
3 1/2 stars
Veronica has returned to her childhood town and is opening a bakery with her divorce settlement. When Nick see's that Veronica is back home he knows he has to stop by her bakery and see her and hopefully get her out of his system. Nick is never with a woman more than once and Veronica has always intrigued him. Veronica and Nick went to the same school in high school but never hung around the same people. So when Nick stops by Veronica's bakery she is amazed that it's Nick the boy who in high school all the girls wanted. When Nick asks Veronica on a date she happily accepts and Nick hopes that this will finally get her off his mind but it has the opposite effect and Nick and Veronica find themselves spending more and more time together but both are scared of love for good reasons so they will both have to decide if the other is worth the risk and worth moving past their fears. While growing closer and closer someone has a grudge against Nick that they will make sure they repay. This was a pretty good story I felt like at times the story dragged and that the characters internal dialogue was at times wishy washy that being said The writing was good and Karyn Gerrard had me caring about Nick and Veronica easily and rooting for their Happy ever after. I am guessing that book two will be about Veronica's friend and Nick's friend and I like that I have again found a series with different characters for each book.
Veronica has returned to her childhood town and is opening a bakery with her divorce settlement. When Nick see's that Veronica is back home he knows he has to stop by her bakery and see her and hopefully get her out of his system. Nick is never with a woman more than once and Veronica has always intrigued him. Veronica and Nick went to the same school in high school but never hung around the same people. So when Nick stops by Veronica's bakery she is amazed that it's Nick the boy who in high school all the girls wanted. When Nick asks Veronica on a date she happily accepts and Nick hopes that this will finally get her off his mind but it has the opposite effect and Nick and Veronica find themselves spending more and more time together but both are scared of love for good reasons so they will both have to decide if the other is worth the risk and worth moving past their fears. While growing closer and closer someone has a grudge against Nick that they will make sure they repay. This was a pretty good story I felt like at times the story dragged and that the characters internal dialogue was at times wishy washy that being said The writing was good and Karyn Gerrard had me caring about Nick and Veronica easily and rooting for their Happy ever after. I am guessing that book two will be about Veronica's friend and Nick's friend and I like that I have again found a series with different characters for each book.
November 2, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. I’m giving this book 4 Fangs.
His Wicked Celtic Kiss is book 2 in the Wicked Men of Rockland Series. Although the story stands alone I think it might have been helpful to read book 1 as this is where Julie and Lorcan meet and storyline from book 1 is mentioned a few times. This installment brings us the Story of Julie and Lorcan. Julie is a former fat girl with body issues. Lorcan is a former Irish soldier in the United States for a few months helping a friend, Sully. He helps running a strip club with his friend who is related to a mob family.
To me a military man, even a former military man, drags me in quickly. Lorcan has ghosts haunting him and it’s the reason he left the military. He is strong and giving, but doesn’t think he deserves love or can love anyone in return. I also like the way he helped Julie realize that she is beautiful. All of the characters in this book were well written and I could feel the emotions easily.
I really found the way Karyn handled the military aspect of the book compelling. Touching on a subject that could be depressing with compassion and understanding.
The sex is hot, but the story is even better. I’d recommend this book, to anyone who likes erotic romance, or military romance. I am going to have to go back and read Wicked Bad just to see how the story started and look forward to continuing to follow the series.
His Wicked Celtic Kiss is book 2 in the Wicked Men of Rockland Series. Although the story stands alone I think it might have been helpful to read book 1 as this is where Julie and Lorcan meet and storyline from book 1 is mentioned a few times. This installment brings us the Story of Julie and Lorcan. Julie is a former fat girl with body issues. Lorcan is a former Irish soldier in the United States for a few months helping a friend, Sully. He helps running a strip club with his friend who is related to a mob family.
To me a military man, even a former military man, drags me in quickly. Lorcan has ghosts haunting him and it’s the reason he left the military. He is strong and giving, but doesn’t think he deserves love or can love anyone in return. I also like the way he helped Julie realize that she is beautiful. All of the characters in this book were well written and I could feel the emotions easily.
I really found the way Karyn handled the military aspect of the book compelling. Touching on a subject that could be depressing with compassion and understanding.
The sex is hot, but the story is even better. I’d recommend this book, to anyone who likes erotic romance, or military romance. I am going to have to go back and read Wicked Bad just to see how the story started and look forward to continuing to follow the series.
August 18, 2013
I really enjoyed this book....please tell me it is going to be a series. Julie and Lorcan need their book. What about when Nick goes to work for Lorcan, will that create problems?!? and Tyler, sweet Tyler, he needs someone too! Thanks Karyn for the wonderful afternoon I spent reading this book :)
December 28, 2013
Having the male lead be an mobster's ex enforcer added absolutely nothing yo the story, except to make you wonder why the heroine would want to be with a guy who used to break bones for a living. Same with the secondary male character being a current mobster employee, added nothing.
Want to read
April 11, 2013Mmm nothing I like better than motorbikes and tattoos ;)
February 8, 2014
2.75
Ending was abrupt and left me feeling like their story was unfinished. Too many plot lines just dropped. I might risk this author again if Julie and Lorcan get their own book.
Ending was abrupt and left me feeling like their story was unfinished. Too many plot lines just dropped. I might risk this author again if Julie and Lorcan get their own book.
October 2, 2015
awesome book!!!!!!!‼
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews