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Freebirds #2
Highway Don't Care
An alternate cover edition exists here.
Her
Snark. Jokes. Attitude.
These were all things I used to disguise the hole in my heart. I'm not a happy person. I don't live life. I just exist. That is until that beautiful man rides in on his Harley Fat Boy and burns rubber on the way into my heart.
Him
My life's been no hayride either. Everyone I've ever loved in life has died or betrayed me. So I stay back and watch. Unless you're one of my brothers, you get nothing from me. I don't participate. I ride. I eat. I sleep. I work. And I repeat. That is until Ember stomps into my life with her bad attitude. She's all piss and vinegar, and makes me want to share my bike seat for the first time.
Together
They fight like cats and dogs. Don't see eye to eye on a single thing. They rant, rave, and yell.
They bring out the best in each other. They heal each other's hearts and souls. They find what they were missing, even the things they never even knew they had.
Everything is perfect. If you didn't count a gang, one of the biggest in the South, gunning for Ember. That, or the pure evilness that is Gabe's ex-girlfriend. Gabe will have to put his life on the line to save the one woman he loves, but will it be enough?
One thing is constant in life. It's about the journey, not about the destination.
Her
Snark. Jokes. Attitude.
These were all things I used to disguise the hole in my heart. I'm not a happy person. I don't live life. I just exist. That is until that beautiful man rides in on his Harley Fat Boy and burns rubber on the way into my heart.
Him
My life's been no hayride either. Everyone I've ever loved in life has died or betrayed me. So I stay back and watch. Unless you're one of my brothers, you get nothing from me. I don't participate. I ride. I eat. I sleep. I work. And I repeat. That is until Ember stomps into my life with her bad attitude. She's all piss and vinegar, and makes me want to share my bike seat for the first time.
Together
They fight like cats and dogs. Don't see eye to eye on a single thing. They rant, rave, and yell.
They bring out the best in each other. They heal each other's hearts and souls. They find what they were missing, even the things they never even knew they had.
Everything is perfect. If you didn't count a gang, one of the biggest in the South, gunning for Ember. That, or the pure evilness that is Gabe's ex-girlfriend. Gabe will have to put his life on the line to save the one woman he loves, but will it be enough?
One thing is constant in life. It's about the journey, not about the destination.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
358 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
162 books7,265 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
August 4, 2019
Highway Don't Care is Ember and Gabe's story and its oh so good. If you read book one then you were introduced to both characters. Ember is Max's younger sister and Cheyenne's best friend. Gabe is a member of Freebirds which is all the guys from army unit. They restore bikes, build bikes and fix cars but there real work is helping people get out of violent relationships but giving them a new life. Gabriel and Ember were circling eachother in book one and when Ember needs him the most he will come running to save her.
I love Lani's stories and see her new series is all about the older children in her series finding love...I decided to go back and re read each series to get a refresher. Freebirds is a great series that will give you laughter, tears, angst and ahhs. Vale has a way of sucking you into a story, never letting you up until the final word and then wanting more. If you haven't read her stories I suggest starting with Freebirds and working your way up to the most recent. In a way each series is connected. Vale has created a wonderful world around her fictitious Texas and Louisiana. I highly recommend reading this series in order...books follow eachother's timeline plus it gives you a better understanding the characters and storyline. Happy Reading!!!!
I love Lani's stories and see her new series is all about the older children in her series finding love...I decided to go back and re read each series to get a refresher. Freebirds is a great series that will give you laughter, tears, angst and ahhs. Vale has a way of sucking you into a story, never letting you up until the final word and then wanting more. If you haven't read her stories I suggest starting with Freebirds and working your way up to the most recent. In a way each series is connected. Vale has created a wonderful world around her fictitious Texas and Louisiana. I highly recommend reading this series in order...books follow eachother's timeline plus it gives you a better understanding the characters and storyline. Happy Reading!!!!
December 18, 2016
4.5 stars.
June 25, 2015
I really can't get enough of the way Lani writes. This was her second book and I loved it as much as any of her new ones. The things I think that I adore about her love stories is you don't have to wait for her couples to get together at the very end. Gabe and Ember had been dancing around their attraction for a while. I loved that Gabe stopped having any other dates or women for months because all he thought of was Ember. I love how loyal Lani's heroes are. Then I normally can't stand crazy exes and especially when they have the "surprise child" but in this case it worked and I loved it. There wasn't any "I want him back" drama. It was all just one crazy as hell woman and I cried with all she did to that baby girl. I loved Ember's loud and crazy personality. I really can't say how much I love books where the author doesn't add all of the relationship angst to "prop" the book up when you can have an amazing love story with a couple falling in love and supporting each other. The relationships that Lani creates with all the secondary characters just keeps me wanting more. I really just love this Author.
Auto read for sure. Safe always.
Auto read for sure. Safe always.
March 3, 2016
***5 Girl Crushing Stars***
****Warning-May contain spoilers especially for book 1, Boomtown
After reading book 1, I couldn’t wait to read Gabe and Ember’s story. When I first started reading this book, I was all about Gabe. We meet him in the first book. He’s the quiet, dark hero who just watches. As I was reading, I started to fall in love. He was so good to Ember. Right from the beginning of the book he decides it’s time…she’s his.
Then, as I kept reading, Ember started to stand out. She was snarky and funny. Her shenanigans with Cheyenne were hilarious. Were they a bit immature? Sure, but they are only 25. When she needed to be an adult she did. She didn’t take any unnecessary risks and how she stood by Gabe and treated him was phenomenal. There aren’t many women who would take in another man’s child as if they were her own. I loved how if there was a misunderstanding, things were worked out pretty quickly...no unnecessary angst where we have to wait days, weeks, or months for them to straighten it out. They fight, don't get me wrong, but it is all worked out fairly quickly. I really appreciated that.
Ember was willing to do what she needed to for Gabe so he could have a life with his daughter. I think I'm still crushing a bit. She has to be one of the best heroines I've ever read about. I absolutely loved her.
One complaint I had, was near the end, or maybe even before, I was hoping Ember would catch a break. I mean, come on, that poor girl had way too much happen to her. I just wanted them to have their HEA. She came out of it like a champ but still. All the drama was getting a bit old. How many times can a poor girl get hurt?
Another thing I noticed was the timeline. Here, it was said they’ve know each other a year. Cheyenne’s babies from book 1 are almost a year old (11 months I think). We meet Gabe and he is on guard duty for Cheyenne and Ember in Book 1 way before she has the babies. I was thinking around 18 months prior to this book. So, that lead to a little confusion for me regarding one thing (see Safety Gang notes) Also, there was some confusion on how exactly old Gabe's little girl is. Once I saw 18 months, then a year but he says he got the Dear John letter around 18 months ago and he would have still been on active duty and then of course, I was still confused on exactly how long he's know Ember. So, I just tried to piece it together as best I could and move on. It really didn't detract from the story but it did stand out in my mind.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book and to be honest, I think it had more to do with Ember than Gabe and I don't think I've ever written that in a review!!
Safety Gang:
****Warning-May contain spoilers especially for book 1, Boomtown
After reading book 1, I couldn’t wait to read Gabe and Ember’s story. When I first started reading this book, I was all about Gabe. We meet him in the first book. He’s the quiet, dark hero who just watches. As I was reading, I started to fall in love. He was so good to Ember. Right from the beginning of the book he decides it’s time…she’s his.
Then, as I kept reading, Ember started to stand out. She was snarky and funny. Her shenanigans with Cheyenne were hilarious. Were they a bit immature? Sure, but they are only 25. When she needed to be an adult she did. She didn’t take any unnecessary risks and how she stood by Gabe and treated him was phenomenal. There aren’t many women who would take in another man’s child as if they were her own. I loved how if there was a misunderstanding, things were worked out pretty quickly...no unnecessary angst where we have to wait days, weeks, or months for them to straighten it out. They fight, don't get me wrong, but it is all worked out fairly quickly. I really appreciated that.
Ember was willing to do what she needed to for Gabe so he could have a life with his daughter. I think I'm still crushing a bit. She has to be one of the best heroines I've ever read about. I absolutely loved her.
One complaint I had, was near the end, or maybe even before, I was hoping Ember would catch a break. I mean, come on, that poor girl had way too much happen to her. I just wanted them to have their HEA. She came out of it like a champ but still. All the drama was getting a bit old. How many times can a poor girl get hurt?
Another thing I noticed was the timeline. Here, it was said they’ve know each other a year. Cheyenne’s babies from book 1 are almost a year old (11 months I think). We meet Gabe and he is on guard duty for Cheyenne and Ember in Book 1 way before she has the babies. I was thinking around 18 months prior to this book. So, that lead to a little confusion for me regarding one thing (see Safety Gang notes) Also, there was some confusion on how exactly old Gabe's little girl is. Once I saw 18 months, then a year but he says he got the Dear John letter around 18 months ago and he would have still been on active duty and then of course, I was still confused on exactly how long he's know Ember. So, I just tried to piece it together as best I could and move on. It really didn't detract from the story but it did stand out in my mind.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book and to be honest, I think it had more to do with Ember than Gabe and I don't think I've ever written that in a review!!
Safety Gang:
October 9, 2013
I may be a tad partial here.... I hope everyone loves Gabe and Ember as much as I do!
February 4, 2017
Upon re read I still enjoyed this one. Considering the triggers, they were handled as well as humanly possible. Confusing timelines bugged me and left me wondering exactly how long these two were pushing each other away. Also the scene in Boomtown made no sense in relation to this book and the timeline.
Prior comments:
I really enjoyed Gabe and Ember's book. I thought the quality of the book improved over the last book and I enjoyed the story. There was certainly drama and some angst. But Ember was a great heroine. She did right by Gabe every time.
Safety gang
Prior comments:
I really enjoyed Gabe and Ember's book. I thought the quality of the book improved over the last book and I enjoyed the story. There was certainly drama and some angst. But Ember was a great heroine. She did right by Gabe every time.
Safety gang
June 7, 2021
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Gabe and Ember were truly beautiful together! Like many of my favorite heroes, Gabe was a bit broken, but Ember was the one to dive deep, get him to open up, give him the motivation to thrive. I adored Gabe! While I also really liked Ember, I could have done without her childishness, especially when it was paired with Cheyenne's bouts of immaturity. These characters have such huge hearts and although they (and I really mean mainly Ember) made some silly mistakes, everything they do is out of love.
The suspenseful edge of this story was actually terrifying and had my heart pumping like crazy. Gabe was a beast and I love a take-charge man who can basically take everyone out viciously and single-handedly. Yummmmm!
Okay, so there were some interesting facts I learned from this story. I got to see the origin of Gabe Jr and now meeting his father... I can see why I enjoyed If You Say So so much. I also got to see more about Cora from Ain't Doin' It and my heart broke more for her. I don't know how Lani Lynn Vale keeps all of these characters and their family trees and events straight, but I'm impressed and I can't wait to learn more.
Gabe and Ember were truly beautiful together! Like many of my favorite heroes, Gabe was a bit broken, but Ember was the one to dive deep, get him to open up, give him the motivation to thrive. I adored Gabe! While I also really liked Ember, I could have done without her childishness, especially when it was paired with Cheyenne's bouts of immaturity. These characters have such huge hearts and although they (and I really mean mainly Ember) made some silly mistakes, everything they do is out of love.
The suspenseful edge of this story was actually terrifying and had my heart pumping like crazy. Gabe was a beast and I love a take-charge man who can basically take everyone out viciously and single-handedly. Yummmmm!
Okay, so there were some interesting facts I learned from this story. I got to see the origin of Gabe Jr and now meeting his father... I can see why I enjoyed If You Say So so much. I also got to see more about Cora from Ain't Doin' It and my heart broke more for her. I don't know how Lani Lynn Vale keeps all of these characters and their family trees and events straight, but I'm impressed and I can't wait to learn more.
February 19, 2015
Favorite so far..
I totally felt as if I was part of the gang..
All the antics and one liners, name calling and relationships were just so similar to stuff I would say or do with
My BFF or brother.. Down to being called Booger ..LOL
So for me to say I REALLY enjoyed this read is an understatement!
Gabe and Ember's chemistry was just scorching HOT.. The story lines flow was engaging and it was a fun, suspenseful read with tons of smexing going on..
I totally felt as if I was part of the gang..
All the antics and one liners, name calling and relationships were just so similar to stuff I would say or do with
My BFF or brother.. Down to being called Booger ..LOL
So for me to say I REALLY enjoyed this read is an understatement!
Gabe and Ember's chemistry was just scorching HOT.. The story lines flow was engaging and it was a fun, suspenseful read with tons of smexing going on..
May 16, 2016
So good! I rave about this author every time I finish a book. I'm like a broken record. If you want a loyal alpha, hot hot hot romance, kick ass heroine, actual story, a few laughs all wrapped up in one package then click a Lani Lynn Vale book. I haven't been sorry yet.
June 3, 2020
* Unpopular review*
It is probably not fair of me to review this book right now since I’m doing it while comparing it to another book I just read concerning a MC. I usually have 2 books going at a time but try to make sure they are 2 different types of romance (Like: MC & sports OR Romcom & action) that way the storylines are different enough not to compare or confuse. I didn’t do that this time therefore this book fell short for me. Don’t get me wrong I liked it okay it just had a few things that annoyed me. For one, Gabe’s attraction for Ember, I wasn’t feeling it for the first half of the book. It was all so rushed and he kept having internal thoughts of how perfect she was for him…..even though he kept thinking it I just wasn’t feeling it.
Maybe I shouldn’t have compared this to the other MC I was reading since this is kinda ex-military bikers verses a full on MC.
This book is absolutely full of the sexy and maybe even a little over the top with it (I canNOT believe I am saying that). Possibly I had a hard time with this one because it seemed a bit over the top with the dramatics.
I know I am not explaining myself well but to sum it all up I just wasn’t quite feeling this book. I am going to read the next one in the series to see if I feel any differently after that one.
I do need to say that there were several times that I laughed out loud during this book and Ember is a Twilight fan which helped me to like her character even more.
It is probably not fair of me to review this book right now since I’m doing it while comparing it to another book I just read concerning a MC. I usually have 2 books going at a time but try to make sure they are 2 different types of romance (Like: MC & sports OR Romcom & action) that way the storylines are different enough not to compare or confuse. I didn’t do that this time therefore this book fell short for me. Don’t get me wrong I liked it okay it just had a few things that annoyed me. For one, Gabe’s attraction for Ember, I wasn’t feeling it for the first half of the book. It was all so rushed and he kept having internal thoughts of how perfect she was for him…..even though he kept thinking it I just wasn’t feeling it.
Maybe I shouldn’t have compared this to the other MC I was reading since this is kinda ex-military bikers verses a full on MC.
This book is absolutely full of the sexy and maybe even a little over the top with it (I canNOT believe I am saying that). Possibly I had a hard time with this one because it seemed a bit over the top with the dramatics.
I know I am not explaining myself well but to sum it all up I just wasn’t quite feeling this book. I am going to read the next one in the series to see if I feel any differently after that one.
I do need to say that there were several times that I laughed out loud during this book and Ember is a Twilight fan which helped me to like her character even more.
February 20, 2022
Ember and Gabe have not talked in months, the snarky banter back and forth came to a head but it didn't temper the chemistry between each other. When Ember ends up the target for a gang hit, the first person she calls is Gabe. Gabe realizes this is his chance to keep Ember by his side and he plans to make sure she never wants to leave.
This was a very fun read. I did feel like I was missing some start of the story which was in the first book. I will have to go back to read the first one. The characters are zany and had some interesting quirks. Look forward to reading more in this series.
This was a very fun read. I did feel like I was missing some start of the story which was in the first book. I will have to go back to read the first one. The characters are zany and had some interesting quirks. Look forward to reading more in this series.
April 24, 2014
I don't know what it is...but this one was no better than the first (for me). It had a lot going on, both comically and dramatically, and you'd think this would have entertained me, but I wasn't amused or satisfied with the characters, especially the h, Ember, and her BFF, Cheyenne. There were too many antics and dialogue that were just "reaching", in my opinion. Also, I didn't like most of the conflict, it seemed forced and didn't flow as easily as it should have with the storyline.
This is a case of me not "feeling" the characters or the plot, but I'm sure this is or would be a decent story for many readers.
I almost DNF'ed this one, and I don't think I will read any of the next books in this series.
Oh well. Happy Reading.
This is a case of me not "feeling" the characters or the plot, but I'm sure this is or would be a decent story for many readers.
I almost DNF'ed this one, and I don't think I will read any of the next books in this series.
Oh well. Happy Reading.
August 1, 2015
They keep getting better
I loved this one as much as the first one if not more. I was laughing out loud in some parts and trying to hide the tears in my eyes in other parts.
Another great series for 2013....Can't wait for the next one.
I loved this one as much as the first one if not more. I was laughing out loud in some parts and trying to hide the tears in my eyes in other parts.
Another great series for 2013....Can't wait for the next one.
December 16, 2013
4 stars
This was a very good story. I loved Ember and Gabe and really got sucked in to their story. There were some editing mistakes in this book but nothing that was bad enough to mess up the story. The worst mistake was once when about a paragraph or so seemed to have been duplicated. Other than that it's mostly small stuff like the word there instead of their, head instead of heat, or a missing quotation mark at the end of a sentence (maybe a total of around 10 editing errors that I noted).
Ember is an athletic trainer and the best friend of Cheyenne (the heroine from book #1 Boomtown). Ember and her bother Mac lost their parent while Ember was in high school and she had to grow up fast. She had a Volleyball injury while in high school that propelled her in to her current career, which she loves. She's kind of unusual but I really liked her character. She's liked Gabe for the year that she's known him but he's never given her any sign he wants her in return. When Ember is attacked outside her work, her only thought is to call Gabe.
Gabe is half Puerto Rican on his dad's side and has those dark good looks, except with his mom's blue eye....Yum! Unfortunately for him, after his dad died of cancer, his mom was struggling to get by and ended up marrying a man not because she loved him but because they needed him. Gabe's stepfather resented Gabe and spent years emotionally abusing him, telling he wasn't good enough. Gabe worked hard to prove him wrong, graduating high school with honors at the age of 16 and then entering the Army. That's something he has a hard time leaving behind him though and it convinced him he wasn't good enough for Ember, causing him to push her away for a year. Once she's attacked, Gabe isn't willing to stand back any more.
Gabe and Ember had a tumultuous pre-relationship relationship and when we enter the story, Gabe and Ember are currently fighting and haven't spoken in a week. Ember is leaving work rather late and is attacked. She calls Gabe for help and he get her help before she's hurt badly. When she gets released from the hospital, she goes home to stay with Gabe. Unfortunately, the next day they find out from the cops that a local gang had this as part of their initiation and now she was in danger because the leader sees her as a threat. Gabe's determined to keep her safe and also tells her under no uncertain terms that he's done staying away from her and now she's his. Since she's been secretly in love with Gabe for a year, Ember doesn't object and is thrilled at the prospect of being with Gabe. One thing I really like about this story was how the PoV moved back and forth between Gabe and Ember (the switches in PoV are titled so you know when it's happening). I liked being able to understand what they're both feeling underneath their words, especially Gabe as he strives to make Ember his.
Gabe and Ember start a relationship while Gabe and the rest of the guys (and the police too) strive to keep the danger away from Ember. Regardless of their efforts, there are multiple attempts made on her life some of which are close. While Gabe and Ember are dealing with the gang issue they have plenty of other things to deal with outside of working on their relationship that keeps things hopping. I loved when Gabe was forced to deliver a baby in an elevator during a power blackout...priceless! They deal with the unexpected and manage to get through things pretty well. At one point, there's a mis-understanding and Ember doesn't react well but it gets worked out while bringing Gabe and Ember closer and I loved the surprise that Gabe set up for when they got back. There is some tense moments in the action side of the plot but in the end, things get worked out and Gabe and Ember are able to start their HEA.
This was s very enjoyable read. I loved Ember and Gabe and really all the characters...I think the characters are the best part of this series. They suck you in and you become invested in seeing what happens to them and how things work out. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go as the series progresses. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up! :D
This was a very good story. I loved Ember and Gabe and really got sucked in to their story. There were some editing mistakes in this book but nothing that was bad enough to mess up the story. The worst mistake was once when about a paragraph or so seemed to have been duplicated. Other than that it's mostly small stuff like the word there instead of their, head instead of heat, or a missing quotation mark at the end of a sentence (maybe a total of around 10 editing errors that I noted).
Ember is an athletic trainer and the best friend of Cheyenne (the heroine from book #1 Boomtown). Ember and her bother Mac lost their parent while Ember was in high school and she had to grow up fast. She had a Volleyball injury while in high school that propelled her in to her current career, which she loves. She's kind of unusual but I really liked her character. She's liked Gabe for the year that she's known him but he's never given her any sign he wants her in return. When Ember is attacked outside her work, her only thought is to call Gabe.
Gabe is half Puerto Rican on his dad's side and has those dark good looks, except with his mom's blue eye....Yum! Unfortunately for him, after his dad died of cancer, his mom was struggling to get by and ended up marrying a man not because she loved him but because they needed him. Gabe's stepfather resented Gabe and spent years emotionally abusing him, telling he wasn't good enough. Gabe worked hard to prove him wrong, graduating high school with honors at the age of 16 and then entering the Army. That's something he has a hard time leaving behind him though and it convinced him he wasn't good enough for Ember, causing him to push her away for a year. Once she's attacked, Gabe isn't willing to stand back any more.
Gabe and Ember had a tumultuous pre-relationship relationship and when we enter the story, Gabe and Ember are currently fighting and haven't spoken in a week. Ember is leaving work rather late and is attacked. She calls Gabe for help and he get her help before she's hurt badly. When she gets released from the hospital, she goes home to stay with Gabe. Unfortunately, the next day they find out from the cops that a local gang had this as part of their initiation and now she was in danger because the leader sees her as a threat. Gabe's determined to keep her safe and also tells her under no uncertain terms that he's done staying away from her and now she's his. Since she's been secretly in love with Gabe for a year, Ember doesn't object and is thrilled at the prospect of being with Gabe. One thing I really like about this story was how the PoV moved back and forth between Gabe and Ember (the switches in PoV are titled so you know when it's happening). I liked being able to understand what they're both feeling underneath their words, especially Gabe as he strives to make Ember his.
Gabe and Ember start a relationship while Gabe and the rest of the guys (and the police too) strive to keep the danger away from Ember. Regardless of their efforts, there are multiple attempts made on her life some of which are close. While Gabe and Ember are dealing with the gang issue they have plenty of other things to deal with outside of working on their relationship that keeps things hopping. I loved when Gabe was forced to deliver a baby in an elevator during a power blackout...priceless! They deal with the unexpected and manage to get through things pretty well. At one point, there's a mis-understanding and Ember doesn't react well but it gets worked out while bringing Gabe and Ember closer and I loved the surprise that Gabe set up for when they got back. There is some tense moments in the action side of the plot but in the end, things get worked out and Gabe and Ember are able to start their HEA.
This was s very enjoyable read. I loved Ember and Gabe and really all the characters...I think the characters are the best part of this series. They suck you in and you become invested in seeing what happens to them and how things work out. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go as the series progresses. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up! :D
October 11, 2013
I loved this book! This is #2 in the series and we finally get to see Gabe and Ember in action! The author did not disappoint, in fact, I loved this one way more than the 1st.
There is TONS of danger for our heroine AND it makes perfect sense for our hero who's so POSSESSIVE and ALPHA to jump in and save the day!
Literally, from the opening pages of the book, the action sets in and the sparks fly.
The sex and the steam was so crazy hot and perfect in this book I was just about to start highlighting words so my husband and I could role play! Well, what do you expect? You can't read stuff like this and not want to live it just a little, am I right?!
Okay, so back to the book.
Ember and Gabe have known each other a while, there's always been this "connection" but they have barely said 5 words to each other. It's the classic, "she's too good for me" bit going back in forth in our hero's head.
Finally, when an act of violence lands Ember into Gabe's arms, he's decided there is no way he is going to let go.
Crazy stunts, danger from a local gang, SURPRISES both sad and good and lot's of babies take up this second book in the series.
I loved it all! If you want crazy hot chemistry, an uber alpha and a great story, this be your book!
It sound's like James's book is next, either way, can't wait!
There is TONS of danger for our heroine AND it makes perfect sense for our hero who's so POSSESSIVE and ALPHA to jump in and save the day!
Literally, from the opening pages of the book, the action sets in and the sparks fly.
The sex and the steam was so crazy hot and perfect in this book I was just about to start highlighting words so my husband and I could role play! Well, what do you expect? You can't read stuff like this and not want to live it just a little, am I right?!
Okay, so back to the book.
Ember and Gabe have known each other a while, there's always been this "connection" but they have barely said 5 words to each other. It's the classic, "she's too good for me" bit going back in forth in our hero's head.
Finally, when an act of violence lands Ember into Gabe's arms, he's decided there is no way he is going to let go.
Crazy stunts, danger from a local gang, SURPRISES both sad and good and lot's of babies take up this second book in the series.
I loved it all! If you want crazy hot chemistry, an uber alpha and a great story, this be your book!
It sound's like James's book is next, either way, can't wait!
April 4, 2016
==> Re-read 2016, April 02
==> Read 2014, January 12
Resenha em Português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English
BookWhores BR: http://bookwhorebr.blogspot.com.br/20...
Neste livro somos apresentados ao casal Gabe e Ember.
Eles apareceram no livro anterior e já tinham me cativado.
Os dois juntos são explosivos. Os diálogos excelentes e as cenas de sexo muito quentes.
Aqui temos mais ação, pois Ember está sendo perseguida por uma gang. Temos drama também, já que descobrimos um segredo do passado de Gabe que pode alterar a vida dele.
Embarcamos na história e não conseguimos parar a leitura. Muito legal e ficamos com gostinho de quero mais.
Estou adorando a série e já vou começar a ler o próximo!
---------------------------
In this book we are introduced to the couple Gabe and Ember.
They appeared in the earlier book and had me captivated.
The two together are explosives. Excellent dialogues and the very hot sex scenes.
Here we have more action, as Ember is being chased by a gang. We have drama, too, since we discovered a secret from the past of Gabe who can change his life.
We embarked on the history and we can't stop reading. Very cool and we were wanting more.
I love the series and I'll start reading the next!
==> Read 2014, January 12
Resenha em Português e inglês / Review in Portuguese and English
BookWhores BR: http://bookwhorebr.blogspot.com.br/20...
Neste livro somos apresentados ao casal Gabe e Ember.
Eles apareceram no livro anterior e já tinham me cativado.
Os dois juntos são explosivos. Os diálogos excelentes e as cenas de sexo muito quentes.
Aqui temos mais ação, pois Ember está sendo perseguida por uma gang. Temos drama também, já que descobrimos um segredo do passado de Gabe que pode alterar a vida dele.
Embarcamos na história e não conseguimos parar a leitura. Muito legal e ficamos com gostinho de quero mais.
Estou adorando a série e já vou começar a ler o próximo!
---------------------------
In this book we are introduced to the couple Gabe and Ember.
They appeared in the earlier book and had me captivated.
The two together are explosives. Excellent dialogues and the very hot sex scenes.
Here we have more action, as Ember is being chased by a gang. We have drama, too, since we discovered a secret from the past of Gabe who can change his life.
We embarked on the history and we can't stop reading. Very cool and we were wanting more.
I love the series and I'll start reading the next!
October 4, 2015
Loved Gabe and Ember's story!
March 1, 2022
Deja Fucking Vu right now you guys.
Flash back to a review I wrote in 2019 on another series by this author, which is actually based in the same town (I clearly didn't read it before having the exact same experience).
That same review can pretty much work for this book too.. Including the borrowing all of them since it was the last day of the month. But this time I'm not sure I can work my way through them. I know a lot of people love and will love this author, and this is definitely a case of "it's not you, it's me". I just can't handle my characters being twits.
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Flash back to a review I wrote in 2019 on another series by this author, which is actually based in the same town (I clearly didn't read it before having the exact same experience).
** spoiler alert ** I really want to like this author and her books. My biggest complaint is she has ADD when writing. She starts something that has so much potential and then she just ends the chapter and starts something new, not truly resolving and exploring what is going on. Then all of a sudden is 4 months later, then 2 weeks later. I'm actually legit confused through half of this.The proposal was dumb, mainly because I have no idea why they are together. She never explained the purpose.I'm kinda mad at myself, because when I started the book, I got the other books off hoopla (since I had 4 left and today was the last day of the month).So now I kinda have to give the next ones a try or just return them.
That same review can pretty much work for this book too.. Including the borrowing all of them since it was the last day of the month. But this time I'm not sure I can work my way through them. I know a lot of people love and will love this author, and this is definitely a case of "it's not you, it's me". I just can't handle my characters being twits.
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October 30, 2013
JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST BOOK
Ember and Gabe were introduced in the first book. Ember is Cheyenne's BF and Gabe belongs to the Freebirds MC. From their first meeting sexual tension sparks between these two, Ember is even more feisty and hardheaded than her friend Cheyenne. Gabe is tall dark and moody. They dance around one another pretending there's nothing happening between them, till Ember's life is threatened then Gabe is in full alpha male mode, and is not letting Ember out of his sight.
Loved this just as much as the first book. Ember is a girl who doesn't take crap from anyone, including Gabe. Poor Gabe doesn't realise what's hit him. There are some steamy sex scenes, and plenty of drama and angst. All the characters from the first book feature heavily, which was great. Editing is still an issue, but it was better than its predecessor. I am eagerly waiting for the next book, lets hope we don't have to wait too long.
Ember and Gabe were introduced in the first book. Ember is Cheyenne's BF and Gabe belongs to the Freebirds MC. From their first meeting sexual tension sparks between these two, Ember is even more feisty and hardheaded than her friend Cheyenne. Gabe is tall dark and moody. They dance around one another pretending there's nothing happening between them, till Ember's life is threatened then Gabe is in full alpha male mode, and is not letting Ember out of his sight.
Loved this just as much as the first book. Ember is a girl who doesn't take crap from anyone, including Gabe. Poor Gabe doesn't realise what's hit him. There are some steamy sex scenes, and plenty of drama and angst. All the characters from the first book feature heavily, which was great. Editing is still an issue, but it was better than its predecessor. I am eagerly waiting for the next book, lets hope we don't have to wait too long.
August 25, 2023
Um, yeah. That was just... sighs... just so annoying.
I didn't hate it.
I thought Ember could've been great, but she was so immature. Gabe was quite selfish...
The whole gang thing was ridiculous in the extreme. How did Sidney figure into that? And wtf? A bit more than child endangerment surely? She shoulda been taken out... big time. And the June thing? Confusing to say the least...
So, yeah... annoying. ( oh, cannot stand Cheyenne. )
I didn't hate it.
I thought Ember could've been great, but she was so immature. Gabe was quite selfish...
The whole gang thing was ridiculous in the extreme. How did Sidney figure into that? And wtf? A bit more than child endangerment surely? She shoulda been taken out... big time. And the June thing? Confusing to say the least...
So, yeah... annoying. ( oh, cannot stand Cheyenne. )
June 10, 2014
I loved this book. This series is really shaping up to be awesome. This had a lot of action and steamy sex and hilarious moments. Ember and Gabe sizzeled! And of course the gangs all there I am so looking forward to the rest of the series I am hoping one to the next one ASAP!
February 5, 2016
Re-read
November 14, 2015
Gabe and embers story was so good... I love this author and the style of writing. ..action with romance and I really like the dual point of view! !!
June 16, 2023
I fucking loved this one from start to finish. It was amazing. I loved the story and I can't get enough of it. I've read it about a million times. That's how much I love it.
dnf
May 30, 2017DNF
April 6, 2023
"Been spending most their lives, living in the gangsta's paradise." -Coolio & Ember Tremaine (probably)
We're back in Kilgore, Texas, home of Free, an auto/motorcycle repair shop that does custom work. But that's just a front for the real work: saving vulnerable women from abusive situations. It's run by a group of ex-Army Ranges, who all served together. They kick a$& and chew bubblegum, and they're all out of gum...
Book Two of the Freebirds Series dials up the awesomeness quite a bit. The book is a huge improvement over the first, Boomtown, and Book One was quite good. Lani Lynn Vale stepped up her game and made some huge improvements for her sophomore book. It's still not as good as some of her later stuff, but it's still good reading and a lot of fun. If you are considering reading this book and haven't read the first, I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you read Boomtown before this one. Even though all of LLV's books can be technically read as standalones, it's best to read them in order in the series (and better yet, in series order as well). As Freebirds is her first series, you are in the right place if this is your first go.
This is the story of Gabriel "Gabe" Maldonado Jr. and Ember Leigh Tremaine. Gabe is another strong, silent alpha male and is a half Brazilian stud. Ember is Cheyenne's other half, and she's...the exact opposite. This is another opposites attract like Boomtown. However, they definitely bonded over s%!t luck with their dead parents. Gabe's Brazilian father died of cancer, and he had to deal with a nasty POS of a man for a stepfather. He was never "good enough" for the guy, and it left a lasting impression on him. Then, Gabe's mom died of cancer as well. Ember's parents died in a plane crash. Yikes. At least they have each other?
Not if the Blue Skulls have anything to say about it! Oh, yes...There's a gang problem in Kilgore, Texas, and their name is the Blue Skulls. You can tell because they wear a blue banana like a proper gang. Well, they apparently have their sights set on Ember because...why not? She was slated as a rape for a gang thing, but she's good with a cell phone. And then there are some hidden surprises from ex-girlfriends and some...other surprises along the same lines...and yikes, Gabe and Ember have some hurdles to cross.
Ember and Gabe had great chemistry. Plus, Ember and Cheyenne are an absolute hoot together, which made for some laugh out loud moments. If I use my d-bag meter, where 0 = absolute sweetheart and 10 = POS, Gabe would sit around a 5. He's a good guy, but he's super emotional and left Ember high and dry so many times. Then he'd come back and apologize for what he said/did, again and again the whole book. He means well, but he's not the sweetest guy out there. Using the same scale for heroine obnoxiousness, where 0 = total awesome and 10 = completely obnoxious, she's at a 3 for me. She has her moments with Cheyenne where they are hysterical. Ember also has a very sweet side, and she doesn't push it when she feels like she's not wanted. Yeah, there are times when she can be a bit too much, but overall, I love her. And together with Gabe? They are too cute.
The writing in this book has improved since Boomtown, though there are still some editing mistakes (i.e. simple things like misspelling names Sydney/Sidney). The story was overall better and quite entertaining. I do roll my eyes when LLV has these huge problems (i.e. gangzzzzz) in her books for small towns like Kilgore. It's like, really? It's not THAT big of a town. How many shootings, attempted rapes, and hit and runs, etc. would actually happen? The suspense elements were not as great as some of LLV's later books. However, the book is really enjoyable and is a lot of fun to read.
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
We're back in Kilgore, Texas, home of Free, an auto/motorcycle repair shop that does custom work. But that's just a front for the real work: saving vulnerable women from abusive situations. It's run by a group of ex-Army Ranges, who all served together. They kick a$& and chew bubblegum, and they're all out of gum...
Book Two of the Freebirds Series dials up the awesomeness quite a bit. The book is a huge improvement over the first, Boomtown, and Book One was quite good. Lani Lynn Vale stepped up her game and made some huge improvements for her sophomore book. It's still not as good as some of her later stuff, but it's still good reading and a lot of fun. If you are considering reading this book and haven't read the first, I HIGHLY SUGGEST that you read Boomtown before this one. Even though all of LLV's books can be technically read as standalones, it's best to read them in order in the series (and better yet, in series order as well). As Freebirds is her first series, you are in the right place if this is your first go.
Things to Know:
General
-Do You Need to Read Other Books? Technically no. You will be able to follow along just fine as it is a new couple, and everything is explained. However, it is highly recommended that you read the first book, Boomtown.
-Romance type: Essentially an instalove with a dash of enemies to lovers at the very beginning
Male Lead - Gabriel "Gabe" Maldonado Jr.
-OW? Yes. 1.) Sidney (see Spoilers for details). 2.) Story, the woman Gabe took home in Boomtown. Ember was extremely upset with him when she saw Story on his bike, and he never apologized for it. That fight was Ember and Gabe's last interaction in the book and their last interaction period until when Ember calls Gabe in the first scene of this book. 3.) There's also another "mix up" with a freebird, Lark.
-Besties: The guys of Free and Dougie, from Free's Army Ranger team
-From: Originally from Michigan; now in Kilgore, Texas
-Jobs: "Free" team Army Ranger in Iraq & Afghanistan (Sam, Gabe, Max, Jack, James, Elliott, Dougie, Justin, and Malcolm were the members); Mechanic at Free/Free
-First Appearance: Boomtown
-Other Appearances: Another One Bites the DustAnother One Bites the Dust, Last Day of My Life, Texas Tornado, I Don't Dance, Lights To My Siren, Kevlar To My Vest, Keys to My Cuffs
-Mother: Mom died of lung cancer
-Father: Gabriel "Gabe" Maldonado is Gabe's real father. He's Brazilian and died of lung cancer. His mother remarried Patrick? Dorian, and he was awful to Gabe. (see Spoilers)
-Siblings: None
Female Lead - Ember Leigh Tremaine
OM? No.
Bestie: Cheyenne, Sam's wifey
-From: Kilgore, Texas
-Jobs: Fulll ride Texas A&M University until injury; Went to local Baptist college, ETBU; Originally Napa Auto Parts; Now Athletic Trainer at Kilgore College (not sure actual name)
-First Appearance: Boomtown
-Other Appearances: Another One Bites the DustAnother One Bites the Dust, Last Day of My Life, Texas Tornado, I Don't Dance, Kevlar To My Vest
-Mother: Adeline Tremaine (died in plane crash)
-Father: Thurston Tremaine (died in plane crash)
-Sibling: Max Tremaine, brother
-Pet: Hoochie (cat), thirty-five pound monster
Free...the Maybe MC
-Free is not technically an offical "club." However, they do participate in different events throughout the LLVerse and have even been called an "unofficial club." Whatever they are, they are awesome.
-Members: Sam Mackenzie, Gabe Maldonado, Max Tremaine, Jack Stoker, James Allen, Elliott Masters
-Free helps women escape abusive situations on the down-low. It's super secret, though, and uses the men's military skills to help.
-All of the women the Freebirds help have their names changed to bird names (i.e. Lark, Robin).
Important Minor Characters
-Luke Roberts continues to have a role in this series, though he's mentioned as a detective in this book, and I don't ever remember him being at the detective level, especially since he was a uniformed officer in his book years later. Unless he changed to lead the SWAT team? I'll have to investigate more. Speaking of Kilgore SWAT. It has not been established yet, so if a SWAT team is needed, they have to call to Longview (a larger city nearby) to get one, making it a pain in the butt.
-Also speaking of SWAT, this is the first book that Downy appears in.
-Payton Alvarez, Max's lady, shows up for the first time in this book.
This is the story of Gabriel "Gabe" Maldonado Jr. and Ember Leigh Tremaine. Gabe is another strong, silent alpha male and is a half Brazilian stud. Ember is Cheyenne's other half, and she's...the exact opposite. This is another opposites attract like Boomtown. However, they definitely bonded over s%!t luck with their dead parents. Gabe's Brazilian father died of cancer, and he had to deal with a nasty POS of a man for a stepfather. He was never "good enough" for the guy, and it left a lasting impression on him. Then, Gabe's mom died of cancer as well. Ember's parents died in a plane crash. Yikes. At least they have each other?
Not if the Blue Skulls have anything to say about it! Oh, yes...There's a gang problem in Kilgore, Texas, and their name is the Blue Skulls. You can tell because they wear a blue banana like a proper gang. Well, they apparently have their sights set on Ember because...why not? She was slated as a rape for a gang thing, but she's good with a cell phone. And then there are some hidden surprises from ex-girlfriends and some...other surprises along the same lines...and yikes, Gabe and Ember have some hurdles to cross.
Ember and Gabe had great chemistry. Plus, Ember and Cheyenne are an absolute hoot together, which made for some laugh out loud moments. If I use my d-bag meter, where 0 = absolute sweetheart and 10 = POS, Gabe would sit around a 5. He's a good guy, but he's super emotional and left Ember high and dry so many times. Then he'd come back and apologize for what he said/did, again and again the whole book. He means well, but he's not the sweetest guy out there. Using the same scale for heroine obnoxiousness, where 0 = total awesome and 10 = completely obnoxious, she's at a 3 for me. She has her moments with Cheyenne where they are hysterical. Ember also has a very sweet side, and she doesn't push it when she feels like she's not wanted. Yeah, there are times when she can be a bit too much, but overall, I love her. And together with Gabe? They are too cute.
The writing in this book has improved since Boomtown, though there are still some editing mistakes (i.e. simple things like misspelling names Sydney/Sidney). The story was overall better and quite entertaining. I do roll my eyes when LLV has these huge problems (i.e. gangzzzzz) in her books for small towns like Kilgore. It's like, really? It's not THAT big of a town. How many shootings, attempted rapes, and hit and runs, etc. would actually happen? The suspense elements were not as great as some of LLV's later books. However, the book is really enjoyable and is a lot of fun to read.
Audiobook Note:
-This book is read by Mason Lloyd and Stephanie Rose, both of whom are amazing.
-Mason has a bit of a southern twang going on and has read many of LLV's audiobooks, including this series, most in the Heroes of the Dixie Wardens, The Dixie Warden Rejects, the Uncertain Saints MC Series, most of the Code 11-KPD SWAT Series, the Hail Raisers Series, the the I Like Big Dragons Series (one of the completely standalone series I was talking about), and the There's No Crying in Baseball Series.
-Stephanie has read this series and then has been here and there in many books, including ones like Put Out, Kitty Kitty, Joke's on You, Ain't Doin' It, and Center Mass...Plus, many, many others that are so all over the place in LLV's series that I'm not going to list them.
-The production, as always, was wonderfully done, and I highly recommend the audiobook.
Things to Know (Spoiler Edition)
Freebirds Series
-Review of Boomtown (Freebirds, #1)
-Review of Highway Don't Care (Freebirds, #2)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #3)
-Review of Another One Bites the Dust (Freebirds, #4)
-Review of Texas Tornado (Freebirds, #5)
-Review of I Don't Dance (Freebirds, #5.5)
January 2, 2022
This is Gabe and Ember's story and together they could conquer anything.
There are a lot of moving parts to this book and if you have read the previous book where Cheyenne and Ember are friends and together they can be hilarious and the guys just shake their heads at the two of them. They also bring Blaine into their fold in this book. Ember is Max's sister and after losing her parents, they are very close.
4.5 stars
There are a lot of moving parts to this book and if you have read the previous book where Cheyenne and Ember are friends and together they can be hilarious and the guys just shake their heads at the two of them. They also bring Blaine into their fold in this book. Ember is Max's sister and after losing her parents, they are very close.
4.5 stars
April 8, 2019
*2.5*
March 15, 2020
Good story but many errors
I am one of those people that hate spending money on a book and then notice a variety of grammatical mistakes, misspelled words and other errors. For example, there was a character named Sidney in the book and her name was spelled 2 different ways several times in the book. I liked the story but feel like if I'm gonna pay for a book, it should be edited.
I am one of those people that hate spending money on a book and then notice a variety of grammatical mistakes, misspelled words and other errors. For example, there was a character named Sidney in the book and her name was spelled 2 different ways several times in the book. I liked the story but feel like if I'm gonna pay for a book, it should be edited.
August 16, 2015
I really enjoyed Gabe and Ember's story - it made me laugh out loud and want to cry!
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