The Eraser

Houlihan Men of Dublin #1

by Brooke Summers

I’m a killer, I do it for fun, a way to quell the blood thirstiness that lives inside me.

No one has ever been able to penetrate the walls around my blackened heart.

Except her. Jessica Grace.

I met her at the lowest point in her life.

I saw the depths of despair that shone brightly in those blue eyes.

Begging for help, pleading for solace.

It was at that moment that I found the one. My one. But she’s too young, too innocent to be tainted by my darkness.

So I stay away until fate brings us back together.

Now, she’s hurt, and I’ll do anything to protect her.

No one touches what’s mine and lives to tell the tale. I’m the Eraser.

Once I’m done with my prey, they simply cease to exist.

No traces of them are ever left behind. Vengeance is all I crave.

I’m ready to start a war with the man who hurt my wife. Nothing will stop me.

I’ll do everything it takes to keep her safe. My love. My wife. My everything.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Summers is a Mafia Romance author and is best known for her Made Series.


Brooke lives on the West Coast of Ireland with her daughter and husband where her stories come to life.

Brooke is represented by Nikki Groom at SBR Media.

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

ARC Review


I gotta be honest when I say that I feel like this story is mainly focused on the revenge aspect and that the romance felt more like an afterthought. This book mentally drained and emotionally exhausted me. 🥲

See, the first 45% or so of the story was about Jessica being constantly beaten by her POS dad. All of it was on page—the horrors and trauma she went through—so readers should check their TW. Then the second half of the book was about finding her dad and plotting his demise after what he had done to her.

As for the romance, Stephen (34) first saw Jessica (18) at her mother's funeral four years ago. She was only 14 back then, but for some reason, she made him feel something, and he got fascinated with her (kinda creepy, tbh). If you can get over a grown man slowly developing obsession with a minor, you won't have any problems with this. Like he said in his POV: "The moment I saw you, I knew you were mine." 😶

Then he stalked her for the next four years while still being the best killer in their organization. Apparently, 17 is the legal age in Ireland, and on her 17th birthday, Stephen kissed her for the first time. 🙃 Then, after this kiss, another year passed before they met again. If you're wondering about the time jumps, Stephen said he's trying to stay away from her; he said he's too tainted for her innocence. However, his obsession grows stronger with each passing day. So, staying away had been completely thrown out the window. 🤭

Anyway, Jessica's dad was hosting an event and got pissed for some reason, and he slapped her in front of everyone in attendance. This incident reached Stephen, and this is when he finally took her home. He promised her that she'd be safe with him and that her father would suffer for what he did. 😬

This was heavy on violence and abuse. I struggled a bit to digest everything in here because the stuff she went through wasn't easy to read. No one, and I mean no one, deserves that kind of abuse. And to think it started when she was just 14. I don't know how she managed not to lose her ever-loving mind; the strength of this girl was just so amazing.

But I'm glad her father had his comeuppance, and while I did enjoy how he suffered, I wish it was prolonged. I don't mind reading about violence when the person rightfully deserves it. 🤷‍♀️

I love the support of her family, even though she pushed them away for years and didn't seek their help. It was heartwarming to know they didn't forget her and were still supportive of her.

Anyway, this was okay. I guess I'm probably just not the right reader for this kind of book, but I see the potential for why other readers would love it.


Book info:
- No cheating, OPD, breakup
- Violence, torture, gore, death
- Death of a loved one (off page)
- Organize crime
- Age gap (16)
- Stalking
- Physical abuse
- Virgin FMC, No info on MMC
- HEA (married)


Note:
- He had been stalking her for the last four years. I'm not sure if he had been with other people during this time, since there's no direct confirmation. But I don't wanna get pissed, so I'm going to assume he's celibate and patiently waiting for her.



Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ms. Summers for the ARC.

[Kylie ve · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so emotionally draining and just not as focused on the romance side as you would think it would be. It was mostly focused on the revenge aspect of the story. About half the book was just Jessica and her horrible dad that beats her… definitely check the trigger warnings because it was all on page and in detail. And the second half was just trying to get revenge against her dad. And then there’s the “romance” where it starts with the guy developing feelings for a 14 year old…… then stalks her for four years…. And then kisses her on her 17th birthday!
Um yeah.
Not sure this author is for me if I’m honest.

[Melissa readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg this story broke my heart so many times .. I did not think it was going to be so dark but overall I loved it ! I’m so shoot Stephen found his “little dancer” 😭

[WhiskeyandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one put me in my feelings. I felt so much while reading this book. There were times I laughed and I cried. This couple was so much more than Stephen and just Jessica. I mean I truly pulled for them as individuals and as a couple. The things they witnessed and had been through together and as individuals were huge. I admired Jessica the most because her story wasn't easy to read but I had to see her story through the end. Stephen is exactly what she needed and Im glad he found her. This author needs to be recognized because this book is beautiful.

[Jocelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received the ARC for this book and I unfortunately had to DNF it because while it is an age gap romance, the fact that he's been basically obsessed with her since she was 12 years old gave me such an intense ick that I couldn't get past that fact. Also, this was more about the abuse she endured by her father which is on page in graphic detail. (def check your TW's before jumping into this) This felt more like a revenge against her father than a romance and again, all I kept thinking was "he's known her since she was 12 and he's in his late 30's now"

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

This is a Dark Mafia Romance, and this is the first book in the Houlihan Men of Dublin series. His character does show off in some of the books in the Fury Vipers MC: Dublin Chapter Series, and I know I had to read the Eraser's book. I loved getting his backstory and his love story. Great read, but it is not the weak of heart because there are a lot of hard to read things in it.

[❥Daniela ✿☕︎˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

☘️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫

4.7-5⭐️
3🌶️

🇬🇧
Since reading the synopsis, I was interested in this book, and it was worth the wait. 💚 I'm so amazed at how the author writes that from the first chapter, you're hooked on the story… WOW 🫡 Thank you so much 💚

From the first chapter, the author introduces the lives of our protagonists so you can see how they got to their present. We have Stephen, who was abused by his father as a child but, thanks to Callie and her family, was supported and loved as he grew up. But as he grows older, he becomes known as The Eraser, a dangerous man working for the Irish mafia, a man without humanity except for protecting his family. Then our girl, Jess, comes in. 💚 Jessica, the little dancer, a very brave and strong girl who has been abused by her father since her mother died, but something changes when she locks eyes with Stephen, and the spark between them ignites. ✨ In Stephen's heart, the need to protect Jess grows, but she is too innocent for him, so he watches over her for years without knowing what's happening inside her house, and that changes one day...

Throughout this story, which will leave you wanting more, you'll experience many emotions… sadness, anger, helplessness, love, friendship, adrenaline, many many screams of shock, and lots of lovestruck jumps. 💗 Other characters from the author's books also appear in this one, but without any spoilers, so like me, you'll be left wanting to read them ALL!! 🫡

Special note, SPOILER ⚠️: I'm angry with the family, especially her supposed cousin/best friend and her uncle… GOD, COULDN'T THEY HAVE STAYED FOR HER??!? Especially her aunt, WTF, as Stephen said, she preaches the importance of family but kept Jess in oblivion. 😤

🇲🇽

Desde la sinopsis me interesó este libro, valió la espera 💚 Estoy tan maravillada en cómo escribe la autora que desde el primer capítulo te quedas atrapada con la historia… WOW 🫡

Desde el primer capítulo la autora presenta la vida de nuestros protagonistas, para que veas como llegaron a su presente. Tenemos a Stephen, que de pequeño era maltratado por su padre pero que gracias a Callie y su familia, es acompañado y amado muestras crece. Pero cuando crece empieza a ser conocido como The Eraser un hombre peligroso que trabaja para la mafia irlandesa, un ser sin humanidad excepto para proteger a su familia que ama pero ahí entra nuestra chica, Jess 💚
Jessica, la pequeña bailarina, una chica muy valiente y fuerte que sufre maltrato por parte de su padre desde que su madre ha muerto pero algo cambia, pues ha cruzado miradas con Stephen y la chispa entre ellos a comenzado ✨ En el corazón de Stephen crece la necesidad de proteger a Jess pero ella es muy inocente para el, por lo que la asecha durante años pero sin saber lo que pasa dentro de la casa de ella y eso cambia un día…

Durante esta historia, que te dejará querido saber más, experimentarás muchas emoción… tristeza, coraje, impotencia, amor, amistad, adrenalina, muchos muchos gritos de impacto y muchas brincos de enamorada 💗 También distante el libro aparecen muchos otros personajes de otros libros de la autora pero sin que llegue haber spoilers de esos mismos libros, por lo que como yo te dejara las ganas de leerlos TODOS!! 🫡

Nota especial SPOILER ⚠️: estoy enojada con la familia y en especial con su supuesta prima/mejor amiga y su tío… DIOS ES QUE NO SE PUDIERON QUEDAR PARA ELLA??!? En especial también su tía WTF bien dijo Stephen, ella va predicado la importancia de la familia pero mantuvo en el olvido a Jess 😤

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess today I finally figured out what it is. I’m a killer.

Beaten down your whole life.
Being told you're a worthless brat.
Left bleeding into the worn carpet and too far gone to even feel the hunger pains anymore.

Everyone has their limits and sometimes that switch needs to be flicked…Your demon isn’t afraid of the dark…

“Sometimes, those who are deemed dangerous are really the ones who are the safest.”

For those that have followed Brooke Summers previous books, you are going to fall even harder for Stephan Maguire & Jessica Grace’s story! Or like me this is a totally new read then you are in for a chilling treat!

I loved how this started, heartbreaking as it was Brooke is straight away pulling on our emotions with young Stephan and sets up the character/story straight away. It jumps a few years as we start to see the difference with him and leading up to the point of him seeing Jessica.

It’s not really the romantic time, however events lead these two being close-yet far apart ghosting each other as they grow up.

To have someone so pure trust me…Fuck, it’s the most treasured thing in the world.

She may be living in a mansion, but Jessica's life is far from being a princess and with a beast of a cruel father, Jessica knows it is hopeless to dream of a knight willing to save her.

But, what about a bloodthirsty monster who wants nothing more than to keep her safe and slay her enemies?

I loved two aspects of these characters, both had a troubled childhood and couldn’t see the light…until they found each other. Bringing in familiar characters brought the family element, the friendships you can see growing through the years and having the mix of new characters with storylines you can see forming.

A great emotional, drama clenching and steamy read for this new series!

Fuck…I’ve found my one. And I’ll be damned if someone takes her from me.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie is brave as she endures a childhood that is not a happy one. She finds escape in dance and yearns for safety. She can also be self-sacrificing as she doesn’t want others to be hurt and doesn’t judge others.

Stephen “The Eraser” Macguire is someone who is swift and deadly. He has an instinct and intensity about him as he also did not have loving parents but luckily was found by Callie and her family. He will protect the ones he cares about.

These two! The moment they lock eyes there is a spark but is against them due to an age gap. Still, Stephen takes the time to watch over Jessie anytime he can and this sense of safety that he provides her does not have her drive him away. He certainly falls fast and hard and while it takes a little while for Jessie to see what this feeling truly is, she knows without a doubt they have a connection. We see Jessie show Stephen that he can be loved too. These two are an OTP.

We also get to see some parallel across the authors other books, though she leaves enough out to avoid spoilers but also enough to make you curious to read them if you haven’t yet (which you should!). We also get less than likable characters where the villain is involved and other characters we know and also others we become even more curious about. The pacing of the story was good and the plot kept us interested.

Overall, this was a good intro to the series and I cannot wait for Maverick’s story next (along with Mallory’s in the Fury Vipers Dubline chapter).

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

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine the nightmare of an abusive childhood?
Stephen doesn't have to imagine. He lived it. When he finds out what it's like to laugh and not cry, to be hugged and not hit, to do something as simple as smile, it's something he'll never forget. Killers aren't born, they're made and his father did one heck of a job.
The O'Hara's and Houlihan's saved his life and started him on a path that would make everyone fear the mere mention of the Eraser. (you won't believe his initiation into the business!)
Sixteen years later, we meet Jessica.
Jessie's father is a real piece of. . .work! She's got a loving mother and, him. (he makes me want to puke)
When her uncle Jer Houlihan comes to see her, she knows it with bad news. Her mother is gone and now what will happen to her?
At her mother's wake, she meets "him" for the first time. She doesn't know him and at only fourteen, she doesn't understand her reaction to him and no one will tell her anything about him. All she has now is her ballet.
His Little Dancer is his new project. He will keep an eye on her and protect her yet three years seems like a very long time away.
At the same time, three years is a lifetime for a young girl to be in the hands of a monster who already enjoys hurting and terrorizing her.
Years later, one night her father forgets himself and hits her in front of others.
Stephen has prepared for this time for years and takes her with him and never intends to let her go. She's the only tender spot in his life and when she's taken from him in a bold move by her crazed father, he will burn down the world to find her and all will see what a real monster is!
The passion between these two, INTENSE!
I love his fierce protectiveness of her and I want to make it clear that he didn't perv on her but waited for her. And as much as he wanted her when they were finally together, he still waited on her to be sure and make the first move.
Talk about "tit for tat"!
No cliff-hanger but ends with a HEA and a set up for the next couple's story in the series.

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

[Porsha Babers · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Eraser" dives deep into a dark, intense narrative that might not be for everyone. Stephen, a 34-year-old killer, first encounters Jessica, only 14 at the time, at her mother’s funeral. From that moment, an unsettling obsession begins, which some readers may find uncomfortable due to Jessica’s age and the nature of Stephen’s fixation.

For the next four years, Stephen becomes Jessica’s unseen guardian, watching her every move while continuing his work as the best killer in their organization. The story takes a dramatic turn when Jessica's father publicly slaps her at an event. This triggers Stephen to intervene, promising Jessica safety and revenge against her father.

The book is heavily laden with themes of abuse and other dark elements, so potential readers should heed the trigger warnings. While the revenge plot drives the story forward, I found myself wanting more development in Stephen and Jessica’s relationship. Their connection, while central to the plot, could have been explored in greater depth, balancing the intense focus on vengeance.

Overall, "The Eraser" is a gripping read for those who can handle its darker themes. It’s a story of protection, obsession, and retribution that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it could benefit from more nuanced character development.

[Sandra R · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Eraser was just ok for me - 2.5 stars rounded up. I liked the Irish setting and dialogue, but I did think some of the writing style didn't flow as well as it could have and the romance felt way too 'insta', in the beginning.

My main gripe is all the many minor secondary characters that were mentioned throughout, as it was doing my head in. It's obvious many of these other people have starred in their own books, but I felt no need for the author to slip in what happened to 'X' character last year that caused 'Y' character to rescue her etc. It kept throwing me out of the main story. I assume the author has done this because she and her loyal readers love them all and it's great for readers to catch up or remember, but as someone that hasn't read any previous books by this author, it was annoying. The time line also started when the hero was ten, so every time it jumped forward there were more characters to take in. Many nicknames as well.

This is an Irish mafia romance, featuring a younger heroine and an obsessed, protective, very BAD, morally grey older hero. There is a lot of mafia violence, so be aware of that. I also couldn't understand the whole wood chipper thing... Towing it around and knowing instinctively he loved killing?? Anyway, I do intend to read another book by this author.

[lilianna wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book had me completely hooked from the start. The storyline had so much intricacy that it made it so entertaining. I finished the book in one setting and the cliffhanger ending made me crave the second book. I'm so grateful I had the experience to read this book not only because it was amazing but also because it may have just gotten me out of my reading slump i've been in since March!

Spoilers-

Knowing that MMC had never been shown real live in his childhood and was convinced he was never able to love broke my heart and he deserves the absolute best. I think he'll make an excellent father to his new baby!

But FMC, WOW she is such a badass!! She went through so much abuse and torture and it broke my heart into a million pieces. Knowing that she was finally able to feel safe and loved and secure with MMC was such a relief in the end!

I'm so excited for these two to become parents and I'm ready to continue to the storyline with Maverick and Lisa in "The Cleaner"

[Crystal Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC to the Eraser and I loved it so much. I’m such a sucker for mafia romance but add a little age gap, who did this to you, you’re mine and we got a winner! I love how strong the MFC is in this book especially what she goes through. I don’t wanna spoil it for anyone so don’t wanna say what she goes through. And I totally understand why the book is called the eraser cause literally the MMC is the eraser because of what he does, even i felt safe with him lol.
I have a new boyfriend to add to the collection 🥰🤭

I did get angry how the book ended with a cliffhanger I have a strong love hate relationship with cliffhangers so bad yet so good ugh I cannot wait for the second book to come out!

Spice level to me is a 3 chili pepper but still really good.

[readingwithclark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot darker than I thought it was going to be!!📚

The dad of the heroine might be up there with some of the worst characters I’ve ever read. He was the most HORRIBLE human ever!!

But the couple were cute together! I loved this kind of low-key forbidden stalker romance they had it was very fun to read.🤍

4 Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


🤍Organised Crime
🤍Age Gap
🤍Dark Romance

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!
I couldn’t put this book down, I loved reading The Eraser. This book was emotionally and action packed. What Jess had to endorse in her early life was heartbreaking and when Stephen into the picture was the best thing to happen to Jess. The chemistry between them was steamy HOT and I loved their story. I can’t wait for the next book to come out to see what happens next!!

[wika ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this out of curiosity and now I wish I had stayed curious

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been so excited for Brooke’s new Houlihan Men of Dublin series ever since I read Preacher! This was a great start & I’m excited to see what’s coming next w/Maverick. I loved seeing so many faces f/previous series make an appearance. I’m also really looking forward to Raptor & Mallory’s book!
Stephen & Jessica were great characters, & I enjoyed the age gap between them & how ott protective Stephen was. His childhood was bad, but it was nothing compared to what Jessica had to endure. Oh my gosh, my heart was breaking for her. I was so angry w/Nicola’s behavior & even a little upset w/Callie, they both should’ve been there for Jessica, but they weren’t. I was so dang happy when Maverick ripped into Nicola. The woman may have been like a mother to him, but he wasn’t going to let anyone hurt his girl. Stephen started out as a hurt boy who grew to be a cold, dark, & ruthless man. But Jessica brings out a side no one’s ever expected- he’s caring & gentle w/her. How he made her feel beautiful when she never did before, & the things he did for her before she was even his, were incredible. The man knew since the first time seeing her she would be his, it just took a couple years!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hurt my heart soo much!! It’s been a long time since I wanted to cry and wish I was in the story myself to hurt a guy as much as he hurt her! This of course is a dark mafia book but it’s sooo good!! But be ready to grab the tissues!!.

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

[Lofty · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*
Stephen hasn't had an easy life his mother hooked on drugs his father a bully. Meeting Callie is the best thing that had happened until he meets 14 Yr old Jessica.
Jessica loved her mother and loosing her devastated her.
When Stephen begins to follow her she feels safe but the bad doesn't go away.
A great story and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Beth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been waiting for this book to come out ever since we first heard about The Eraser and to find out more about him.

Jessica has to survive a lot in her teen years but is also being watched. He knows she will be his and is biding his time. But it is a final trigger that pushed them together.

It is not smooth sailing but it is an amazing story and can’t wait to continue with this series.

[Jojo Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke has fast become one of my favourite authors and she’s won me over again with the Eraser. Stephen Maguire is like a brother to Callie, Dennis Gallagher’s wife, it has been noted in other books that he has a live if killing and he loves his wood chipper, know I know why.
He had a terrible upbringing which explains a lot, I loved reading how he and Callie met and how the O’Hara’s accepted him as one of their own. Now as a man with a reputation working for Jerry Houlihan a known Dublin Gangster and Callie’s uncle, people fear him but from the time they first meet when she is just 13 and at her mums funeral Jessica felt a sense of safety around him.
When he discovers what he dad has put her through he becomes her protector her hero her saviour. They shouldn’t fit together but they do, he protects and loves her just as she’s always needed someone to and he loves her the way he’s always needed someone to love him .

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! Stephen and Jessica! My heart broke for Jessica. I was so mad bc I can’t understand how no one picks up what is happening with her. Especially with the typed family she has. Stephen…. I love how he watches her. And goodness help everyone when he stakes a claim. I love how he is with her. When he finds what has happened to her, my heart swells even more. Be prepared! This book is not for the light hearted. Absolutely loved it

[ioana’sreadings · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

The idea itself was good, but the execution could’ve been better if I’m being honest.

Of course, being a mafia book some twists aren’t really a surprise because a lot of mafia books use them, but there was a WOW factor missing.
I also feel like some parts were rushed and there were a lot of time jumps in the beginning that made it kinda hard at first to follow because we don’t know the characters yet and they’re changing, growing too fast. Maybe if the book was a little longer, it would’ve felt less rushed and my rating would be higher but hey we’ll never know…

Nonetheless, the dark part was there, some explicit bad things were written (check the trigger warnings before starting the book!!). And I also love the taboo relationship…
I adored seeing the two characters growing into each other, healing together and learning to love one another. It’s showing that no matter what happened in your life you can heal with the help of the right person.

[Simone · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF’d after 27%.

It was written way to conversationally and even that is a stretch in positive commentary.

“I’m always so defensive and I’m not sure why. Whenever I’m questioned, I feel the need to try to defend myself, but it comes out a little bitchy”

Lines similar to this. Incredibly redundant. Also you’re going to tell me that this man burned the back of his 14 year old daughter in front of “his” men who were also men of his uncles…but none of them said anything and somehow her uncles or the man who has been following her for 2 years didn’t notice?
Stephen noticing her “curves” at 16 when he is 29 is just weird! It’s one thing to meet when she is young it’s another to be attracted to a teenager when you’re almost 30!

I am rating a 1 star even though i DNF’d.

[E.K.Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

I'm disappointed to say that I was unable to finish this book.

The idea seemed great and absolutely something I'd love to read, however the book itself just fell short for me.

I wasn't a fan of the writing style and/or the pacing.

I may try again with this book at a later date, but I had to put my honest review up before the release.

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Brooke for the ARC Copy 💚

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-THE ERASER is the first instalment in Brooke Summers’ contemporary, adult HOULIHAN MEN OF DUBLIN dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Stephen ‘The Eraser’ Maguire, and Jessica Grace’s story line. THE ERASER is a spin off/set in the author’s FURY VIPERS MC: DUBIN CHAPTERS. Some of the characters cross over

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Stephen and Jessica) THE ERASER covers several years in the life of our story line couple Several years earlier, having endured a life of terror and abuse, Stephen was conscripted into the Irish Mafia, and would become known as The Eraser, a killer who would ‘erase’ the lives of people targeted by the man in charge. Meanwhile, Jessica Grace’s life imploded the day her was killed, the day her father took out all of his frustrations on his teenaged daughter. Fast forward to present day wherein Stephen, having watched our heroine from afar, takes a stand, takes control and becomes protector and guardian of the woman with whom he will fall in love but discovering the years of abuse at the hands of someone meant to protect, Stephen would go in search to destroy the man who destroyed the woman he loves. What ensues is the building , age gap relationship between Stephen and Jessica, and the potential fall-out as the past returns to take revenge.

The world building follows intersecting paths as Stephen’s earlier life parallels the life of the woman he will love. Both come from abusive homes,neglectful and abusive backgrounds but Stephen has taken back control. As Jessica’s life continues to spiral out of control, Stephen steps in and steps up, claiming our heroine, as his own.

The relationship between Jessica and Stephen is an age gap romance. Stephen is approximately twice Jessica’s age, and has watched Jessica grow into a beautiful young woman but Stephen has missed the truth, and intends to get revenge for the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

THE ERASER is a story of abuse, power and control; dysfunctional family dynamics; secrets and lies, retribution, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty, dramatic and heart breaking; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, charismatic, dynamic and broken. THE ERASER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Heed the trigger warnings….


copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Dianne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last we get Stephen and Jessica’s story, this is the first chapter of a new series but some old favourites make a very welcome appearance. This is an age-gap romance with some very dark themes so please be aware of your triggers as this book is not for the faint of heart.

We first meet Jessica at fourteen and while her Mam is her rock and she has love and support from her extended family her Dad well, he’s far from the doting protective father. When tragedy strikes she’s left to endure hell at his hands, cutting herself off from her extended family and loosing herself in her dancing.

Stephen Macguire aka The Eraser has endured a violent and chaotic childhood, his friendship with Callie being his saving grace and putting him in the orbit of Callie’s family, particularly her Uncle Jer head of the Houlihan Gang. Stephen is a complicated man who has honed his skills with the help of a trusty woodchipper or two, you want someone to vanish without a trace Stephen’s your man.

Stephen was captivated by Jessie the moment he saw her and fell hard and fast, has watched over his Little Dancer for years (there are time jumps) biding his time and once he kissed her well there was no walking away. Jessie had endured so much, she may be young but she’s a strong, having to put on a front and take care and protect herself. She’s such a resilient woman who despite everything seems to exude an aura of goodness that draws you in. That being said she is determined to look after herself. Jessie’s under no illusions as to the kind of man Stephen but he’s all hers.

It’s fair to say I could not put this book down. There was a quite a bit of world building but at its heart was a beautiful love story. The chemistry between Jessica and Stephen was sizzling, I loved their relationship. He may be a monster to everyone else but with Jessie well Stephen’s her knight with a shiny woodchipper. I loved the crossover with past characters from previous books making an appearance. This is a story of love, loss and vengeance with lots blood and gore and I was here for it every step of the way. I’m impatiently waiting for Maverick’s book now.

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

[Alyx Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start this with I have read almost all of Brooke’s books. I have loved all of them. I am a huge fan of her world building, her dark mafia and mc worlds are violent, evil, and twisted, but also full of men and women who are unfailingly loyal. The Eraser is, one of her darker books. It addresses themes that are really difficult to read, but nonetheless, there are people in the world that live them every day. I appreciate how Summers approached the topics of abuse, SA, trafficking etc. It’s important that our books reflect our society, they can be an escape, they can have a happy ending, but still show the ugly parts. This book certainly does that.

I have been waiting for Stephen McGuire’s book since the Made series, I know, he seems so cold blooded, but I was just so sure it was something different underneath. Thank you Brooke for giving us this book. Stephen is so hyper focused on everything, it is no wonder that when he meets Jess for the first time, (he is 30 and she is 14), he knows then that she is his ‘One’ and from that point forward he ALWAYS seems to know where she is. Typical, unhinged, possessive, obsessed, psycho I’m going to burn the entire world down and kill everyone who has ever hurt you because you are mine, MMC. My absolute favorite! I’ll take a villain like this any day, and it looks like our FMC Jess will too. She’s scarred, beaten down, broken, but feisty, smart and determined to not let it destroy her.

The way Stephen loves Jess is everything she needed to finally start healing. What Jess when through was the worst kind of ugliness, (be WARNED read those TWs folks), it can be hard. What happened to her broke my heart and made me cry, but she survived, with the support and love of her best friend, and her shadow who somehow was always there.

From beginning to end I could not stop reading this book, in some sections I don’t think I could even breathe. I am so excited to see which Houlihan we get next!

[Maycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While The Eraser may be the first book in The Houlihan Gang Of Dublin Series, if you’ve been a fan of Brooke Summers for any length of time Stephen is not a new character. I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book! Stephen is such an integral supporting character in many of Brooke’s books and I have been dying to take a deep dive into who he is. This is a dark romance, read the triggers because this one is a doozy. If you aren’t familiar with Stephen’s particular work “style” (IYKYK) I won’t give spoilers, but he’s shocked many people in previous books… you’ve been warned! Brooke writes complicated characters that tug on your heartstrings and dig deep into your soul. Stephen and Jessica are no different. Stephen is cold, calculating and seems heartless but once Jessica is in the picture you see a whole new side of him. Jessica will break your heart. Her life is so unfair and cruelty follows her every move. I love that she is a survivor not a victim and through it all still has this sweetness about her. This couple really complements each other, their chemistry is undeniable, and just so accepting of who they are as individuals. The tension, angst and drama will keep you on the edge of your seat. I will say that while the age gap didn’t bother me, how young Jessica was when it started was a bit concerning and had me a little wary about the whole situation. My only other “complaint” is how repetitive Stephen is about explaining how his “trick of the trade” works.. a couple times is fine, but every time it was brought up and explained pulled me from the story. Overall, Brooke did a fantastic job with Stephen’s story, I flew through the book and I am so excited for the breadcrumbs that were dropped about future books. This world is addictive and I’m so glad she keeps making these spin off series! Definitely a must read!