Hornet

Dark Slayers MC #20

by Aria Ray

As a live-in nanny, I hoped to escape my past and build my future. I didn't expect it to include my new single dad boss.

Thrown onto the streets at eighteen, my biker boyfriend turned into my abuser. Since escaping his clutches, I've struggled to catch a break.

After yet another firing, I land the perfect a live-in nanny for a hot older single dad. It's a fresh start I jump at, loving babies as I do.

To my dismay, my new boss, Hornet, is also a biker. Caught in a dilemma, I decide to stick around with him and his adorable baby girl. Quickly, I realize he's nothing like my ex; he's a genuine hero, caring for his friend's orphaned daughter.
Mature, reliable, and dangerously charming, my boss soon consumes my every thought.

The chemistry between us is explosive, and I'm on edge, especially since Hornet receives anonymous complaints, and I suspect my ex is up to his old tricks.

When, instead of firing me, he vows to help me uncover the saboteur, I find myself hopelessly falling for my protector.

With my stalker's identity exposed, can Hornet save me from the darkness of my past without dimming the brightness of our future?

"Hornet" is the 20th book in the "Dark Slayers MC” hot and alluring romance series featuring bikers who will remind you why you like the bad boys so much. They’re protective, rough, and running on pure diesel and adrenaline.
Each book in the series is a standalone with a guaranteed happily ever after for the couple, though it is recommended to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2024

About the author

Aria Ray writes suspenseful, hot, and intense romance stories featuring powerful alpha-men and witty heroines, full of sacrifice, love, and happily-ever-afters. Like the heroines of her novels, Aria has always had a crush on sinfully sexy bad boys - dark, controlling, irresistible, but tender and loving.

When she is not writing or daydreaming about new stories, she loves to spend time with her own gang of alpha males -
a husband and twin boys. But the real mob boss of the family is Don Corleone - the cat.

If you'd like to be notified of updates, teasers, and promotions, subscribe to Aria's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hqXjur

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner by This Author

This is a great addition to the Dark Slayers MC with Drue/Hornet’s story. While he was in the service, he makes an honorable agreement with his buddy and has no idea that he will be called upon in the future to take guardianship of his newborn baby girl. Now Drue needs a nanny to help out.

At the age of eighteen Brooke was cast aside by her father and lived a hard life. When she applied for the nanny job things started looking up for her…except for her stalker. With Drue being the protective man that he was he wanted to get to the bottom of whoever was tormenting the woman he was falling for.

This was such a heartfelt read with the alpha biker being so protective of those he loved. I’m so happy that this couple got the HEA they deserved.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brook had some family issues growing up. When her father found out she wasn’t his biologically, she was thrown out at the age of 18. Taking on numerous jobs and always getting fired because of complaints against her, Brook is about to be homeless when her best friend / roommate decides to move to LA. Brook just got out of an abusive relationship with a biker and has sworn off men. Hornet is an older guy (37) and just received custody of his military buddy’s baby after both he and his wife passed. He takes to being a father like he was made for it! He needs to hire a nanny and ends up hiring Brook. They do a trial basis to make sure things will work out. After a week, Hornet receives a phone call that Brook was fired from her previous job for giving the child peanuts even though he was allergic. Someone is out to sabotage Brook, but who and why?

More phone calls happen, a few incidents occur and Brook is injured. By this time, Hornet will do anything he can to protect Brook and vows to figure this out. Let the games begin! Great story, a twist, lots of steam and 2 people finding each other just when they needed to.

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

[Kimberlea Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protecting His Family

WOW! I feel like I might say this a lot about this series, but I can’t get enough of the men in this MC. Drue/Hornet finds himself in need of a live-in nanny for the orphaned baby girl that he takes in after a long ago agreement with a friend brings the unexpected bundle to his doorstep. The young woman he hires, Brook, is in desperate need of a change in her luck, and that’s exactly what she finds. The pull they feel to each other doesn’t truly catch fire though until a stalker threatens Brook, as well as the family they find themselves building. When I say protective alpha male, I mean Hornet & his resolve to keep his girl safe & happy. He is one of the sweetest MMCs we’ve had in this series, and I was all for every bit of it! Everything about this book, the mystery, suspense, action & danger, was so perfectly balanced by the friendship, humor, protectiveness, chemistry, passion, sizzling spice 🔥, and all consuming love. Watching Hornet & Brook fight for each other, and for their family, was just pure Dark Slayer MC perfection (especially that tear-jerker of an epilogue)!!! I can’t wait for more 🙌🏻❤️

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornet is the twentieth book in the Aria Ray’s Dark Slayers MC series. It is a romantic suspense MC story filled with passion, danger and a protective alpha biker who will do anything to protect the woman he loves.

Kicked out of her home at the age of eighteen, Brook Arnold has struggled for years to find happiness and a place to call home. When she lands a job as a live-in nanny for Drue “Hornet” Davis and his friend’s orphaned infant daughter Ariel, she feels her luck has changed. The attraction and chemistry between Brook and Hornet is undeniable from the start, but they fight their feelings until mysterious texts, phone calls and incidents lead Hornet to believe that Brook has a stalker. Now he’ll fight anything and anyone to keep Brook, the love of his life and Ariel, his daughter of the heart safe, but will he be too late? Read it and find out!

This book can be read as a standalone, but reading the series in order gives the reader a deeper understanding of the Dark Slayers MC life. I can’t wait to read the next story in this amazing series!

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

[Candace Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Spoilers ✨

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞/𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:

Hornet - Aria Ray

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:

- Brook
- Hornet

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:

"I swear to God, that girl could ask me for any * thing in the entire world and I’d find a way to give it to her."

"I’m not leaving your side. You’ll always have a home with me if you want it.”

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Brooks been thrown to the streets after something has been revealed and she has no place to go. Hornet was tossed into fatherhood and needs a nanny. Once the two connect how with

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

Hornet was the sweetest. He jumped right in as a father and a boyfriend and man did I swoon.

Brooks was so strong and she never gave up even when she was at her lowest.

This stories plot was quick and to the point but enjoyable. It hard character growth, spice and a little drama.

I really enjoyed this book and definitely will pick up past books by this author.


𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:

• Biker romance
• He falls first
• Nanny x boss
• Hea

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞:

🌶️🌶️/5

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the man she has known as her father all her life finds out she want not biologically his, Brook is thrown out of her house. At first she had no where to stay but in her car, she struggled to make ends meet. She has not been able to hold a job, when she hears of a live in nanny position, this may be her break.

Hornet/Drue has not had a serious relationship, when his buddy and his wife die, they leave him guardian of their little girl. The new nanny is making him feel things he should not, she is too young for him.

Things are working well until random people say she endangered their child, people she never worked for. Hornet is determined to find out what is going on and to keep both of his girls safe.

Hornet is one of the sweetest guys, who loses his heart to the new girls in his life. This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the entire series.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Hornet and Brook
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- MC Romance Lite
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋 They do the things and use the P word
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- The Biker’s Trifecta (language, violence, explicit erotic content)
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Nanny/Caregiver, Age Gap, Single Dad, Surprise Baby, Adorable Moppet, Trainwreck
What I liked- Hornet was hot, and when he was doing his Superdad thing, my ovaries sat up and started to sing.
What I didn’t- this wasn’t a unique or distinctive story. Still, it’s an enjoyable read.
Other thoughts- I have to give some props to the best friend for standing up for herself. I sympathized with the heroine, but her life was a trainwreck. I could see how that energy would affect other people and become an emotional drain.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornet :Dark Slayers MC, Book 20..a biker romance story of Hornet and Brook..A former military,now a biker member and working security stuff and a new single daddy.;A young woman who have trouble keeping her job because of some people and having a toxic ex and being kicked out at 18 when her father found out that she's not his own blood because of the mistake her mother done..but when she thought she finally found her great nanny job someone sabotage it but her boss turned protector save the day..they have an instant attraction and chemistry and they've love the angel they tacking cared off..A fast paced,intriguing,interesting,with drama,angst,some action,steam and romance..

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

[Judy Barmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornet #20 05/23/2024

Brook has turned eighteen and a long time secret has been revealed and now she is living in her car because the man she thought was her dad isn’t. He kicked her out when it’s not her fault it’s her moms but her mom need to be there for her two brothers. So Brook find her life a mess from one thing to another. Now what’s next? Hornet is about to get a big surprise his army buddy has passed away and his wife has to in childbirth and their child has been given to Hornet to raise. Now Hornet needs a nanny to help care for his new daughter. That’s where Brook come in she applies for the job and gets it but soon trouble is showing up someone is after her. So enjoy another good book in this series and see what happens!!

[GKP2460 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brook, through no fault of her own, finds herself in a bad situation. With a crazy stalker ex and unable to hold a job she's really in a mess now. Drue/Hornet, finds himself in unknown territory when he's given guardianship of a 2 week old infant belonging to his Military buddy that passed away. His need for a nanny comes at a good time for Brook who just happens to need a job. The chemistry between these two is undeniably hot. When trouble comes around it don't take long for Hornet to straighten everything out. This story is a whirlwind of activity. There's not a dull moment from start to finish.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornet is the twentieth book in the Dark Slayers MC Series. You would think these books would become mundane after this many, but they do not. Each book has had its own unique storyline that brought two lovers to a much deserved happily ever after. Hornet and Brooke's story is no different.

Hornet is another page-turner and hit for this MC series with drama, action, steamy romance, a mystery to solve, and lots of overprotective testosterone driven sweet love. I cannot wait to delve into Coyote, which is book twenty-one!.

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

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about overcoming obstacles. Brooke was reeling from a lot of bad luck for the past four years. Finally things look like they are picking up for her. However, there were some things she couldn't control and it seemed like someone was out to punish her for something.

Hornet is really good at being protective of his loved ones. When he makes a promise he keeps it. He was a very loyal person.

I enjoyed the relationship between Brooke and Hornet. Hornet really showed he cared for her and Brooke was able to get past her past and move forward with Hornet.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 20th book in this phenomenal series, which is Drue / Hornet and Brooke’s story.
Horney is a new single dad who interviews Brooke for the nanny position.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, loyalty, a stalker, mystery, suspense, danger, intrigue, palpable chemistry, humor, witty banter, determination, tension, and love, which leads to an entertaining and captivating page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornets just become guardian to his late military buddys baby and needs a Nanny. Brookes luck has been on a downward spiral till a nanny job comes along. Butbas sparks fly between her and Hornet someone's out for her, can he keep her safe. Well written steamy desires, protective romance a great addition to the series.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the age of eighteen Brook found herself homeless because her father learned that she was not his. As a result, she had to learn how to survive on the streets and take dead end jobs. That all changed when she became nanny for Hornet which was met with some thrilling twists and turns before they finally got their happily ever after.

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

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hornet may be a big, bad biker, but he didn't hesitate to step up and take on raising someone else's newborn baby. My heart broke for Brook when she was made homeless through no fault of her own. Her mother made me crazy and I loved that Hornet gave Brook a chance. I also loved the back and forth banter between Hornet and his dad and was glad Brook found a place with his family since her own was dysfunctional.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornet/Drue and Brook’s story has her fleeing her ex abuser after being cast out on the streets by her dad. She applies for the nanny position for Hornet’s baby girl, who was his by way of his friend’s death. He gets complaints but instead of believing them he helps her get to the bottom of it and helps her get rid of her past mistake.

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

[Wendy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornet

An excellent read. I absolutely loved Hornet and Brook’s story ❤️❤️❤️ a definite page turner. Heartbroken Brook sets about trying to organise and survive living her life without her family at 18. After 4 years she meets her new employee and the rest they say is history. I was thoroughly entertained reading their story.100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, bad editing

This was horribly edited. There were so many spelling errors, missing words, and grammatical errors that it comes off as being written by either a juvenile or a person who doesn't speak English as a first, or even second, language.

And it's too bad because the story was good. It could be fleshed out a little more in the beginning, and a little more cohesive, but it's still good. I hope the errors are fixed because I deducted 2 stars for that...

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heart pounding older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Hornet/Drue, Brook and his unexpected daughter, Ariella/Ariel. The story keeps us turning the pages with a stalker, connection, danger, action and steam.

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

[Debbie Bolay · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕💖💕 Hornet and Brook 💕💖💕 This is a great book in the Dark Slayers MC series! Brook has the worst luck! Hornet is happily single! He inherits a baby and then sparks fly. Aria Ray did a wonderful job on this book! Her books should be on your TBR list! Great book!.

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

[Crystal Jancso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about Brook and Hornet. This book was an amazing addition to the series. Hornet was so caring, attentive and patient with Brook. Some parts had me laughing, crying and angry. I’m glad Brook was able to overcome past trauma. Their HEA was well deserved.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this is one HOT 🥵 and STEAMY read of a book that you’re going to want to read. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED 🥰 reading this STEAMY AND HOT book that takes you on the best ride of your lifetime. So watch out because this wild ride has one of the best HEA endings a woman can dream about. 🔥😊🥵OMG 😱I want the man on the cover too. Hopefully my hubby doesn’t mind.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the twentieth book in the entertaining Dark Slayers MC series. This is a very exciting age gap romance. There’s action, suspense, steam and a good plot. I really enjoyed Hornet and Brook’s emotional story. He is a wonderful character who doesn’t hesitate to lend help where it’s needed. This is a fantastic addition to a very good series.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book this was, I enjoyed Hornet and Brook. They have their ups and downs but what never changed through all that is how sweet and caring Hornet is towards Brook. I enjoyed this last part as well as the first 2 parts. I can recommend this to everyone to read.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is not always blood related

Amazing family bonds are formed and some are repaired when all signs pointed to not being a possibility. Hornet and Brook found each other when both needed someone. A little Angel is given a life of love and happiness

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book defines true family. Hornet is taking care of a child that is not his and now he has Broole in his life who he vows to protect when a stalker is after her. Great story.

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

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hornet

Wow I really thought it was the ex. All of her problems stemmed from the ex as far as I'm concerned and everyone else that abandoned her. In more ways than one Hornet saved her as much as she saved him.

[Brooke Clanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Hornet and Brook are my absolute favorite! I love the protectiveness Hornet has over Brook and Ariel. Plus, the interactions between Hornet and his parents are the absolute best! I can't wait to see what's to come.

[Cynthia Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

This book kept me hooked, I couldn’t put it down. The storyline was a good one. I fell in love with the characters and even thought I had it figured out on who did it but was way off base.