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Iron Outlaws MC #6
The Loves We Lost
🧡 second chance romance
🏍️ biker/romance author
👧🏼 secret baby
🖤 hurt/comfort
🌶️ breeding kink & breath play
🔪 touch my girls and you die
❤️ it's always been you
Viola
Once upon a time, I loved a man with my whole heart.
But unlike the romance stories I write, it wasn't enough for a happily ever after when he chose the violent Iron Outlaws motorcycle club over me.
Now, I write books, enjoy a quiet life, and look after the miracle we created, the little girl I never told him about.
Except, suddenly, there are men at my door looking for him.
And there is only one place I can go for help.
Bates
Viola broke my heart when she turned down the cut and engagement ring I offered and disappeared from my life.
Now, she's turned our love story into a steamy bestseller, complete with the happily ever after she wouldn't give us.
But that isn't the only secret she's been keeping from me.
And now our biggest rivals plan to use her and the little girl with blue eyes and dimples just like mine as collateral to control my club leaving her no choice but to ask me for help.
She's going to hate me for bringing violence to her door, but I'll die trying to keep the two loves I lost alive.
🏍️ biker/romance author
👧🏼 secret baby
🖤 hurt/comfort
🌶️ breeding kink & breath play
🔪 touch my girls and you die
❤️ it's always been you
Viola
Once upon a time, I loved a man with my whole heart.
But unlike the romance stories I write, it wasn't enough for a happily ever after when he chose the violent Iron Outlaws motorcycle club over me.
Now, I write books, enjoy a quiet life, and look after the miracle we created, the little girl I never told him about.
Except, suddenly, there are men at my door looking for him.
And there is only one place I can go for help.
Bates
Viola broke my heart when she turned down the cut and engagement ring I offered and disappeared from my life.
Now, she's turned our love story into a steamy bestseller, complete with the happily ever after she wouldn't give us.
But that isn't the only secret she's been keeping from me.
And now our biggest rivals plan to use her and the little girl with blue eyes and dimples just like mine as collateral to control my club leaving her no choice but to ask me for help.
She's going to hate me for bringing violence to her door, but I'll die trying to keep the two loves I lost alive.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2024
963 people are currently reading
1305 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Cole
45 books2,222 followersFour-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.
She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.
When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettcole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsscarlettcole
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsScarlettCole
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FNTzyC
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/scarl...
Newsletter sign-up: http://www.scarlettcole.com/contact
If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com
She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.
When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarlettcole/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsscarlettcole
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsScarlettCole
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FNTzyC
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/scarl...
Newsletter sign-up: http://www.scarlettcole.com/contact
If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
March 6, 2024
5 huge stars!
This is the most beautiful story! A passionate, intense and heartfelt second-chance-romance set within the MC world, this book sucked me in and didn’t let go. I fell in love with these characters and their journey, I felt everything along with them, and I loved every moment of their battle for their HEA. It’s a fantastic read and a fave for 2024.
This is the 6th book in the Iron Outlaws MC series. Because so much has gone on with these characters, and with the club, I would definitely recommend reading these books in order, but you could read this one as a standalone, as long as you’re ok not knowing a lot of the dynamics, or finding out spoilers about earlier books.
Bates is an enforcer for the Iron Outlaws MC, and in the most sensational set-up, he learns that his ex-girlfriend and love of his life, Viola, is now a romance writer and writing MC romance based on their past together. If that isn’t shocking enough, she’s using his name as a pseudonym and writing about the very life she walked away from when he proposed and offered her a cut. She walked away and left him broken hearted, and in a desperate need to know why, he tracks her down.
Sparks fly when they see each other again, and when Vi fears she is in danger and seeks help at the Iron Outlaws compound, with her five-year-old daughter that looks just like Bates, things get even more interesting.
This is such a tricky storyline to write, and a secret child is hit-or-miss situation with me, it has to be done in a way that makes sense and isn’t just for unnecessary drama, and Scarlett Cole does this one so well. I could understand Vi’s fears for her and her daughter’s safety, and how things played out the way it did. I could also absolutely understand Bates’ reaction to the news. There is a mess of emotion on both sides - anger, guilt and sadness, and I was right there with both of them as they work through the devastating betrayal. Balancing it out beautifully is Bates’ soul-deep love for Vi, and his instant love for his daughter, Avery, which is amazing to witness.
Vi is a strong character. She’s created a good life for her and Avery, and I could understand her decision to keep herself and her little girl away from such a dangerous life. But then the one thing she has always feared becomes reality - her connection with Bates has made her and Avery a target of the club’s enemies. She’ll have to rely on Bates and the very people she rejected so long ago to keep them both safe.
With his two girls in danger, Bates comes in all alpha protective, and everything changes. Though it’s initially forced proximity, with the love between them still burning so brightly, it quickly becomes anything but forced, and I loved seeing them together and all up in each other’s lives.
Of course it’s emotional, but’s it’s also playful and fun, and sexy as all hell. VI is a romance writer who has imagined all kinds of sexy scenarios, and Bates is all too happy to help her explore her curious side. He is kinky and a dirty talker, and the sex is seriously steamy - a reflection of their trust and acceptance, and the depth of their relationship.
You can see that there is so much love between these two, but their life circumstances made their situation difficult, and they weren’t able to make it work in the past. But neither of them can deny the connection between them, and with little Avery in the picture they are now tied together in a way that they’ll never be able to walk away from again. And I love how honest they are with each other as they lay it all out there.
And with danger never far away in the MC world, when faced with the unimaginable, they are forced to confront their future and what they want their lives to be, and I loved watching them figure it all out.
The rest of the Iron Outlaws and their old ladies are a big part of the story, of course, and I loved being back in this world. I loved how the whole crew had Bates’ back, and I loved seeing Vi and Avery come into the Iron Outlaws and be so unreservedly accepted. But the big bonus was seeing all of the big gruff bikers suddenly deal with a sweet little girl in their midst, and some of those scenes had my heart melting, while others made me laugh out loud.
This is a gorgeous read that had me all swept up, and I read it in a day, unable to put it down. I loved every moment of this wild ride and finished the book feeling satisfied, with a massive smile on my face… until that epilogue which hints at the next book which now has me desperate for Halo’s story up next.
So much love for this one – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
This is the most beautiful story! A passionate, intense and heartfelt second-chance-romance set within the MC world, this book sucked me in and didn’t let go. I fell in love with these characters and their journey, I felt everything along with them, and I loved every moment of their battle for their HEA. It’s a fantastic read and a fave for 2024.
This is the 6th book in the Iron Outlaws MC series. Because so much has gone on with these characters, and with the club, I would definitely recommend reading these books in order, but you could read this one as a standalone, as long as you’re ok not knowing a lot of the dynamics, or finding out spoilers about earlier books.
Bates is an enforcer for the Iron Outlaws MC, and in the most sensational set-up, he learns that his ex-girlfriend and love of his life, Viola, is now a romance writer and writing MC romance based on their past together. If that isn’t shocking enough, she’s using his name as a pseudonym and writing about the very life she walked away from when he proposed and offered her a cut. She walked away and left him broken hearted, and in a desperate need to know why, he tracks her down.
“You wrote our story, only you gave two fucking imaginary people the ending you couldn’t give us. What the fuck kind of bullshit is that?”
Sparks fly when they see each other again, and when Vi fears she is in danger and seeks help at the Iron Outlaws compound, with her five-year-old daughter that looks just like Bates, things get even more interesting.
I can’t take my eyes off the two people in front of me. And while I am going to punish the shit out of Viola for whatever clusterfuck this is, I can’t deny an almost-primal beat within my chest that they are both mine.
This is such a tricky storyline to write, and a secret child is hit-or-miss situation with me, it has to be done in a way that makes sense and isn’t just for unnecessary drama, and Scarlett Cole does this one so well. I could understand Vi’s fears for her and her daughter’s safety, and how things played out the way it did. I could also absolutely understand Bates’ reaction to the news. There is a mess of emotion on both sides - anger, guilt and sadness, and I was right there with both of them as they work through the devastating betrayal. Balancing it out beautifully is Bates’ soul-deep love for Vi, and his instant love for his daughter, Avery, which is amazing to witness.
One minute I’m so fucking furious at the decision she made to keep Avery from me. Hell, to keep herself from me. The next, I want to hold her just like this. To step up, be the bigger man, and reassure her that we’ll get through all this somehow.
Vi is a strong character. She’s created a good life for her and Avery, and I could understand her decision to keep herself and her little girl away from such a dangerous life. But then the one thing she has always feared becomes reality - her connection with Bates has made her and Avery a target of the club’s enemies. She’ll have to rely on Bates and the very people she rejected so long ago to keep them both safe.
I don’t want to be here, but it’s where I’m safest. Miles is the only one who can help me, so I don’t really want to piss him off. But he’s also the man who didn’t choose me. He. Didn’t. Choose. Me. And I guess all along that’s what has hurt most. He rejected me when he put the club first. And he’ll do the same for Avery.
With his two girls in danger, Bates comes in all alpha protective, and everything changes. Though it’s initially forced proximity, with the love between them still burning so brightly, it quickly becomes anything but forced, and I loved seeing them together and all up in each other’s lives.
“Reminiscing with you is dangerous,” I say. “It makes me think about things that simply can’t happen.”
“Here’s the thing, Vi. When it comes to you and me, anything can happen.”
Of course it’s emotional, but’s it’s also playful and fun, and sexy as all hell. VI is a romance writer who has imagined all kinds of sexy scenarios, and Bates is all too happy to help her explore her curious side. He is kinky and a dirty talker, and the sex is seriously steamy - a reflection of their trust and acceptance, and the depth of their relationship.
You can see that there is so much love between these two, but their life circumstances made their situation difficult, and they weren’t able to make it work in the past. But neither of them can deny the connection between them, and with little Avery in the picture they are now tied together in a way that they’ll never be able to walk away from again. And I love how honest they are with each other as they lay it all out there.
“You tell me that you still want me in your bed at night, making you feel the magic we feel when we’re together. You tell me you want a sibling for Avery. You tell me that you want a man to take care of you after all this time being alone. Financially. Emotionally. Sexually. You tell me all that, and I’m staying so we can figure out the rest. Because that’s a really fucking solid foundation to build on.”
And with danger never far away in the MC world, when faced with the unimaginable, they are forced to confront their future and what they want their lives to be, and I loved watching them figure it all out.
“I feel like you’ve always been mine.”
… “I’m yours … Always have been.”
The rest of the Iron Outlaws and their old ladies are a big part of the story, of course, and I loved being back in this world. I loved how the whole crew had Bates’ back, and I loved seeing Vi and Avery come into the Iron Outlaws and be so unreservedly accepted. But the big bonus was seeing all of the big gruff bikers suddenly deal with a sweet little girl in their midst, and some of those scenes had my heart melting, while others made me laugh out loud.
“There you go, pumpkin.”
As if sensing my mood, she turns and plants her sweaty, dirty palms on my thighs and kisses my cheek. “You’re the best hair putter-upper, Daddy.” She skips off and takes my heart with her.
“Your kid’s full of shit,” Halo mutters. “That’s the weakest ponytail I’ve seen in a long time.”
“Fuck you,” I say, my heart so fucking full, I can’t breathe.
This is a gorgeous read that had me all swept up, and I read it in a day, unable to put it down. I loved every moment of this wild ride and finished the book feeling satisfied, with a massive smile on my face… until that epilogue which hints at the next book which now has me desperate for Halo’s story up next.
So much love for this one – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
FLOVED it!!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance, secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This series has been an absolute fave and The Loves We Lost did not dissapoint! Secret baby tropes are my jam and the added plus of the FMC being a romance author writing the HEA she never got just took it next level. Angsty without being over the top, I loved Bates and Viola's journey: it was emotional, fast paced, and had tons of laugh out loud moments. This series has completely blown me away and if you're A fan of strong, smart heroines - and haven't read them - you're completely missing out!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance, secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This series has been an absolute fave and The Loves We Lost did not dissapoint! Secret baby tropes are my jam and the added plus of the FMC being a romance author writing the HEA she never got just took it next level. Angsty without being over the top, I loved Bates and Viola's journey: it was emotional, fast paced, and had tons of laugh out loud moments. This series has completely blown me away and if you're A fan of strong, smart heroines - and haven't read them - you're completely missing out!
March 9, 2024
Another hero with loads of OW detail. 🙄
Secret baby is one of my least favorite tropes. 99% of the time the deception is unacceptable. This case is no different, but I can see why Viola was reluctant to join her life with Bates. They met and fell in love before he was a member of the MC. Then, when faced with the ultimatum, he chose the MC not her. Viola’s concern was the dangerous and illegal MC lifestyle.
After she leaves him, she finds out that she’s pregnant. She doesn’t tell him, and he only finds out after he tracks her down (because she’s been writing about him and their relationship under the guise of a romance novel.) She of course has sex with him, one more time. 🙄
They go their separate ways. Almost immediately after that, she and Avery (their daughter) are targeted by one of the clubs enemies. She goes to him for help. He learns that he has a daughter and wants to get to know her and eventually wants both Avery and Viola to move in with him so they can become a family. Viola is reluctant at first but gives in and she’s immediately in danger again because of the MC! It’s so dumb. Nothing has changed and her initial fears are confirmed.
Per usual, H has been having sex with EVERY club girl and warm body he can in the five years they were apart and would have gone on that way forever. Meanwhile, h has been celibate because no one compared to him.
Secret baby is one of my least favorite tropes. 99% of the time the deception is unacceptable. This case is no different, but I can see why Viola was reluctant to join her life with Bates. They met and fell in love before he was a member of the MC. Then, when faced with the ultimatum, he chose the MC not her. Viola’s concern was the dangerous and illegal MC lifestyle.
After she leaves him, she finds out that she’s pregnant. She doesn’t tell him, and he only finds out after he tracks her down (because she’s been writing about him and their relationship under the guise of a romance novel.) She of course has sex with him, one more time. 🙄
They go their separate ways. Almost immediately after that, she and Avery (their daughter) are targeted by one of the clubs enemies. She goes to him for help. He learns that he has a daughter and wants to get to know her and eventually wants both Avery and Viola to move in with him so they can become a family. Viola is reluctant at first but gives in and she’s immediately in danger again because of the MC! It’s so dumb. Nothing has changed and her initial fears are confirmed.
Per usual, H has been having sex with EVERY club girl and warm body he can in the five years they were apart and would have gone on that way forever. Meanwhile, h has been celibate because no one compared to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
I wasn't sure how this will go, but I couldn't put the book down! I know I will need to reread this series because I read it too fast...
March 15, 2024
"Because I can’t bear a life where he’s in hers but not mine."
This is the explanation heroine gives to herself on why she hid their kid from the hero. Look I don't mind secret child as a trope but this reasoning just pissed me off, a mother of the year, truly.
This is the explanation heroine gives to herself on why she hid their kid from the hero. Look I don't mind secret child as a trope but this reasoning just pissed me off, a mother of the year, truly.
January 30, 2025
This is yet another addition to this addicting MC club series and is a second chance romance. Bates and Viola were deeply in love a few years previous to the start of this book. But Viola hated his desire to become a member of a motorcycle club. Not surprising as to what being part of one meant. When she asked him to choose, he chose the club and broke her heart.
It’s now a few years later and while Bates has no hesitation in satisfying his manly urges with the ‘club girls’ he’s never really gotten over Viola. But she’s out of his life for good. Or is she? He overhears the old ladies (really stupid term if you ask me but het, it is what it is) talking about this MC romance book they’ve all read and loved. In fact the cover model oddly enough looks a lot like Bates. And as they quote parts of the book things are starting to feel eerily familiar. When he asks the name of the author, he just knows it’s his former love Viola. And he’s livid. How dare she write their story as a romance with a HEA when she turned him away, breaking his heart. When they tell him she’ll be doing a book signing near by, well he just has to confront her doesn’t he?
And not only does he confront her, he learns they have a child, a little girl that she never told him about. She has her reasons, valid ones if you as me, but he’s still very angry. He eventually convinces her to give them a sort of trial run at being a family. Despite all the things keeping them apart, they are both still madly in love and he is very good with and adores his newly discovered daughter. She reluctantly agrees.
This is slightly lighter than some of the other books, though being a MC romance, there is still a lot of violence. This is another most excellent book in the series that I simply could not put down and read in one day. My poor house is suffering from lack of tending to its care, but I can’t stop reading. Another huge thumbs up for this book.
It’s now a few years later and while Bates has no hesitation in satisfying his manly urges with the ‘club girls’ he’s never really gotten over Viola. But she’s out of his life for good. Or is she? He overhears the old ladies (really stupid term if you ask me but het, it is what it is) talking about this MC romance book they’ve all read and loved. In fact the cover model oddly enough looks a lot like Bates. And as they quote parts of the book things are starting to feel eerily familiar. When he asks the name of the author, he just knows it’s his former love Viola. And he’s livid. How dare she write their story as a romance with a HEA when she turned him away, breaking his heart. When they tell him she’ll be doing a book signing near by, well he just has to confront her doesn’t he?
And not only does he confront her, he learns they have a child, a little girl that she never told him about. She has her reasons, valid ones if you as me, but he’s still very angry. He eventually convinces her to give them a sort of trial run at being a family. Despite all the things keeping them apart, they are both still madly in love and he is very good with and adores his newly discovered daughter. She reluctantly agrees.
This is slightly lighter than some of the other books, though being a MC romance, there is still a lot of violence. This is another most excellent book in the series that I simply could not put down and read in one day. My poor house is suffering from lack of tending to its care, but I can’t stop reading. Another huge thumbs up for this book.
March 9, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“They’re running a book club and taking turns choosing the book. This
month it’s Briar’s turn, and she picked a book she designed the cover for,”
King says. “Did you know there’s a whole line of books in the romance
genre about motorcycle clubs?”
“For real?” Switch asks.
King shrugs. “I don’t know, guess some women get lady boners for bad
boys. Plus, when Rae reads enough of that book, I get laid, so I’m not
complaining.”
—
I forgot how well S. Cole writes and I will have to re-read her books again.
This story was emotional, wonderful and I enjoyed it. There were also a lot of humorous parts, especially at some book events, because the main character of the book is a bestseller author. I guess that Scarlett Cole described some real events that concern book fans and that was really interesting to me. I laughed at the part where JEM, Nora Roberts, Corinne Michaels and other authors are mentioned, or where male book models are mentioned. I enjoyed the book and that's why I give it a well-deserved five stars.
—
“I’m a logical man, which is why I’m here. So, tell me about Vi
Graydon.”
“Fuck my life,” I mutter. Halo never lets thing rest; he’ll rile and rile
and rile me some more until he finally knows. “She’s my ex. And she also
writes porn for chicks. And one of her books is about the two of us.”
Halo starts to laugh. “Fuck me.”
“They’re running a book club and taking turns choosing the book. This
month it’s Briar’s turn, and she picked a book she designed the cover for,”
King says. “Did you know there’s a whole line of books in the romance
genre about motorcycle clubs?”
“For real?” Switch asks.
King shrugs. “I don’t know, guess some women get lady boners for bad
boys. Plus, when Rae reads enough of that book, I get laid, so I’m not
complaining.”
—
I forgot how well S. Cole writes and I will have to re-read her books again.
This story was emotional, wonderful and I enjoyed it. There were also a lot of humorous parts, especially at some book events, because the main character of the book is a bestseller author. I guess that Scarlett Cole described some real events that concern book fans and that was really interesting to me. I laughed at the part where JEM, Nora Roberts, Corinne Michaels and other authors are mentioned, or where male book models are mentioned. I enjoyed the book and that's why I give it a well-deserved five stars.
—
“I’m a logical man, which is why I’m here. So, tell me about Vi
Graydon.”
“Fuck my life,” I mutter. Halo never lets thing rest; he’ll rile and rile
and rile me some more until he finally knows. “She’s my ex. And she also
writes porn for chicks. And one of her books is about the two of us.”
Halo starts to laugh. “Fuck me.”
March 31, 2024
Well, not going to lie, secret baby romances don't bother me like they do others, mostly because it is fiction, not real and I would never approve in real life but I do like the bit of drama it adds to a story. Vi's guilt was shown and her apology was sincere. Miles's agony over not being there when she was pregnant and missing out on all of those moments with Avery were hard to read about, but it just seemed to add so much more passion to the story, to the way he was with Avery.
While I absolutely don't condone any of the behavior in these books, it's fiction and it's enjoyable to read about how these men will burn down all of their enemies for their women. SWOON.
This was a good and solid 4 star read. Miles's willingness to
While I absolutely don't condone any of the behavior in these books, it's fiction and it's enjoyable to read about how these men will burn down all of their enemies for their women. SWOON.
This was a good and solid 4 star read. Miles's willingness to
March 10, 2024
Loved this entire series so far up until this book but I was so disappointed in this book. Viola drove me absolutely insane and her sorry attitude got old fast! Yet she continued on and on and on with her attitude. Not to mention she kept Miles’ daughter from him for five years but doesn’t feel the least bit sorry about it because it’s what she wanted. She’s selfish throughout the entire book and one of the most annoying heroines I’ve ever read. I forced myself to finish this book over a matter of days instead of reading it all in one go like usual. And also all the real life author name dropping at the first of the book just gave me the ick and took me out of the story. It was just weird.
March 8, 2024
The Iron Outlaws MC series continues to entertain, and stir up emotions, with this sixth installment of second chances with a secret child to boot! Though there's a central theme of danger from a rival club running through each book, building in its suspense, you COULD read this on its own but each book builds on the next and creates a world you won't want to miss. From the first page to the last Ms. Cole captivates readers, presents a couple both realistic and compelling, and gives them another chance to find HEA while putting their lives and futures on the line.
Bates is the Enforcer for the Iron Outlaws MC and he lost the love of his life when she turned her back on the MC world...as well as him. Time has passed but the hurt and anger is still there, so when he discovers that she's making a living writing romances based on their past, he decides to confront her. From the moment they're breathing the same air again, the temperature skyrockets and emotions are stirred as he discovers a daughter he never knew existed, and a love that never died for the one who got away. Bates has intrigued me from the moment Ms. Cole introduced him. On the outside he's the proverbial biker, a bad boy vibe with an air of danger surrounding him. Beyond the tough guy facade though is a man full of heartfelt emotions, a dirty talker more than willing to be the inspiration for the next romance book written. Upon meeting the daughter he never knew about, he shows a soft and cuddly side, embracing fatherhood wholeheartedly while pulling at my heartstrings. He's a delicious other half to a woman equally as strong as him.
Years ago Viola Mills walked away from the MC lifestyle out of fear and Bates' devotion to the Club that made her feel second best. She might not want to live the MC life, but she sure is happy to write about it as she turns real life into fiction. When Bates arrives at her door, the past comes roaring back. Old feelings of love resurface, putting them on a rocky road of second chances amidst forgiveness and danger. Though she's tried to stay out of Bates' world, she'll need the MC's strength and protection once she and her daughter become a target for the true bad guys of this series, the Righteous Brotherhood. Viola's reasons for leaving Bates years ago are understandable and easily relatable as fear and doubt are strong motivators. To make a good life for her daughter, Avery, and herself, she embraced what she knew and became a writer in a decision that I applaud. She's a strong heroine, one who quickly accepts the unconditional support and protection of the Club she's long pushed away, and which puts her and Bates back together in sizzling scenes full of heart and soul.
With a clever and unique reason behind bringing this couple back together, along with the intense feelings of love and familiarity that fueled many scorching encounters, this is a book that entertains completely. Seeing this family in the making come together amidst danger from the outside had my heart racing while keeping me on the edge of my seat. Bates and Viola are a formidable couple who share heartfelt feelings, sweet and sensual interludes, and put the past behind them to build their future amidst threats that had them employing every defense at their disposal. Their daughter, Avery, was a delight! She was cute and sweet and I enjoyed the softer side she brought out in Bates, as well as the other brothers of the Iron Outlaws MC. The men and women of the Iron Outlaws are a colorful, strong, and supportive group who unwaveringly protect those they call family. From start to finish this is another well-crafted tale in a series that continues to entertain while keeping me breathlessly awaiting each new installment! And with Halo closing out this book, there's much to look forward to when Ms. Cole releases her seventh book next!
Bates is the Enforcer for the Iron Outlaws MC and he lost the love of his life when she turned her back on the MC world...as well as him. Time has passed but the hurt and anger is still there, so when he discovers that she's making a living writing romances based on their past, he decides to confront her. From the moment they're breathing the same air again, the temperature skyrockets and emotions are stirred as he discovers a daughter he never knew existed, and a love that never died for the one who got away. Bates has intrigued me from the moment Ms. Cole introduced him. On the outside he's the proverbial biker, a bad boy vibe with an air of danger surrounding him. Beyond the tough guy facade though is a man full of heartfelt emotions, a dirty talker more than willing to be the inspiration for the next romance book written. Upon meeting the daughter he never knew about, he shows a soft and cuddly side, embracing fatherhood wholeheartedly while pulling at my heartstrings. He's a delicious other half to a woman equally as strong as him.
Years ago Viola Mills walked away from the MC lifestyle out of fear and Bates' devotion to the Club that made her feel second best. She might not want to live the MC life, but she sure is happy to write about it as she turns real life into fiction. When Bates arrives at her door, the past comes roaring back. Old feelings of love resurface, putting them on a rocky road of second chances amidst forgiveness and danger. Though she's tried to stay out of Bates' world, she'll need the MC's strength and protection once she and her daughter become a target for the true bad guys of this series, the Righteous Brotherhood. Viola's reasons for leaving Bates years ago are understandable and easily relatable as fear and doubt are strong motivators. To make a good life for her daughter, Avery, and herself, she embraced what she knew and became a writer in a decision that I applaud. She's a strong heroine, one who quickly accepts the unconditional support and protection of the Club she's long pushed away, and which puts her and Bates back together in sizzling scenes full of heart and soul.
With a clever and unique reason behind bringing this couple back together, along with the intense feelings of love and familiarity that fueled many scorching encounters, this is a book that entertains completely. Seeing this family in the making come together amidst danger from the outside had my heart racing while keeping me on the edge of my seat. Bates and Viola are a formidable couple who share heartfelt feelings, sweet and sensual interludes, and put the past behind them to build their future amidst threats that had them employing every defense at their disposal. Their daughter, Avery, was a delight! She was cute and sweet and I enjoyed the softer side she brought out in Bates, as well as the other brothers of the Iron Outlaws MC. The men and women of the Iron Outlaws are a colorful, strong, and supportive group who unwaveringly protect those they call family. From start to finish this is another well-crafted tale in a series that continues to entertain while keeping me breathlessly awaiting each new installment! And with Halo closing out this book, there's much to look forward to when Ms. Cole releases her seventh book next!
March 12, 2024
The Loves We Lost
by S. Cole is my first read from
Iron Outlaws MC
series.
And even though it is book 6 from the series, this interconnected Standalone can still be read alone.
In this Second Chance, Secret Baby, MC Romance, we follow the story of Irons Outlaw MC member Miles ‘Bates’ Graydon and Viola ‘Vi’ Mills/Vi Graydon in the telling of their dual perspective.
Bates and Vi’s story not only had you following their lives, considering how different they lived compared to one another. As well as bringing in some subplots, one of which came in the form of all that was going on in the MC club Bates was apart of, since it played an important aspect in the overall storyline, especially seeing as fellow members were included as secondary characters.
The Loves We Lost made for an interesting yet pleasant read, seeing as there was a lot to be told and learnt given not only the history Bates and Vi shared. But knowing the secrets, lies and deceit being alluded to for many different things and reasons, playing within certain situations and events that took place.
The story was entertaining at times, particularly when it came to the scenes that took place at the club. Some of which came from the inclusion of the secondary characters in the form of other Iron Outlaw MC members and their partners, knowing the hand they played in it. Bringing quite some LOL moments.
Simultaneously due to the times hardship, there were tougher moments explored that led to the release of a deeply emotionally charged journey.
Not only from all that took place, but mostly from within Bates and Vi’s relationship.
The back, forth, pushing and pulling with going through ups and downs, it truly had you feeling for both of them and that too in different ways, knowing all that both of them had faced and endured. Particularly Vi in this case.
Author S. Cole IMO did a good job in juggling the plots that made up the overall storyline.
Whether it was getting to know Bates and Vi individually, whilst seeing them in their own personal environment playing further into their character development. As well as digging into their past and history.
Or even learning more about the club seeing as it continued to provide a continuous storyline given the interconnected-ness it playing within the series and the partly cliffhanger due to what happened towards the end.
Although my reasoning for wanting to read The Loves We Lost may have only been for a specific trope.
However now after reading Bates and Vi’s story, which turned out to be a very much enjoyable read, author S. Cole definitely has me looking forward to the next book in the Iron Outlaws MC series to see what will happen to Halo as well as the Iron Outlaws MC club and their members too.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And even though it is book 6 from the series, this interconnected Standalone can still be read alone.
In this Second Chance, Secret Baby, MC Romance, we follow the story of Irons Outlaw MC member Miles ‘Bates’ Graydon and Viola ‘Vi’ Mills/Vi Graydon in the telling of their dual perspective.
Bates and Vi’s story not only had you following their lives, considering how different they lived compared to one another. As well as bringing in some subplots, one of which came in the form of all that was going on in the MC club Bates was apart of, since it played an important aspect in the overall storyline, especially seeing as fellow members were included as secondary characters.
The Loves We Lost made for an interesting yet pleasant read, seeing as there was a lot to be told and learnt given not only the history Bates and Vi shared. But knowing the secrets, lies and deceit being alluded to for many different things and reasons, playing within certain situations and events that took place.
The story was entertaining at times, particularly when it came to the scenes that took place at the club. Some of which came from the inclusion of the secondary characters in the form of other Iron Outlaw MC members and their partners, knowing the hand they played in it. Bringing quite some LOL moments.
Simultaneously due to the times hardship, there were tougher moments explored that led to the release of a deeply emotionally charged journey.
Not only from all that took place, but mostly from within Bates and Vi’s relationship.
The back, forth, pushing and pulling with going through ups and downs, it truly had you feeling for both of them and that too in different ways, knowing all that both of them had faced and endured. Particularly Vi in this case.
Author S. Cole IMO did a good job in juggling the plots that made up the overall storyline.
Whether it was getting to know Bates and Vi individually, whilst seeing them in their own personal environment playing further into their character development. As well as digging into their past and history.
Or even learning more about the club seeing as it continued to provide a continuous storyline given the interconnected-ness it playing within the series and the partly cliffhanger due to what happened towards the end.
Although my reasoning for wanting to read The Loves We Lost may have only been for a specific trope.
However now after reading Bates and Vi’s story, which turned out to be a very much enjoyable read, author S. Cole definitely has me looking forward to the next book in the Iron Outlaws MC series to see what will happen to Halo as well as the Iron Outlaws MC club and their members too.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2024
2.5 stars
The couple: Bates and Viola
Romance trope: second chance, secret baby
Series: Iron Outlaws MC
Length: 336 pages
Plot: Bates has never forgotten the one that got away, but even he is surprised to find their young love story in the pages of a romance novels. Viola is a best-selling author now but Bates doesn't think it's okay that she's living off of their story, especially when she left him after he offered her everything. But Viola doesn't want anything to do with Bates' world of violence. Once Bates realizes that Viola had his child though? He'll claim them, no matter what she wants.
Commentary: I read a lot of reviews of this story that disliked it because they felt there was no reason for Vi to keep his daughter from Bates, but I felt the opposite. I disliked the characters, especially Bates, because he simply refused to understand. They knew each other before he joined the MC, and didn't ask her opinion about something that was life changing (joining the club). When she expressed her concern that it was too violent a lifestyle, she was brushed off, so she made a decision to keep herself alive and safe. And she was right, wasn't she? She ended up with a child to protect, and even trying to distance herself, she was pulled into that violence the minute she reconnected with Bates. Every time she reconnected with him, there was more violence. She was in danger and her child was in danger. So how wrong was it really of her to try and keep her child safe and alive? I didn't find Bates appealing and I don't think he ever really said, "hey, I understand your point of view and your concerns."
One of the other characters said "You got it in your head that this life is dangerous. Well, you know what? Life is. You could get run over tomorrow. Death is an everyday occurrence. You know what isn’t? The kind of relationship the two of you could have. I see the way you two are together. The two of you couldn’t have made such an amazing kid if you weren’t perfect together.”
Life can be dangerous, yes, But the MC goes out of their way to engage in dangerous activities. That's completely different! I might be hit by a car crossing the street, sure, but I'm not purposely playing in traffic.
Previous book in the series: The Vows We Keep
Next book in the series: The Souls We Claim
The couple: Bates and Viola
Romance trope: second chance, secret baby
Series: Iron Outlaws MC
Length: 336 pages
Plot: Bates has never forgotten the one that got away, but even he is surprised to find their young love story in the pages of a romance novels. Viola is a best-selling author now but Bates doesn't think it's okay that she's living off of their story, especially when she left him after he offered her everything. But Viola doesn't want anything to do with Bates' world of violence. Once Bates realizes that Viola had his child though? He'll claim them, no matter what she wants.
Commentary: I read a lot of reviews of this story that disliked it because they felt there was no reason for Vi to keep his daughter from Bates, but I felt the opposite. I disliked the characters, especially Bates, because he simply refused to understand. They knew each other before he joined the MC, and didn't ask her opinion about something that was life changing (joining the club). When she expressed her concern that it was too violent a lifestyle, she was brushed off, so she made a decision to keep herself alive and safe. And she was right, wasn't she? She ended up with a child to protect, and even trying to distance herself, she was pulled into that violence the minute she reconnected with Bates. Every time she reconnected with him, there was more violence. She was in danger and her child was in danger. So how wrong was it really of her to try and keep her child safe and alive? I didn't find Bates appealing and I don't think he ever really said, "hey, I understand your point of view and your concerns."
One of the other characters said "You got it in your head that this life is dangerous. Well, you know what? Life is. You could get run over tomorrow. Death is an everyday occurrence. You know what isn’t? The kind of relationship the two of you could have. I see the way you two are together. The two of you couldn’t have made such an amazing kid if you weren’t perfect together.”
Life can be dangerous, yes, But the MC goes out of their way to engage in dangerous activities. That's completely different! I might be hit by a car crossing the street, sure, but I'm not purposely playing in traffic.
Previous book in the series: The Vows We Keep
Next book in the series: The Souls We Claim
March 13, 2024
No me gustó. Bates me cayó mal, he leído más libros sobre mc y se que los tipos son groseros, machistas, mujeriegos, etc., pero no me gustó como Bates se hace el tonto en ciertos temas y de tonto no tiene nada.
El cavernicola (Bates) estaba muy feliz con su vida, por causalidad se encontró con Vi y la única razón por la que se acercó a ella fue para hacerla sentir mal por no elegirlo.
"Fuck. No. What I want is to hear her admit that us breaking up was a bad fucking idea. That telling our story to the world is the worst kind of invasion of privacy. Maybe even ask her for a share of the royalties, given it’s my fucking story too. I want her to see who I became. What she missed out on. Then I’m gonna grin in her face, turn around, get back on the bike, ride back to the club, and go fucking drown in Daisy’s squirts.”
As I say the words, they become more resolute. What Vi and I had in the past was special. But we’re different people."
Cuando ya están juntos, el cavernicola deja que una de sus ex conquistas lo toque frente a Vi.
“Maybe. I mean, he’s not encouraging her, in case you were worried. He’s just humoring her.”
He’s not encouraging her, but he’s smiling as she talks. And when she places her hand on him, he doesn’t remove it."
Y luego el se defiende diciendo que no significa nada.
“And it didn’t occur to you to say, ‘Hey, Miles, Penny’s constant pawing is pissing me off’?”
I eye him. “And it didn’t occur to you to say, ‘Hey, Penny, it’s disrespectful for you to keep touching me like that’?”
“Because it didn’t occur to me. Because she’s always touching us. Has been for years. I didn’t think anything of it, it’s certainly nothing sexual. Didn’t occur to me, to be honest. Now I know. Won’t happen again."
El cavernicola (Bates) estaba muy feliz con su vida, por causalidad se encontró con Vi y la única razón por la que se acercó a ella fue para hacerla sentir mal por no elegirlo.
"Fuck. No. What I want is to hear her admit that us breaking up was a bad fucking idea. That telling our story to the world is the worst kind of invasion of privacy. Maybe even ask her for a share of the royalties, given it’s my fucking story too. I want her to see who I became. What she missed out on. Then I’m gonna grin in her face, turn around, get back on the bike, ride back to the club, and go fucking drown in Daisy’s squirts.”
As I say the words, they become more resolute. What Vi and I had in the past was special. But we’re different people."
Cuando ya están juntos, el cavernicola deja que una de sus ex conquistas lo toque frente a Vi.
“Maybe. I mean, he’s not encouraging her, in case you were worried. He’s just humoring her.”
He’s not encouraging her, but he’s smiling as she talks. And when she places her hand on him, he doesn’t remove it."
Y luego el se defiende diciendo que no significa nada.
“And it didn’t occur to you to say, ‘Hey, Miles, Penny’s constant pawing is pissing me off’?”
I eye him. “And it didn’t occur to you to say, ‘Hey, Penny, it’s disrespectful for you to keep touching me like that’?”
“Because it didn’t occur to me. Because she’s always touching us. Has been for years. I didn’t think anything of it, it’s certainly nothing sexual. Didn’t occur to me, to be honest. Now I know. Won’t happen again."
May 2, 2024
Have to say, this one is my least favourite of the series so far. There's something icky I find about the whole thing.
From what we know of Bates previous character, he was a bit of a dick. He redeemed himself in Niro's book as being a supportive friend but the end epilogue we find out he's still hung up on the one that got away. It was an interesting lead in to his book and I was excited to see how it was going to play out. Immediately bringing feelings of anger and having empathy for him at having his personal story being aired publicly by an ex, who has the nerve to use his last name as her pen name.
However, as the books goes on, it was a really difficult one as I honestly saw both sides of the anger and hurt that kept them away from one another.
Vi, I had complicated feelings towards. Keeping a child away from their father to protect them from the dangerous life. Totally understandable. It was the whole reason for the break up and it would have made her a hypocrite to allow her child around that when she couldn't herself be around it. She was doing what she thought was best... That being said, she still kept the father away from her child and stole all those moments. And then planned to do it again... Not that she owed him anything with the way he went about reappearing into her life, I was actually on board with her plan for a second child. It almost felt like fate. Obviously, fate had other plans when her second chance encounter lead to trouble at her door and she had to flee, exposing her secret to Bates.
Bates, I couldn't understand how he was so upset and resentful of her leaving him in the first place. By the sounds of it, they'd broken up and he'd said some pretty awful things in their final breakup. He came across as pretty selfish in his decisions during that time, moving away from the life they had planned and dragging her into a life she didn't want. *Shocked Pikachu face when she finally left*. Then to storm into her life and immediately prove her right by bringing trouble to her doorstep, forcing her to leave the life she knew. Then bringing trouble time and time again .... it took for her to be held captive while pregnant again running through the woods and a sprained ankle for him to finally see her side and offer to leave. I don't think she gave him enough hell for all the shit he caused her since returning to her life and I think he and Niro were too hard on her, holding the fact she kept Avery away from him over her head as a way to silence her protests.
I feel like a lot happened in this book but the resolutions to all the conflicts happened too quickly and Vi was too accepting. I get Bates saw this as his second chance and did everything he could to accommodate while dealing with a lot of big feelings but this felt a bit too rushed, including the issue of the club girls (Penny for example was cleared up real quick) surely Vi would have issues with him being at the club without her? All his sexual experiences without her? Felt like there could have been something with Anthony squeezed in to even the playing fields ... Idk... Just feels icky that he's been with loads of women and she's only been with him. He has a lot more power in the relationship, feels incredibly unequal, even with him offering to give it all up for her.
From what we know of Bates previous character, he was a bit of a dick. He redeemed himself in Niro's book as being a supportive friend but the end epilogue we find out he's still hung up on the one that got away. It was an interesting lead in to his book and I was excited to see how it was going to play out. Immediately bringing feelings of anger and having empathy for him at having his personal story being aired publicly by an ex, who has the nerve to use his last name as her pen name.
However, as the books goes on, it was a really difficult one as I honestly saw both sides of the anger and hurt that kept them away from one another.
Vi, I had complicated feelings towards. Keeping a child away from their father to protect them from the dangerous life. Totally understandable. It was the whole reason for the break up and it would have made her a hypocrite to allow her child around that when she couldn't herself be around it. She was doing what she thought was best... That being said, she still kept the father away from her child and stole all those moments. And then planned to do it again... Not that she owed him anything with the way he went about reappearing into her life, I was actually on board with her plan for a second child. It almost felt like fate. Obviously, fate had other plans when her second chance encounter lead to trouble at her door and she had to flee, exposing her secret to Bates.
Bates, I couldn't understand how he was so upset and resentful of her leaving him in the first place. By the sounds of it, they'd broken up and he'd said some pretty awful things in their final breakup. He came across as pretty selfish in his decisions during that time, moving away from the life they had planned and dragging her into a life she didn't want. *Shocked Pikachu face when she finally left*. Then to storm into her life and immediately prove her right by bringing trouble to her doorstep, forcing her to leave the life she knew. Then bringing trouble time and time again .... it took for her to be held captive while pregnant again running through the woods and a sprained ankle for him to finally see her side and offer to leave. I don't think she gave him enough hell for all the shit he caused her since returning to her life and I think he and Niro were too hard on her, holding the fact she kept Avery away from him over her head as a way to silence her protests.
I feel like a lot happened in this book but the resolutions to all the conflicts happened too quickly and Vi was too accepting. I get Bates saw this as his second chance and did everything he could to accommodate while dealing with a lot of big feelings but this felt a bit too rushed, including the issue of the club girls (Penny for example was cleared up real quick) surely Vi would have issues with him being at the club without her? All his sexual experiences without her? Felt like there could have been something with Anthony squeezed in to even the playing fields ... Idk... Just feels icky that he's been with loads of women and she's only been with him. He has a lot more power in the relationship, feels incredibly unequal, even with him offering to give it all up for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
RATING: 4.5/5
I haven’t read too many MC romances, but with a romance author and biker falling in love, I was pretty intrigued. Even more so with it being a second chance/secret baby trope—one of my favorites.
Viola (FMC) just about recreated her whirlwind love affair in her romance book. Little did she know that Bates (MMC) would come across the story and recognize the details. When he tracks Vi down, he is surprised to find she not only wrote their story but has a significant secret she is holding back.
The schmex scenes were pretty spicy. Several touching and sweet moments came from Bates. And the MC-based action/suspense scenes didn’t dominate the entire story as I often see in some MC books.
Though “The Love We Lost” is book 6 in the Iron Outlaws Series, it can be read as a standalone. However, there are some overlapping characters to keep in mind. I found this story incredibly entertaining, funny at times, and hot.
I haven’t read too many MC romances, but with a romance author and biker falling in love, I was pretty intrigued. Even more so with it being a second chance/secret baby trope—one of my favorites.
Viola (FMC) just about recreated her whirlwind love affair in her romance book. Little did she know that Bates (MMC) would come across the story and recognize the details. When he tracks Vi down, he is surprised to find she not only wrote their story but has a significant secret she is holding back.
The schmex scenes were pretty spicy. Several touching and sweet moments came from Bates. And the MC-based action/suspense scenes didn’t dominate the entire story as I often see in some MC books.
Though “The Love We Lost” is book 6 in the Iron Outlaws Series, it can be read as a standalone. However, there are some overlapping characters to keep in mind. I found this story incredibly entertaining, funny at times, and hot.
March 30, 2024
Have I said how much I love this mc series ?!
Never have I thought that Bates and VI’s story would be the absolutely best one of them …for now 😊Bates now my favorite mc hero of all time ☺️and Vi the mc romance author in a mc romance book were so perfect for each other. Their story was sweet and heartbreaking over Avery.I love a good second chance.
For every mc rom fan out there I can only recommend this series.It’s better to read in order to understand some stuff.
Bates and Vi are definitely the best couple here and worth a re read.
I ‚ve had my share of mc romance and believed I read already the best like Tillie Cole‘s Hades Hangman or Joanna Wylde‘s Reapers.
Thank the universe I found S .Cole and her Iron Outlaws MC series because they beat them all.
Mc romance can be triggering and it’s for sure not easy for the author to find the right path and write them down.S.Cole did. a great writing job here.Now I can’t wait for Halos story.
Never have I thought that Bates and VI’s story would be the absolutely best one of them …for now 😊Bates now my favorite mc hero of all time ☺️and Vi the mc romance author in a mc romance book were so perfect for each other. Their story was sweet and heartbreaking over Avery.I love a good second chance.
For every mc rom fan out there I can only recommend this series.It’s better to read in order to understand some stuff.
Bates and Vi are definitely the best couple here and worth a re read.
I ‚ve had my share of mc romance and believed I read already the best like Tillie Cole‘s Hades Hangman or Joanna Wylde‘s Reapers.
Thank the universe I found S .Cole and her Iron Outlaws MC series because they beat them all.
Mc romance can be triggering and it’s for sure not easy for the author to find the right path and write them down.S.Cole did. a great writing job here.Now I can’t wait for Halos story.
March 12, 2024
a surprise pregnancy/hidden baby plot in a mc romance, with a female lead romance author? this was so unexpected, albeit not unpleasant in the least. the way this couple was first introduced, by the old ladies reading a book written by the biker's ex, unbeknownst to them, and pointing out the similarities between him and the cover model of said story to him crashing a book convention to confront her was so meta, i couldn't stop laughing.
most of all, i appreciated the club embracing the mom and daughter duo without questions right away. they only care that the kid looked like a copy of his father and he was wrapped around her finger at first sight. but uncle colton? i genuinely love him the most. niro's bromance with bates was everything in his book, but in this one it hit differently. his inner child healed a lot of trauma by loving and protecting his brother's kid and their "club business" dynamic touched my soul.
most of all, i appreciated the club embracing the mom and daughter duo without questions right away. they only care that the kid looked like a copy of his father and he was wrapped around her finger at first sight. but uncle colton? i genuinely love him the most. niro's bromance with bates was everything in his book, but in this one it hit differently. his inner child healed a lot of trauma by loving and protecting his brother's kid and their "club business" dynamic touched my soul.
March 13, 2024
got me out of my book slump
After DNF’ing almost 12 books in the last 10 days, this book FINALLY got me out of my book slump.
I had struggled with getting through some of the recent ones because while they were good, they felt longggg. Instead, this one flew by.
I loved all the characters. They were well-rounded. I loved the chemistry between the two leads, but I adored the relationship between the little girl and her uncle. It’ll bring tears to your eyes.
Such a sweet and wonderful read. Solid 3.5
After DNF’ing almost 12 books in the last 10 days, this book FINALLY got me out of my book slump.
I had struggled with getting through some of the recent ones because while they were good, they felt longggg. Instead, this one flew by.
I loved all the characters. They were well-rounded. I loved the chemistry between the two leads, but I adored the relationship between the little girl and her uncle. It’ll bring tears to your eyes.
Such a sweet and wonderful read. Solid 3.5
March 19, 2024
Scarlett Cole's Iron Outlaws MC series has me wrapped up tight in this fascinating world of danger and brotherhood and I can't get enough of it. Now that book six, The Loves We Lost, is here, I finally feel like I'm getting to know the club enforcer in an entirely different light. Wasn't sure if I liked Bates in a couple of the previous books, but now, I am a true believer in the power of this possessive AF alpha hunk. He made me love him!
Viola has to be one of my favorites of the Iron Outlaw leading ladies. She's sweet, kind, smart and the best mom to her little girl. She still has regret in her heart about a past decision, but not sure what she can do about it now. She's made a career choice that was perfect for her and for so many parts of this amazing story- I loved what Scarlett Cole did multiple times with this twist!! Of course- it's something she knows allll about! Oh to be a fly on the wall when these long lost loves finally meet again. The hilarity of the situation was absolutely priceless and it just gets better from there.
This second chance romance had so many fun, touching, suspenseful and let's not forget- HOT and super steamy moments going for it. I read this in only two sittings and it was definitely worth every minute parked in my favorite chair to, once again, be completely engrossed in this addictive, dark, complicated, but somehow still lighthearted MC world. The brothers and their deep friendships make me smile every time I read more about them.
The Loves We Lost turned out to be one of my favorites in the series, for reasons interested readers will have to discover for themselves. I am very excited about the next man's story- so will anyone who's read and is now totally invested this series to date and what happens next!
Viola has to be one of my favorites of the Iron Outlaw leading ladies. She's sweet, kind, smart and the best mom to her little girl. She still has regret in her heart about a past decision, but not sure what she can do about it now. She's made a career choice that was perfect for her and for so many parts of this amazing story- I loved what Scarlett Cole did multiple times with this twist!! Of course- it's something she knows allll about! Oh to be a fly on the wall when these long lost loves finally meet again. The hilarity of the situation was absolutely priceless and it just gets better from there.
This second chance romance had so many fun, touching, suspenseful and let's not forget- HOT and super steamy moments going for it. I read this in only two sittings and it was definitely worth every minute parked in my favorite chair to, once again, be completely engrossed in this addictive, dark, complicated, but somehow still lighthearted MC world. The brothers and their deep friendships make me smile every time I read more about them.
The Loves We Lost turned out to be one of my favorites in the series, for reasons interested readers will have to discover for themselves. I am very excited about the next man's story- so will anyone who's read and is now totally invested this series to date and what happens next!
May 22, 2024
This was pretty good. Bates had me wanting to throat punch him A LOT!! I usually hate secret baby trope, but with this one, I actually saw Vi's POV, and she wasn't necessarily wrong😅
I did like Bates grand gesture at the end because it gave her the assurance she needed in their relationship. I loved watching Nico with Avery but again wanted to punch him with how he spoke to Vi.
All in all, I really liked this one
I did like Bates grand gesture at the end because it gave her the assurance she needed in their relationship. I loved watching Nico with Avery but again wanted to punch him with how he spoke to Vi.
All in all, I really liked this one
March 7, 2024
Vi is a romance author, particularly MC romance, and Bates is part of an MC. She just couldn’t live the MC life and they went their separate ways. Years later, Bates sees his likeness on one of Vi’s romance novels, and he is headed her way (she better watch out!!). Little does he know this book is just the beginning of the secrets being kept from him. She let him get away, the love of her life, for all the right reasons, but will they be the right reasons now?
March 6, 2024
The Loves We Lost by S. Cole is book 6 in the Iron Outlaws MC Series. This is the story of Viola and Miles. This was a great second chance at love. Viola and Miles had been involved before Miles fully joined the MC. Viola didn't want that life and was hurt that he seem to choose that life over her. So she left taking more with her that her broken heart. Now about 6 years later in their present day they happen to run into each other again. Enjoyed this book.
March 12, 2024
A great book! This series just keeps getting better. I can’t wait for the next story. Absolutely loved the twist thrown in there! I did not see it coming. This book kept me so wrapped up.
July 30, 2024
Dark gritty read.
December 18, 2024
3.5 stars. Another good read in this series. On to the next one
June 9, 2025
2.75 stars.
Read
March 7, 2024DNF @ 46%
This one didn’t work for me. And because I didn’t end up finishing it, I won’t rate it.
This one didn’t work for me. And because I didn’t end up finishing it, I won’t rate it.
March 8, 2024
5 huge stars!
This is such a beautiful story! An intense and heartfelt second-chance-romance set within the MC world, this book sucked me in and didn’t let go. I fell in love with these characters and their journey and have loved every moment of their battle for their HEA.
This is the 6th book in the Iron Outlaws MC series. I would definitely recommend reading these books in order, but you could read this one as a standalone, as long as you’re ok not knowing a lot of the dynamics, or finding out spoilers about earlier books. (I have not read the previous books and did fine coming into the ongoing plot, but I am going back to book 1 now so I can see the other character’s stories too because I am INVESTED in the Iron Outlaws MC.)
Bates is an enforcer for the Iron Outlaws MC, and in the best way, he learns that his ex-girlfriend and love of his life, Viola, is now a romance writer and writing MC romance based on their past together. If that isn’t shocking enough, she’s using his name as a pseudonym and writing about the very life she walked away from when he proposed and offered her a cut. She walked away and left him broken-hearted, and in a desperate need to know why, he tracks her down.
Of course, sparks fly when they see each other again and they spend a passionate night together. Later when Vi fears she is in danger she seeks help at the Iron Outlaws compound, with her five-year-old daughter that looks just like Bates.
Vi is an incredibly strong woman. She’s created a good life for her and Avery, and I could understand her decision to keep herself and her little girl away from such a dangerous life. But then the one thing she has always feared, her very reason for leaving him, becomes reality - her connection with Bates has made her and Avery a target of the club’s enemies. She’ll have to rely on Bates and the very people she rejected so long ago to keep them both safe.
Bates and Vi struggle with so many emotions. Fear, anger, guilt, sexual tension….. And the way that spice spiced…whew!
With his two girls in danger, Bates comes in all alpha protective, and everything changes. Though it’s initially forced proximity, with the love between them still burning so brightly, it quickly becomes anything but forced, and I loved seeing them together and all up in each other’s lives.
My favorite part of the whole book was when Bates said “You screwed up, but I hate that I’m causing more hurt instead of making it better. That’s an unhealthy cycle for all of us. And it’s not how you lead your family in tough times.” The way I swooned for Bates after reading that!
This book is emotional, playful, fun, and sexy af. You can see that there is so much love between these two and I enjoyed being a part of their world so much.
The rest of the Iron Outlaws and their old ladies are a big part of the story, of course, and I loved them so I’m eager to go back and get to know each couple in their own books. The whole crew had Bates’ back, and I loved seeing Vi and Avery come into the Iron Outlaws and be accepted right away. But the best part was seeing Avery turn all of those big muscley bikers to mush, and some of those scenes had my heart melting, while others made me laugh out loud.
This is a fantastic read! I loved every moment of this wild ride and finished their story with a massive smile on my face.
This is such a beautiful story! An intense and heartfelt second-chance-romance set within the MC world, this book sucked me in and didn’t let go. I fell in love with these characters and their journey and have loved every moment of their battle for their HEA.
This is the 6th book in the Iron Outlaws MC series. I would definitely recommend reading these books in order, but you could read this one as a standalone, as long as you’re ok not knowing a lot of the dynamics, or finding out spoilers about earlier books. (I have not read the previous books and did fine coming into the ongoing plot, but I am going back to book 1 now so I can see the other character’s stories too because I am INVESTED in the Iron Outlaws MC.)
Bates is an enforcer for the Iron Outlaws MC, and in the best way, he learns that his ex-girlfriend and love of his life, Viola, is now a romance writer and writing MC romance based on their past together. If that isn’t shocking enough, she’s using his name as a pseudonym and writing about the very life she walked away from when he proposed and offered her a cut. She walked away and left him broken-hearted, and in a desperate need to know why, he tracks her down.
Of course, sparks fly when they see each other again and they spend a passionate night together. Later when Vi fears she is in danger she seeks help at the Iron Outlaws compound, with her five-year-old daughter that looks just like Bates.
Vi is an incredibly strong woman. She’s created a good life for her and Avery, and I could understand her decision to keep herself and her little girl away from such a dangerous life. But then the one thing she has always feared, her very reason for leaving him, becomes reality - her connection with Bates has made her and Avery a target of the club’s enemies. She’ll have to rely on Bates and the very people she rejected so long ago to keep them both safe.
Bates and Vi struggle with so many emotions. Fear, anger, guilt, sexual tension….. And the way that spice spiced…whew!
With his two girls in danger, Bates comes in all alpha protective, and everything changes. Though it’s initially forced proximity, with the love between them still burning so brightly, it quickly becomes anything but forced, and I loved seeing them together and all up in each other’s lives.
My favorite part of the whole book was when Bates said “You screwed up, but I hate that I’m causing more hurt instead of making it better. That’s an unhealthy cycle for all of us. And it’s not how you lead your family in tough times.” The way I swooned for Bates after reading that!
This book is emotional, playful, fun, and sexy af. You can see that there is so much love between these two and I enjoyed being a part of their world so much.
The rest of the Iron Outlaws and their old ladies are a big part of the story, of course, and I loved them so I’m eager to go back and get to know each couple in their own books. The whole crew had Bates’ back, and I loved seeing Vi and Avery come into the Iron Outlaws and be accepted right away. But the best part was seeing Avery turn all of those big muscley bikers to mush, and some of those scenes had my heart melting, while others made me laugh out loud.
This is a fantastic read! I loved every moment of this wild ride and finished their story with a massive smile on my face.
March 8, 2024
The Loves We Lost by S.Cole is book six in her fantastic series about the Iron Outlaws MC. A second chance romance between Miles Graydon aka Bates and Viola. He is the feared, knife loving enforcer of the IOMC and she is a successful author. This couple have a heartbreaking history so can they reignite their love and have a future together, especially when he finds out she has kept something very important from him. It is an emotional journey with suspense, angst and danger but also spicy and funny at times because they are perfect for each other.
“I wish it were as easy to be with you as it is to love you.”
They were young when they met and fell in love. They were happy until he joined the local MC. She refused his proposal because his new lifestyle was too dangerous. She is now a single mother to Avery and writing MC romance.
Bates is shocked and angry when the book the ‘old ladies’ are reading turns out to be written by his ex-girlfriend. Not only is it about their relationship but she has used his surname and given the couple the HEA she didn’t allow them. An unexpected opportunity leads him to seeing her and all the old feelings come rushing back. Their reunion is passionate but has consequences for both of them.
When trouble comes knocking, Vi has no choice but to seek out Bates for help. On arrival a dangerous situation justifies her decision to keep Avery safe, but the moment Bates sees his daughter, she wonders if she had done the right thing. The lifestyle she rejected looks like it will be the one to keep them safe. They still have sizzling chemistry but have so much to sort out. He is so angry at all he has missed but never once aims it at Vi. She knows he deserves a chance to get to know his daughter but how can they achieve that while he is still in the MC.
He becomes so protective of his girls and does all he can to keep them safe - the two loves he lost. After writing about this lifestyle could she actually live it, especially when she sees the reality of his life. Could they start a new life as a family. He is determined they should try again and helps her with the naughty things she has written about but never experienced.
“I’d rather have you in our lives with some danger than live the rest of my life without you in it.”
It was great to catch up with everyone. The camaraderie of the brothers was amazing again. Avery’s relationship with her Uncle Colton was absolutely wonderful and their moments together will pull at your heart strings. I loved Niro’s support and advice to Bates, it was so heartfelt and insightful. I loved all the antics when Bates and Halo were in New York and the girls way of making the guys give up smoking was hilarious.
The trouble with the Righteous Brothers escalates and leaves Bates conflicted as he needs to keep them safe but wants to fight with his brothers. Could he give up everything for his girls? The teaser for The Souls We Claim #7 is sad as the war becomes personal not only for Halo but the whole MC.
“I wish it were as easy to be with you as it is to love you.”
They were young when they met and fell in love. They were happy until he joined the local MC. She refused his proposal because his new lifestyle was too dangerous. She is now a single mother to Avery and writing MC romance.
Bates is shocked and angry when the book the ‘old ladies’ are reading turns out to be written by his ex-girlfriend. Not only is it about their relationship but she has used his surname and given the couple the HEA she didn’t allow them. An unexpected opportunity leads him to seeing her and all the old feelings come rushing back. Their reunion is passionate but has consequences for both of them.
When trouble comes knocking, Vi has no choice but to seek out Bates for help. On arrival a dangerous situation justifies her decision to keep Avery safe, but the moment Bates sees his daughter, she wonders if she had done the right thing. The lifestyle she rejected looks like it will be the one to keep them safe. They still have sizzling chemistry but have so much to sort out. He is so angry at all he has missed but never once aims it at Vi. She knows he deserves a chance to get to know his daughter but how can they achieve that while he is still in the MC.
He becomes so protective of his girls and does all he can to keep them safe - the two loves he lost. After writing about this lifestyle could she actually live it, especially when she sees the reality of his life. Could they start a new life as a family. He is determined they should try again and helps her with the naughty things she has written about but never experienced.
“I’d rather have you in our lives with some danger than live the rest of my life without you in it.”
It was great to catch up with everyone. The camaraderie of the brothers was amazing again. Avery’s relationship with her Uncle Colton was absolutely wonderful and their moments together will pull at your heart strings. I loved Niro’s support and advice to Bates, it was so heartfelt and insightful. I loved all the antics when Bates and Halo were in New York and the girls way of making the guys give up smoking was hilarious.
The trouble with the Righteous Brothers escalates and leaves Bates conflicted as he needs to keep them safe but wants to fight with his brothers. Could he give up everything for his girls? The teaser for The Souls We Claim #7 is sad as the war becomes personal not only for Halo but the whole MC.
March 6, 2024
THE LOVES WE LOST is the sixth instalment in Scarlett Cole’s contemporary, adult IRON OUTLAWS MC erotic, romance series. This is Iron Outlaws enforcer Miles ‘Bates’ Graydon, and MC romance author Viola Mills’ story line. THE LOVES WE LOST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Miles and Viola) with a final chapter from Halo, THE LOVES WE LOST follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately six years earlier, Viola struggled with Miles’ need for, and participation with the MC lifestyle, and walked away from the man that she loved. Fast forward to present day, Miles aka Bates will discover that Viola is now writing steamy MC romance novels, using his last name as part of her author persona. Desperate to confront the woman who broke his heart, Bates will soon discover that the life of the MC is about to threaten the life of the woman he still loves, and the daughter he knew nothing about. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Viola and Miles, and the potential fall-out when the criminal organization known as the Righteous Brotherhood takes aim at the Iron Outlaws MC, and the family Miles is so desperate to reclaim as his own.
The world building focuses on the war between the MC and the Righteous Brotherhood, who want to control the docks and the import of drugs. Seizing whatever opportunity they can to stop the organization, the MC will discover that their actions have consequences, and Viola and her daughter are next in line.
The relationship between Viola and Bates aka Miles is one of second chances: a rekindling relationship in which Viola continues to struggles with the MC lifestyle, a danger that will become front and center for her and her daughter. Miles is hoping for a second chance to start over, to know his daughter but threats from the outside take aim at our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting couples and characters, many of whom we have met in the previous story line. We are introduced to three new prospects, as well as Viola and Miles’ daughter Avery.
THE LOVES WE LOST is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and captivating; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Miles and Viola) with a final chapter from Halo, THE LOVES WE LOST follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately six years earlier, Viola struggled with Miles’ need for, and participation with the MC lifestyle, and walked away from the man that she loved. Fast forward to present day, Miles aka Bates will discover that Viola is now writing steamy MC romance novels, using his last name as part of her author persona. Desperate to confront the woman who broke his heart, Bates will soon discover that the life of the MC is about to threaten the life of the woman he still loves, and the daughter he knew nothing about. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Viola and Miles, and the potential fall-out when the criminal organization known as the Righteous Brotherhood takes aim at the Iron Outlaws MC, and the family Miles is so desperate to reclaim as his own.
The world building focuses on the war between the MC and the Righteous Brotherhood, who want to control the docks and the import of drugs. Seizing whatever opportunity they can to stop the organization, the MC will discover that their actions have consequences, and Viola and her daughter are next in line.
The relationship between Viola and Bates aka Miles is one of second chances: a rekindling relationship in which Viola continues to struggles with the MC lifestyle, a danger that will become front and center for her and her daughter. Miles is hoping for a second chance to start over, to know his daughter but threats from the outside take aim at our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting couples and characters, many of whom we have met in the previous story line. We are introduced to three new prospects, as well as Viola and Miles’ daughter Avery.
THE LOVES WE LOST is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and captivating; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
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