Agony

by T.O. Smith

I'll do anything to keep her... and I frankly don't care how she feels about it.

Jax

Spending nine years in a prison cell changes a man. And as much as I longed to be free, nothing could have prepared me for being part of the outside world again.

I'm not a normal man. My tastes run dark, and I don't know how to be civilized. I'm quiet, gruff, and tainted all the way down to my soul.

But the moment Blakely steps into that hotel room with me, I'm done for. I'm a goner.

Because this woman...

She was made for me.

And I can't bring myself to let her go. Not even when trouble comes punching me right in the face.

~*~*~

Blakely

My boss warns me that Jax isn't like most men. The other women never want a second night with him, no matter how much he pays.

Turns out... I'm just as screwed up as he is.

Jax is overprotective, over the top, and just this side of too much.

He's everything I need him to be.

When we barge right into trouble, intent on rescuing a girl who had been kidnapped, he's probably expecting me to run.

But I'm not the kind of woman who runs.

Come hell or high water, I'm this man's ride or die.

There's no getting rid of me.


Ride with the men of Ghost Born MC in this new series by T.O. Smith and Layne Daniels.
**Please read the note from the author located at the front of the book.
**Please also note that this series has an overarching plot. Each book will contain a HEA for the characters, but the plot will not be resolved until book six.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2024

About the author

T.O. Smith believes in one thing - a happily ever after.

Her books are fast-paced and dive straight into the romance and the action. She doesn't do extensively drawn out plots. Normally, within the first chapter, she's got you - hook, line, and sinker.

As a writer of various different genres of romance, a reader is almost guaranteed to find some kind of romance novel they'll enjoy on her page.

T.O. Smith can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and now even TikTok! She loves interacting with all of her readers, so follow her!

Reviews

[Doris]

Good Start to New Series

This is the beginning of the Ghost Born MC which was made up of boys who met in the system. Now that’s all each other have. Jax/Agony is the one who takes it upon himself trying to protect his brother and after nine years in prison he’s out and the boys are back together. This is also when he meets the one woman who can handle in specific needs.

The MC is now in the business of helping take a human trafficking ring out with the backing of a bratva. Their lives on the line with so many high powers people involved.

This was a short fast paced story leaving me wanting to know more about the men in Ghost Born MC.

[Grinning Cat]

MMC/FMC- Jax (Agony) and Blakely
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- MC Romance Lite
Heat- YMMV, If you don’t like reading about BDSM, then 🌋🌋. If you enjoy reading about some of the extremes of BDSM,
🌋🌋🌋🌋. Includes Pain Play, Blood Play, Bondage, Biting.
Series? Y
Safety- I’d say yes because there’s no S.A. or cheating.
Triggers- Mention of trafficking, violence, language, explicit erotic content, abuse of pizza.
Tropes- Escort/Client, Workplace Romance, Ex-Con.
Mewsings
Despite this being an escort/client romance, this is NOT Pretty Woman. It’s almost Instalove, but not quite. More like the difference between a microwave burrito at 7-11 and a burrito at Taco Bell as far as time goes.
What I liked- I loved Ace. And I loved even more that the club encouraged Ace to be himself. I think they have a very strong brotherhood in this club, which bodes well for future books in the series. And it’s unusual to have a good romance like this one where the FMC is a pros./escort (I’m not sure what words my review sites will deem to be profanity; you’d be surprised), and not a high end escort either. I am so glad that consent was such a priority in the zexytime scenes. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
What I didn’t- nothing really, but I will say that if you have issues with reading anything I listed under “Heat”, you should probably not read this story. As always, be aware of your comfort zone.

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

[Dawnmarie Burke]

This is the 1st book in the Ghost Born MC series featuring the HOT and steamy dual POV, bdsm, ex-con,escort,MC, workplace romance between Jax and Blakely. Jax has just gotten out of prison after spending 9yrs behind bars and he's a totally different man than when he went in. Jax reunites with his family his brothers that he met when they were all in the same foster home. After being away for so long they start the Ghost Born MC and Jax is trying really hard to control his darker urges his tastes run to dark BDSM. Jax feels like his only recourse is to hire escorts to comply with his urges since he doesn't think that anyone else would accept him. Jax hires a new escort Blakely who has already been informed by her boss that nobody else will go out with him again for any amount of money. Blakely although new to being an escort finds that she really enjoys everything that she and Jax do together. Then when Jax and Blakely happen upon a sex trafficking victim the club has a new mission that paints a target on their backs. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this HOT and steamy dual POV, bdsm, ex-con,escort, MC, workplace romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

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

[Toni]

Jax spent nine years in prison after getting caught burning down a house. He left behind brothers by choice. He speaks to the two oldest and tells them get out of the town or it'll bring them down too. Now he's out and owns a garage. But he has a dark side to him and his tastes run dark. He spends time with escorts but it's hard cause no one wants a repeat. Then he meets Blakely, an escort at the business he frequents. She takes what he gives and enjoys it. She gets under his skin that he finally asks her on a date. At the end they're getting gas when she heads to the bathroom inside when she sees something in the car she passes. There's a woman tied up and appearing drugged. They need to do something so he plans to take the car and her. Will he be able to get away with it? He recognizes her as a Bratva daughter and figures her father is out looking for her. But it's up to him to help and Blakely is right beside him. Will they be able to get out of the situation in one piece? Will he and Blakely make it as a couple? Does he even want that?
A fast paced story that enthralls the reader.

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

[Lisa Bing]

This was such a great read for me and I about inhaled it ;D Agony just got out of jail and is back with his MC brothers. These guys are united through their experiences together in foster care. I love how supportive they were of each other, especially Ace, and how they really had complex personalities and duties. Blakely is new at an escort company and gets sent to Agony. He definitely has a darker romance spin and I love that he got consent from Blakely - and regularly checked in with her that she was still good with what they were doing. However wonderful all that is, though, they've found out about a human trafficking ring and it's going to bring lots of trouble to their door as they set about trying to shut it down. This story had so many layers of personalities, characters, danger and steamy romance. This is the first book of the series and it has an overarcing plot, which has me not-so-patiently waiting for the next book to come out ;D

[Merilu Keenum]

Jax, Agony is his road name, is a scarred man: abused in foster care and trying to protect his brothers he ended up in prison. They didn’t give up on him and welcomed him home when he served his time. Blakely had it rough too and I think they recognize each other’s pain and she embraces his need to inflict pain during sex.
T. O. never shys away from difficult topics and this story is so much better for her skillful writing. Consent, respect, and aftercare are important elements in BDSM and from their first encounter Jax is the epitome of a Dom. He’s patient, teaches, and expresses himself clearly. Their scenes are extremely well crafted and the emotional connection between them is palpable which makes it even steamier! I love the start of this new series and can’t wait for the rest of the men to get their own!.

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

[Marty Hamrick]

loved it

This is the second series I've gotten into from author T.O. Smith, and I LOVED the Storm Hogs MC series, but THIS is not that series.... read that warning if you expect sweet, syrupy, sincere and mostly drama-free content from this author. I didn't have specific expectations, but this is a very different type of story from the ones in that series, so I was very pleasantly surprised by just how dark and gritty this one really did get. For ME, it's not pitch black darkness, but it's not grey, or mild either. It IS really well-written, emotionally engaging, and seriously good. The characters are complex and compelling, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the overall arch of this series. I love how perfectly the main characters in this story came together and made a life that worked out so beautifully for themselves and everyone else around them. Definitely recommended.

[Leslee]

This was a great intro to the Ghost Born MC! Jax just got released from prison and he reunites with his family after so long. They start up the MC and he tries to keep his baser instincts under control with escorts. No one else is willing to meet with him for a repeat, Blakely is the new girl who gets picked and she loves her time with him. Jax has never had a woman be so thoroughly into everything he does. A connection is forged and he cannot resist seeing her again and again. But trouble is brewing in their area and the MC steps up to put this threat 6 feet down. I loved this story so much! I couldn't put it down. The cast of characters is amazing, I can't wait to learn more about them. Blakely and Jax are so cute together and at the same time so flipping hawt! I need the next book asap!

[Jacqueline]

This is the start of a new series and it is not for the faint of heart. Jax is just out of prison trying to make a go of things for him and his brothers - all foster kids from the same group home. He tastes run dark in BDSM and he feels like he has to hire escorts to satisfy his tastes because no one else will accept him. He hires Blakely for his weekly encounter and although new to the lifestyle, she finds enjoyment in exploring Jax's kink with him. Things heat up between them and then trouble finds them when they discover a sex trafficking ring in their community. Hired by the Bratva to track down who is running this operation things take a dangerous turn. This is a high heat, with lots of kink, steamy MC romance with lots of action.

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

[EM]

This was a fast paced story, there was an instant, super hot connection between Jax (Agony) and Blakely, they give each other what they need (that others have not been able to give them). Jax introduces Blakey to his "brothers" very quickly and she fits right in with them too. There is action and uncertainty and I enjoyed every page.

I loved Jax, despite his past and his kinks, he was super unsure and sweet when trying to connect with Blakely outside of their escort arrangement. And Blakely, despite her past was so giving and supportive of others and knew sho she was.

Agony introduces us to six chosen brothers who make up the Ghost Born MC (including Jax, the MMC of this story), the others will clearly be part of the other 5 books in the series which I can't wait to read.

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

[Crystal Lobetti]

Read the trigger warnings at the front of the book. Really good start to a new MC series. This one is about Jax who got out of prison after 9 years and reunites with his family and they start the Ghost Born MC. Blakely is new to being an escort and.she gets sent to Jax, her boss warns her that everyone else has refused to go to him again no matter how much money is offered. She is not like the others she enjoys everything they do together. The MC stop a human trafficking ring and it paints a target on their backs. Blakely knows Jax is her ride or die. Really good book. I can't wait for the next book. You should definitely read it.

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

[casvec]

Jax and brothers from the foster system started the MC after he got out of prison. He keeps to himself most time and when he needs a release, he has a number to call.


Jax and Blakley are a perfect match. Jax always thought that he would be alone, as his taste is hard for most woman to handle, but when Blakley walked she was more than he expected. Blakley is the new girl who gets picked for Jax, but soon they find they have more in common.

This story takes a twist with Jax and Blakley towards the dark and dangerous when they see a mafia princess in the back of a car who had been kidnapped. Saving her leads them to helping take down the trafficking ring.

Great start to the series.

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

[Escape to the pages]

Oh my goodness there is SO much to love about this series.

~ brothers of bond not blood
~ comfortable acceptance of each other and their life choices
~ protective to the extreme
~ secrets to unravel
~ alpha hotties 🔥


An adorable, dark, gritty romance with the most interesting characters I’ve read about in a long while, this story works well as a vessel both for setting up the longer series storyline as well as completely working through the start to hfn for Blakely and Jax.

Special mention to Ace who has his brothers hearts, such adorable interactions.

Excited for where this series goes.

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

[Lisa Newton]

I have read a lot from this author and was excited to start reading this new series. This first book sets the groundwork on how this group of men came together and how they formed their MC. Agony is the street smart protector who had to pay the price for trying to survive any way possible. He met his match with Blakely who had her own share of trouble in the past but it doesn’t stop her for taking a chance on Agony! I really enjoyed their story and how it evolved with the others. I am already looking forward to reading the next book!!!.

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

[Rose Seals]

Well written, full of drama, intrigue, steam, anger, action, BDSM, violence, mystery and lots of twists. Jax is a man that tried to help his family and ends up in prison. On release , he gets his family together and helps keep them together. Jax has a different kind of habit he likes so he hires women to assist in it. Blakely is an escort who likes Jax and everything he offers. Lots of action to read , does leave you on a cliffhanger but you are able to get an epilogue. Can't wait for the next book. Would recommend to others.

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

[Samantha]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked Jax and Blakley's love story, but if reading about BDSM is not your thing then this might not be for you. Jax meets her when she is lined up to be his "escort" for the evening. Blakely is a professional but they end up a love match. They bring out the darker sides in each other. There is an interesting storyline with them finding about a human trafficking ring. It brings plenty of suspense, drama and danger. I liked all of the characters and am interested to see where this series leads. Bender is next and looks to be a good one

[Jenny]

It’s just OK. There’s trigger warnings, but this is pretty tame.

It’s insta live so keep that in mind.

Storywise, there are holes in the story. Like, the MMC was in jail for 9 years,is released, but suddenly, within a month, the two enlisted guys he considers his brothers are back, the MMC buys a garage and is somehow a mechanic fixing cars, and has a truck and a motorcycle, one of the enlisted guys gets guardianship of the 17 year old “brother” and somewhere they decide to be an MC with just the 5 of them and do illegal stuff, but one of them works for the government? It’s just a mess. I won’t be reading the next cause I just don’t have the interest.

[Chris06]

From the first page … a 19 year old mistake .. the agony of pushing people away so they move on while he is gone for 9 years.

A group of men and a boy … made family by choice. A woman who is a perfect match to the one with the darkest story.

Jax and Blakely stumble upon a sex trafficking victim … and a new purpose in the club is born.

I can’t wait to see what comes next for these men… and to hopefully see more of Jax and Blakely ….

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

[Lisa Parker]

This the first in the Ghost Born MC series about six brothers who met in the foster system. Jax/Agony spent nine years in prison, leaving his brothers pickup the slack for the younger ones. He does not think he will find a woman that accepts his needs, which leads to hire a girl for the night.

One night Blakely is sent to him. She seems to be into exactly what he likes. She might be just the woman for him.

This was a great start to the series, cannot wait for the other brother's stories.

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

[Leah]

T.O. Smith
( ARC Review )
Smut lovers, get over here and read this!!!

Let me tell you. This book could have been a million pages long and I still wouldn't be able to get enough of it!
Jax and Blakely, from the vert start. I'm gonna seriously need to cool down.
Its such a short read but i literally fell in love with, every. Single. Character.
I need more. ASAP!!!

* Copied from my previous Amazon review. 15/01/24.

[Jenni]

After Jax is released from prison he finds family in the brothers of the MC they found, but his dark desires he can't contain hebuses escorts but never sees the same girl again, but when Blakely joins the service, Jax finds she can hold her own with him, but with troubles coming for the club can he keep her safe? Well written steamy hot, dark themes desires and more!.

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

[Andra Shaw]

Agony is the first book in the Ghost Born MC series. The book is an excellent beginning to the series. It introduces us to men who shared rough times during their youth and came together as an MC family.

The characters feel quite real, and you quickly become attached as you learn a little about each. Agony, aka Jax, and his love interest, Blakely, are not what most would consider an average couple, but they are perfect for one another.

The book is a very entertaining read with a compelling grittiness that keeps you engaged. Agony is an enticing read with drama, action, suspense, steamy romance, and more. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series, Bender.

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

[Maelle C]

A perfect introduction to this new biker series.

There's a real balance between the story of Agony and Blakely, and the overall plot, resulting in a fast-paced book with no dull moments.

We get to know the Ghost Born family, and immediately become attached to each of them.

And let's not forget this book's main couple, whose relationship is an obvious one, with plenty of steam.

I'll be sure to read the rest of this series, which has completely hooked me from the very first volume.

[Dee]

Jax and Blakely have a surprisingly sweet story in this new MC series. There are a few dark elements and trigger warnings, so read if these are an issue for you, but the story here is about broken people finding love and healing.
This is book one in a new series, so we are introduced to a lot of new people, which can be hard to keep track of, but they all seem like a complex group so far, and the storyline seems to be action-packed; I am looking forward to this series.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

Jax is released from prison and finds a home with his MC brothers, but his dark desires remain. He uses escorts but never sees them again until Jax who hires on and connects with him. She is the woman he has been waiting on and meets him in everything. When his troubled past comes calling for his club Blakely is right there with him. Will he be able to keep his ride or die safe.

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

[Michelle Roberts]

He did what he thought he needed to all those years ago to help the others move on. I was happy to see that they didn't really listen to him. She found him when she needed him most. This was a page turner with wonderful characters. They make a wonderful family and I would love to see what the future holds for all of them.

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

[Jedi]

This was my first book by this author, and I loved it, can't wait for the next in the series. I loved Jax and Blakey and their story, although it was a short book there was so much going on with the club and the other characters - fantastic.

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

[Darcy]

This is a good start to a new series featuring the Ghost Born MC. After both doing what they have to do to survive their younger years, Jax and Blakely come together as kindred souls after a night of rough sex. Together with the rest of the MC, they all work together to form alliances and destroy a sex trafficking empire. Good introduction to the series and the other club members.

[Sua]

This story had some great heat in it when it came to Agony and Blakely. I liked that it was a bit different when it came to their relationship and how they worked together. I also enjoyed the other characters in the story as they brought a sense of a family that did not give up when times are tough.

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

[Heather Burnett]

I LOVED LOVED this book. Book was amazing. Worth the read. Jax and Blakely qas an amazing coupke. I loved the character and relationship. The Passion was so HOT. I LOVED THE PROTECTIVENESS and love he has for her and her for him. The say goes love the man love the club. Blakely does. Good HEA.

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