Ruger

Demented Souls #1

by Melissa Stevens

Years ago, the local drug lord’s men kidnapped and killed Ruger’s sister, now his heart is dead to everything but revenge.

Until Krissi walks into his bar. She’s sassy, sexy, and more than he can turn down. He’s already fallen too deep when she’s kidnapped. While she’s missing, Ruger’s club discovers her father killed his sister.

Could the people who took Krissi be after her father or Ruger’s club?

She’s already captured Ruger’s heart. But how can he ever trust her?

Pick up your copy of Ruger now to find out if murder and regret will leave them longing and alone.

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Google, Audiobook, Novella, Contemporary, Fiction

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2017

About the author

Melissa Stevens has penned more than fifty novels and novellas to date. She was part of the Wicked After Dark anthology which hit #13 on the New York Times Bestsellers list and is working hard for a repeat performance.

With books coming out frequently, the best way to keep on top of what Melissa's doing is to sign up for her VIP Reader List at https://sendfox.com/melissastevens

Melissa lives in Arizona with her husband of more than twenty years and their children.

Reviews

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. A well written interesting and engaging storyline with fantastic realistic characters. There is unexpected twists and non stop action with hot sex and great romance. Ruger and Krissi are great together and their journey is sexy, emotionally exciting filled with danger, secrets and smoking hot passion in this thrilling ride page after page. A must read.

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

[KittyLuvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good & interesting story with engaging characters, only 2 small quibbles caused me to rate it 4 stars instead of 5: (1) These were the most POLITE bikers I've read about (& I've read quite a few MC series) & (2) something in the way the author wrote kept me slightly distanced from the story (not sure what exactly).
Again, the characters & the plot were very good to excellent but the story never quite 'grabbed me by the throat' as many other MC books have. Many times it seemed to me as though the story was being told by an omniscient third party vs the actual character. Many times there was a chapter build up (small ones to be precise) that was just summed up in a blasé one sentence finish before moving to the next section/chapter.
BUT, I was interested in Ruger (H) & Krissi (h) & their story.
Ruger is a member of the Demented Souls MC, content with his Club, his brothers, his bar & riding his bike. Krissi is a student who's deliberately moved 500 miles from the sphere of influence her father-- the vicious & murderous President of a 1%er MC Club but does find she misses the one good thing about the club she grew up in--- the sense of family & camaraderie. Thus eventually she sees a bar with numerous bikes parked out front, she goes in & it happens to be Ruger's bar.
Drawn to each other, the have a night of mutual sexual pleasure & both then need to decide if their mutual attraction will go any further.
But Krissi is too accepting & cognizant of the MC life & unwritten rules for a 'civilian' so the Demented Souls President wants to know more about her. When they find about her life before her recent move, both Ruger & his MC Club must decide if she's trustworthy or a danger & when a kind act by the Demented Souls puts Krissi's life in jeopardy Ruger's Club must decide if they'll stand with him to save her.
And then someone lethal from Krissi's past comes to town . . . .
The plot contains big secrets by Ruger & Krissi, some startling & some dangerously lethal, tension: both sexual & situational, action, suspense & revenge. All of these were handled very well by the author, albeit with a slightly distancing writing style (IMO).
I recommend this for readers who would like, or like, their MC Club series without the savage grit, repetitive profanity & over the top Alpha males of other MC Club series.

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

[Coco.V]

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[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an exciting action packed suspense filled mc romance.The night that Krissi decided to go to the Drifters bar because she saw all the bikes parked outside She felt at home in biker bars.As she sat at the bar she turned around an checked out the surroundings.She noticed the patches said Demented Souls MC. At least she's never heard of them which ment that they weren't a part of her father's friends or MCs he controlled.When the gorgeous biker bartender asked what she wanted to drink he asked for id to prove she was of age.After a couple of drinks he asked if she wanted another she looked at her watch an said one more then she had to go.When he asked if she had plans she said yeah studying .He asked what her major was an she said s she hadn't decided yet.After she left Tiger had a hard time thinking about anything but the beauty that just left.When his VP told him to be careful because she was comfortable in a biker bar that something was up.The next night Krissi after hardly being able to standardised to go back to the bar to see if the good looking bartender was there.At first all she saw was a woman tending bar when she ask for a beer an was told how much Tiger said it's on the house .He sat next to Krissi an asked if she had plans she said no.He asked if she wanted to go for a ride.She say yes he asked if she had better shoes she said at her apartment he said how did you get here said the bus.He told her he's give her a ride an she could get her shoes.She felt like she wasn't sure if she wanted him to come up yet .He told her he's wait but not to be too long.They road for a while when they stop it was absolutely beautiful view. As they talked for a while .When he asked for her phone she gave it to him.He put his number in called his so he's have hers.Asked if she was busy the next day she said it was her day off both school an work he said he'd call an if she wanted to do something they'd get together.They spent the day together an he took her back to his house.He's never taken anyone to his house only the brothers.They spent the night having the best screwdriver had.and ended up spending the whole weekend together.When he called the next day an Asked if she was busy she said studying he said he'd bring pizza and keep her company or help her she finally said ok.The danger and the secrets can be dangerous for both of them.When he kept spending time with her an found out she was spending hours on the bus he got a loaner car an took it to her.Then they said that he needed to get her name an birth date so they can make sure she's not hiding something or spying for another club.They had made plans for him to meet her at work an she could follow him home.When he got there the car wasn't there he knocked an was told she didn't show an it wasn't like her.He called her phone an a gruff voice picked up.He told Ruger to bring their women back or she's suffer before she died .The club finds out she could be the daughter of a psycho mc president.But Ruger wants her back.Will the Demented Souls save Krissi?Will she tell them the truth about her father an that she hates him?Will Tiger an Krissi stay together ?The twists an turns and reprocessing the way will keep you riveted until the very last page and have you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The night that Krissi decided to go into Drifters bar for a couple of drinks was one because she missed the way a biker bar felt.Although she didnt miss her father or his club.When she enter she looked around an saw alot of bikers wearing Demented Souls Patches. She hasn;t heard of them so she hoped they had nothing to do with her father;s club.When the good looking bartender with colorful tattoos running down his arms asked what she wanted but asked for id.She noticed how good looking he was and wanted to take his hair down an run her fingers throw it.After a couple of drinks an a quick chat with the bartender she left for the bus stop to get home..The next day she had trouble concentrating she kept thinking about the good looking bartender. But when she showed up she didnt see him but when he sat next to her and they started talking he asked how she got there she said bus he asked if she wanted to go for a ride? She said she needed to drop off somethings and get a change of shoes.After they went for a ride and she had a great time letting her hair down with Ruger.Then when he asked if she wanted to go to his place she did an they spent the night having the best sex of her life ..The co of the demented souls told River that she seemed at home in a biker bar an to be careful she wasnt there to get info.The twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.heart love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes.I can hardly wait to see whats next by this multi talented author.

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

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruger
Demented Souls, Book 1
By: Melissa Stevens
Narrated by: D.C. Cole

I am intrigued by motorcycle club books, and when this came out I was very excited! I couldn't wait to start it ,and as I listened, was pleasantly surprised by the way this story develops. Ruger is part of the Demented Souls MC and when Krissi comes into their bar, he is taken with her. The attraction mutual, these two are meant to be together. Or are they? Krissi has a past that keeps haunting her. Running is not helping and when it catches up with her at the Demented Souls, things start to get dangerous. Will it be too much to keep these two apart? I loved Ruger. I found his character to be the alpha male type I love, the rugged, protective man that will do anything to keep his woman. Krissi is a little harder to like for me, but I think she is meant to be that way. Detached from so many, she is much more distant in her commitment. This book has twists and turns you will not expect, great secondary characters and ones I can't wait to have their own stories told.

Now the narration. DC Cole is one of my favorites, and each time I hear him, he gets better. His performance of this book is spot on, nailing Ruger down with a raspy, sexy voice when with Krissi, but a deadly voice when dealing with danger. He seamlessly flows from Ruger to Krissi and lets us flow with the story. I loved his portrayal of this book.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn't appear that anyone proofread this book, because DAMN! there were A LOT of errors! Missing words, too many words, words in a weird order. Errors like these:

Ruger shook his head. “Doesn’t look like anyone even touched it. Your books were even in still sitting in the passenger’s seat.”

AND

Satisfied with her work space for now, she went back to the bedroom to do finish taking care of her things.

AND

Krissi bit the inside of her lib and tried to figure out what this meant for her and her relationship with Ruger.

The errors were distracting and kept pulling me out of the flow of the story.

It didn't help that I also found the story and characters to be a little flat/one-dimensional, even contrived at times. I never really felt an emotional connection to the characters or like I was invested in how the story would end, i.e., if the mcs would declare their love for each other, or if they even FELT love for each other; if her father would cause them trouble; if there was some secret the hero had yet to reveal to the heroine that would throw a wrench into their budding romance.

I didn't dislike this book, but it was only 'okay' for me, especially the underwhelming, abrupt ending that left the story feeling unfinished. It certainly didn't make me eager to read the other MC brothers' stories, although I may try another, just to be sure this series isn't for me.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krystal aka Krissy is a student who is also the daughter of one of the most notorious MCs in New Mexico. She got away and is trying to keep a low profile . She;s getting a college education and working in a diner. One night after work she stops into an MC bar, mainly she;s a little homesick for the accouterments. There she meets the bartender and owner, Ruger. They start a relationship which is totally surprising to him because he doesn;t do relationships and for her she figured it was a one time thing. Then she;s kidnapped and her true identity is discovered. Ruger;s MC group needs to come to terms with who she is and then with another MC trying to take over their territory. Life gets dangerous and life threatening.
OMG! This is a totally fast moving story about two people who fall into each other and need to come to terms with who each are.
Fantastic action and story and characters!!
Fantastic read!!

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

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the demented Souls series to a new MC. Krissi decides to leave home behind but finds herself drawn to the Critters bar as it has a few bikes parked outside it. I guess it's harder than one would think to leave home's comforts. You see Krissi is used to the mc life and attempted to leave it behind but can't shake it. While at the bar she finds she really is attracted to the bartender and can't seem to forget about the impression he has left with her. Ruger is just as interested in Krissi and it all starts with a ride on his bike. In my opinion, one doesn't need much more than that. This book has a suspenseful twist to it as well as the hot and sexiness from the chemistry that flames these two characters. However, once all the chips fall and a few facts are disclosed is a HEA in store for Ruger and Krissi?

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

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "RUGER" This a very interesting, entertaining, suspense filled drama, action, hot steamy scenes, intrigue, kidnapping, abuse, secrets, rival MC'S, twists you don't see coming.
Ruger is a Demented Souls MC his life is his brothers their bar and the club he meets and has a one night stand with Krissi who blew into town running away from her very dangerous Vicious father.
Krissi wanted to be free from what her father was he's head of the Mob who overseas MC'S all over many states in the South West when Ruger's President finds out who her father is he's not sure they can trust her.
Ruger's Demented Souls brothers steal from another rival MC they retaliate by kidnapping Krissi and beating her up Ruger isn't happy with the situation neither is her father.
The past comes back to haunt them can Ruger save Krissi and get their HEA you must get this book to find out my first read by Melissa Stevens I thoroughly enjoyed and defintely recommend to read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even tell you how much I LOVED this story!! The characters are outstanding! I throughly enjoyed learning about them. Ruger!?! OMG! Could he be any more possessive? I loved it!! All the growlyness and the sexiness! Day-um! I want a Ruger for my own! Krissi is a strong confident woman. She takes no crap from anyone being a daughter of the Prez of an MC. I can not get enough of their connection together. I was literally listening with bated breath for their next encounter. It’s not only HOT but sweet and tender.

The rest of the MC are a sight to behold. Tuck, Crash, Gizmo and Sadist etc. How can these guys be anything but interesting with names like that?! I am waiting for these boys to get their HEA.

I listened to this on audio and BOY am I glad I did. D.C Cole narrated this and he did wonderful. This is a first for me with the narrator and author. So I was pleased and look forward to more of these guys. Next please!

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krissi needed to get away from her family and the MC business she is trying to start a new life for herself away from her father. She doesn't miss the MC as such but she does miss the sense of family she had with them. But she really doesn't miss the drama that also came with that sense of family. Ruger had his club The Demented Souls MCand the family he has made with them with that and his bar he had everything he needed. When Krissi sees his bar with all the bikes out the front she sees her chance t maybe get a little of what she was missing what she actually is a hot night with the bar owner When the Demented Souls get suspicious of how easy she fits into their lifestyle they make enquires when they learn of her past will they accept her and will they stand with her when her past comes back with a vengeance. This is a well written that has the making ofa great ne series

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars Krissi’s father is the president of an MC that she left behind to get away from him. Apparently he is the head of the Mob of the MCs over many states in the Southwest. She left pretty much with the clothes on her back and none of her father’s dirty gifts or dirty money. She works as a waitress and is going to college full time. When she needs a night out, she goes to a biker bar since it is a familiar environment. There she meets Ruger who is member of the local MC. He doesn’t seem to be an officer however he is included in all the decision making meetings. When his MC steals from another club that is abusing women they retaliate by taking Krissi and beating her up. That doesn’t sit well with Ruger or her father. There is lots of drama and action.....and secrets to be told. Nicely written and good read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krissi’s father is the president of an MC that she left behind to get away from him. Apparently he is the head of the Mob of the MCs over many states in the Southwest. She left pretty much with the clothes on her back and none of her father’s dirty gifts or dirty money. She works as a waitress and is going to college full time. When she needs a night out, she goes to a biker bar since it is a familiar environment. There she meets Ruger who is member of the local MC. He doesn’t seem to be an officer however he is included in all the decision making meetings. When his MC steals from another club that is abusing women they retaliate by taking Krissi and beating her up. That doesn’t sit well with Ruger or her father. There is lots of drama and action.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the MC men were different from most- yet some of the normal genre played a part at the same time. Definitely nicer guys in this MC, which I liked.

I loved the twist. I had an inkling of it for one person, but was pleasantly surprised when it fully came out.

I liked how he told her he loved her. I didn’t like that she never said it. I also hated how fast it ended. I felt it was a bit abrupt.

I felt like the drama with her dad should have been bigger and better.

I still don’t get what half of the men did in the club. I also wondered why Sadist drops out of the book towards the end when he was a big presence prior.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic page-turner! This story captivated me from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It is well written, moves along at a brisk pace, and the character development is noticeable and amazing. The suspense, action, danger, witty banter, humour, and brotherhood kept me interested until the very end and left me wanting more of the ‘Demented Souls’. The characters are amazing and perfect together; their chemistry is instant, potent, and off the charts. Definitely recommended!

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

[Krystinna Collett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Ruger is bossy, possessive, jealous, and not afraid to go after what he wants, and that is Krissi. Krissi is strong, prepared and not afraid to speak her mind. MC book lovers will enjoy this book!

Tired of her father's club, and the control he possesses in her life, Krissi moves over five hundred miles to get away from him. She enrolls in college and finds a job at a dinner. After a hard day, she stumbles into a biker bar and meets Ruger.

I recommend this book. I liked the characters and the MC.

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

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this author and always enjoy a well written MC romance. The author did a great job with the characters and I especially loved Krissi's independence and strength in getting away from her family and putting in the work needed to stand on her own. The suspense between the different clubs kept the story moving for an unexpected twist in the end for future books. This is a standalone, but can't wait to read more about the Demented Souls MC

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krissi left her home to get away from her father and his MC. She has made a life for herself away from that life but is drawn to a bar that has bikes out front. She is attracted to the bartender who happens to be in a local MC. They hit it off and become an item but can Ruger and his club truely trust her? Ruger has a secret that could ruin him and his club if she finds out. Edge of your seat book. I could not put it down. HEA with a very interesting twist at the end

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

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure that I even know where to begin writing a review for this because it is truly an awesome experience. The author did such a great job developing the characters, that I feel like I really know them, and not just the major two characters, but the minor ones too.

I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing, and the ability that the author had to tell me a story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.

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

[Megb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was great! I loved Ruger from the start. I knew there was a secret the club was hiding from Krissi but had no idea it was THAT! Gah they got me! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Wow. Ruger was hot from the start and him and Krissi were electric. I loved their story!!

Ruger and Krissi meet when she targets his MC bar. She feels at home there and so she goes in orders a few drinks to take the edge off and then gets ready to leave when sparks fly with Ruger.

I felt like this story flowed nicely and had a good pace to it. I was surprised with Krissi being targeted and was very wrong when it was because of Ruger and not who she is.


Ok so I have to talk about this twist. This book got me. I never expected that and that was the last thing I expected.

[Christine Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the genre I normally read, and certainly not a MC romance. However, the series title Demented Souls has always intrigued me. Plus the author is a writer friend and I feel the need to see what more she has written since I read her first para-normal shifter romances. This romance not only has a lot of HOT sex but suspense and a nice twist. Her main characters are well developed and readers of this series can look forward to learning more about them and the MC. If you love this genre I recommend it.

[Keewatin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this start of a new MC series, by new to me author Melissa Stevens. I would definitely consider this more of a MC lite, but still had some mystery and suspense in it. Ruger and Krissi had great chemistry and, oh the banter!!! Krissi was a sexy and sassy heroine, which I totally love and Ruger was the quintessential alpha male. This MC club is maybe not all that it seems and I cannot wait for more!! The audiobook was narrated by DC Cole who did an awesome job, I just usually prefer dual narration!!


***AudiobookObsession Review****

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets have a way of coming out when you least epect them, for Rugar his club and bar are his life, hes never been drawn to a woman until Krissi walks in. but is their whilr wind romance about to be over before its truly begun, when club wars bring Krissi's father into the mix all hell's about to rain down on them. Can Rugar trust Krissi after her secrets spill? well written action packed, suspense filled twists, steamy hot scenes and more!

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

[Philleys Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good mc club romance. Ruger is one sexy bartender and the fact that he is a member of the Demented Souls MC just makes him badass sexy! Meeting Krissi brings out the protective and nurturing side of himself, especially when her family ties are revealed. I am not into mc romances but I am glad I read this one.

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

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review...I enjoyed this, have never read this author before but she captured my attention with Ruger, it was an MC book and sometimes I like and sometimes I get let down, this one didn't do that. We have Krissi who is starting a new life away from her father and his MC, but ends up in another one...I wont tell you more, hopefully I wetted your appetite it was worth reading and I hope to read more from this MC. Enjoy

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama fills the pages of this book. The characters are very interesting. The MC aspect was perfectly written. I've read other books were the MC gives the members a sense of family where they normally don't feel they have one and this one is no exception. It helps give the book depth and a sense of stability. However, as with any MC drama, there is violence and it has come back to haunt these characters and their budding relationship. Very well done.

[Mary Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krissi’s Dad was the head of a motorcycle club involved in illicit actions. She traveled to live 500 miles away from him only to meet Ruger who belonged to a motorcycle club. This particular story is better than most of the other MC stories I have read. I also found the characters to be vivid and portrayed extremely well. Huge surprise at the end. Very good read!

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

[Gskm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

This was an entertaining but not angst filled MC story. There was a bit of drama which was over quickly. Not sure how to process how a MC Pres would break his teenage daughter’s arm and nose but then kills a guy because he hurt her. There are other revelations that I did not find consistent but overall, I like the alpha bikers and the pragmatic strong female. Well worth the read.

[Jocelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Melissa Stevens's book. Ruger is the first book in the Demented Souls, a MC Series. This is a great introduction to the Serise. Ruger is an alpha man, possessive and protective. Krissi is a strong woman. Their story is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns. The secondary characters are great. DC Cole did an amazing job with the narration. I love his voice! All characters were easy to distinguish. Now, I can't wait for the next book in the Series.