The Deals We Make

Iron Outlaws MC #9

by Scarlett Cole

❤️ Friends to enemies to lovers
🖤 Protective Hero
🥰 Unrequited first love
💻 Hackers & Secrets
🍀 Second Chances
🏍Just get on the damn bike
🪢 Shibari/Rope play
🔥 All the heat


From USA Today best selling author Scarlett Cole, writing as S. Cole, comes an electrifying best friends to enemies to lovers romance.

Calista
They always say you should never fall in love with your best friend.
And that's especially true if they aren't in love with you.
But when I was eighteen years old, I did it anyway.
Until Tiberius "Vex" Williams did the unthinkable and shattered my heart, costing me everything.
But now I'm back in New Jersey with an ailing mother and an unknown stalker.
The last thing I need is a grumpy biker determined to make sense of our past.

Vex
There are many rumors about how I became an Outlaw, but I became one to save my best friend's life after she threatened to hack the MC.
And she hated me for it, leaving New Jersey in a blur of words time hasn't healed.
Calista Moray is now the CEO of a leading cybersecurity firm, and she's back looking better than ever.
When our paths cross, sparks fly. We're best friends turned enemies with a score to settle and a whole lot of tension between us.

Until the head of the Cosa Nostra confides that millions of dollars have been stolen from their accounts and he asks me to figure out where their money went.
The thought I'll find Calista's digital fingerprint everywhere terrifies me.
Especially given this time around, it's not just our hearts but our lives at stake.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Smut, Contemporary, Emotional, Enemies To Lovers

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

About the author

Four-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...
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If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Vex and Calista!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: best friends to enemies to lovers
Angst: 😱😱😱1\2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

5 huge stars! The Deals We Make is the fantastic conclusion to the Iron Outlaws Series by Scarlett Cole. The writing Is fantastically descriptive and enables you see the story unfold in your mind. The story line pulls you in, is super fast paced, and has tons of twists and turns. But really it is the characters that clinch it for me. They are so well developed, have complex pasts, and great depth to them. The dialogue and banter between the characters is top tier and will leave you alternating between laughing out loud and pulling on your heartstrings. Another thing I love about Scarlett Cole's writing Is that it's very apparent that a lot of research goes into her books. I just love smart books, and I'm going to consume anything she dishes up, lol. Part of me is sad to see the conclusion to this Chapter, but I'm super excited for what's to come!

[Janice Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read and the final book in this series. I’ll miss them but a new series starts in January and I’m all for it.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this book, it felt like Vex was an afterthought. We have had this overarching story about the Brotherhood, that seems to have been resolved with the last book. But wait! We haven't had Vex's story, yet, so lets just tack it on in there, too.

I have been looking forward to Vex's story, since he seems to always be stuck in his closet, but so far (before even starting the book, I am not liking how he was a leftover.

On to reading the book, now. 

Now that I have read the book, I have to say... I didn't really enjoy it all that much. I just didn't feel much of a connection between the two characters. Not to mention, after 15 years apart, they seemed to fall in love in just a couple weeks, which is pretty quick. I just wasn't really feeling it. 

The story, too, just seemed a bit off. The hacker element was resolved off page, and the stalker part seemed a bit leftover from the previous plot, like the author was grasping at things to tie it together. I didn't care much for it. 

I am glad the series is done, though, and I will move on to other series.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, the last in the series. You can see how far everyone has come and and how they love each other and actually like each other a lot more then when they started

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 3/21/25- 3.5 stars still gonna round up. I really wish that Ti made the gesture to leave with her before she offered to stay. I get his family was there, but Calista was the CEO of a million dollar company that that SHE created. She seemed to be the one giving up a lot for the relationship. I probably would have felt better about her choice if Rae hadn't popped up with unsolicited advice with all the reasons she needed to stay🙄

I really liked this one, but I'm also a sucker for any second chance or unrequited love book. Luckily for me, this had both.

I really liked Calista. Her and her actions were very relatable. I will say it annoyed me that she needed to make amends to certain people because she ran. Trust me, she had a VERY good reason to take off.

Vex, aka Ti, was also pretty amazing. When he learned the truth of what happened, he felt so guilty and angry. I liked that he had a hard time dealing with the truth and how he felt about the club. It was a refreshing change to see, especially in an MC romance, just how important Calista was to Ti and what he was willing to sacrifice to keep her.

So all in all I really liked this one and would recommend it.. honestly, I've really liked this series except Kings book, 🖕 King.

P.S. Rae annoyed one with her impromptu conversation and sticking her nose in a strangers business 🙄

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The final book of the Iron Outlaws MC series, this is Vex’s story. A childhood-best-friends-reunited love story that is beautifully emotional with great character development and a gorgeous romance, and I loved it.

Vex is the tech guru for the Outlaws. He is a beloved member of the club, and we’ve seen him save the lives of his brothers and their girls over and over throughout the series. In this book we get to see his complicated backstory with the MC, and just how he came to be a member of the club, and I was fascinated!

Vex and Calista grew up as neighbours and best friends. They developed a mutual love of hacking, and when a teenaged Calista was poised to land in a world of trouble, Vex jumped into save her, and ended up indebted to the Iron Outlaws, and a patched-in member of the club. Calista was hurt in the process, and she left town and it’s been years since they’ve seen or spoken to each other.

When Calista, now a wealthy CEO of her own cybersecurity company, returns to their home town to care for her ailing mother, she and Vex are back in each other’s orbit once again, and he has no intention of staying away anymore. And when he suspects she may behind a hack on one of their allies, and learns that she’s in hiding from a potentially dangerous stalker, he’s all in for the girl that he’s never forgotten.

“I got you, Cal. I promise. All the shit, all the water under the bridge, all the hate you carry in your heart and the hurt I carry in mine – none of it matters. If you were at risk, I’d keep you safe, I promise.”

Vex and Calista have such a complex history. They’ve both been hurt, they both have good reasons to be angry, and their feelings around their reunion are complicated even further by Calista’s unrequited teenage crush on her best friend, and her lingering feelings for him. With them back in each other’s lives and finally talking about all that went down between them years ago, everything is about to change.

It feels like history is being re-written. Like I’m being given a second chance to map out how our story ends.
And I’m determined not to fuck it up again.

The attraction between these two is there from the first moment they are reunited. There’s just a whole lot of anger in the way. But once they deal with that and move forward, we get to enjoy every moment of relationship build-up between them. They’re honest and open about what they’re feeling, and I loved watching them dive in and explore their mad chemistry.

“It can’t be casual between us, can it?”
He cups my cheek. “I don’t think it can be casual, but I also don’t know how we would ever make it permanent. But is that a good enough reason to not even try it?”

Calista lives on the other side of the country, and she wants nothing to do with the Outlaws, so they both know that they can’t work long term, but that doesn’t stop them from falling hard for each other. Through it all they talk about their lives and the challenges they face, and I loved how mature and functional they are about it all.

“I think we owe it to each other to live through the next phase of who we are to each other as honestly as we can.”

Vex is gorgeous as a man falling hopelessly in love. He’s torn between his brothers in the club and the woman he loves, and I loved seeing him take stock of his life, figuring out what he wants, and fighting to make it happen.

“A man’s only as good as the world he creates for himself, the way he loves and protects and serves his family, the way he honors his friends, the way he takes care of them all. ‘Property’ might be an old-school way of expressing it, but as my old lady, you’d be the most important person I’d have the honor of taking care of.”

But Vex and Calista both inhabit dangerous worlds, and with threats coming at them from multiple angles, they may not even get the chance to get the happy ending they are so desperate for.

“I fucking love you, Calista. I’ll take you any way I can get you.”

I loved being back in this world! I love the brothers, I love their girls and their kids, and I love all of the fantastic dynamics between them all. They really are a found family, and seeing them have each
other’s backs without question is just amazing. There are so many moments among the boys, the girls, and the whole group together that stand out as highlights in this book, and I loved each and every one of them.

I was sad to see the end of this series, but am so excited that Scarlett Cole will be continuing on with more Outlaws books from the Colorado chapter. I’m sure we’ll see more of the characters that I have come to care for so much, but I can’t wait to meet a whole new bunch of bikers (the glimpse at the end of this book already has me invested!).

This is a great read that is romantic and emotional, and I loved this story so much!

4.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 𝙸𝚁𝙾𝙽 𝙾𝚄𝚃𝙻𝙰𝚆𝚂 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 #𝟿 and the final book in this much beloved series. I think it’s such a fabulous story to finish up with. The characters are complex, funny and loyal. They defy conventional stereotypes and are so smartly crafted.
Vex has been an enigma to me throughout this fantastic series and I’m smiling so big because his story is amazing. I had high expectations and they were met. It gave me all the exciting computer hacker moments, the childhood besties connection with the smart and lovely Calista. It brings all the heart, humor and camaraderie between the Iron Oulaws and their fierce, intelligent, unique women.
There are secrets, plenty of suspense and mystery. The story lightly tackles troubled family dynamics, regular life issues and there are past relationships and situations to be dealt with. The past plays a big part in this story while it’s told almost primarily in the present.
The romance is childhood best friends, the chemistry is combustible, the k!nk is right up my alley. It involves a few things, Shibari rope-play being my very favorite. It’s written so beautifully, so sensually and crazy hot! These two are beyond s€xy together.
Vex is my new favorite Outlaw! He’s such a wonderful mix of intelligence, loyalty, caring and he’s also a sinfully hot Alpha who doesn’t fit in a neat box.
There is an epic scene between the patched members that’s huge and unprecedented. It was very befitting the situation and the fact that this is the last book in this series.
(I’ve loved every single book and all the main characters of this series, that’s an amazing accomplishment, 9 books that I’ve absolutely adored.)
There are twists at the end that surprised me, I thought I knew where the suspense was leading and it took an unexpected turn. I loved it and it was important to the storyline. It’s an enthralling ending.
This story on its own is fantastic. It is also such a satisfying ending to the series.
I have so much love for these characters, I’m sad that the series is over. I think they got the perfect ending. I highly recommend this book and series!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are entirely mine. Thank you so much for the arc!*

[cloudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"you reminded my heart how to fucking beat."

this left me so bittersweet; every time i felt myself smile and giggle over how much i was enjoying the story, i was reminded that this was the end of the series and tried to pace myself. but i couldn’t stop reading. to be honest, vex was the brother that intrigued me the most ever since book one, so to not only leave his story for last, but tying the entire overarching plot of the series into this final instalment was the perfect full circle moment. from feeling like an outsider within the club because he wasn’t given a choice to choose it when it came to joining in, to him being patched in for real this time was, just like he said, the biggest grand gesture of this entire series. and it warmed my heart that he was the object of all that undying thoughtfulness and trust after everything he did for everyone. that and the growth of his love interest were so beautifully written. the different types of women portrayed throughout these books couldn’t be more different, just like the bikers, but the way the author was still able to forge strong and meaningful dynamics between them and have two found families: the old ladies and the brothers, really sets this apart from other mc romances.

* i was sent an arc by wildfire marketing in exchange for a honest review

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ending of a Fantastic Series

This is the last book in the Iron Outlaws MC series and is another five-star read for me. I love MC books with the alpha men who find their loves.

This time we have Vex and Calista’s story and it was one of those stories that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From childhood friends to finally finding each other again was a long and bumpy road filled with secrets and drama. The chemistry and the steamy scenes melted the pages.

I can’t speak highly enough of this author and the way she brings these people into our lives and the way she tells her stories.

[Vanessa Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨
***
The Deals We Make was so good!!! I loved Vex and Cal. Their chemistry was off the charts. The story was so good and full of twists and turns. I loved all the action and secrets. Vex was a sweetheart. He was so kind and caring and good to others. I loved getting to see all the guys and their old ladies. This story was beautiful conclusion to this series. Vex and Cal's relationship was amazing. I loved their banter, their friendship, and their love.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
***

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished the final book in the series. Not a bad story by any means, I just didn't find the same connection to the story or the characters that I felt in the other reads. Vex has always been a bit of an unknown in the other books. I appreciated learning more about his story but for some reason I felt like the story was just one level above the connection I'd hoped for. Although we got some answers about some of the story lines within the book, it felt like they were just superficial - 3 stars.

[LissLovesLit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is the last book for our New Jersey Outlaws! 🥺 The characters have grown so much throughout the series, and I am going to miss their "... eclectic charm and chaotic adventures.”

🙋‍♀️Where can I put in a request for Cupcake's future story?! I am so here for every little bit of that!

💬Favorite Non-Spoilery Quotes
🧩We’re all different, but we fit.
💪“Here’s to the independent women who love us.”
🥰But with Ti…just being here with him, loving him, is enough. There is no perfect version of me required. Because he accepts me, all of me, exactly as I am.

Thank you so much to Scarlett Cole and Wildfire Marketing for allowing me to read an ARC of The Deals We Make! 🤗 I am so excited to travel to Colorado to meet another chapter of Outlaws!

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reçu en échange d’une honnête opinion

TW: violence, mort, abus

J’aime beaucoup la série « Iron Outlaws MC » et j’avais très hâte de lire ce tome sur Vex même si c’est le dernier et que je devrais donc dire au revoir à ces personnages que j’aime beaucoup. Quand j’ai eu la chance de recevoir l’ARC je m’y suis mise rapidement mais malheureusement j’ai eu une semaine très compliquée au travail (deux enfants avec la varicelle dont un bébé de 4 mois…) ce qui m’a laissé KO et donc peu de temps pour lire le soir. Mais avec les vacances j’ai enfin pu m’y mettre pour de bon et j’ai très rapidement dévoré ce tome. On y suit donc Vex, le hacker des Iron Outlaws et Calista, CEO d’une entreprise de cybersécurité. Vex et Calista étaient meilleurs amis d’enfance et partageaient une passion pour le hacking jusqu’à ce que Calista décide que sa prochaine cible serait les Iron Outlaws (dont Vex ne faisait pas encore partie à l’époque). Lorsque Vex l’a appris il a tout fait pour la dissuader puis a décidé d’employer les grands moyens pour lui sauver la vie. Mais Calista ne l’a pas entendu de cette oreille. Elle lui a dit qu’elle ne voulait plus jamais entendre parler de lui avant de déménager à l’autre bout du pays. Vex n’a plu eu de ces nouvelles pendant 15 ans jusqu’à ce qu’elle remette les pieds à Asbury Park. Leurs retrouvailles font des étincelles et il y a une très forte tension entre eux… A eux d’en déterminer la nature. Alors qu’au même moment le chef de la Casa Nostra se rend compte qu’on essaie de le pirater et demande à Vex d’enquêter là-dessus. Vex a peur que ce soit l’oeuvre de Calista car cette fois leurs vies et leurs coeurs sont en jeu…
J’ai beaucpup aimé ce dernier tome.
J’ai adoré Vex. Je trouve très intéressant d’avoir un biker noir comme personnage principal car c’est très rare. Surtout que c’est un personnage très cool et intéressant. Il a beaucoup de sang-froid, est très calme, protecteur et généreux. Il est prêt à mettre sa vie entre parenthèse pour les autres. J’ai beaucoup aimé son amitié avec Switch.
J’ai eu un peu plus de mal avec Calista au début. Elle est trop sûre d’elle et cela vire par moment à l’arrogance insupportable et elle a du mal à reconnaître ses torts. Sinon c’est un personnage qui a du tempérament avec un côté féministe que j’aime beaucoup.
Leur relation est aussi complexe qu’intéressante.
La trame est prenante mais pour j’ai eu eu problème avec le fait que toute l’action et le suspens soit condensé sur les trois derniers chapitres. A cause de cela on a l’impression que certains éléments mis en place passent à la trappe. Par contre j’ai eu les réponses que j’attendais sur le précédent chapitre et j’en suis assez contente. Ce tome clôt vraiment bien la série et forme une boucle avec le fil conducteur du premier tome et donne une bonne conclusion.
On a également pu retrouver chacun des personnages des tomes précédents et voir leur évolution et même si j’aurai voulu un tout petit peu plus d’approfondissement j’ai été ravie de les revoir une dernière fois.
Ce n’est cependant pas la fin des Iron Oultaws puisqu’une série spin-off sur le chapitre du MC au Colorado cette fois est prévue. L’épilogue de « The Deals We Make » en présente les nouveaux personnages et j’ai très hâte de découvrir l’histoire de Wraith et Raven même si avec l’aperçu qu’on en a, je sens que ça ne va pas être une lecture légère…
Je recommande cette série si vous aimez les romances de bikers avec des sujets complexes, du suspens et de l’action, ainsi que des personnages forts et intéressants.
https://kingdomofwordsblog.wordpress....

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deals We Make by S. Cole is book nine and sadly the final book in the fantastic Iron Outlaws series. This is a childhood-best-friends to enemies to lovers and an emotional second chance romance between Vex and Calista. This couple are in a right pickle over the events that happened fifteen years ago which left them both hurt and angry. Their complicated backstory is full of secrets and the revelations are heartbreaking when the truth comes out.

Calista and Vex first met when he moved in next door and quickly they became friends. They are both smart and love computers so they start hacking together, until the day she decided to hack the Iron Outlaws. This started a series of events that changed both their lives. It led to Vex joining the MC to protect her and Calista telling him she hated him and leaving town.

Throughout the series Vex has been the quiet observer who keeps everyone safe. He is the talented tech guy who has saved the lives of many of the MC. He has found a home and loyal friends with the Outlaws but now is the last single one and is feeling alone. He is also concerned his old friend might be the one trying to hack into the Cosa Nostra when he sees she’s back in town. His need to keep her safe is still strong but he’s not sure how he can protect her this time.

He is shocked when he sees the beautiful woman Calista has become. During their childhood he never saw her as anything but a friend but now his thoughts are running wild. He sacrificed his dreams and future for her and she hurt him so why does he want her. She had an unrequited teenage crush on him and those feelings have never really left, even though she hasn’t seen him since she left. She is full of hate and accuses him of betraying her but now can’t stop thinking about him.

Calista now runs a successful company so is under a lot of stress at work, her mum’s health is deteriorating and she is feeling guilty for not coming home sooner. She is confused when Vex offers to help and won’t take no for an answer. He decides this is a second chance he is not giving up and works hard to reignite their friendship even though she seems to hate the MC.

They finally talk about the events from all those years ago and we find out what really happened and how a lack of communication affected both their lives. We find out the reasons he joined the MC and why she left, which leave them both overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. The secrets they hid from each other look like changing their lives again and some serious decisions to be made as more confessions are made. Can they make a long distance relationship work or will he have to make another sacrifice for her? He is torn between his love for her and his MC brothers.

I have loved this whole series and enjoyed following all the guys get their HEA. The women have all been strong and each couple has brought something different to the group. It’s amazing when they come together to support one another and there is a really poignant moment in this story that shows how far they have all come. I laughed at all the things Vex heard when they forget he was in his little office and his interactions with Avery were so sweet. Hopefully some of these characters might appear in S. Cole’s new series about the Colorado chapter of the Iron Outlaws.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author S. Cole is back with book 9 The Deals We Make, the final instalment to her Iron Outlaws MC series.
This Friends to Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance Romance has us following the story of former best friends/next door neighbours Iron Outlaw member Vex aka Tiberius Williams and the FMC Calista ‘Cal’ Valentine Moray in their dual POVs.

The development showcased with Vex and Calista’s story did seem to move at a fairly quicker pace than some of the other books within the series. And so for this it did have its pros and cons for me.
Ongoing steady movement kept you turning the pace with reading through, given the drama, mystery, entertainment and the suspenseful buildup surrounding it due to the many situations and events Vex and Calista found themselves facing.
Even more so, with the involvement of friends and family and the parts they played within it.
Ultimately causing you want to see where their journey would lead them.
However, when it came to the sometimes rushed feeling, given not as much exploration with the less lack of in-depth detail it had me hoping for IMO.

As for the storyline surrounding their relationship development, author Scarlett took you on a bit of a ride due to the ups, downs and back and forth Vex and Calista faced and endured.
Then again that was to be expected since there was a lot to be showcased with what needed to be said and done, considering where they stood due to the past that put them on opposite ends.
The pushing and pulling adding to it, since it was anything but an easy journey.
And with the emotions and feelings felt throughout, it added more to the paces they were put through as well as putting each other through. Some of which most definitely led to super high levels of Red-Hot, Fiery steam shared in the Spicy scenes author Scarlett bought to the table.

A big pro for me that needs to be mentioned was Vex's character.
Given he was a POC, IMO author Scarlett did a good job in not only portraying him, but also handling his story well by ensuring there was realism to him within the book.
By bringing in real life sensitive subject matters that we see Vex face and showcasing how it is handled by not only him but by others within the situations he faced and endured helped bring more authenticity and genuine-ness to him and his story.

Unfortunately there was an issue for me and that was the ending being a major letdown in my eyes.
The scene that led to the ending not only rushed through with how it played out, the way it abruptly cut off had confused in wondering if it really was the ending, since it definitely did not feel like one at all.
From all the build up that made for the crescendo, it had me expecting the climax to play out further and a little deeper than what was actually delivered before paving the way for the end.
But since that wasn’t the case, it left me disappointed, even more so with some of the questions raised being answered in the epilogue as opposed to the main story.
Due to its importance that was made known with all the times it had been mentioned throughout, it had me expecting those answers to come within the main story.

With all that said, even despite my issues author S. Cole still did a good job with the final instalment to Iron Outlaws MC series.
The Deals We Make still made for an engaging read, with Vex and Calista’s journey taking you on a ride that was emotional, intense, mysterious, suspenseful and entertaining all at the same time.
And with the sneak peek included, it has me looking forward to the next chapter from the new series that kicks off with Axel ‘Wraith’ and Raven’s story in The Grief We Hold.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-THE DEALS WE MAKE is the ninth instalment in S. Cole’s contemporary, adult IRON OUTLAWS MC erotic, MC romance series. This is thirty-three year old cyber security specialist and owner Calista Moray, and Iron Outlaws MC IT specialist Tiberius ‘Vex’ Williams’ story line. THE DEALS WE MAKE 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 (Ves and Calista) THE DEALS WE MAKE follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Tiberius ‘Vex’ Williams and Calista Moray were childhood friends and neighbors; computer nerds and hackers until the day Calista found herself on the receiving end of threats, blaming our hero for what was to come. Fast forward fifteen years, Calista is now the CEO of her own cybersecurity firm, and has returned home to New Jersey to garner a security contract with a local company but her return home comes with too many memories of the past, and the reality of her mother’s mental decline. Accepting help from Tiberius threatens Calista’s need for privacy and independence but Calista has a stalker, and Tiberius is determined to protect the woman he loves. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Tiberius aka Vex, and Calista, and the potential fall-out as Calista’s time in New Jersey comes to a close.

The world building follows several interconnected pathways including the rebuilding relationship between Vex and Calista; Calista’s mother’s mental decline; Vex and Calista’s history; her reasons for running; Vex’s introduction to the Iron Outlaws MC ,and more than one potential stalker for our story line couple.

The relationship between Vex and Calista is one of second chances. A friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers in which Calista struggles to forgive the man she blames for the sins of the past, and ultimately her love for the man who continues to control her heart. Vex never knew the reason or the truth behind Calista’s need to run but rekindling their relationship means a second chance with the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned including Shibari rope play.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples. The next generation continues to grow with pregnancy and births, marriages and love. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE DEALS WE MAKE is a story of betrayal, obsession and revenge; secrets and lies, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is edgy and dramatic; the characters are brooding, broken, and haunted; the romance is spicy and sensitive.

copy supplied for review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A past confronts the present and dictates the future in S.Cole's The Deals We Make for an emotional and consequential read!

Tiberius "Vex" Williams had tried to make peace with his life's path but underlying his seeming acceptance was a feeling of unsettled business and what if's. Vex easily took on the mantle of devoted and loyal with his strong sense of responsibility. Calista Moray was too smart for her own good and accompanied by her beauty she was constantly on the defensive in life.

This couple came with past baggage that complicated their relationship. They were not even each other's the one that got away but the unfinished business that held their future happiness captive. Their steamy attraction fogged their clarity when it came to making rational decisions where their relationship was concerned and made for some feisty interactions. When this pair recognized their feelings for each other and accepted them they fell hard as all the obstacles of the past got swept aside.

As a series the Iron Outlaws dealt with an abundance of serious and dark issues but this author found a way to lighten the heaviness of her characters burdens with humor and the bonds of friendship. There were many comedic moments in this series in a subgenre that often does not have them. Socially aware Ms. Cole offered insightful story lines and did not shy away from confronting difficult subject matter.

S. Cole aka Scarlett Cole is all about exploring her character's feelings from every angle possible. With heartfelt writing this author offers genuine stories that are aimed at her readers' hearts. As the New Jersey chapter of the Iron Outlaws wraps up and the Colorado Chapter of the Iron Outlaws awaits its debut, S. Cole takes the bittersweet ending of one series and leaves readers eagerly anticipating another!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone, but for an overall enhanced reading experience reading the previous books in this series is suggested.*

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently dove into The Deals We Make by S. Cole, and it was an engaging contemporary romance that kept me hooked from start to finish. This novel presents a compelling mix of emotional depth and romantic tension, making it a satisfying read for fans of the genre.

The story revolves around two characters who find themselves navigating the complexities of love amidst personal challenges. I appreciated how Cole tackled themes of trust, sacrifice, and the intricacies of relationships. The plot unfolded at a comfortable pace, allowing for moments of tension and reflection that enriched the overall narrative. The stakes felt real, and I found myself invested in the characters’ journeys as they made difficult choices that tested their bonds.

One of the standout aspects of this book was the character development. Cole crafted relatable protagonists with distinct personalities and backgrounds that added richness to their interactions. I loved watching them grow as they faced their fears and insecurities together. Their chemistry was palpable, making their connection feel authentic and heartfelt. The supporting characters also added depth to the story, providing additional layers to the main narrative.

Cole’s writing style is engaging and fluid, drawing me into the world she created. Her ability to convey emotions through vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue kept me turning the pages. The balance between romantic moments and deeper emotional themes was well-executed, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the characters’ experiences.

Overall, The Deals We Make is a captivating read that combines romance with meaningful character development. While some plot elements may feel familiar to seasoned romance readers, Cole’s unique voice and emotional insight elevate the story. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, as it offers a heartfelt exploration of love and sacrifice that resonated with me. If you’re looking for a touching romance with depth, I highly recommend giving it a try!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well we’ve come to the final book in the Iron Outlaws series and while I'm sad to see it finish, I’m super excited that we finally get to see Vex get his HEA and the wait was absolutely worth it. This may be my favourite book of the series.

Every now and then a series will come along that will knock you on your ass and own you and the Iron Outlaws are one of those series. Just when you don’t think it can get better, the next book comes out and changes your mind. The Deals We Make is no exception.

Over the series we have had Vex in the storyline, so we’ve got to know him a little, but with The Deals We Make we get to see how big a part of the Iron Outlaws he really is, how he became an Iron Outlaw and how much he deserved to find his old lady after watching his brothers find theirs.

I’ll be honest, Vex has intrigued me from the start. There was always something about him that had me wanting to know more and boy was I in for a treat when his book finally arrived. For his hard shell and sharp mind, there was a soft interior that just needed that one piece to make him whole and he finds that in the last place he ever thought he would find it in Calista, his once best friend.

Oh Calista, what to say about her other than I adored her from the moment she struts onto the page and captured my attention to the final moments of the story when she finally sees what she’s capable of and that she has Vex to stand by her all the way. She’s a strong woman, she’s fought for what she has, regrets and all and that made me love her so hard because she was unapologetically Calista, not anyone else for anyone else.

Together, these two are hotter than a five alarm fire and are sure to leave you thinking about them long after you finish the book. They fit so perfectly together despite being apart for all the wrong reasons for a long time, you will feel all the feels, the heat, heart and power this duo bring to the club and the series.

Be prepared to shed a tear or two and be absolutely fine with it because there is a lot of baggage that gets unpacked and sorted, plus new beginnings for the characters and the club itself. Over the last 9 books we have watched the Iron Outlaws grow, change, thrive and find its future.

This is a must read series for me. I’ve enjoyed every second of it and am excited to see what comes next. Thank you S. Cole for the Iron Outlaws from New Jersey.

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Deals We Make is another fabulous must-read story in the best MC romance series I have ever read! I am feeling quite sad that my time with this particular Iron Outlaws chapter is over. I have loved getting to know each of the bikers and watching them fall in love. They have such strong bonds and their friendships are incredible to witness, and I can say this refers to not only the brothers but their old ladies too.

The Deals We Make shares Vex’s story and it covers a wide range of tropes that I absolutely love! There is one particular scene that literally leaves his love interest, Calista, tied up in knots and that is one of numerous examples showing how Vex and Calista are perfect for each other.

One feature that I find attractive in a person is intelligence, and Vex has this in abundance. Add that he has the most caring and loving nature and I was bound to hand over my heart to this man. He’s rather hot being an Iron Outlaw, taking down the bad guys too 😉

I couldn’t help but love Calista. She’s successful and determined yet life hasn’t always been kind to her. I loved learning the history between our two protagonists and witnessing their story unfold. They have a number of obstacles to overcome throughout this narrative, which took me on quite the emotional roller coaster ride.

There is something special about these Iron Outlaws men. Moreover, the author has not only given us readers 9 fabulous brothers to come to know and love, she has given us 9 fabulous old ladies too. Each and every story throughout the series has been different. Yet the friendship, connections and camaraderie between them has been a constant and an absolute highlight of mine.

I highly recommend The Deals We Make and this series to you to read. Please start at the very beginning with The Sins We Hide which is Clutch and Gwen’s story. Then continue in publication order and hand your heart over to each biker one book at a time.

[Math_chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Potentiels spoils sur la série *

Ils étaient amis d'enfance mais les Iron Outlaws les ont séparés. Vex a ruiné son avenir pour elle mais n'a jamais compris pourquoi elle avait fuit en menaçant de le tuer si elle le revoyait un jour. Sauf que le jour est arrivé. Calista revient dans le New Jersey au moment ou le parrain de la mafia italienne se fait hacker. Coïncidence ? Que pourra faire Vex pour protéger son amie cette fois ?

Un excellent tome pour conclure la série sur Iron Outlaws du New Jersey. Je ne pensais pas apprécier autant Vex et Calista. J'ai toujours eu un attachement pour le geek du MC mais j'avoue que sa moitié ne m'a pas convaincue au début… puis au fil des pages elle a su trouver une place dans mon cœur. Vex et Calista se connaissaient mais se sont quittés en très mauvais termes. Vex est tellement posé, d'une grande patience et avec toujours l'envie et le besoin de réparer. Il est protecteur et a un côté très sexy auquel je ne m'attendais pas chez lui. Calista est comme Vex très intelligente, elle a monté une boîte de cybersécurité qui a un énorme succès. Ils n'ont cependant jamais eu de relation amoureuse 15 ans auparavant. C'est un couple qui fonctionne et qui travaille sur la communication, ce que j'ai adoré. Les femmes et hommes du MC sont très différents et ça apporte une énorme richesse au texte en termes de personnages secondaires. Sur la série c'est Niro qui a fait la plus belle évolution, encore dans ce dernier tome il est ultra attachant alors que dans le 1er tout le monde le haïssait. Scarlett Cole nous gâte avec 2 épilogues (dont une grosse surprise) et un bonus; de quoi avoir des étoiles plein les yeux pour finir avec ce chapitre. Sincèrement si vous lisez en anglais… Lancez vous toute la série est disponible sur l'abonnement kindle et il n'y a que 3 tomes sur 9 que j'ai moins apprécié le reste ne sont que des coups de cœur.

[Melissa Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

  ***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***


The Deals We Make is book nine in the Iron Outlaws MC Series. This is a second chance romance and the last book in the series. This story focused on Vex and his childhood best friend Calista.

Vex is the club tech guru. He's the eyes, ears, financial advisor, and overall protector of the entire club, their assets, and their families. He's perceptive, loyal, protective, dedicated, selfless, hard working and so much more. He's made many sacrifices to help those around him dating back to his teens.

Calista is hard working, successful, independent, and intelligent. She also has a slew of vulnerabilities. She suffers from PTSD from past trauma, has always felt somewhat unseen and has been lonely for quite some time, and is also riddled with guilt how her past went down and changed the course of the future.

The storyline was angsty and emotional with a few plot twists. There was lots of spice with praise kink and rope play integrated in the mix. You feel their chemistry from early on and cheer on their reconciliation from old childhood friends to frenemies to lovers.

Cole wraps up this series so well. The bond between the brothers is stronger than ever with some really deep moments. Niro was also quite funny in this book which lightened some heavy moments and I loved him more and more throughout the series.

Calista was a perfect addition to the girl gang and I hope we get to see all these charcaters again in the future. And the good news is, there are more Iron Outlaws coming, different charter of course! We get a little sneak peak and I already can't wait to start the new series even though I'll miss the OG's.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! I can't believe this is the last book in what is an exceptional MC romance series. But Scarlett knocks it out of the park once again, and one thing I really noticed whilst reading Vex's story is just how much all of these characters have evolved and I genuinely believe there are very few authors who have the capability to do that. Whilst also keeping the stories fresh and utterly page turning.

And The Deals We Make is a definite page turner.

As Vex's path to becoming an Outlaw was rockier than most of his brothers and he finds himself at a crossroads when his childhood best friend and next door neighbour Calista returns to New Jersey to hide out with her estranged mum. After she receives a bunch of online and text threats.

But the last person she wants to see or ask for help from is Vex. Especially as their history isn't great and the Outlaws have a lot to do with that.

Yet, Vex is there for Calista and is willing to do anything to keep her safe especially as he believes she is once again hacking the wrong organisation.

However, Calista is determined to leave New Jersey ASAP, and she is keeping a big secret. One that could change everything for Vex and see him walk away from the Outlaws and the men he's called brothers for good.

And with sex scenes that will leave you tied up in knots, great characters and issues and situations that you can easily relate to. This is a story I just absolutely devoured and one I would happily recommend to all.

Seriously, if you've not yet started the series DO! You won't regret it. ☺️

My thanks to Wildfire Marketing and Scarlett Cole for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Deals We Make. ☺️

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Calista and Vex. This is also the conclusion to the Iron Outlaws MC Series. I have to say that I was sad to know the series is ending. Each of these books has been amazing and I have loved them all. The Deals We Make is no exception and I was so excited to dive into it. Buckle up because this is one fast paced ride. Clasita is a character that I feel like a lot of people are going to be able to relate too. Vex is the tech guy for the Iorn Outlaws MC. If you have been reading the series then you know who Vex is because he has probably been a big part of saving his brothers and their girls when they needed it. Now we get his backstory and I promise that it does not disappoint. We get to see how he became a member of the MC and it is not an uncomplicated story. He and Calista grew up together. They lived next door to each other and were best friends. They discovered how to Hack together but Calista soon found herself in a world of trouble until Vex saved her. That saving put him in dept with he Iron Outlaws and one member in particular. These events though caused hurt and she left won and they haven't spoken in years. Now she is coming home the CEO of her own cyber security company but her mom is not doing well. However, no matter what has happened Vex can't stay away. That is all I can tell you. I loved this story. It was so good and I loved how well you got to know these characters. This book has twists and turns and will keep you on your toes. This is a book that you do not want to miss.

[Marivel (marislitcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being back in the Iron Outlaws MC world was bittersweet as the series comes to an end. It was great getting Vex’s story after the small glimpse Scarlet provided at the end of The Fates We Tame. This story follows Vex Williams, the tech wizard for the Iron Outlaws MC and his childhood friend Calista Moray, who is back in town to see to her ailing mother and hide from an unknown stalker.

Vex’s and Calista’s romance was full of that kinship that comes with being childhood friends and the old hurts that separated them. It was great seeing them navigate through the newfound chemistry they felt towards each other while also dealing with the tension between them. Calista was a boss lady through and through with a top-notch cybersecurity company that she was the CEO of. I admired her strength and dedication.

Vex was an all-around great guy with a protectiveness for those he loved, including Calista that was heart melting. Getting Vex’s backstory of how he came to be an Iron Outlaw was a bit of a shock and was so Vex, taking care of others to his own detriment. And when he helped Calista relinquish control as a stress reliever? UUUFFF, I’ll never look at rope the same way again.

The Deals We Make was a suspenseful and tension-filled romance that showed how the true bonds of friendship can never be broken and that found family is just as strong as a regular family. The way the MC came through for both Vex and Calista was a testament to the bond they shared.

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Stars****

I’ve loved this series from the start and this is a great addition to it as a great way to end this chapter…kind of.

I adored Vex and Calista. Vex is just a really good man and finding out more of his background, not only how he came to be an Outlaw, but his family outside the club and who he was as a kid made me respect me even more. Calista is a force. She’s overcome quite a bit and definitely made something of herself.

Their journey was an enlightening one as well as an entertaining one as we find out how deep their friendship as kids and teens was and watching was they finally learn about what happened all those years ago to tear them apart and how they work through it all to find that their connection hasn’t changed, but only gotten deeper and more complex, which also creates complications, but I enjoyed how they worked through it all and figured out what they wanted their lives to look like.

While I loved Vex and Calista and their journey, I LOVED hanging out with the Outlaws and their women and Avery. One of my favorite things about this series is not only seeing how everyone has evolved as a couple, but how the friendships between them all have evolved ~ while still being hardcore bikers still and though I am sad that this is the technical end of this Chapter (Imma miss my Niro) and I am looking forward to what is coming next!

~ Copy provided by WMS & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iron Outlaws are more than just a club by S. Cole, in many ways they are like family so to speak. We have seen each Outlaw find their way from in an out of the club. This is book 9 and we finally have the master hacker and security guy of the club, Vex and boy is this one story you don't want to miss. We see him at well a fork in the road in his life after seeing all his friends and members find their happiness. Sure he has lived his life behind the club scene but he is still part of the club where people depend on him in everything. S. Cole not only shows us two sides of Vex but we see the girl that got away and the regrets Vex has had lately. The chemistry between these two friends is more hot than just platonic between them. Seeing Vex question all he has done for the Club and what he didn't do for his friend just tears him apart. S. Cole not only brought Vex to the point where he has secretly dreamed of having but afraid to really go for it until Calista. Now here is girl who went from one person to being something greater than she ever imagined. So many unanswered questions she needs to find the answers to but like Vex afraid to really find out due to the effects it might have.This is a series you don't want to miss nd there is still each member in this club will leave a part of them in your head loved each one.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

[Candi J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Vex is the most respected MC brother in this series without it being demanded. He is also the odd one out, the observer, the “quiet” one and the genius behind the computer. But, I was not ready for him and his book revealing his dirty secrets.

The way he took charge of Calista phew 😮‍💨. That man is damn fine.

We always heard about Camelot giving Vex a chance at the brotherhood but didn’t know the full story. We learn of how he became a club member and the sacrifices he had to make.

Calista disappeared and left behind heartache after heartache and most of all she was hurt by the one man she gave her heart too.

Fast forward around ten years and their paths cross yet again. Only this time Vex and Calista agree to make the most of the time they have together.

If you’re into: motorcycle club romances, rope play, red room, demanding hero in the bedroom, childhood friends, found family, mental health rep, sassy heroine you’ll love this book, but I recommend reading the whole series to get a feel of the whole MC.

My favourite line:

Get out of the truck Cal. When we get inside, I don’t want to hear
anything from you. ‘Red’ is your safe word.

This was a splendid end to the series and I’m looking forward to the Outlaws of Colorado next year.

Tiberius “Vex” Williams and Calista Valentine Moray got 5 🦋

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second chance, friends to lovers storyline takes you on a wild ride of revelations, secrets, regrets and so much passion. Vex and Calista were once the best of friends however choices were made changing the course of both of their lives. As blame was laid at these decisions both may discover when they stumble upon each other years and years later that all was not what it seemed and maybe they were both just trying to protect the other. Their story is filled with heartache, apologies and finding a path that might just finally lead them into the arms of each other and to a life they both might just want. A storyline that has you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath. It is filled with love, heat, family and understanding but also contains chaos, grit and plenty of drama. There is a scene that is centred around a meeting between the members of the Iron Outlaws that brought tears to my eyes that such strong alpha men can show understanding, love and compassion for each other. Vex and Calista bring some scorching heat to this story that will have your skin on fire. A perfect way to end this series and I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for us in this world.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calista & Tiberius (I LOVED why he was named that name LOL) were best friends from the moment they met as kids, and she fell in love with him. Truth be told, he fell for her as well but never really admitted it to himself. They were both talented hackers, and he was trying to save her from herself but that destroyed the friendship. She went on to found a security company on the other side of the country while he became a member of the Iron Outlaws but neither saw each other for a long time. These days, she has a stalker so she has to come home to lie low, and the state of her mother is a mess so she ends up staying for longer, and this is when she & Ti come face to face again which wasn't good at all. There's a lot that neither knows about that shared past, and while she's making it super hard for him to talk to her, he finally is told the whole story. They grow closer slowly, but the sparks are definitely flying between them, but there's a lot going on in their lives. Will they finally move on from the past to have a shot at a future? This story was filled with tons of emotion, heat, and suspense with twists tying it up in a fantastic second chance bow that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!