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Two hearts, one ride—can love survive the bumps along the way?

Shark
Life with the Merciless Few has always been enough for me—until it isn't.
The thrill of the ride, the brotherhood, the loyalty—it’s all I’ve ever known. But now, I want more. A wife, kids, a family I can protect and love just as fiercely as my club. When I meet Cora, I know she’s the one. Her strength and beauty draw me in but winning her over isn’t as easy as I thought it'd be. She’s got her walls up, and I keep screwing things up even when I don't mean to. Can I prove to her that I’m worth the risk? Or will my mistakes cost me the future I crave?

Cora
Between long shifts at the diner and caring for my sick father, I don’t have time for dates. But then Shark walks into my life with his cocky grin and irresistible charm. He’s everything I should stay away from—unpredictable, wild, and dangerous. Yet, I can’t help but fall for him. The problem is, he’s never where he says he’ll be, and I’ve got enough on my plate without dealing with a man who can’t keep his promises. Can I trust him with my heart, or will he just be another disappointment in a life full of them?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

41 people are currently reading
67 people want to read

About the author

Penny Fox

35 books77 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
1,200 reviews24 followers
January 25, 2025
Loved this Biker Romance!!



This is the first book in a new Biker Series. The story was encapsulating, was emotional and there was a good amount of heat! I loved meeting the men in this world and watching Shark fall in love with Cora made me swoon!


The next book is already looking amazing and I can’t wait for it to be released! I can already tell this is going to be a must read series for me!

Profile Image for Amber.
1,181 reviews48 followers
January 8, 2025
Shame is a MC romance between Shark and Cora. Shark is the VP of The Merciless Few and Cora works at the diner in town. Both have been crushing in the other for months but never really talked. Cora has a lot of responsibilities at home with her sick father and Shark is busy with the club. They finally decide to hang out and Shark tries to show her that he will be there supporting her. They both learn to accept love and support from others.
Profile Image for Doris.
3,784 reviews141 followers
January 15, 2025
Shark and Cora

The Merciless Few MC has been Shark’s life all along…until now. Now he is thinking of a wife and kids. There is no one in mind until he meets Cora. Cora is working her butt off at the diner and then taking care of her father when she isn’t at the café. So just how will two people with so much going on in their life ever make things work? Something is going to have to give. Even though Shark is so busy with the club he will find a way to make Cora believe that he is the man for her.
268 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It seems like a great start into a new MC series. The chemistry between the two main characters was great. I can't wait to read the next one
Profile Image for Lisa.
562 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2025
Kaison the VP of an MC his a big guy muscles everywhere tattoos all over his body his not looking for love but he does fancy Cora the waitress that works at Daisy’s cafe the only one to the small town they live in
Cora works so hard she also looks after her father who has dementia it’s very challenging for her but she can’t put him in a home because of the guilt
Her and Kaison started dating and things started to happen fast in there relationship
Profile Image for Annabelle Donnelly.
255 reviews14 followers
March 21, 2025
So, we start with a little love note from the author, basically saying, “Hey, don’t expect your usual dark, gritty, blood-soaked MC chaos—this isn’t that book.” And you know what? I kind of loved that. No false advertising, no surprise trauma dumps—just a heads-up that this one leans lighter.

And lighter it was. If you’re picturing a Sons of Anarchy episode but with fewer felonies and more “Aww” moments, you’ve got the vibe. There’s action, there’s tension with rival clubs, and there are actual MC politics (thank you, because I’ve read MC books where the club might as well not exist). But let’s talk about Shark, our male lead.

Shark—yes, that’s his nickname, but honestly, he’s more like a Great Dane than a predator. Sure, he’ll throw hands when needed, but deep down? Teddy bear. This man is taking care of Cora’s dad from the start. He’s protective, but not over-the-top possessive (though the moment he calls Cora his woman, we all collectively sigh). He’s the perfect blend of dangerous but soft, and yeah, Cora didn’t stand a chance.

Speaking of Cora, she’s dealing with a lot, mostly her father’s dementia. Total respect for her dedication, but also… girl. You cannot do it all. At some point, you just want to shake her and say, “It’s okay to let go a little!” But this emotional weight adds depth to the story, even if it makes you want to intervene.

Now, about the romance—it was cute, and I loved it, but it could have been spicier. It didn’t need to go full dark and depraved, but a little more heat wouldn’t have hurt. Then, around the 70% mark, things went full speed ahead, like the author realized, “Oh crap, we have to wrap this up!” There was so much happening—multiple Sons of Anarchy episodes packed into one book. Not everything needed to be resolved right now, especially since Shark’s brother is getting a book next. Let some of that spill over!

Then, at the end, the author reminds us again—“Yes, this one was light, but don’t worry, things will get darker.” I get why she’s saying it, but honestly? Not necessary. Some of us like a lighter MC book. We don’t always need darkness and despair! But am I picking up the next book? Absolutely.

This author is definitely one to watch, and I’ll be keeping an eye on book two to see just how dark things get.
Profile Image for Maelle C.
240 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2026
I enjoyed this read, and I think it’s a great introduction to the Hell’s Mayhem MC world, even if it wasn't exactly what I usually look for in an MC romance.

I really appreciated the author’s note at the beginning, warning us that this story isn't as dark or "rough" as your typical MC romance. To be honest, I’m glad she mentioned it because I usually thrive on the gritty, dark, and high-stakes chaos of the outlaw life. Without that heads-up, I might have struggled to finish it, but knowing the "lighter" vibe beforehand allowed me to adjust my expectations and just enjoy the story for what it was.

Shark (Kaison) was a surprise. You expect a predator, but he’s honestly more of a protector with a massive heart—the way he stepped up for Cora’s father was really touching. He has that "growly" MC energy we love, but he’s definitely on the softer side compared to other club leads. Cora, on the other hand, is a saint. Dealing with her father’s illness while working double shifts... my heart broke for her. I loved seeing Shark show her that it’s okay to let someone else carry the load for a change.

While the chemistry was there, I personally would have loved a bit more heat and a bit more of that MC "danger" factor throughout the book. It felt a little rushed toward the 70% mark, where a lot of plot points seemed to collide all at once, but it definitely kept me turning the pages!

Even though I prefer my bikers a little more "morally grey" and the plots a bit darker, the hints we got about the rest of the club (especially the brother!) have me very intrigued. I’m definitely sticking around for book two to see where the Maine Chapter goes from here and if things get as dark as promised.

If you like an MC romance that focuses more on emotional depth and "sweet" protective heroes rather than pure trauma and violence, you’ll love this. It wasn’t a perfect fit for my specific tastes, but it’s a well-written story and I’d recommend giving it a go to see for yourself!
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,942 reviews49 followers
January 17, 2025
Hot chemistry and attraction are not a problem for Shark (Kaison) and Cora as the patrons of the diner where she works are well aware. Time and trust may be the stumbling blocks to building a relationship though. Cora is struggling to manage the care of her ill father while working continual double shifts at the diner in order to pay the bills. No matter how much she likes Kaison, she doesn’t have enough energy to handle a relationship too, especially with a man she can’t trust. Kaison is loyal to the club and its members, even the new president and a rival club who is out to stir up trouble. He wants nothing more than to find a good woman, settle down and make a family of his own. Cora is the woman he sees in his future, but he knows she has a lot on her plate and doesn’t trust him to be there when she needs him. She is looking at any relationship with him as temporary, and he wants forever. His loyalty and duty to the club competes for priority with being with Cora, and unfortunately the club seems to win.

Kaison/Shark has a growly, gruff, take-no-prisoners side, but Cora gets to see the softer, caring side. Cora is rather shy, sweet, generous and doing her best to honour her father by taking care of him even though his illness is overwhelming. She is used to being the one to take care of others, but Kaison shows her that it is okay to let others help or let them take care of her too. Their story is emotional, complicated and sometimes chaotic, but they eventually find their way forward together.

I am happy to recommend this book.
1,230 reviews22 followers
January 18, 2025
Cora lives her life between two things, excruciating long shifts at the diner, and when she's at home, she is always caring for her sick father. So, she doesn't have time for dates. It's only when Shark walks into her life, with a cocky grin and that enticing charm. She knows that she should stay away from him. He's unpredictable, wild, and most of all dangerous. But, for reasons, she can't determine she can't do anything but fall for him.

Cora knows that the problem with Shark is that no matter what he says he is going to be, he's never there. And honestly, Cora has enough on her plate without the added complications of dealing with a man who can't be bothered to keep a simple promise like being where he said he'd be at a certain time. Cora can't help but wonder if he's going to break her heart or if she can actually trust him with her heart.

For Shark, his life with the Merciless Few has always been enough for him. He's always felt fulfilled, till one day he realizes that it's not enough. It's all about the thrill of the ride, the brotherhood, loyalty to each other. It's all he's ever known. But, suddenly, he realizes that he wants more. He wants a wife, kids, and the whole enchilada. A family he can protect love just like he protects the club.

When Shark meets Cora, he knows without a second thought that she's the one he was meant to be with. She has the strength, beauty, wisdom, and courage. It all drew Shark to her. But, he soon realized that earning her trust and love wouldn't be so easy. Cora has so many walls up that getting through them would be a challenge. And it doesn't help that Shark keeps messing things up.

Shame is the first book in the Merciless Few MC, Maine Chapter. This was my first but not my last Penny Fox book. I found this to be a very interesting book with very interesting characters. And all I can say is my heart is broken for Snapper, and I really want to read his story.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,318 reviews42 followers
January 18, 2025
There's a Shark circling

Shark is the VP of the Merciless Few Motorcycle Club. He's been part of the club all his life. His father was a member so him and his brother grew up with the club. Dad is dead now but the brothers remain active in the club. A lot of changes have been going on and there is a rival club causing issues 

Cora is a waitress at the only Diner in town. She has had her eye in this one guy from the club but he makes her giddy and nervous so she can't even talk to him. However, when he suddenly asks for her number she is completely taken back. She doesn't give it to him that day. Her focus in life is taking care of her Dad with dementia and working to pay for everything they need. 

This unlikely duo were fun to read about. Nothing about them makes sense together but they are drawn together like moths to a flame. 

This is a lighter MC book but based on what we find out about the brother the next book is going to be much darker. I'm intrigued and can't wait to see what is next for the club and it's members. I'm also really interested in reading about the brother. 

On a side note I love the care taken in portraying the father with Lewy Body Dementia. I lost my grandfather to this when I was in highschool and it was very hard.  The love and care were evident.
Profile Image for Manuela Molteni.
660 reviews11 followers
January 18, 2025
Penny Fox has slipped into a softer, sweeter gear with Shame, her first foray into a small-town-meets-MC-club series—and what a ride it is. Known for her steamier, edgier works under other pen names, Fox introduces readers to the Merciless Few MC with a gentler touch but no shortage of grit, passion, or drama.

Starring Kaison "Shark" Rivers, a man who is as tough as his nickname suggests but with a gooey marshmallow center. Shark is the kind of brooding-yet-selfless hero who makes you swoon and blush in equal measure. His connection with Cora Davies, the sweet girl-next-door with a spine of steel, is the emotional heart of the story. Their romance is a slow burn that ignites into a roaring flame (pun intended), all while the plot weaves in MC rivalries, family entanglements, and just enough action to keep your pulse racing.

The side characters? Absolute scene-stealers. Each one is richly developed and primed to shine in future installments. Kolton, in particular, has left me counting down the days until his story unfolds.

Shame is a delicious introduction to a new world of loyalty, love, and danger, where Penny Fox balances tenderness with just the right amount of edge. It’s softer than her usual fare but still undeniably addictive. Bring on the next book—I’ll be impatiently revving my engines until Kolton takes center stage.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,181 reviews60 followers
January 18, 2025
You stop until the last page of each book …yep I said each book since there is more than one is read. Shark sexy as all get out VP of the Merciless Few MC for the past it has been about brotherhood, his crew was who he protected but as he got older he wanted more something was missing and thinking maybe a wife maybe a family with the his little busy bee with walls of steel built around her but he is no stranger to hard work. Cora is sweet extremely tired everyday works long shifts at the diner to take care of her sick father, herself but no matter how she wants or wishes for more it doesn’t make it happen so when the sexy biker comes into the diner sits in her area each time she can only admire from a distance and this is what she doesn’t need or can handle any more on her plate with everything else so he will remain a flirt , something sexy to look at when he is in her area. The magnetic pull can’t be ignored and the harder she tries the stronger the pull but she has no time with everything else on top of that his lifestyle is everything she should run from but will she let him in, can he show her that despite what is going on around them he is there to support her, will there to always support her, will she believe that he can / will help when needed, will she be honest about her feelings, and will they both find what they are looking for somewhere along the way?
1,009 reviews14 followers
February 5, 2025
Delightful first installment for this MC series. Each character was unique which seems like it should be a given, but in so many of these books, the characters all blend together. We usually only get surface level personalities and cliches. This book was refreshingly realistic and a solid start to a new series! Will be interesting to see what happens down the road with the club.

One of my favorite scenes is at the beginning of their relationship at the diner where Cora works. Kaison is sitting with two older ladies (twin sisters Betsy and Bitsy) and they are asking him about Cora-

“Here’s your coffee,” Cora says, putting it down in front of me. “You still getting off at two?” I ask. She blinks at me. “Yes,” she finally says, and I love that I make her speechless. Almost as much as I love the blushing. “Great. I’ll be here.” “Oh, really? Okay. I, um… yeah. Great.” She forces a smile, then hurries over to the window to grab a few plates that she delivers to a table. I lean close to Bitsy and say, “That girl’s gonna love me one day.” Her eyes get all watery, and I swear they fill with little hearts.”

So cute.
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,348 reviews36 followers
January 13, 2025
Shame is book one of the Merciless Few MC, Maine Chapter Series.

Cora and Shark have great chemistry. However, the downside to their relationship is Cora has a lot on her plate right now. She is working a lot and taking care of her sick father. The spare time she has can't be wasted and Shark has a problem with communicating things. He puts the MC first and when they need him he drops everything to be there, even forgetting to keep Cora updated. Honestly, that was mainly his only downside is he needed to work on his communication skills.

The both have to work through a lot together to become a solid unit. Cora is used to taking care of herself and others, so when Shark steps in and wants to take care of her, she doesn't really know what to do with it. They have a lot of things they need to work through to be together, but they somehow manage to get there in the end.

There is a lot of action and interesting subplots to the book. I enjoyed it a lot and can't wait for more in the series.
Profile Image for Charlene Alana  Henderson .
1,519 reviews36 followers
January 18, 2025
This is the first time im reading a book by this author and it won't be my last. I absolutely loved Cora and sharks story. It's the first book in the new merciless few series, and what a great start it was.

It's an emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns, I couldn't stop reading it once I started, it had me on the edge of my seat. It's packed with grit, romance, drama, friendship, hardships, spice, action, loyalty and loads more. It's dangerous, wild and very unpredictable, but oh so good!!

The characters, side characters,storyline and plot where wonderfully done and written.

Shark and Cora's chemistry is sizzling, they like each other but been skirting each other as life is busy. Cora works in the diner and also takes care off her sick father. She can't take her eyes of
shark, She knows she shouldn't but she's can't help it the man is damn irresistible.

I can't wait to read more in this series, specially poor snapper, I need his story. My heart hurts.

Highly recommend!!
1,605 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2025
Shame is the first book in the Merciless Few: Maine Chapter series. This book is a suspenseful and definitely a page turning MC romance story. Shame follows the journey of Cora and Kaison who I absolutely loved getting to know both of them as well as seeing their story unfold throughout the book. This book is amazingly written, well balanced and beautifully executed by Penny Fox. Shame is the first book that I have read by Penny Fox and I was completely captivated by the story of this book. Shame is a captivating MC romance which has a marvelous plot, wonderful characters and a breathtaking ending for the main characters. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I’m definitely going to be looking into more of Penny Fox’s work in the future. I would absolutely encourage anyone to checkout and give this book a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Allison Comis.
927 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2025
This was the first in this series. This was about Cora and Shark. Shark was part of the MC but Cora wasn’t. Cora worked at the diner while taking care of her sick father. Shark liked Cora but didn’t do anything for a while. One day he finally asked for her #. She didn’t give it to him because she didn’t think he was serious. But he was. One day while he was out doing things for the MC around the town he saw someone broke down on the side of the road. He didn’t want to stop but he didn’t anyway. He was glad he did because it was Cora. He took her home and made arrangements for someone to get her car. With everything going on she didn’t have time to date so they started getting to know each other as friends but it quickly turned into more. She needed his help and when she called he came.
Profile Image for Nicole M.
905 reviews14 followers
January 13, 2025
While I am a girl who loves MC books, I never find myself reading a ton of them. Why? It's probably because I make questionable life decisions sometimes 🤷‍♀️🤣... BUT im working on it. Shame is book #1 in a new MC series by Penny Fox.

We kick off with Kaison, the Club VP... I'm just saying if a smirk could truly melt things.. 🫠🥵🫠. I enjoyed the interactions between Kaison and Cora immediately. I yelled at my Kindle (honestly at both characters) to get their crap together a few times.

While this book carries its weight with shootouts, multiple wounds amongst different characters.. it is also not as dark as I presume the rest of the series may be given how stories were being shaped. I rather enjoyed this read, and I am very much excited for what's to come for the Merciless Few.
Profile Image for StephF Ilysei_reads.
249 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2025
A throughly enjoyable MC read. Shark is the VP of the Merciless Few MC who has a real soft spot for the stunning Cora who works at the local dinner. Cora is an absolute sweetheart who spends her time working, or caring for her unwell father. With MC politics, crappy bosses and all the drama in between, these two have their work cut out for them.

This story was a lot of fun to read and the start of a new series by the amazing Penny Fox. While this story doesn't go as dark as some MC books do, it was a great introduction to all the characters and the stores to come. I loved reading the interactions between the main characters and the others in their lives. Shark is loving, loyal and fierce and Cora has a core of steel and deserves the world. Cannot wait for more!
5,274 reviews29 followers
January 18, 2025
Shark has been going in the diner were Cora works frequently, she is the one for him even if he has not asked her out yet. Until his brother asks her for her phone number. Cora does not have time for anything, between the long shifts at the diner and carry for her father with dementia. She cannot deny that the man is attractive.

Will Shark be able get Cora to give him a chance? When the club gets in the way will she understand or will it just be another wedge between them. I loved this story, Shark did not give up when his girl tried to keep him at arms length. Found it humorous that she said they were dating but they were together a lot.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin M. Cooper.
499 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
In his own words, Shark the VP of the Merciless Few explains how the MC is his family besides his brother after the death of his father. How the MC was founded by the grandfather's of the members, and how they are a small club and that they take care of the town doing bad things in order to do what's right. 
Cora is a waitress struggling to take care of her father who has dementia. As well as taking care of the day to day while working in the only diner in the small town that she lives in. I enjoyed the book, and can't wait until I read the next one.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from the author for a fair and honest review 
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,189 reviews120 followers
January 19, 2025
Kaison and Cora are such a great couple! They are very good at talking things through and their physical and mental chemistry is off the charts. This book also deals with violence, CSA (not the main characters) and Cora’s dad has Lewy Body Dementia. The book handles it with sensitivity and pathos; I really felt for Cora, who is his main caretaker. This was a hard book to put down. I haven’t been particularly impressed by the Merciless Few books that I’ve read, but this one is really very good and I recommend it to fans of MC Romance.
Tropes: Instalove, Touch Her and Unalive, Alpha Male, Club Drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Reads.
730 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2025
This is my first book by Penny Fox. It is book 1 in the Merciless Few MC- Maine Chapter and is about Shark and Cora.
I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting! I was invested from start to finish and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Shark just wants something more. He has the club but he feels like that's not enough anymore. He never knew meeting Cora would change his life. He falls hard for her but things aren't so easy. Cora has a lot of responsibilities and she doesn't know if she wants to be with someone she's not sure she can trust.
Can Shark win over his girl and finally be content or will his past ruin his future??
4⭐
3🌶
Profile Image for Jennifer Bollnow.
344 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2025
Shame is the beginning of a new series by Penny Fox. This series follows the Merciless Few Motorcycle Club Members. Shame focuses on Shark and Cora and is told from both their point of views. I like the two main characters and their story. It is a cross between Sons of Anarchy and a Hallmark movie. It sensitively tackles some deeper issues. All that and some spice.
I look forward to the rest of this series and checking out more books from Penny Fox.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
14.2k reviews157 followers
January 18, 2025
Shark and Cora have crushes on each other, but life choices keep them apart. He is the VP of his MC, and she works at the diner and has a sick father she's taking care of along with a son that always finds himself in trouble. They are miles apart, but Shark is determined to get Cora into his life. This heartfelt story will have you all caught up as you cheer this couple on to getting their chance for happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Boone.
544 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2025
A very good book that was enjoyable and held me captivated from the beginning. Cora and Kaison's characters are relatable in their lives dealing with life circumstances. Sick parent, community issues with the town. Their slow-burn building of their relationship was sweet to read and how Kaison loyalty to help his community won my heart. The incident at the police station..hilarious. Loved the dialogue, found family vibes of the brotherhood within the MF club...highly recommend this book

I received this as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily.
9 reviews
January 18, 2025
I love the chemistry of the two kain characters Shark/Kaison and Cora. I enjoy Cora's charaxter because it is refreshing to see a woman around mc but not be the stereotypical female. I love Shark/Kaison because he loves family, be it the one he has created himself or was born into and we see with all the actions he makes the love of family is the reasoning behind it.
It was a great read. Pace of story was nice. Definitely will have you questioning what happens with a few supporting characters.
ARC reader
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,543 reviews75 followers
January 9, 2025
Shame is book 1 in the Merciless Few MC, Maine Chapter and is my first read by this author. This is Kaison/Shark and Cora's story. It's a light, medium burn story with interesting characters. Cora is really having a tough time taking care of her Dad and Shark is having a tough time within the Club. These two need each other desperately. Lucky for them Shark doesn't give up. My heart aches for Snapper and I can't wait to get his story.
Profile Image for Shawna Hiscox.
77 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2025
I have fallen in love with Cora and Sharks story!
Shark, the MC VP has his responsibilities and Cora has her fair share as well. They don’t have time for relationships but their attraction is undeniable.
Thankfully they don’t give up on each other!
The spice is so good and the love is deep! I definitely needed tissues.
I’m excited for what’s coming next in the Merciless Few, especially for Sharks brother!
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
853 reviews17 followers
January 26, 2025
Shame is book one of the Merciless Few MC, Maine Chapter. It’s the first book I have read by this author. I plan on reading more. This is Shark’s and Cora’s story. Their chemistry is super palatable and oozes off the page. This book will have you all up in your feels. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews