“All they’d ever known was how to get things the easiest way. It wasn’t always legal, and it sure-as-shit most times wasn’t moral, but they’d been taught from a young age, that if your heart was set on something, you risked it all to get it.”
Pistol may have got the girl – but it doesn’t mean he won’t have to work to keep her …
Steph faces one of the biggest challenges of her life; deciding if the man she’s attracted to for all the wrong reasons is worth enough to risk at all. When her heart is involved, how exactly does she decide when to draw the line? Impossible to tell, isn’t it …
Pistol can’t stop himself from satisfying his own needs first – at the risk of Steph’s safety. He wants her with him … at all costs. But is he simply blackmailing her to stay? Or has she truly made the decision for herself? Will he ever know …
The dark depths of Pistol’s life before Steph surface when his mother arrives to claim what she believes to be hers.
Is an insatiable need for each other enough to keep love alive through such troubling times …
Born and raised in Canterbury, New Zealand, Max now resides with her family in beautiful and sunny Queensland, Australia. Life with two young children can be hectic at times and, although she may not write as often as she would like, Max wouldn’t change a thing.
An avid lover of stories from a young age, she enjoys nothing more than to get lost in the pages while the characters dictate what direction she takes. Her favourite genre to write is new adult and the events in her stories may or may not be related to real life experiences (only she will ever know for sure).
In her down time, Max can be found at her local gym brainstorming through a session with the weights. If not, she’s probably out drooling over one of many classic cars on show that she wishes she owned.
If you're looking to be HOOKED from the very first page, you found your story. BUT just make sure you've read the first one.. it's too addictive and sexy and dark and interesting to be put down.
IRISH accents and sexy alpha male taking possessiveness and soulfulness to a whole new level...
I couldn't wait to delve into LOADED after the hell of a cliffhanger from the previous one, and I actually really missed the characters - which doesn't happen often - so that was a definite plus.
Pistol and Stephanie's relationship in Loaded just gets stronger but at the same time, it turns into a hardship in trying to keep up with everything that is happening around them. I also felt that they were developing more of their backstories and we finally got more of an in depth understanding behind their points of view.
At times it was heartbreaking to hear what they have been through and even dark times that made me literally want to hug my kindle. Yes that nearly happened. No judgments until you get to that scene/s and see for yourselves...
Stephanie grew such a strong mindset, not that she wasn't before but in Loaded she developed into her very own self. She had a better idea in what she wanted, what she knew, what she still needs to learn and definitely, how she felt about Pistol. I loved her character from the first book but in this one it just blossomed into one of those strong, independent and still open minded type of girls. She had her own mind in what she saw in life or how she would go about her problems, but having Pistol there just ENHANCED her own sense. Does that make sense? I just mean that she always had her own personality towards her own life and Pistol crushing into her life the way that he did, only made for a stronger Stephanie. His attitude and mindset provided an advantage to her already strong one! It also doesn't hurt that he is uhm how do you say this so it doesn't sound as an understatement?.. HOT as bloody hell?
Pistol. Sigh. I can't talk or think about him without having my heart broken over and over again because.. fiction and fictional book boyfriends aren't fun when they tick every damn part of your perfect man. Damn.
I couldn't wait to have more of him and his one of a kind sexy dominating personality. His attitude on it's own stands above ground, it can bring down even the more cockiest of men.. Add to that a girl that catches his eye? Let's just say his already drool worthy self is turned up by quite a notch!! He is an alpha male with a possessive and demanding attitude towards Steph which just made me blush over and over. I mean, how the hell do you expect are reader who lives for men that are all things dominant, alpha, possessive, take charge (all in the best way possible) to stay sane?? I don't think it's possible.
His personality only grew stronger especially on the protective instinct. The darkness that comes with his past and present only fuel to make it an ever more interesting and edgy read. My hear broke for him as well.. I wish I could just crawl into the book just for a couple minutes to hug his troubles away. Or overstay my welcome because clearly a couple of minutes with Pistol wont ever be enough.. I am going to the gutter for the hundredth time since Pistol stepped inside my head.... .... ...
For me at least, I COULD NOT PUT THE BLOODY BOOK DOWN not matter how hard I tried. When it came time to food and water I had to take the kindle with me.. See? ADDICTIVE with a sexy capital A - I really am making no sense trying to explain how much I adored this story!!
I could recommend this book high enough!! If you haven't read any of Max Henry's books before or if you are looking for your next dark and sexy read with an unbelievably drool worthy IRISH alpha (Did I mention he has an Irish bloody accent?!?! *insert all the words amazon wont allow here*) this is the book for you. Even if you don't know what to read next or need an inspirational story to get you out of that readers/writers block, pick up Pistol and then Loaded. No regrets will be mentioned. Only appreciation and maybe a little bit of scowling for having introduced a book boyfriend that well, can only stay as that - fictional - ..
THANK YOU so much Max Henry and your team for providing an ARC of a story that will be on my re-reads for as long as I can read ;) Absolutely amazing story, every element was balanced out perfectly.
DARK.
SEXY.
STEAMY.
SOULFUL.
HEARTBREAKING.
INTERESTING.
ADDICTIVE.
FAST-PACED.
HEARTFELT.
SINFUL.
IRISH BLOODY ACCENT (deserves a place all on it's own in my POV).
DOMINANCE.
ALPHA all over the place ;) - bring it!!!
Now. The wait for the third one.... Need more PISTOL asap!
~*~ Obsessed by books copy given I'm exchange for an honest review ~*~
Part two of the Bajaxed series continues where we left off...with Steph struggling to accept all the things Pistol has done in his fight to survive. Unable to process all the thoughts in her head whilst he is around she decides on some time with her best friend to sort her head out. Ivan is not all he seems and it soon becomes clear there is a monster hiding beneath the polished surface.
Meanwhile whilst Steph is learning first hand that a privileged upbringing does not make you nice person Pistol has gone on the hunt of his hellspawned mother. Finding his old friend Trevor, he uncovers the plot that puts his future in jeopardy. Trevor, lost for words...he is a big bear of a man hard and yet soft in all the right places. I would love him to get his own book at some point.
So Steph runs back to her Pistol and lets out some of her worries. Pistol softens as he sees he has to step up and care for her, he lets her in and they promise no more secrets no matter how dark they are. The chain of events in the book are fast paced and mind blowing. All they want to do is live, yet everyone who should support them are working against them. And in the process Steph is slipping further into the rabbit hole of depression, can they resolve their troubles?
Again the ending leaves you desperate for the final book...oh my frickin days!
MUST READ!!! The author knows what she is doing as far as writing and getting and keeping the readers attention. You'll be hooked within the first few pages. Once I was finished I couldn't believe it was over, way to fast if you ask me. Take the time to read the story I will say read book 1 first that way your not going in blind as they led right into each other.
Steph is trying to come to terms with the lifestyle that Pete has. In the process she turns to her friend Ivan with almost tragic results. I'm waiting on Pete to give his brand of what is coming to him. Pete is scared for Steph not knowing when or if his mother will strike so he sets out to find her to deal his own brand of justice.
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
HOLY SMOKE I just finish reading this book, and I love it, I cant believe the ending, now I cant wait to see how it all end, how long do I need to wait, I read the first book PISTOL and love it, but I have to say I love this one even more, love the characters, and the surprises that it has, I did not wanted to finish reading this book I wanted more, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
This book picks right up where PISTOL left off, we get to know more about Pistol, we get introduce to a new character Trevor, who is an old friend of Pistol, and let me just tell you that I felt in love with Trevor, Steph become more brave in this book, she make sure she let Pistol know that he cant keep her in the dark anymore, and we finally get to know what she when through when she was a teenage.
The book picks up right where Pistol was left, when he drop Steph at work that let him think that she don't want nothing with him anymore. After he drop her off he goes in search of his mother, and when he find her they get into a fight, that put him in the hospital, mean while Steph gets off from work end go have diner with her best friend Ivan, but what she was not expecting was for Ivan to behave the way he did, she end up calling Pistol and after that night he told her that he wont let her out of his sight. That's when Trevor shows up and Pistol life gets a little more clear to Steph.
And like I say I cant believe it end the way it did, now I cant wait for the third book in the series.
I love the way how protective Pistol became of Steph, and I love it how Steph goes off on Pistol and Trevor, when she tell them and call the asshole, and let them know that what ever they need to talk about they need to do it in front of her. And love it even more When Trevor ask Pistol where he met her, where he cant get a Steph of her own. I just love the book and hope I get to read more about Trevor he needs his own book. I am so in love with this series.
Author Max Henry TAHNK YOU for this wonderful, awesome characters and this Amazing great book I love every single minute of it. cant wait to read more.
Let me preface this by saying at heart I'm a light fluffy romance kind of girl, don't get me wrong, I like angst, I enjoy a good troubled hero or heroine but with the exception of a few, really dark reads aren't my go to book of choice. When Max Henry asked me to beta read Pistol & Loaded for her I leapt at the chance, I was stunned at how she put this story together... Pete (Pistol) is dark, troubled, dominant, he has swoon worthy moments when his protectiveness for Steph is endearing but don't mistake that for weakness, Pete is one scary dude, someone you don't mess with.
Loaded picks up where Pistol left off, Steph and Pete are struggling, knowing all she does about this man, can she be with someone who has such as blatant disregard for human life despite however justified he believes their punishment may be? Can Pete expect Steph to stand by him, knowing that his being near her could put her in danger?
Loaded is fast paced, and action packed, it's not for the faint hearted, full throttle from the first page to the final line. Where I thought I might if struggled with the content, I found myself enraptured, I wanted... no needed to know Pete's fate, I needed to believe even someone as world weary, as dark as Pete had a chance at a HEA, I needed to know that Steph could be his game changer. Steph's strength, her tenacity to get back up every time those around her, the ones that should of been protecting her, kept pushing her down showed the kind of woman she had become, how much she'd grown despite facing obstacle after obstacle, set back after set back.
Now I'm sitting here waiting, some what impatiently for what comes next, for what Max Henry is going to deliver, I'm hooked, I'm invested, I squirmed my way through the blackness and I'm hoping that in the next installment that Steph and Pete can find the light.
***This book is NOT a standalone. Book 1, Pistol, should be read before this book. Review below may contain spoilers (though I am going to try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible) for those who have not read book 1 in this series so be warned***
I loved book one, Pistol, and book two did not disappoint! This book is action packed, sexy, suspenseful, full of twists and turns, steamy, and full of revelations that leave you gripping the edge of your seat until the very end. We learn a lot more and Pistol and Steph in this book!
This is the continuation of Pistol and Steph's story. In this installment of the series, we delve deeper into Pistol and Steph as individuals and their relationship. We learn more about Steph's background. We also watch Steph struggle to accept Pistol and all the darkness/trouble that comes with him. Will Steph realize Pistol is worth taking a chance? Can these two (esp. a man like Pistol) get a HEA?
I still love Pistol. He was protective, alpha, dominant, bossy, and so freaking swoonworthy though he has his moments. I also loved Steph more in this book than the last. She really grew a backbone and we got to see her become stronger and braver. And Trevor.... YES! I LOVE HIM! The man needs his own book/series!
All I can say is.... WOW, thank you again Max Henry for your hard relentless work in writting this juicy morsal of a trilogy, Loaded did not disappoint! Action packed, sexual tension, real life romance.... what more could I want....
Loaded is book 2 in the Banjaxed trilogy & it starts where Pistol (book 1) finishes. Pete (Pistol) & Steph's relationship is full of angst, twists & turns. Will Steph be able to handle Pistol/Pete lifestyle?? Will Pete/Pistol be able to keep Steph safe?? well you must read it to find out. Old friendships are questioned in a MAJOR way, new friendships are created (side note I think we need a stand-alone for Trevor, Max are you there??? Hint, Hint :P). Steph & Pete come out learning more about themselves & each other....
Man what a cliffhanger, thankfully I waited sooo long to read book 2, becuase I don't think I could wait months to read book 3. Yes the series is that good!!! I was drawn into Steph & Pete's hipnotic relationship & spat out at the end WANTING!!!! LOVED IT!!!!
This story is a continuation from Pistol, book 1 in the Banjaxed series. It picks up right where we left off. Steph has learnt a bit more about Pete's past and she struggles to come to grips with some of the things he has done. Meanwhile her friends start to show their true colours and let me tell you they aren't pretty. Pete and Steph get a visit from an old friend of Pete's, and it isn't a happy occasion. At one point I was so disappointed when I looked down and saw that I was at 98%, I just wanted to keep reading. We are left with another cliffhanger as to what is about to happen to Pete so I am really glad that I didn't read them until now as it means that I don't have a long wait till the next release.
I loved this book because we got more into Steph and Pete's past to make them the way they are today. I wanted to reach through my kindle and beat the crap out of Ivan for doing that to Steph and can't believe he did it out of love. He needs kicked in the balls...lol I liked the conversation between Steph and get brother. He made her really think and know that she can be with Pete. This story shows not to judge a book by a cover but it also shows us that love can conquer all.
This is a continuation from Pistol. If you have not read Pistol then read this first.
The continuing story of Pete and Steph. They still have forces that are trying to get to them but they have decided to try and meet these head on.
Steph and Pete have finally decided that they want and need to be together but they need to sort of their pasts in order to continue forward. Their pasts are not all roses but it was has made them what they are today.
Now need to read the next one to find out what happens next.
This book has to be read after book #1 Pistol to fully understand and enjoy as it is not a standalone novel.
Pistol and Steph's story continue. More of Pistol's past catches up with him and we learn more about Steph. There's plenty of twists and turns, unexpected characters, and revelations revealed. This plot is a real page turner, it's full of suspense, steamy love scenes and has a sexy alpha male. Yummy! I'm loving this series and characters. Bring on book #3.
Absolutely addicted to this series. Well to be honest anything by Max Henry is addictive. Her books are hot, sexy, and filled with amazing characters that keep you coming back for more! I can't wait to read book 3
I loved the first book Pistol, but had a hard time moving through this one. Now I need to get the next book just to see if Pete makes it back to Steph.........
Wow, what a good book, loved it!!! Looking forward to reading the next have to know what happens. I was given this book from the author for an honest review.
This series is brilliant. I love Pistol and Steph. Their chemistry is amazing. The push and pull they both have just adds to the suspense of what is going to happen.