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Evil Dead MC - Second Generation #7

Rafe: Sins of the Father

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From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes a STEAMY, FORBIDDEN MC ROMANCE!

The bad boy and the good girl.

I just started a new job at a lumber mill outside of town.
It’s just a job to me, until I lay eyes on the owner’s daughter.
Then everything changes.
I need this job, and she’s the definition of off-limits— the boss’s daughter.
I should stay away. I know better than to mess with a good girl like her.



The first time she notices me, I’m being handcuffed and put in the back of a squad car.
Fantastic.
After that, she turns her nose up at me, like I’m trash.
Our mutual disdain builds and keeps a needed wall between us.
She stays up the hill at the big house with the pool, and I stay down by the mill.
Until one night tragedy strikes, and I’m the only one left working, the only one there to protect her and take care of her.



Suddenly, our differences aren’t so sharp, and our mutual disdain melts away as we finally see each other more deeply.
Soon a friendship builds, and turns to a secret love that burns hot in the dark of night.

✔ Forbidden Romance
✔ Secret Crush
✔ Good Girl, Bad Boy
✔ Instant Attraction
✔ Slow-Burn Romance
✔ Age Gap
✔ Angst
✔ Secret Baby

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2025

111 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

Nicole James

57 books2,640 followers
Nicole James is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who loves writing about hot alpha men who'll do anything for the women they love!
Her stories are filled with struggle, conflict and real human emotion.
She is the author of the Evil Dead MC series, the Brothers Ink Tattoo series and more.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,255 reviews61 followers
June 16, 2025
If you love dangerous bikers with a rough edge but a heart that only beats for one, then buckle up—because Rafe delivers everything an MC romance should and more. This story hits every one of those “touch her and die” vibes we crave from Nicole James’ Evil Dead MC second-generation series.

Rafe isn’t your classic hero. We’ve seen him before—carrying a reputation that made even the brothers wary. But in this book, redemption comes wrapped in heat, tension, and a forbidden love that smolders from the start.

After stepping in and helping the owner of the local lumber mill, Rafe is offered a legit job—a chance to step outside the club for something more. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for Tori, the mill owner’s daughter. She’s home to attend a posh, elite college—one she didn’t choose—and finds herself drowning in a world of snobs who treat life like their personal playground.

From their very first meeting, it’s friction and fire—Rafe and Tori clash hard, but underneath the tension is a raw chemistry just waiting to detonate. And when Tori finds herself in danger, Rafe becomes her unexpected savior. He might be the last man her father would approve of, but he’s the only one who truly sees her.

Their love? Secret. Forbidden. Explosive.
The danger? Still lurking.
The MC? Once again front and center—loyal, gritty, and full of banter and brotherhood that adds heart to the heat.

Watching Tori be embraced by the club and finally stepping out of the shadows with Rafe? Pure magic. Add in the suspense, the slow burn to trust, and the undeniable connection—they’ll steal your heart as fast as they stole each other’s.

📚 A bad boy with a past. A girl with everything to lose. One love worth risking it all for.
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,150 reviews16 followers
June 17, 2025
Rafe and Tori meet after he is offered a job at the family mill by her father. She has just returned home from living with her mother to attend college. Her parents are forcing her to attend their alma mater and she is stuck adjusting to all of these changes. Rafe saved her father from a fiery crash and he was offered a job immediately. He takes it and begins to work at the mill. It becomes obvious that the manager has it out for Rafe. He just can't figure out why. Tori's father seemed oblivious to some obvious signs that things are not right after hiring his new manager, Charlie. He wants Rafe to stay away from Tori and makes that clear. I was kind of bothered by Tori and her father's crappy attitude about Rafe at the beginning. I was also a bit bothered that Rafe didn't turn over what he found to let them all know what was going on. Later there is the crazy thing with their phones that made no logical sense when Rafe definitely knew where Tori lived. She also could have just gotten a message to his sister. That kind of took away from the book for me to be honest. Overall I did like how Rafe was redemed in this one. He wasn't at all the way he was portrayed in the other books.
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,171 reviews35 followers
June 24, 2025
Rafe is working at a sawmill for Tori's father. Tori is back from college after staying with her mother. Rafe is older and hot but seeing him taken away by cops turns Tori against him. A scary night will change things to a friendship and more after Rafe protects her. A slow burn good read.
Profile Image for Rina | booksofthemuggleborn.
723 reviews51 followers
June 15, 2025
My Rating: 4–4.5 stars!

**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**

Sit back and relax, because you’re in for a page-turner. I’ve read enough NJ books to know what I’m getting into, and they’ve never failed to leave me sighing in happy contentment. Rafe is no different. It not only left me smiling, but it left me wanting more.

Here I thought it was Rafe’s twin brother Kyle who had my heart, but it just goes to show you to never estimate the power of Rafe’s swoon-worthiness. I love how NJ has effortlessly switched-up what was once Rafe’s impulsive character that he exhibited in his brother’s book, to one who has become dependable. Getting to learn his backstory, seeing his character growth, and just his overall persona in this book not only grabbed my attention, but he quickly stole my heart. Sorry Kyle.

Although this can be read as a standalone, I still recommend reading Kyle (book seven) first to get the full gist of Rafe’s relationship with his family, his club, and the reasons behind his current circumstances.

I say this after every NJ book I read—I wish it was longer! I loved everything from the premise, to the characters, the action and suspense, and of course, the romance. Rafe and Tori are a quintessential opposite-sides-of-the-tracks narrative that I devoured. Their initial first impressions, the little banter here and there, their curiosity of one another, to their inevitable sexual attraction all played a part in developing a genuine relationship between them. It may have been fast-paced, but the story has complexity, and Rafe and Tori’s relationship was in no way straightforward. There are twists and turns that kept the story engaging.

Tori is a “damsel in distress” and FMC I could get behind. Her youthful, sweet, caring personality and Rafe’s tough and protective nature made for their amazing pairing. As the blurb points out… “the bad boy and the good girl.” It’s a classic romance trope that NJ skillfully pulled off.

There are a couple of intriguing plot points I did wish were either elaborated on or at least resolved but because they hadn’t, I was left with unanswered questions. Since this story is part of an interconnected series, I am wondering if it’ll be brought back up in future books and is the reason why it was left unanswered?

This books broaches on sensitive subject matters that some readers may find disturbing or triggering such as, bullying, sexual harassment, attempted SA, kidnapping, and violence. It’s intended for readers of age. It contains sexual content with relatively low to mid spice level.

NJ is an auto-read author for me. I’m obsessed with anything she writes, and I am loving this next-gen series. I’m already antsy to read the next book after having seen a teaser in this one.

The cast of characters are always a highlight. The banter and bond amongst the friends/MC brothers come off genuine that they instantly lighten the mood. I’m also constantly amazed by how much Green (first-gen MC brother and epic comic relief) has become a mentor and solid support system for the second-gen characters. I love how much his role has evolved. NJ has created an MC world full of three-dimensional characters, relatable narratives, and vivid backdrops that I’m more than ecstatic to see expand with each new addition.

NJ’s writing style is just so engaging and easy to fall into. I know whenever I start one of her books, I can completely escape into it and be immersed in the world. Rafe is a total comfort read that I can see myself reading time and again. The chemistry is there. The action and suspense are there. The Evil Dead MC is ever present.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, youthful MC romance read, this one will get you in the feels. I read it in one sitting. It’s sweet, it’s seductive, and all-around addictive.

🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,298 reviews207 followers
June 13, 2025
RAFE is the seventh instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult SINS OF THE FATHER: EVIL DEAD MC-second generation, erotic, MC romance series- a spin off set in the author’s Evil Dead MC world. This is Rafe and Tori Sawyer’s story line. RAFE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Rafe is the son of Wolf and Crystal (Wolf: Evil Dead MC 4)

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rafe and Tori) RAFE follows in the wake of the rescue of businessman Raymond Sawyer from a fiery crash. As payment for his rescue Raymond offers Rafe a position at his family owned Sawyer Lumber where our hero will come face to face with his future, Tori Sawyer, a young woman off-limits in more ways than one. From the outset, nothing is adding up, and Rafe finds himself on the defensive when someone points to Rafe for a series of thefts and damages at the lumber yard, something Rafe knows nothing about but when Tori is targeted and Rafe’s sister Fiona goes missing, the MC rallies around their own, to bring everyone back home.

The world building focuses on greed and betrayal using the most innocent in a game of winner takes all. Tori and Fiona will become fodder for two men determined to take what doesn’t belong, two powerful men determined to play a very dangerous game.

The relationship between Tori and Rafe begins acrimoniously. Rafe believes Tori is a spoiled princess, and Tori is too quick to judge Rafe for who he is, and the patch on his back. Determined to prove he is worthy, Rafe begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine only to be forced aside when lies are believed over the truth. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of dynamic secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Evil Dead MC: Billy, TJ, Cole, Crash , Marcus, Reckless, Red Dog, Green, Shane, Jake, as well as some of the OG Wolf and Crystal, and Rafe’s sister Fiona. We are introduced to Tori’s father Raymond Sawyer, as well as businessman Alex Powers, foreman Charlie Thompson, and the governor’s son Connor Waters. The requisite evil has many faces.

RAFE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, misunderstanding and mistrust, forgiveness and acceptance, family and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the forbidden romance impassioned; the characters are determined and charismatic.


copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,502 reviews46 followers
June 11, 2025
Book Tropes: Forbidden Romance, Secret Crush, Good Girl, Bad Boy, Instant Attraction, Slow-Burn Romance, Age Gap, Angst

Rafe, is a member of the Evil Dead MC crew. His father has been a member forever, and he and his family have always been around the MC. He has a twin brother, Kyle, they don't get along very well. He has 2 sisters also, one of the sisters, Fiona, who always seems to be getting into trouble. Rafe has been in and out of work for a few months. He winds up saving a man's life on the side of a road, because he stepped in to help. The man, Raymond Sawyer, owns Sawyer Lumber, a large mill in the area and offers Rafe a job.

Tori, has been living with her mother back east, she took a year off from high school to college, a gap year, she is now headed to the college close to her father's mill, one that is very hard to get into and costs more than it should for the upper class families. Tori doesn't know what she wants to do as a career in life. At the new college, Tori finds herself being harassed by a few older guys that see her as fresh meat, as she is new on campus. She doesn't like them staring at her or harassing her but she can't seem to get away from them.

Tori has seen Rafe around the mill and her house. Her father told her to stay away from him. But, of course that just makes her want to talk to him more. They are a few years difference in age, but, both are young. Rafe has been given tasks around the house, where he sees Tori more than he should, and he likes what he sees. They start sneaking around to see each other. Rafe saves her one night from the guys that are harassing her at school, and he can't leave her side afterwards.

Will Rafe be able to keep seeing Tori? Will Tori be able to escape the guys who are harassing her? Will they be able to show each other what they mean to each other?

I did receive a free ARC book copy of this book.


Profile Image for Renee.
5,222 reviews73 followers
June 17, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Rafe and Tori. This is a forbidden MC romance. This book will start after Raymond Sawyer has been rescued. He is a business and Rafe saved him from what would have been a deadly accident. To pay back Rafe for saving him he offers him a job at his family lumber business, Sawyer Lumber. This is where Rafe meets Sawyer, who is off limits in more ways than one. However, to Rafe nothing is adding up about any of this and he soon finds himself accused of a series of thefts and damages at the lumber yard. Something terrible is going on when he realizes that Tori is being targeted and his sister Fiona is missing. Can Rafe and the MC save his sister and keep Tori safe? You have to read to find out. I really loved reading this book. It will grab your attention from the moment you open it and won't let up until you have finished it. I loved these characters. I loved the what the heck is going on of it all too.
862 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
RAFE #7 06/26/2025

Ok first I love these books. Rafe saves a stranger in a car accident that man gives him a job working at his lumber mill but the first time Tori see him he leaning over the hood of a cop car handcuff. But thing aren’t what they seam but miss uppity doesn’t see that and her father warned her to stay away from him. But their is attraction between them. But at first they are like oil and water till he saves her one night when these guys from her college break in to rape her. But there romance has a lot of ups and downs but they will get there. It a good story but I felt it wasn’t finished. Ok Tori’s father is have trouble but the story doesn’t go back to the painting in the basement why make a big deal of it if your not going to revisit it and how about the rich guy that is behind her fathers trouble just gone. So much more to be said. Oh and the bonus read it could of been with the other thing left out at the end. Well good read love the books. Enjoy!!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,423 reviews274 followers
June 29, 2025
I have enjoyed the Sins of the Father series, and this book was exciting, heartbreaking, and full of drama and spice. I thoroughly enjoyed the rollercoaster ride this book took me on. I devoured this book as soon as I got it and was sad when Rafe and Tori's story was done. I loved the characters they were from opposite sides of the track and the drama, angst, and push and pull were on point. It kept me turning the pages needing to know what would happen next. This book is an MC romance and touches on sensitive topics and themes. This book checked off all the boxes I like reading in an MC romance!!! The OTTP biker who falls first and hard, touch her and...., she's determined and loyal. The storyline was original and was well-paced from the start to the end. This book is part of a series and can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting at the beginning to get all the juicy stories and wonderful characters. I so can't wait to see what comes next in this series!!!-By Brooke
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
June 16, 2025
This is the seventh book in this phenomenal series, and this is Rafe and Tori’s story.
Rafe starts a new job at a lumber mill outside of town, and he is instantly attracted to Tori, who is off limits, as she is the boss’s daughter. When tragedy strikes, and Rafe is the only on who is there to protect Tori and keep her safe.
This is a well written story which is a slow burn, with family, friendships, emotions, angst, danger, suspense, intrigue, bad boy / good girl, opposites attract, lies, betrayal, acceptance, misunderstandings, vengeance, tension, trust, redemption, secrets, forbidden romance, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and captivating, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Christine Mancini.
107 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2025
Rafe by Nicole James is another hit! I've been waiting for Rafe's book for a while and Ms. james did not disappoint! We got to see a different side of Rafe. Rafe actually discusses this with Cole and Crash that "she sees the real him...the man he truly is". Rafe saves the owner of the saw mills life and the owner offers him a job. Little does the owner know there are all sorts of things going on to sabotage the mill. There's also the fact that the owner has a beautiful daughter that Rafe is instantly interested in.
It's always good to see the first generation and catch up too! Loved this book! Happy Reading everyone!
Profile Image for Lora Cimino.
822 reviews14 followers
June 17, 2025
Loved it!

Nicole James has outdone herself with the love story of Rafe and Tori as they travel along the bumpy road toward their happily ever after. Their first few interactions have them at odds with one another and outside forces work to keep them apart. After all she is the daughter of a wealthy man and he is a member of a motorcycle club. Each time they are thrown together they grow closer and eventually fall in love. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it. In fact I recommend the entire series about the second generation of the Evil Dead motorcycle club.
38 reviews
January 11, 2026
Exciting Read

I really love this author. She was on of the very first MC authors that I have ever read and she never disappoints with she stories. I love her writing and story telling. She really makes you love the characters.
I loved reading this story. Rafe and Tori are perfect for each other. I wish the author said more about what happened with Alex and his whole involvement. it kinda left it open to me. Also I wish there was a little blurb about the news they shared with Rafe’s parents. But other than that it’s on to the next story. I was excited that she did the second generation series since the first generation was awesome.
Profile Image for michelle Shelly.
1,712 reviews14 followers
June 18, 2025
I absolute love this next generation series. I feel in love with the guys from the Evil Dead mc and now I’m falling for their sons.
Rafe is Wolfs son, he’s cool, sexy and dreamy. The bad boy with the blue eyes. Tori is the bosses daughter, she is off limits but that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to her.
When Tori is faced with trouble, it’s Rafe who comes to save the day. He doesn’t realize that everything starts unraveling.
This read has secrets and lies. She needs protection ring and he’s the protector. I loved falling back into this world and loved Rafe and Tori’s story.
Profile Image for Debbie Earley.
2,930 reviews18 followers
July 1, 2025
Rafe & Tori

I have loved Rafe for quite awhile and couldn't wait to get my hands on his story. I knew his day would come and he would find the women ment only for him. After Rafe saves a stranger in a car accident that man gives him a job. His first time seeing Tori he's leaning over the hood of a cop car handcuff and things aren’t what they seam. When she's in danger nothing will stop him from hurting those who hurt her. Their romance has a lot of ups and downs and i loved seeing it all play out. I can't wait to get my hands on Shine's story.
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,210 reviews
June 5, 2025
RAFE: Sins of the Father is book 7 in the Evil Dead MC-Second Generation written by the amazing and talented author Nicole James. This is Rafe & Tori steamy and off-limits MC romance. Nicole delivers another unforgettable story. Rafe and Tori's journey is messy, dramatic and everything in between, a must read for anyone who loves Nicole MC stories. NO SPOILERS!!!
Tropes;
Forbidden Romance
Secret Crush
Good Girl, Bad Boy
Instant Attraction
Slow-Burn Romance
Age Gap
Secret Baby
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,271 reviews1,533 followers
June 12, 2025
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: next gen, opposite sides of the tracks
Angst: 😱😱1/2
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2

I'm just loving these next-gen Evil Dead stories and Rafe was exactly what I was looking for. The story was a fast-moving, lighter read with tons of romance and a dash of suspense. Rafe absolutely hit the spot!
Profile Image for Ana Armstrong.
1,608 reviews
June 18, 2025
AMAZING!!!!!

Rafe and Tori have an AMAZING love story.
I wasn’t sure I would like Tori in the beginning but she did redeem herself.
I loved this story. Action, adventure, MC drama, spicy good times and a fantastic HEA. I really enjoy 2nd gen stories because we get a chance to visit with beloved friends from previous stories.
I loved everything about this book!!!!
878 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2025
Wow another good story

Just as I started to read this new book it became clear I wouldn't be able to put it down until I finished it. This was a really good story and it was totally worth the wait if you haven't read it yet your missing out on a great book!!

I recommend it to you with a 5 Stars review 😍😍😍
3,423 reviews20 followers
June 25, 2025
Loved every word!

RAFE by Nicole James. Posted 6/24/25. 5 stars
Race & Tori

How often does a great love begin ifank with savings slmeknec?ksebjt


AndNikkiNot her. Read to find d out who

Lesson learned, see inside not outside Tattoos and leather and a brave heart is important not expensive suits and sports cars.

Will she fit In? Will her enemies win or..
Profile Image for Brooke Clanton.
806 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
Rafe

This group of bikers always make for a good read! They almost always do what needs to be done to keep the ones they love safe while still having a good time! I love reading second-generation stories and getting to see how the O.G.s impart their wisdom on how to keep the peace and show them how families are! I can't wait to see who's up next!
Profile Image for Rhonda Cave.
670 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2025
loved it

Never a dull moment for the Evil Dead. Rafe is trying to make good on his life and seems to be that everyone is against him. Even the hot daughter at the saw mill. But once Rafe saves Tori from the guys that should be good but are as evil as they come, Tori seems to come around to Rafe being a good guy.
1,777 reviews34 followers
June 17, 2025
Rafe

An excellent read, I absolutely loved Rafe and Tori’s story ❤️❤️❤️ A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤
Profile Image for Melissa Machado.
512 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2025
Rafe and Tori

Started strong but ended on the weaker side. A good mix of drama and action. Minimum spice. I thought a lot of things were left unresolved; brotherly rift, Alex Powers, Sawyer, the Mill, etc.
906 reviews12 followers
June 22, 2025
2.5 stars. More like a soap opera than an MC romance. I didn’t realize this was book 8 of a second generation series, so a lot of previous books/characters passed before this. Probably would be more enjoyable if you’ve read past books. I think I read his dad (Wolf’s) book years ago and I forgot what a total asshole he was. Probably would have skipped this one if I had known that. The author did make Rafe a very sympathetic character probably because his dad was such a dick.
48 reviews1 follower
Read
June 24, 2025
Just keeps getting better!

Rafe and Tori don't seem to fit at first, but once they learn to trust each other its on fire! The Evil Dead 2nd Generation just continues the legacy of the originals. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Shannon Godwin.
3,034 reviews31 followers
June 28, 2025
Very good. In the beginning I was t sure how I was going to feel about these two. But it all turned around after Tori started trusting. It’s definitely a page turner that will keep you interested. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Cindy.
74 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2025
I always enjoy Nicole James' books, Rafe is no exception. It was great "seeing" the next generation while still "seeing" the Original Evil Dead Family. Rafe's story keeps you on the edge of your seat but brings you too that HEA that you want!
Profile Image for Debra Taylor.
886 reviews24 followers
July 17, 2025
Awesome !

This awesome book takes the reader on another exciting adventure in the Evil Dead world from the always amazing Nicole James. The author never fails to deliver with each book in this series. I just can't get enough of it. Can't wait for the next book !
617 reviews5 followers
September 6, 2025
Great to see more of this group. Rafe moves on from Sutton and Kyle. He meets Tori and although she is the boss' daughter they form a bond. Bullies from school and a rich guy trying to steal her father's land can't been the.apart. As always the club comes together to help and bring everyone home.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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