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Havoc #2
Running Blind
An ATF agent who lives for danger finds what he craves from an outlaw biker.
It’s impossible for a one-percenter motorcycle club member to simply walk away—and no one knows that better than undercover agent Bram, who’s almost killed for trying. His cover isn’t blown—yet—but it’s only a matter of time. The Heathens won’t be satisfied until he’s dead, so he decides to lay low and heal.
But when his younger brother’s disappearance throws a wrench into his plan, Bram ends up in Shades Run, a town ruled by the notorious Havoc MC. In less than twenty-four hours, Bram finds himself at the mercy of Sweet, Havoc’s president, as he throws himself into the undercover role of a himself. A man who’s never belonged anywhere, and who will do anything to protect his younger brother.
When finding Linc seems impossible, Bram is torn between Sweet, Linc, and revealing his true identities . . . and there appears to be no way out. Once again, he risks it all trying to save it all. Only this time he’s got no backup to save him if he falls.
Word 60,500; page 254
It’s impossible for a one-percenter motorcycle club member to simply walk away—and no one knows that better than undercover agent Bram, who’s almost killed for trying. His cover isn’t blown—yet—but it’s only a matter of time. The Heathens won’t be satisfied until he’s dead, so he decides to lay low and heal.
But when his younger brother’s disappearance throws a wrench into his plan, Bram ends up in Shades Run, a town ruled by the notorious Havoc MC. In less than twenty-four hours, Bram finds himself at the mercy of Sweet, Havoc’s president, as he throws himself into the undercover role of a himself. A man who’s never belonged anywhere, and who will do anything to protect his younger brother.
When finding Linc seems impossible, Bram is torn between Sweet, Linc, and revealing his true identities . . . and there appears to be no way out. Once again, he risks it all trying to save it all. Only this time he’s got no backup to save him if he falls.
Word 60,500; page 254
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2018
60 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Jakes
38 books1,738 followersSE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want.
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 5, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Had expected more*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
The second book in the Havoc series centers around undercover ATF agent, Bram ‘Monk’ (32) and the the president of Havoc, Samuel ‘Sweet’ Sweeting (how old?). Sweet we met in book one, same with Bram's younger brother who has now gone missing. Bran however, is a new character. Broken and quite ready to accept that death is right around the corner, he's willing to do everything it takes to find his brother, even entering a MC club. This is where he meet Sweet, who is also looking for Bram's brother but for different reasons. Overall, I was quite disappointed. For some reason I though the ATF again we were gonna have a the main character were Jethro Holmes, who we met in book one. Wouldn't that had been interesting? Anyways, this book had a case of insta-love and too much sex and too little depth.
Sweet came a second later, somehow still managing to half hold Bram up against him.
God, how long had it been? Months and months of his own hand, he realized as he tried to get his breathing under control. Because prospects in the Heathens fucked women—no bisexuals or gays allowed. So he’d turned himself into a goddamned monk—hence the nickname—and pretended he’d been wounded in battle so he didn’t have to fuck indiscriminately.
Although he loved women, he mostly missed the goddamned weight, the pressure and brute strength of a man on him. Sweet had given him everything he’d asked for.
OTHER CHARACTERS:
→ Linc, the brother missing and their sister, Linnea.
→ Parisi, Bram's ATF boss,the one who approached him about becoming a Heathen MC member in order to take parts of their operation down from the inside. And
→ Bones, XO of the Heathens MC and one of the meaner motherfuckers Bram had ever had the displeasure of meeting.
→ Gypsy, the bounty hunter who was part of the Havoc MC and has a personal interest in finding Linc.
→ Dozer ‘Doz’, one of Bram's oldest friends from the academy. They hadn’t partnered together, but they’d always looked out for each other on the QT.
→ Tug and Ozzie, Sweet's two best enforcers.
→ Virgil, was from the Sons of Bastards MC, a rogue member who could always be counted on to keep the SOBs, Havoc, and Hangmen from getting caught up in Heathen and Pagan shit. Former Special Forces, the guy was like a goddamned shadow and a slick goddamned bastard. If he didn’t trust you, he’d kill you without a second glance (Sweet's mind).
→ Misha, Sweet's sister and a doctor.
→ Sean Rush (24) and the lieutenant for the Havoc Motorcycle Club Ryker (35?) <- both main characters in book one.
“How?” he managed.
Sweet glanced up at him. “I have my ways. Pays to be in charge.”
“I thought—”
“I know. And you would’ve done it anyway,” Sweet told him. It wasn’t an accusation, merely a calm statement of fact Bram agreed with wholeheartedly. He’d surrendered to Sweet’s wants, his needs . . . he’d shown the other MC members that Sweet was not only in charge of the club, but in charge of his man. And in this culture, that was possibly the most important sign of an effective leader.
He’d trusted Sweet, and Sweet hadn’t let him down.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Ryker.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
July 25, 2019
t wasn't bad, but the characters were too fantastical and too one-dimensional for me. I never truly understood who they were and how they all came to be connected the way they were joined. Their various feelings, sexual activities, and alliances were too quickly manifested to be even remotely relatable or believable. The main character was supposedly sexually fluid, but no references were made to any past relationships with women, or present attractions to women. Thus, so what? His sexually fluidity was thrown into the narrative early on as if an after thought, then never revisited. A few, not TOO many, typos and editing mistakes distracted me.
March 2, 2019
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
This was my first book by SE Jakes but it definitely won't be my last.
Now, it takes some suspension of disbelief if you read an MM story about homosexuality in a so obviously heterosexual environment like a motorcycle club, even more so in a one-percenter. That is not to say that it doesn't happen. What do I know, right? It didn't take me long to get sucked into this story that had a little bit of everything. Action, secrets and a (not so sweet) love story.
I enjoyed Bram and Sweet's story. They were both tough guys who had a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Sweet as the president of Havoc and Bram as an ATF undercover agent who not only tried to find his missing brother but who had to keep a low profile because another motorcycle club wanted him dead. There was a rough dynamic between them, a lot of distrust that led to arguments and eventually equally rough sex.
Speaking of, this is probably what I could have less of and that's saying something because I like my sexy times in books. Especially in the first half I would have liked a little more story and character development. Nevertheless, I loved Sweet and Bram together, they knew for the most part what the other one needed and ready to give it to them. The sappy me would have liked a little more emotional development between the main characters but I kind of also understand that this may not be the way of an MC member. But again, what do I know?
This is the first audiobook narrated by Mark Larchmont I listened to and boy am Impressed. Bot only did he do the different voices extremely well, he also gave them a distinct accent. I'll definitely look out for more books narrated by him.
September 25, 2018
SE Jakes is back and hot as ever! I reread Running Wild right before this and it was good but didn’t really hit all the right notes for me. Sweet and Bram were everything I love about Jake’s books. It reminded me a little of some of the Men of Honor series, which are all-time favorites of mine. Adding the whole MC background and atmosphere throttled it right up! The characters are nearly always tough, broken men who deal with life and death and dark situations; bad boys with their own code of honor. These kind of books are my crack!
Sweet and Bram are hot as fire in bed, with a shared love of kink but little trust when the safety of their brothers is at stake. I loved the volatility of their connection and the rapid pace of the action putting them in opposition only to find they were really on the same side. It could have become annoying with so much pushing and pulling but because it was each trying to protect the other, the connection and love showed through. Their chemistry was awesome. The shifting scenarios of the plot were complex and satisfying. I don’t know what kept the author out of the scene for so long but I’m just thrilled she’s taken to the keyboard once again.
Sweet and Bram are hot as fire in bed, with a shared love of kink but little trust when the safety of their brothers is at stake. I loved the volatility of their connection and the rapid pace of the action putting them in opposition only to find they were really on the same side. It could have become annoying with so much pushing and pulling but because it was each trying to protect the other, the connection and love showed through. Their chemistry was awesome. The shifting scenarios of the plot were complex and satisfying. I don’t know what kept the author out of the scene for so long but I’m just thrilled she’s taken to the keyboard once again.
October 10, 2018
Really great - dark, gritty and intense ! Bram is on the run after being beaten and left for dead by the MC he was undercover in. After being sold out, on the run, Bram looks for his missing brother and ends up at another MC. Bravado aside, Bram has a melt down and catches the eye of the Pres Sweet. The connection begins and the story unfolds. Loved it
September 25, 2018
This was, unsurprisingly, a good book. Strong characters, engaging story, adrenaline spiking adventure/danger and kinky sex. Looking forward to the next one.
February 20, 2019
3. 5 stars rounded down to 3 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Running on, running on empty Running on, running blind...
When I saw the title of this book I have to admit one of my first thoughts was I wonder if the author was a tiny bit motivated by the 1977 Jackson Brown song...'Running on Empty' when she picked the title for this book. I don't know about the rest of you but I graduated from high school that year? Anyways, it was just a random thought that floated through my brain when I saw the book title. The story not to confuse anyone is set in the present.
When Bram tries to leave 'The Heathens' Motorcycle Clue he learns the hard way that if getting in was painful getting out will damned near kill him. Bram's not really a biker but if 'The Heathens' find out that he's actually an undecover ATF agent what he will be is a dead man. So after a somewhat failed attempt to leave that nearly cost him his life and finding out that his brother Linc is missing he does the only logical thing he can...he heads to Shades Run the last place where his brother was known to be and in less than a day he captures the attention of 'Sweet', who's not just any Havoc member...nope, turns out he's the president of the Havoc MC and as much as he wants to stay off of any Motorcycle Club's radar finding himself on Havoc's also offers him a level of protection that like it or not he's going to need if he hopes to survive much less make progress in his search for his brother.
As Bram and Sweet work together to try and find Linc while each man tries to keep his secrets hidden both men find that they may be able to hide their secrets but they're not so good at guarding their heart.
Bram and Sweet's relationship is often times a case of come here, come here, get away, get away as both men keep trying to throw up obstacles to why they shouldn't be together...to be fair Bram does this more often than Sweet, but Sweet manages to throw his obstacles in there as well all the time never letting them got in the way when he thinks Bram needs saving or protection.
And I have to admit that once again I found the Havoc MC to be an oxymoron all on it's own. They're bad-assed bikers who will mess you up in a heartbeat if you mess with them or break their code and all while helping you if you're in trouble and they feel your cause is just...in a sentence 'they are unlike any biker club I've ever heard of' but again it's fiction and the fun thing about that is the story can go pretty much where ever the author wants to take it. In spite of the fact that this may seem a little unlikely for me it's also reflective of the fact that in the real world things are often not always how they appear to be.
Overall I found that I enjoyed this story a bit more than 'Running Wild' however, I don't think I would have if I hadn't listened to that audio book first since a lot of the characters from 'Running Wild' play a role in this book some more so than others...such as sweet who was secondary character in 'Running Wild' but who's a main character here and while Bram is essentially new to the story Linc is a good friend to Noah and Sean (who is also known as 'Rush') and there are a some others but I'll leave them for readers to discover when they are enjoying the story.
Now about the narrator...I'm one of those people who usually like the consistency of the same narrator from story to story in a series...unless...that's right unless the MCs are different from story to story...of course having said that should a future story have Ryker and Sean as the MCs than I admit it I would be happiest having their voices reprised by Dorian Bane rather than another narrator...that's just how I roll.
Now back to this book and this narrator...Mark Larchmont is not only a new to me narrator but it would appear that he's new to the world of audio book narrating in general. 'Running Blind' is currently the only audio book he has to his credit on audible, however, when I had a peek at his site it tells me that he's currently working on another audio book for S.E. Jakes and there was a sound clip for a m/f book...that I was unable to find a title for. I found all this because I was honestly hoping that there were other books of his that I could check out. I really enjoyed this one and while I liked Dorian Bane's performance during 'Running Wild' I have to admit I think for me I enjoyed the audio on this one just a tiny bit more...hence the 3.5 stars and I'm definitely going to be looking out for more bu this narrator.
*************************
An audio book of 'Running Blind' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Running on, running on empty Running on, running blind...
When I saw the title of this book I have to admit one of my first thoughts was I wonder if the author was a tiny bit motivated by the 1977 Jackson Brown song...'Running on Empty' when she picked the title for this book. I don't know about the rest of you but I graduated from high school that year? Anyways, it was just a random thought that floated through my brain when I saw the book title. The story not to confuse anyone is set in the present.
When Bram tries to leave 'The Heathens' Motorcycle Clue he learns the hard way that if getting in was painful getting out will damned near kill him. Bram's not really a biker but if 'The Heathens' find out that he's actually an undecover ATF agent what he will be is a dead man. So after a somewhat failed attempt to leave that nearly cost him his life and finding out that his brother Linc is missing he does the only logical thing he can...he heads to Shades Run the last place where his brother was known to be and in less than a day he captures the attention of 'Sweet', who's not just any Havoc member...nope, turns out he's the president of the Havoc MC and as much as he wants to stay off of any Motorcycle Club's radar finding himself on Havoc's also offers him a level of protection that like it or not he's going to need if he hopes to survive much less make progress in his search for his brother.
As Bram and Sweet work together to try and find Linc while each man tries to keep his secrets hidden both men find that they may be able to hide their secrets but they're not so good at guarding their heart.
Bram and Sweet's relationship is often times a case of come here, come here, get away, get away as both men keep trying to throw up obstacles to why they shouldn't be together...to be fair Bram does this more often than Sweet, but Sweet manages to throw his obstacles in there as well all the time never letting them got in the way when he thinks Bram needs saving or protection.
And I have to admit that once again I found the Havoc MC to be an oxymoron all on it's own. They're bad-assed bikers who will mess you up in a heartbeat if you mess with them or break their code and all while helping you if you're in trouble and they feel your cause is just...in a sentence 'they are unlike any biker club I've ever heard of' but again it's fiction and the fun thing about that is the story can go pretty much where ever the author wants to take it. In spite of the fact that this may seem a little unlikely for me it's also reflective of the fact that in the real world things are often not always how they appear to be.
Overall I found that I enjoyed this story a bit more than 'Running Wild' however, I don't think I would have if I hadn't listened to that audio book first since a lot of the characters from 'Running Wild' play a role in this book some more so than others...such as sweet who was secondary character in 'Running Wild' but who's a main character here and while Bram is essentially new to the story Linc is a good friend to Noah and Sean (who is also known as 'Rush') and there are a some others but I'll leave them for readers to discover when they are enjoying the story.
Now about the narrator...I'm one of those people who usually like the consistency of the same narrator from story to story in a series...unless...that's right unless the MCs are different from story to story...of course having said that should a future story have Ryker and Sean as the MCs than I admit it I would be happiest having their voices reprised by Dorian Bane rather than another narrator...that's just how I roll.
Now back to this book and this narrator...Mark Larchmont is not only a new to me narrator but it would appear that he's new to the world of audio book narrating in general. 'Running Blind' is currently the only audio book he has to his credit on audible, however, when I had a peek at his site it tells me that he's currently working on another audio book for S.E. Jakes and there was a sound clip for a m/f book...that I was unable to find a title for. I found all this because I was honestly hoping that there were other books of his that I could check out. I really enjoyed this one and while I liked Dorian Bane's performance during 'Running Wild' I have to admit I think for me I enjoyed the audio on this one just a tiny bit more...hence the 3.5 stars and I'm definitely going to be looking out for more bu this narrator.
*************************
An audio book of 'Running Blind' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2023
I can't belive how long it took me to get around to this one! I read all this author's books ages ago, and when this one came out I did buy it... I'm just a bit over it lol.
So, Running Blind is a perfect SE Jakes novel, and it works great with the previous book in the series, Running Wild and can be read as a standalone. Tons of sex, violence, and sweet romance.
I miss the previous audiobook narrator, but Running Blind is very nicely performed by Mark Larchmont. Larchmont does a good job with the different voices, and they suit the characters well.
So, Running Blind is a perfect SE Jakes novel, and it works great with the previous book in the series, Running Wild and can be read as a standalone. Tons of sex, violence, and sweet romance.
I miss the previous audiobook narrator, but Running Blind is very nicely performed by Mark Larchmont. Larchmont does a good job with the different voices, and they suit the characters well.
September 27, 2018
I suck at reviews. (this really isn't a review) Hundreds of books & I think I've written 3. But I just had to say words can't express how much I have missed reading S.E. Jakes writings. I'm hoping this isn't a one off & she is really back. Just spent the whole morning reading this & absolutely loved Bram & Sweet story.
Read
October 30, 2018Not my fave SE Jakes it has to be said, and it's my fault for trying to get into this series when I normally have issues with Motor Cycle club reads.
Will definitely be looking out for more Tommy and Proph, but stick a fork in me I'm done with this one at 45%.
Will definitely be looking out for more Tommy and Proph, but stick a fork in me I'm done with this one at 45%.
July 29, 2019
I don't know what happened to my review.. so there isn't one.
I'll have to page through this again to remember what I thought.
I'll have to page through this again to remember what I thought.
June 6, 2019
Tams gives this one 4.75 Stars...
Yowza! This story hit the ground running, on two wheels. Seriously, from the first moment in the alley to the end on top of the pool table, I was hooked, engrossed and on the edge of my seat. There is so much going on in this story, it never really slows down and that was fine by me. Fast paced, full of energy and sex, lots of angry sex that grew into so much more.
Braum really doesn't even know who he is. All he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt is that he has to find his brother and he can't stop moving, running, hiding. If he stops for just one second, everything begins to crumble and fall, the facade of whatever mask he's wearing that day begins to melt and he can't tell the difference between who he is and who he is pretending to be.
Sweet is a bad ass. As the president of Havoc MC he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders when it comes to his club, his men and their families. There is a bit of darkness in his past but he's always known who he is and who he's supposed to be. His men do not question his authority, they may argue with him, but his word is law within Havoc MC.
Sweet makes Braum stop, breath and feel. Braum makes Sweet want to take care of him, shield and protect him. They're fucking perfect for each other. Problem is, they're both too damn stubborn for their own good. The push and pull between them is electric, it's like a heavy fog that could be cut with a knife. The sex is off the charts from the start and it only gets hotter, better from there.
I did have one tiny issue and it might be a personal thing, but I do not like fisting. It pulled me right out of the story and I had to walk away for a while, then come back. Sorry if that's a bit of a spoiler but I think it should be listed as a warning in the synopsis. Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Yowza! This story hit the ground running, on two wheels. Seriously, from the first moment in the alley to the end on top of the pool table, I was hooked, engrossed and on the edge of my seat. There is so much going on in this story, it never really slows down and that was fine by me. Fast paced, full of energy and sex, lots of angry sex that grew into so much more.
Braum really doesn't even know who he is. All he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt is that he has to find his brother and he can't stop moving, running, hiding. If he stops for just one second, everything begins to crumble and fall, the facade of whatever mask he's wearing that day begins to melt and he can't tell the difference between who he is and who he is pretending to be.
Sweet is a bad ass. As the president of Havoc MC he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders when it comes to his club, his men and their families. There is a bit of darkness in his past but he's always known who he is and who he's supposed to be. His men do not question his authority, they may argue with him, but his word is law within Havoc MC.
Sweet makes Braum stop, breath and feel. Braum makes Sweet want to take care of him, shield and protect him. They're fucking perfect for each other. Problem is, they're both too damn stubborn for their own good. The push and pull between them is electric, it's like a heavy fog that could be cut with a knife. The sex is off the charts from the start and it only gets hotter, better from there.
I did have one tiny issue and it might be a personal thing, but I do not like fisting. It pulled me right out of the story and I had to walk away for a while, then come back. Sorry if that's a bit of a spoiler but I think it should be listed as a warning in the synopsis. Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 26, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Running Blind is the second book in S.E. Jakes’ Havoc series, following Running Wild. It has been almost five years since I read that first book and I had no problem jumping in here, so I think this one stands alone just fine. While the MCs from the first book have a couple of cameos, and I am guessing other side characters overlap, I came into this one pretty cold and it worked fine.
I think the set up worked well here with both Sweet and Bram having to figure out how to trust one another. It is clear that while each are doubting the other, they have a strong attraction that neither can deny. We get a good sense of both men and they are nicely matched. Even though Bram is the more vulnerable most of the time, he has a clear strength (both physical and emotional), that make him a good fit for Sweet. As much as Sweet has the power, I never felt like Bram couldn’t hold his own. I also enjoyed the insights into the Havoc MC, particularly seeing it contrasted with the other local clubs. There is some nice suspense and excitement toward the end of the story and it comes together well (leading nicely into the next book).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Running Blind is the second book in S.E. Jakes’ Havoc series, following Running Wild. It has been almost five years since I read that first book and I had no problem jumping in here, so I think this one stands alone just fine. While the MCs from the first book have a couple of cameos, and I am guessing other side characters overlap, I came into this one pretty cold and it worked fine.
I think the set up worked well here with both Sweet and Bram having to figure out how to trust one another. It is clear that while each are doubting the other, they have a strong attraction that neither can deny. We get a good sense of both men and they are nicely matched. Even though Bram is the more vulnerable most of the time, he has a clear strength (both physical and emotional), that make him a good fit for Sweet. As much as Sweet has the power, I never felt like Bram couldn’t hold his own. I also enjoyed the insights into the Havoc MC, particularly seeing it contrasted with the other local clubs. There is some nice suspense and excitement toward the end of the story and it comes together well (leading nicely into the next book).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 7, 2019
He's a dead man. One MC thinks he's a traitor and he's hiding what he really is to yet another. All while trying to help his brother. Talk about an adrenaline rush. I craved this one so much and it didn't stint on the gut-clenching thrills and hot and dirty-style romance in the biker world.
Running Blind is book two in the Havoc series. In a pinch, it could be read out of order, but I thought it had a natural build on the book before it which has ties to the author's other series set in the MC world..
Running Blind picks up time-wise after the events of Running Wild, but shifts to two new characters and all new conflicts involving the Havoc MC. Linc, the best friend of the hero in book one goes missing and his brother Bram, in spite of his own troubles comes running. He's an ATF agent who was embedded in a hellish world for two years. He saw and did things in the Heathen MC that ate at his very soul. Now, they've branded him a traitor and are coming to get him after someone sold him out. He suspects it was his own boss and he doesn't even know why. Things get worse when he discovers its the Havoc MC his brother owed money and then skipped town. Bram doesn't do things by half and the first guy he grabs to forget his troubles just happens to be the Havoc MC President.
Sweet knows that Bram is their way to Linc and that Bram is all kinds of trouble. He can't help himself. From the very beginning this wild guy with death in his eyes and a nothing left to lose attitude is the first one to move him in years. He has given everything for Havoc and it has his full loyalty and duty, but for once he wants this for himself though he knows he should keep his distance from Bram.
This author is the queen of tough, gritty, hard spot situation romantic suspense. Her heroes are rough and wild and unapologetic. They are broken men who live on the edge, but they have a sense of honor. I've enjoyed several of her books in this world and her other romantic suspense worlds. There's pulse-pumping sizzling hot loving and edge of your seat action. I like the pinch of suspense, but also that these are not easy and light. The characters are flawed and they challenge each other and never make it easy.
The clash between biker clubs and the setting of the Havoc world was well done as was the way the characters interacted with each other. The camaraderie of the Havoc brothers but also with a few other peripheral characters was great.
All in all, this fast-paced rush of a story dragged me along with it and flipping pages madly to see what came next. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Those who like firecracker hot and gritty m/m biker romantic suspense should give this book/series a try.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Audio Edition review
He's a dead man. One MC thinks he's a traitor and he's hiding what he really is to yet another. All while trying to help his brother. Talk about an adrenaline rush. I craved this one so much and it didn't stint on the gut-clenching thrills and hot and dirty-style romance in the biker world.
Running Blind is book two in the Havoc series. In a pinch, it could be read out of order, but I thought it had a natural build on the book before it which has ties to the author's other series set in the MC world..
Running Blind picks up time-wise after the events of Running Wild, but shifts to two new characters and all new conflicts involving the Havoc MC.
Linc, the best friend of the hero in book one goes missing and his brother Bram, in spite of his own troubles, comes running. He's an ATF agent who was embedded in a hellish world of an outlaw biker club for two years.
Sweet knows that Bram is their way to Linc and that Bram is all kinds of trouble. He can't help himself. From the very beginning this wild guy with death in his eyes and a nothing left to lose attitude is the first one to move him in years. He has given everything for Havoc and it has his full loyalty and duty, but for once he wants this for himself though he knows he should keep his distance from Bram.
This author is the queen of tough, gritty, hard spot situation romantic suspense. Her heroes are rough and wild and unapologetic. They are broken men who live on the edge, but they have a sense of honor. I've enjoyed several of her books in this world and her other romantic suspense worlds. There's pulse-pumping sizzling hot loving and edge of your seat action. I like the pinch of suspense, but also that these are not easy and light. The characters are flawed and they challenge each other and never make it easy.
The clash between biker clubs and the setting of the Havoc world was well done as was the way the characters interacted with each other. The camaraderie of the Havoc brothers but also with a few other peripheral characters was great.
The narration for the series shifted to a new narrator, Mark Larchmont. I've not listened to any of his work before, but my wariness of starting with a new narrator was laid to rest pretty quickly. I enjoyed the way he voiced Bram and Sweet. He got some rough qualities into his voice and he was able to get the tone and pace right for this series world of outlaw bikers.
All in all, this fast-paced rush of a story pulled me in and left my pulse-pounding. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Those who like firecracker hot and gritty m/m biker romantic suspense should give this book/series a try.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Running Blind is book two in the Havoc series. In a pinch, it could be read out of order, but I thought it had a natural build on the book before it which has ties to the author's other series set in the MC world..
Running Blind picks up time-wise after the events of Running Wild, but shifts to two new characters and all new conflicts involving the Havoc MC. Linc, the best friend of the hero in book one goes missing and his brother Bram, in spite of his own troubles comes running. He's an ATF agent who was embedded in a hellish world for two years. He saw and did things in the Heathen MC that ate at his very soul. Now, they've branded him a traitor and are coming to get him after someone sold him out. He suspects it was his own boss and he doesn't even know why. Things get worse when he discovers its the Havoc MC his brother owed money and then skipped town. Bram doesn't do things by half and the first guy he grabs to forget his troubles just happens to be the Havoc MC President.
Sweet knows that Bram is their way to Linc and that Bram is all kinds of trouble. He can't help himself. From the very beginning this wild guy with death in his eyes and a nothing left to lose attitude is the first one to move him in years. He has given everything for Havoc and it has his full loyalty and duty, but for once he wants this for himself though he knows he should keep his distance from Bram.
This author is the queen of tough, gritty, hard spot situation romantic suspense. Her heroes are rough and wild and unapologetic. They are broken men who live on the edge, but they have a sense of honor. I've enjoyed several of her books in this world and her other romantic suspense worlds. There's pulse-pumping sizzling hot loving and edge of your seat action. I like the pinch of suspense, but also that these are not easy and light. The characters are flawed and they challenge each other and never make it easy.
The clash between biker clubs and the setting of the Havoc world was well done as was the way the characters interacted with each other. The camaraderie of the Havoc brothers but also with a few other peripheral characters was great.
All in all, this fast-paced rush of a story dragged me along with it and flipping pages madly to see what came next. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Those who like firecracker hot and gritty m/m biker romantic suspense should give this book/series a try.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Audio Edition review
He's a dead man. One MC thinks he's a traitor and he's hiding what he really is to yet another. All while trying to help his brother. Talk about an adrenaline rush. I craved this one so much and it didn't stint on the gut-clenching thrills and hot and dirty-style romance in the biker world.
Running Blind is book two in the Havoc series. In a pinch, it could be read out of order, but I thought it had a natural build on the book before it which has ties to the author's other series set in the MC world..
Running Blind picks up time-wise after the events of Running Wild, but shifts to two new characters and all new conflicts involving the Havoc MC.
Linc, the best friend of the hero in book one goes missing and his brother Bram, in spite of his own troubles, comes running. He's an ATF agent who was embedded in a hellish world of an outlaw biker club for two years.
Sweet knows that Bram is their way to Linc and that Bram is all kinds of trouble. He can't help himself. From the very beginning this wild guy with death in his eyes and a nothing left to lose attitude is the first one to move him in years. He has given everything for Havoc and it has his full loyalty and duty, but for once he wants this for himself though he knows he should keep his distance from Bram.
This author is the queen of tough, gritty, hard spot situation romantic suspense. Her heroes are rough and wild and unapologetic. They are broken men who live on the edge, but they have a sense of honor. I've enjoyed several of her books in this world and her other romantic suspense worlds. There's pulse-pumping sizzling hot loving and edge of your seat action. I like the pinch of suspense, but also that these are not easy and light. The characters are flawed and they challenge each other and never make it easy.
The clash between biker clubs and the setting of the Havoc world was well done as was the way the characters interacted with each other. The camaraderie of the Havoc brothers but also with a few other peripheral characters was great.
The narration for the series shifted to a new narrator, Mark Larchmont. I've not listened to any of his work before, but my wariness of starting with a new narrator was laid to rest pretty quickly. I enjoyed the way he voiced Bram and Sweet. He got some rough qualities into his voice and he was able to get the tone and pace right for this series world of outlaw bikers.
All in all, this fast-paced rush of a story pulled me in and left my pulse-pounding. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Those who like firecracker hot and gritty m/m biker romantic suspense should give this book/series a try.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
November 26, 2018Thank you Jolly Sparkledust for gifting me this!!! You rock!
September 25, 2018
I will start by saying welcome back S.E. Jakes you did not disappoint with this story. I loved Bram and Sweet, and their chemistry was wonderful together.
October 20, 2018
Biker With A Twist
This is a first time author for me and even though it was the second book in the series I was able to jump right in and not miss a beat. Since I love MC reads and seen that bike on the cover I knew I had to check it out. This is an M/M biker book and of course the bad*ss alpha males were coming out of the woodwork.
Bram left the hospital after being nearly beaten to death by the Heathens MC of which he was a patched in member of and went searching for his missing brother in Havoc MC territory. This is where Bram met Sweet who was the president of the very powerful Havoc MC. A man like Sweet didn’t stay in power by trusting anyone and Bram was hiding a lot more than his association with the rival Heathens.
This is a first time author for me and even though it was the second book in the series I was able to jump right in and not miss a beat. Since I love MC reads and seen that bike on the cover I knew I had to check it out. This is an M/M biker book and of course the bad*ss alpha males were coming out of the woodwork.
Bram left the hospital after being nearly beaten to death by the Heathens MC of which he was a patched in member of and went searching for his missing brother in Havoc MC territory. This is where Bram met Sweet who was the president of the very powerful Havoc MC. A man like Sweet didn’t stay in power by trusting anyone and Bram was hiding a lot more than his association with the rival Heathens.
May 10, 2021
Could this be? This series is back in action? When I read the first book in this series, I enjoyed it. The author is a favourite of mine and I was just getting into motorcycle clubs. Fast forward four years and I'm delighted to see SE Jakes writing again! The hiatus may have seem long but it happened in a blink of an eye. Because SE Jakes is back in her groove. This continuation featuring Bram is a balls to the walls action packed tale.
The story is tightly written as I come to expect from SE Jakes. There is not an extra word added. Every scene flows smoothly into the next. Her descriptions are so vivid it is as if I am there. What appeals to me about her books is how she writes her characters and how graphic she can become. For readers who are sensation sluts like me, SE Jakes does a superb job at creating scenes in technicolor. All of my senses are involved and my emotions are heavily invested in the outcome. Her characters are flawed men who have to battle the world on many fronts. Whilst I can't sympathize with them, I can definitely empathize. SE Jakes puts her lead character through the wringer. I sometimes wonder if she even likes them. She puts them through so much pain. And this pain moves me and speaks to me because it convinces me that Bram is in the right and needs to take down the back stabbers.
Some readers may just classify this story as a motorcycle club erotica. Some may find it to be a bit too kinky. Others may label this just as another m/m romance. It is so much more. There is a riveting plot with well-developed characters who happen to gay. To relegate this story as just another m/m romance is an injustice. This is a hard hitting, gritty erotica where two men overcome insurmountable odds to be together. This book is highly recommended to kinky romance readers who love bad boys with hearts of gold.
The story is tightly written as I come to expect from SE Jakes. There is not an extra word added. Every scene flows smoothly into the next. Her descriptions are so vivid it is as if I am there. What appeals to me about her books is how she writes her characters and how graphic she can become. For readers who are sensation sluts like me, SE Jakes does a superb job at creating scenes in technicolor. All of my senses are involved and my emotions are heavily invested in the outcome. Her characters are flawed men who have to battle the world on many fronts. Whilst I can't sympathize with them, I can definitely empathize. SE Jakes puts her lead character through the wringer. I sometimes wonder if she even likes them. She puts them through so much pain. And this pain moves me and speaks to me because it convinces me that Bram is in the right and needs to take down the back stabbers.
Some readers may just classify this story as a motorcycle club erotica. Some may find it to be a bit too kinky. Others may label this just as another m/m romance. It is so much more. There is a riveting plot with well-developed characters who happen to gay. To relegate this story as just another m/m romance is an injustice. This is a hard hitting, gritty erotica where two men overcome insurmountable odds to be together. This book is highly recommended to kinky romance readers who love bad boys with hearts of gold.
November 10, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Oh. My. God. The grit, the angst and the heartbreak in this book! The second book in this series starts with an undercover ATF agent searching for his lost brother. Bram’s investigation takes him to a notorious MC and into the path of the club’s president, Sweet. Bram is in hiding and still recovering from a horrific assault. Sweet has to figure out how far he can trust the man he can’t stay away from.
Bram and Sweet are fabulous together. Secretive, stubborn alpha males, these two don’t know whether to fight or fuck. I love the vulnerability behind their hard exteriors and the slow revelation of their difficult pasts. I also loved the smokin’ hot chemistry between them and the dirty sex that almost ventures into BDSM play.
This is an exciting read as much as it is a romance. Bram needs to find his brother and he’s scared to trust a MC - especially since the club that left him battered is still searching for him. Neither Bram or Sweet knows who to trust and Bram finds himself crippled both by his physical pain and by PTSD from his attack. I loved the suspense as much as the action and I fell way too hard for the men of Havoc MC.
I’m so glad SE Jakes is back and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. This book worked as a stand alone for me. I going back to read the first book now but I don’t feel like I needed it to enjoy this one.
Oh. My. God. The grit, the angst and the heartbreak in this book! The second book in this series starts with an undercover ATF agent searching for his lost brother. Bram’s investigation takes him to a notorious MC and into the path of the club’s president, Sweet. Bram is in hiding and still recovering from a horrific assault. Sweet has to figure out how far he can trust the man he can’t stay away from.
Bram and Sweet are fabulous together. Secretive, stubborn alpha males, these two don’t know whether to fight or fuck. I love the vulnerability behind their hard exteriors and the slow revelation of their difficult pasts. I also loved the smokin’ hot chemistry between them and the dirty sex that almost ventures into BDSM play.
This is an exciting read as much as it is a romance. Bram needs to find his brother and he’s scared to trust a MC - especially since the club that left him battered is still searching for him. Neither Bram or Sweet knows who to trust and Bram finds himself crippled both by his physical pain and by PTSD from his attack. I loved the suspense as much as the action and I fell way too hard for the men of Havoc MC.
I’m so glad SE Jakes is back and I can’t wait for the next book in this series. This book worked as a stand alone for me. I going back to read the first book now but I don’t feel like I needed it to enjoy this one.
May 31, 2019
This one is probably a high 3, almost a 4...it's straddling the line so I'll round up. *shrugs* I liked it. But I wasn't completely invested into the world. I don't know that I can pinpoint what's making me hesitate to commit to a full 4 star. The characters were interesting, though the stubbornness got a little irksome, at least that was in character. The back and forth was giving me whiplash but again, it made sense for the story. There was a lot of cat and mouse basically. The ending wrap up was off page too much. But it may come back into play in the next book (if it's who I think it is) so I'll let that slide. Which I am interested in reading so I know I'm kind of down on this, but I did enjoy it! I just don't know what to say about it.
September 25, 2018
Just read this book and loved it sweet well what can I say about him he was the right amount of bad arse love him so much and bram love how loyal he was to his brother and try’s in his own way to protect everyone they are so go together when they let go can’t wait til next one .
November 16, 2018
This one was intense. I liked this one better. It is one hell of a ride. Of course, undercover work is no picnic. This one kept you on the edge. Not quite sure how things would turn out. It kept you guessing.
The story starts out on an intense note. Bram has suffered a beat down from the Heathens for trying to leave the club. Someone ratted him out, but he has no clue who just yet. Although he has an idea. He was supposed to be able to make a clean get away. Thank heavens no one knows he's ATF. He would have really died then. Instead of almost. And now they're never going to leave him alone and he needs to find his brother. That alone right there made me want to wisk Bram away. This poor man has been through hell. All his undercover work has taken a toll but this one tops them all. And knowing he has to go back in club territory is setting him on edge. He does it and before he knows it, he's in the middle of something he didn't want to be. He doesn't want to trust Sweet, the Havoc club leader but he's down to no choice. But trusting Sweet is putting him on a path he may not come back from. And he doesn't know if he wants to.
Life in any MC is never easy. Most toe the line of right and wrong, some are so far away from that line, it's a blur. The only way a lot of 'cops’ can get anything on them is by going undercover. And that is a huge risk. You're lucky to find a body sometimes. For Bram, he knew the risk but never expected it to really turn out the way it did. I know through most of this book I was 'biting my nails’. Knowing they were going to be after him for the rest of his life was terrifying. The more he was in with Havoc, the more he had to share of himself and that was the most terrifying of all. But what I loved about Bram, is despite his PTSD, despite being terrified, he never gave up. He was determined to save his brother. Family is everything to him. I just wanted to hug the man. Poor guy.
Sweet is just a sweetheart. Yeah, he's a badass. He has to be. He's the head of Havoc. He has things to oversee. And in his line of work he's been hurt. But something about Bram kept him coming back. He couldn't stay away. And if he tried, he was miserable. Even when he found out the truth of who Bram really was, he couldn't stay away. He wanted to help him. He could see Bram was broken in so many ways. I love the way he wants to help. His methods may be a little unorthodox, but his heart means well. He has to be the ferocious leader but he's a teddy bear too. Of course, don't say that to his face lol.
This book is jammed packed. Keeps you on edge. I was rooting for Bram the whole time. Hoping he made it through. I think you guys will love it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
The story starts out on an intense note. Bram has suffered a beat down from the Heathens for trying to leave the club. Someone ratted him out, but he has no clue who just yet. Although he has an idea. He was supposed to be able to make a clean get away. Thank heavens no one knows he's ATF. He would have really died then. Instead of almost. And now they're never going to leave him alone and he needs to find his brother. That alone right there made me want to wisk Bram away. This poor man has been through hell. All his undercover work has taken a toll but this one tops them all. And knowing he has to go back in club territory is setting him on edge. He does it and before he knows it, he's in the middle of something he didn't want to be. He doesn't want to trust Sweet, the Havoc club leader but he's down to no choice. But trusting Sweet is putting him on a path he may not come back from. And he doesn't know if he wants to.
Life in any MC is never easy. Most toe the line of right and wrong, some are so far away from that line, it's a blur. The only way a lot of 'cops’ can get anything on them is by going undercover. And that is a huge risk. You're lucky to find a body sometimes. For Bram, he knew the risk but never expected it to really turn out the way it did. I know through most of this book I was 'biting my nails’. Knowing they were going to be after him for the rest of his life was terrifying. The more he was in with Havoc, the more he had to share of himself and that was the most terrifying of all. But what I loved about Bram, is despite his PTSD, despite being terrified, he never gave up. He was determined to save his brother. Family is everything to him. I just wanted to hug the man. Poor guy.
Sweet is just a sweetheart. Yeah, he's a badass. He has to be. He's the head of Havoc. He has things to oversee. And in his line of work he's been hurt. But something about Bram kept him coming back. He couldn't stay away. And if he tried, he was miserable. Even when he found out the truth of who Bram really was, he couldn't stay away. He wanted to help him. He could see Bram was broken in so many ways. I love the way he wants to help. His methods may be a little unorthodox, but his heart means well. He has to be the ferocious leader but he's a teddy bear too. Of course, don't say that to his face lol.
This book is jammed packed. Keeps you on edge. I was rooting for Bram the whole time. Hoping he made it through. I think you guys will love it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
October 2, 2018
SE Jakes is back!! What a ride (pun intended) this story is. Bram and Sweet are a classic match up of testoserone and charisma...okay and more than a touch of stubborn. Sweet dominates his world but worries if he can save the man he is coming to love. Bram is caught. Family ties. Work entanglements. A situation that is totally out of his control.
The writing is fast paced and snarky. I could not put this book down. I can't wait to see what happens next. Welcome back Stef!
The writing is fast paced and snarky. I could not put this book down. I can't wait to see what happens next. Welcome back Stef!
October 14, 2018
I'm really looking forward to more stories about the Havoc MC. Definitely want to read Linc and Gypsy's story. I'm a big fan of SE Jakes--after discovering her via the BeVutched group here on GR, I read Dirty Deeds, feel in book-love, and Jakes became my gateway author for m/m books. I'm excited that this series will continue, and I am looking forward to many of the other serials/sequels upcoming from her other 'verses.
September 29, 2018
Its been a while since I read book one and had to go back to read my notes.
This is a different pair to book 1.
Bram is looking for his brother and ends up in Havoc country, a rival MC. There he meets Sweet, the president of the MC.
There is alot to this book. Bram has a background that you learn as you read the book.
I am hoping that book 3 will be Linc and Gypsy's story.
This is a different pair to book 1.
Bram is looking for his brother and ends up in Havoc country, a rival MC. There he meets Sweet, the president of the MC.
There is alot to this book. Bram has a background that you learn as you read the book.
I am hoping that book 3 will be Linc and Gypsy's story.
October 14, 2018
A bit annoying and oversimplified at times but still enjoyable. It’s nice to have this author back.
February 21, 2019
Fast paced erotic biker story with a star-crossed lovers' theme.
Definitely page-flipping good. Not realistic, but don't think that's the objective with a m/m biker porn read. The more dubious moral elements are definitely kept in the shadows to allow this ATF agent/MC president storyline to work. A popcorn read, but tasty with a sprinkle of power play.
Completes my I 🖤 Bad Boys Challenge.
Definitely page-flipping good. Not realistic, but don't think that's the objective with a m/m biker porn read. The more dubious moral elements are definitely kept in the shadows to allow this ATF agent/MC president storyline to work. A popcorn read, but tasty with a sprinkle of power play.
Completes my I 🖤 Bad Boys Challenge.
March 13, 2019
Review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 29, 2019DNF 50%
September 28, 2018
Good, but bdsm warning. One scene was...yikes!
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