Gunnar

Kiss of Death MC #1

by Marteeka Karland

Pippa is the unexpected twist in my life, a complication I never saw coming.

Pippa -- My life has been shaped by some kind of underworld scheming I don’t really understand. Or maybe I don’t want to know. But now I’m living in darkness and violence, unable to break free but unwilling to succumb to the drug induced stupor my captives force on me. Then Gunnar, a fierce man with a dark relentlessness, charges to my rescue like a black knight, taking vengeance on those who have hurt me. Our first meeting isn’t a rescue out of a fairy tale -- it’s pure chaos. Gunnar may be an ex-con, but he protects me with a ferocity I never knew existed.

Gunnar – Pippa’s quiet resilience clashes with the violent life I know. With just a look, the woman claims my heart and life takes on a brand new meaning. I’ve done time -- fifteen long years behind bars, to protect my sister. Now I’ll protect Pippa with a ruthlessness she can’t even imagine.

My past is dark, my future uncertain, and every moment with Pippa makes me realize the lengths I’ll go to keep her. Fate has brought me to the one woman I know I can’t live without.

Gunnar includes scenes of graphic violence and adult situations including potential triggers for some readers. There’s also a protective hero, an intelligent, insightful heroine, and eventual happy ending. No cheating, as always.

Copyright All Changeling Press LLC publications and cover art are copyright and may not be used in any AI generated work. No AI content is included or allowed in any Changeling Press LLC publication or artwork.

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

Erotic romance author by night, emergency room tech/clerk by day, Marteeka Karland works really hard to drive everyone in her life completely and totally nuts. She has been creating stories from her warped imagination since she was in the third grade. Her love of writing blossomed throughout her teenage years until it developed into the totally unorthodox and irreverent style her English teachers tried hard to rid her of.
Want to see what’s up with Marteeka? Check out her website at www.marteekakarland.com. Marteeka always welcomes e-mail from her readers. You can reach her at mkarland@gmail.com.

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promises Made, Promises Kept

This is a jump ahead from where I am in Marteeka's MC world, but it isn't hard to get my bearings as Gunnar Gill takes on the rescue of Pippa. I love his honor and integrity even if he's beyond bullheaded in his approach.

“I’m not gonna lie to you. No matter how much you bully me. I will give her my property patch so she has my protection, but I’m not promisin’ anything beyond that.”
-- Gunnar Gill

He may be a little more than a decade older than her, but when it comes to matters of the heart and libido, his growth doesn't really go beyond his teenage years, before things went topsy turvy. I really like that they're essentially on equal footing, experiencing all their intimate firsts together. It's sweet and hot.

This is a bit different from the other MC books in this world. The dark and gritty stuff happens early. I love that the rest of the book centers around them and family reunions. I do wish there was more. At the same time, I know this isn't the last I'll see of this couple and their families. It's bittersweet, to say the least.

I enjoyed Umi Markkanen, the narrator. She does a great job with both characters and is consistently easy to listen to. 🎧💙🎧

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = 31; h = 19 or 20?

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in a new series for Kiss of Death MC, introducing us to Gunnar and Pippa. Gunnar has been wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit while trying to protect his sister. After serving part of his sentence, he is released early, but upon his release, a fellow inmate asks him to complete a task: to rescue his daughter. Loyal and honest, Gunnar agrees to help.

Pippa finds herself in a dire situation. She has been detained and drugged under coercive circumstances. Fortunately, Gunnar comes to her rescue, and as they escape together, feelings begin to develop between them.

This book shines with well-developed characters and rich world-building. It includes interactions with characters from previous novels, enhancing the overall experience. Marteeka Karland continues to improve with each release, making this a compelling read.

[DivasoftheSerengeti_Lioness · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you that I was excited to read a new MC book by THEE MARTEEKA KARLAND, believe me! She always brings the heat to the pages inside a book. You get a sexy, overprotective, bad boys Alpha and an equally sexy, fierce, loving woman who needs them in their life. Gunnar and Pippa fall right in line with that description. Pick up this book asap and add it to your collection. I highly recommend it!

[DAWN M BARTLETT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this morning and binge read it.
Really enjoyed it.... enough to buy the rest of the series currently available. Well I was hoping to read a certain biker's story... and it's the next on the series. ☺ Can't wait to read it as well as the series, as I know I'm in for a treat having read a lot of Marteeka Karland's work and loved it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I loved this story and the start of the Kiss of Death series. Gunnar proves he will do whatever for those he loves and cares about. So when he’s asked the ultimate favor from his cell mate he will take on even his own family to ensure her safety.

[Rose Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to Gunnar (Kiss of Death MC 1) on audiobook, and it definitely delivers if you love intense MC romance with high stakes and a protective hero.

First, the narration, Markkanen was fantastic, as always. I’ve listened to her narrate other books before, and she never disappoints. She really captures the grit, emotion, and tension in the story. Her performance added depth to both Gunnar’s intensity and Pippa’s resilience.

This book is dark. There’s graphic violence and some heavy themes, so definitely pay attention to the warnings. That said, if you’re used to MC romances, it fits the genre well. Gunnar is very much the fierce, protective, “I will burn the world down for her” type of hero. After spending fifteen years in prison protecting his sister, that loyalty carries over into how he protects Pippa, and it’s relentless.

Pippa isn’t weak or helpless, though. She has a quiet strength and intelligence that balances Gunnar’s brutality. Their first meeting is chaotic rather than romantic, which made their connection feel raw and real. The chemistry builds in the middle of all the danger, and I appreciated that there’s no cheating and an eventual happy ending.

Overall, it’s a gritty, emotional MC romance with strong narration and a protective alpha hero. If you enjoy dark romance with violence, devotion, and intense chemistry, this one is worth the listen.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that Gunnar was at peace with his decision to take the fall for his sister and go to prison. A more common reaction would be resentment and anger, but Gunnar has it taped out. He rescues Pippa from traffickers at her father’s, his cellie, request. He leaves Bones MC because his older brothers, who are Prez and VP, are being d-bags about him bringing trouble in the form of Pippa to their club. And he heads to Kiss of Death. Thus a new series is born. I enjoyed this book and thought that Gunnar and Pippa were made for each other.
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Gunnar and Pippa
Genre- MC Romance
Heat- Open door, explicit, double v-cards
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, trafficking, discussion of attempted SA (no details), language
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Instalove, Ex-Con, Taking the Fall, Double V-Cards, Age Gap, Damsel in Distress, Daddy’s Little Princess.

[Titania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar will do anything to protect his family...and he has. But now he is free and he has promised a friend a favor. Will saving an innocent land him right back in prison?
Gunnar is first in Marteeka Karland's Kiss of Death MC series. I enjoyed meeting Gunnar. I loved that he has survived prison without becoming harden. He loves hard and those he considers his he will protect. I love that Pippa is one of those he considers his. I love that he gives Pippa space even as he holds her close. This is a wonderful quick read. It is an insta love story between two characters who fought for a future and I am glad it will be together.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hm … opens up with a 16 year-old having just unal!ved someone via multiple st4bs to the k!dney and letting her brother take the fall. Playing loose with plausibility again but, I’ve learned to roll with it for Karland’s MC reads—it tends to pay off.


Wrongfully imprisoned … ish.
SA.
Abduction.
MC gangs.
Arranged ‘marriage’ (MC style).
Protector romance.
Trafficking.
He’s a v!rg!n.
She’s also a v!rg!n.

This one packed a few little twists, so it’s even sweeter than it seems on the surface.
A quick, fun listen.

4 stars.

🎧 Audio:
Fantastic audio production, as always. I love this narrator! 5 stars.

[Dawn Greaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunnar is the first book in the new series Kiss of Death MC. Gunnar and Pippa are electric together!
Gunnar was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit, all to protect his sister. While in prison he meets Knuckles who asks him to find his daughter, Pippa. This is the beginning their emotionally gripping story. You will root for these two damaged souls. How they heal each other warmed my heart and left me feeling happy and complete.
This book was a wonderful introduction to Ms. Karlands new series.

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've listened to several books by this author, and I think this was my favorite so far. I'm excited to see what the rest of the series brings. Gunnar went to jail to protect someone he loves. When he gets out of jail the first thing he's supposed to do is rescue Pippa. The fact that Gunnar and Pippa are perfect for each other and only met because her dad needed a favor was kismet. Entertaining and quick listen!

[Amber Falleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar took the fall for his sister when she murdered someone. He wound up in prison.
When he got out of prison at the request of his cell mate he rescued Pippa his cell mates daughter from human traffickers.
The dynamic between Pippa and Gunnar was amazing.
As always Umi did an amazing job narrating

[Sandi Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a start. Gunnar is loyal and one protective alpha! Fifteen years later he’s coming home with a battered Pippa and it’s not a warm welcome at first. Cannot wait for the rest of the series. Author is amazing with alpha males and strong women.

[Carol Roll · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good

Good characters and storyline. Keeps your attention. Good twists and turns. Looking forward to more of this series. Keep them coming.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness my first 5 star book this year. Kiss of Death MC is going to rank up there with my other favorites in Ms Karlands MCFamiles. Gunner took a murder rap for his sister at sixteen. You can’t help but fall for the boy that instantly became a man. Pippa kidnapped, drugged and held against her will. You can’t help but admire her strength. The laying out of this new series and the return of some old characters from other MCs makes this a must read.

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding way to start a new series. This is an exquisitely captivating, emotionally heartfelt and intensely addictive. Gunnar had my heart from the first paragraph and kept me enamored throughout. The journey Gunnar and Pippa embark on was not easy or filled with sunshine and roses but these two found their safe harbor with each other which made their destination simply perfect for them. I loved everything about heart -tugging story. It was beautiful in the most raw and intense ways.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss Of Death MC starts off with a big bang with Gunnar! It's Gunnar and Pippa's story and it's fantastic! Gunnar is the ultimate protector and he's exactly what Pippa needs after all that she's endured. Pippa is strong and both are fiercely loyal and she is everything Gunnar needs. This is truly a beautiful story if 2 broken souls who deserve the best life and find it in each other. Gunnar is easy to fall into with characters you can't help but love. What a great short, one sitting read to start off this new series.