Wreckage

by Ripley Proserpina

Violence.
It's all around me.
There are rules I need to learn, but the most important? Keep my mouth shut.
I have a front row seat to the depravity of men and how low they'll sink to get what they want.
But just when I've run out of hope, three heroes with dark pasts and darker plans come to my rescue.
And tempt me in ways I never imagined.


**Wreckers is reverse harem, motorcycle club romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate and mystery/suspense themes. Contains sexual scenes, all of which are consensual. Wreckers is a supersized standalone novel.**

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Why Choose, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, New Adult

Audible Audio

First published March 12, 2021

About the author

Ripley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, two magnificent cats, and one dog who aspires to cat-hood.

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Ripley Proserpina never ceases to amaze me with her ability to reinterpret a classic story in a modern and beautiful way. Wreckage, a modern retelling of Jamaica Inn, may be my favorite of the reverse harem (RH) ones she has done. I was completely immersed in the freezing coastal Maine setting (as opposed to Cornwall in the original) and really felt like I was there, shivering along with Mariana in the beautiful but unforgiving frozen "spring" of the area.
There is a tad bit of predictability even if you are not familiar with the original material, but I don't think of it in a negative way. While I would always advocate for more scenes for romance building in RH's, and quantitatively there aren't a ton in this book either, it really didn't bother me like it has with other RH books. I liked each of the heroes but really the person you fall in love with - like they do - is Mari.
As usual, one of the best things about this author's books is the immense, quiet strength and bravery of her heroines, which Mari has in spades as she deals with her evil Uncle Joss and the Wreckers. Ms. Proserpina's female leads never fail to make me want to be a better person, and I felt that even more so as I read about Mari.
For those it matters to, this book wasn't dark on my personal scale at all, but it is slightly darker than this author's other work, though I would say not by much. If you like her other books I think you will love this one, and if you are new to her this is a good one to start with if you like extra-long standalone reverse harems with excellent world-building, like I do. I hope the author has other classic interpretations in mind, because I would love to read them.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a true fan of Ripley and I don't think there is a book that she has written that I haven't read. This is by far my favorite book of hers. I have been in such a book funk lately and even the books that I have loved didn't hit me the way this one did. It was such a change for me, I felt like I used to when reading. I can't tell you the last time that I was sneaking reading time in while I was at work. This book sucked me in from the beginning though and just did not let go.

Quick rundown of the book without giving anything away. Mari has been taking care of her mom in her last dying months. She makes Mari promise to go live with the only family she has left, Aunt Connie, once she dies. So that's just what Mari does. Never expecting what she walks in to. Knowing she should walk away, she can't leave her aunt in the situation she is in. So she sticks it out. Until her aunt isn't the reason she is staying.

I really loved Mari as a character. She is strong and fierce in her love and loyalty. She may be a bit naive in the romance department but that really just adds to her characters sweetness. We have three guys in this book. Hades is our hero. Pistol is our more carefree, laid back guy. Even though none of them can really be carefree. And Viggo, well he is just all kinds of complicated. They each bring something unique to the table and make you love them all.

The story in this book is just gripping. From the very beginning I was ready to find out all the secrets. And there are secrets. This is a bit of a darker book. The scenes aren't overly descriptive but the subject matter of what's happening is sensitive. As always, if you are concerned with triggers feel free to message me and I'll let you know what's up.

I've gathered that this book was inspired by the original Jamaica Inn. I have to say I've never heard of this before so I can't say how it compares. All I can say is that I absolutely LOVED this book. I'm sad that is was a standalone as I loved the characters and could read more. I'm also thrilled it was a standalone b/c we have the whole story. I'm not typically a reread books kinda girl but I have a feeling I'll be reading this one again.

[Jennifer G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A promise to her dying mother has Marianna leaving the only home she's ever known and moving to Maine to live with her Aunt and Uncle at their inn. Only it's not an inn. It's home to the Wreckers, a brutal motorcycle club, and her uncle is their leader. Her aunt has been terrorized into a shell of a human being and if Marianna doesn't want history to repeat itself, she needs to learn quickly how to survive her new life. Marianna is determined and with the help of three unlikely heroes, she may get out alive.

I love Daphne du Maurier, the author of Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel, and Jamaica Inn, the inspiration for this story. du Maurier was a master of psychological suspense and uncovering the darkness within humanity. Ripley Prosperina would make her proud. Each character found within these pages is a complex, damaged human. Some may have been born evil but most were shaped into monsters. I can't begin to convey the intricacies of the characters. The vulgarity, brutality, hopelessness, ugliness. Mental fragility wars with inhumanity. Even the good are not without sin. Kindness is absent. Love is the key to ruin here. A weakness. Love for a mother, a brother, a husband. Love was taken, twisted, and turned against them. Love was used to destroy their soul. And then there's Marianna who still retained the purity, goodness, and beauty of love. She was the light among the darkness. It would have been so easy to snuff out her light. However, they couldn't. Hades, Pistol, and Viggo needed her, Joss and Archie were intrigued by her, even Connie tried to protect her. Marianna was their savior and destroyer all wrapped up in one.

This story is dark. It could trigger those readers who have experienced abuse or trafficking. As relevant as the original Jamaica Inn was to its times, so is Paradise Inn to today's world. Marianna's story will wring emotions from you. It will frighten you, disgust you, even devastate you. Humans have always hidden monsters among themselves. Paradise Inn is full of them. Beware. And keep the light safe through the night.

[M Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok it started off brilliant.the whole premise was great with great characters.

But then midway it fell flat. I almost dnf.

I just couldn't get to grips with mari tbh. She was a lack lustre character and didn't have any personality. I couldnt see what the guys saw in her tbh.

Then the storyline went silly, esp taking her away for a week to a hotel cos uncle joss wouldn't notice that would he. Silly

The whole train episode was too esp no one seeing or hearing it all happen.

Then the next thing they're all dead. Bizarre.

Great 5 star 40% of the book. The rest 3 stars.

Disappointed as so much potential to be 5 stars easily.

The author really needs to work on her fmcs- relatable, likeable, 3 dimensional etc

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what can I say about this darker read??? Well I can say that Ripley did one hell of a great job. She has a way of writing her books that just make the outside world melt away. You become so encased in her writing that before you know it, you have finished.

Mari is such a strong character, even when she may not feel like it. She has gone through so much and she still continues to fight. Good thing she has her guys. To see their journey, which may I add was a tough hard one, and to get their HEA. Was just such a satisfying read.

So well done Ripley, I loved Wreckage and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easy to be pulled into. There is a high level of intensity flowing throughout this read. From the emotions, to the relationships, to the MC Club, to the very air that permeates the Paradise Inn and the Maine setting for the book, you can practically physically feel the weight of the intensity. It was impossible not to feel for Mariana. I feel that she kind of personified the old song lyrics, " If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all". The girl was strong, had a core of steel and a fierceness that you had to admire. Hades, Pistol, and Viggo were intriguing antiheroes and I liked seeing their relationship with Mariana evolve. While this book is far from the darkest one that I have ever read, there is some content here that could be too much for some readers and outright triggers for others. I am posting a volitional, candid review.

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Proserpina has a beautiful way with words, whether she's writing something lighter or a tad darker, like in Wreckage. I think the blurb does a great job setting the stage/tone for this book and there are definitely many elements at play in this story that I feel need to be experienced and unraveled while reading, so I don't want to chance giving any spoilers.

I loved Mariana, the main character, in all her kind, somewhat awkward, and strong-willed ways. The men that she feels drawn to, Pistol, Hades, and Viggo, are just as layered as Mari is, which made their process of being interested in each other and then the relationship development an intriguing and compelling dynamic. In addition to the relationship being built, there are many moments of suspense with some mystery throughout the plot.

I enjoyed reading Wreckage and felt caught up in these characters' journey. There's an epilogue at the end two years into the future and it fit perfectly in my opinion. This was such an excellently-written story.

[Dark Syde Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this book promised me everything I like to see in an MC - alpha guy(s) taking control of the situation, female who thinks she can do everything on her own but ultimately has to realize she needs her man, and a looming danger that threatens to destroy everything. But Wreckage is NOT your typical MC story. Do not go into this book thinking you're going to read about the brotherhood of the Wreckers MC and how they love and care for their families, because you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you like a gritty MC-related story where you're not always sure the good guys really are the good guys, then this is for you. In Wreckage, we meet Mari, who moves to Maine to live with her aunt and uncle following her mother's death, but what she walks into is definitely not the idyllic picture-perfect coastal living that she was expecting. Then we meet Pistol, Hades, and Viggo, three members of the Wreckers who clearly are fed up with their club's antics but can't walk away (for reasons we find out later). We watch as the relationship between Mari and these three men develop from tolerance to friendship to much, much more. And the progression of that relationship is very well written (this author knows how to set up a scene, if you know what I mean). Additionally, we meet Mari's Uncle Joss, the despicable and deplorable President of the Wreckers, and her Aunt Connie, a woman who has definitely lost her lust for life, as well as a cast of supporting characters from the disgusting club members to the local marshal and a preacher who is just a tiny bit off. The plot of this story is very good and flows really well. The scenes are detailed nicely to the point I could picture each happening around me. The only reason I give this book 4 stars is because I had some issues with Mari's maturity level. There was just something that didn't fit when it came to her ability to make decisions that impacted those around her. But even still...this is a solid 4-star read for me and I'm glad I picked it up!

[T.P.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about Miss Proserpina's writing that resonates with me and that has been the case ever since reading my first book by her. The characters that she creates are thoroughly thought through, complex and alluring from the very first encounter.

Wreckage is a rather unique story, one that definitely finds itself on the darker side. The captivating story, character development and rather intriguing plot had me glued to the pages.

Mari is one of those heroines, who is strong-willed, determined and does not falter when faced with danger. She stood her ground against her uncle and the Wreckers. Loved the MMCs here, they each had their own backstory and when it came to doing the right thing, they fought tooth and nail to persevere and protect their future.

This has been one of those unique reading experiences, so I sincerely recommend it to those who enjoy strong word building and engaging storyline.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read from this author and both have completely blown me away. Wreckage features Mari, who follows her Mother’s dying wish by moving from Phoenix to middle of nowhere Maine to stay with her aunt and uncle. Mari learns that her uncle is President of the Wreckers, a one-percenter MC and their clubhouse is Mari’s new home.

This book is beautifully written with tons of raw emotion, suspense and of course romance. Woven into the story is an intriguing mystery, and all of the characters are not what they seem. I enjoyed following Mari’s journey of self discovery, acceptance and love. At the heart of her character is a fighter, and Mari’s bravery and fire is part of what attracts Viggo, Hades and Pistol. These characters were the true alpha bad boys with hearts of gold. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.

[Haley Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book destroyed me and somehow I was okay at the end. My heart hurt for Mariana. She kept getting kicked while she was down. First her whole world changes, and she abandons everything she knows to go fulfill her moms last request. Which honestly it probably was the worst thing to happen to her. I have never hated someone so much as I did Uncle Joss, which speaks volumes to Ripley’s writing because he’s honestly more deplorable to me than jack from outlander. And I honestly felt no pity to her aunt corrine. This poor 22 year old Mariana has had her teeth kicked in over and over this whole book and still she fights with the will to live. The heroes in this are not what I would call your typical heroes, anti-hero might be better. But regardless they love Mariana even if they hide everything. There are lots of twist and turns that make you question everything. One of Ripley’s darker books in my opinion, lots of things that could be triggers. But this was also one of the best books I’ve read this year. A definite must read of 2021.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Ripley writes and her books just get better and better. This is my new favorite of hers and this is a bit in the darker side, which I kind of love.

We have a strong main character, even though she may not feel Ike it sometimes, she has a wonderful inner strength. She is loyal to her family. And now, she has these equally strong yummy guys.

This story is fantastic, easy to read, and will just suck you in. It’s fantastic.

[Cheria]

DNF at 10%. I'm not feeling this FMC. All her instincts are telling her to GTFO, yet she's catering to her deranged (and estranged) aunt, even apologizing

[Kaydence Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists, secrets, suspense, and heat packed into a moody, emotional, addictive read.

[Tammy L Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

As always, Ripley, you have done it again! Such an enjoyable read! The characters are truly an excellent mix of good and evil. A true page turner until the end! Thank you for sharing this!

[Alexandra Mccabery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potential

Wanted to love this so much but it just seemed to skimm the surface without any depth or colour which is a pity as it would have been amazing

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why can I only rate it 5 stars?? It deserves a heck of a lot more! Ripley?!!! You’ve outdone yourself! Yes, it’s a lot more darker than your other books- but it suits you!
This fabolous book contains hot scenes, teary scenes, violent scenes and deaths so be advised! But this is by far one of THE best books I’ve ever read!!

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mariana's mother made her promise to go to her sister in Maine on the cancer takes her. Mariana isn't one to break a promise so she sells off everything she doesn't need and leaves Arizona or the snowy coastline of Maine. She's googled the area and was taken in by the quaint coastal towns, however what she finds is not what she imagined.

Her Aunt Connie told her to rent a car in Portland and she would be met in Bangor by a family friend. Unfortunately Mariana doesn't have a driver's license so she takes the bus. The man sent to drive her the rest of the way was waiting when she arrived, he wasn't the friendliest sort, but he wasn't as bad as what she was heading for.

Pistol is not happy with his life, he follows the orders he's given and ignores the rest as best he can. He wants to warn her but he can't. Instead he just gives her a bit of advice and drops her off.

The Paradise Inn isn't even close to paradise, it's run down and ugly. Her uncle intimidating and irritating at the same time. Mariana refuses to be cowed and is horrified to see the shell of a woman her aunt has become.

Hades watches the interaction with a bit of amusement and finds himself a bit impressed by Mariana. She has guts and she isn't going to take any crap.

The inside of the Inn isn't any better than the outside, filthy is a mild word for both the contents and the men gathered. Her first thoughts are to get her Aunt Connie away from all this but her aunt doesn't want to leave, she loves Joss in a way no one can take her from.

When the men leave Mariana tries speaking with her aunt to no avail and instead decides to try to make this Inn more livable. Starting with the kitchen.

We see the evil of this MC as more things become apparent. We Meet Joss's brother Viggo, who also finds Mariana to be worth saving from this situation. The problem is she won't leave her aunt.

Pistol, Hades and Viggo have their own agenda, one they can't share with Mariana. The things she sees they can't control as things spiral downhill.

Suspenseful, terrifying and somehow a bit romantic with this unusual, sizzling match up.

[Ami Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read....

When I read this book the first time....well I devoured it so in order the leave a review worthy of this book i had to do a slower read.

Mari has had a rough hand in life and is thinking the promise she made to her mom before her death to go live with her Aunt Connie would be a turning point and maybe things would start looking up for her. Once she made to Lubbock,Maine, Mari soon discover that life has went from bad to worse. Her uncle Joss and his MC crew are what nightmares are made of and her Aunt Connie is not the same person she remembers from the age of 4. Then there is the creepy Revered Davey. If you can't trust a reverend, then who can you trust? Viggo, Hades, and Garrett, 3, guys from the MC ,are always trying to protect her but there's things they can't/won't tell her or explain to her.
As always Ripley keeps you enriched in a story and I couldn't put this book down the first not the 2nd time around! Great job Ripley!!

[Sarah Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.

Overall: 3.25-stars

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• No OM drama
• Does have OW drama
– Heroine sees Heroes being hit on by OW. They can't turn them down right away; they have a role to play.
• Does have the Heroes pushing the Heroine away
• No separation


Possible Triggers: Yes
• Domestic abuse, including supporting character with battered woman syndrome (a form of PTSD)
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Murder
• Attempted r@pe
• Human trafficking


Ending: HEA

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!!! Such a different book from author, Ripley Proserpina!!! It’s unlike any book from her that I’ve read so far, but in a good way! Mariana is fierce and strong and knows her worth. She’s searching for her blood relative, her Aunt Connie, instead of gaining a family with her, she finds Pistol, Viggo, and Hades. They become her friends and family and lovers. They protect her and she protects them. They start their new lives together, away from their past, and focus on their future. They deserve it after all the horrible things that happened to them. A great read!!! I enjoyed it!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling! Do not start it if you don't have time to finish, and it's a big one. I just couldn't put it down and stayed up all night earning a book hangover. MC stories are not my favorite due to the darker themes, Ripley built a world that brought to life so much more in the beautiful sites of wintery rural costal Maine.

Mariana (Mari) is thoughtful and solid in her roll in life, she's a caregiver, and she's just nursed and lost her mother. Her final wish was for Mari to move from Phoenix to Maine to live with her Aunt Connie, her mother's sister, at Paradise Inn. Mari's memories of her beautiful lively aunt are those of a four year old, the aunt she finds is dull, shriveled abused and possibly mentally ill. Mari has a new person to care for and protect from her Uncle Joss, the cruel President of the Wreckers MC at the inn which is the hang-out headquarters. Her aunts mental illness and refusal to leave Joss and the inn lock Mari into staying at her own peril.

The mounting feeling that every encounter is more dangerous than the last and there is no way out crawled all over me, with each of Mari's interactions with her uncle and his men flew off the page and settled in my chest. Just when I didn't think I could take anymore Mari escapes outside for a refreshing walk in the bright white freezing snow finds a different danger in the elements. If it weren't for bad luck, this girl would have no luck at all.

There is a lot going on with this MC that isn't readily apparent and not all of the members are bad, bad being a relative concept. Three of the men reveal themselves to be better than the rest and divert club members cruelty away from her. Pistol, Hades and Viggo are decent men on the inside and each have interest in Mari, being friends and club brothers we have the beginning of a RH. There are a few hot scenes that get the blood pumping.

There are so many layers in this story. I'm thinking of a day trip the quartet to visit the northern-most lighthouse on the Maine coast and the story of how the Wreckers club got their name. The small details that paint such a vivid picture of a harsh coast and a harsh lifestyle presented in a light escape from the inn. It's just beautiful writing, perfectly paced.

I'm was enthralled with the mystery as it was revealed a piece at a time. I'm here to say that it was a tough story and not for everyone. I'm so grateful to have read it. I'm supremely satisfied because Ripley never lets me down with the creative HEA.

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first of all, I don’t read a whole lot of MC books, but I have loved Prospina’s other works, so I decided to try this nad I loved it. Mariana is sweet, but fierce. I love how she stands her ground, and handles all the crap that is throw. At her, the guys have their own broken pieces, and I love how they are drawn to her, and try to shield her, in their own ways. This is a stand-alone and we get a good HEA, but I loved Mariana, Viggo, Hades, and Pistol, and wish we got more of them :)

[Deborah Cope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off good allowing the reader to undertand why Mari left Arizona to go and live in Maine. Arriving there, things are quite as she expected, catching the eye of her uncle (through marriage) and 3 other men. Told from POV of Mari, Pistol, Viggo & Hades, the story centres around a MC club, and her relationship. Story tapered off quickly (despite having 50 chapters) and before you know it you are reading the Epilogue. The author seemed to have rushed the ending.

[Bella Suarez-Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! True to Ripley’s fashion you feel and transfer yourself into her stories. The storyline is of loss and how strong the MC is. I love Mari and her guys. They tried so hard and they got their HEA. I loved this story. I felt sad and happy, overwhelmed and victorious all with Mari and her guys.

*** received ARC for my honest review ***

[CeCe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting and I wanted to know how it would all come together.
I had some issues with the writing. Some parts dragged.

Marianna met three men when she went to live with her aunt and uncle.
Her aunt is a shell of herself. Her uncle is just a bad man.
The three men all have their own secrets.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story

I really enjoyed this book. The ups and lows. The whole thing. I would've liked to see more details of her and her guys relationships...but in the end, you can kinda see how everythings going to go.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous!! ... Mariana has to keep one promise to her mother, and she's definitely not sure it was a good one ... dark, little angst-y, absolutely worth a re-read!!

[Tracey Milito · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

This was a really good book. The story sucked me in from the first word to the last. It’s definitely worth the read.

[Hannah Hynes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought I was in the mood to read an MC but I’m not sure I am actually in the mood for it. Maybe I’ll come back and finish it later.