Viper

by Tamsen Schultz

Sometimes the dead speak louder than the living.Three months ago, former Spec Ops soldier Jackson “Viper” Bond was more than happy to spend an evening wooing Lina Kato. Especially when she made it clear exactly how she wanted the night to end. Only it didn’t. And then she ghosted him. A fact he was okay with. Mostly. Except, maybe not. Because when she sends a text asking for help, he barely takes the time to say goodbye to his MC brothers before he’s on his bike riding to her side.

Lina thought her monthly trip to check on her father would be like every other visit she’d made in the past three strained, short, and silent. She never anticipated that her quiet, introverted parent had drawn the attention of a killer. Or that he’d have the foresight to leave her a trail leading to his murderer.

Now she and Jackson are chasing clues, evading enemies, and putting together a puzzle neither likes the look of. And if they can unravel the message, they’ll not only stop a killer, but they may even get a chance at a life neither thought they’d ever have.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Tamsen Schultz is the author of several romantic suspense novels and American Kin (a short story published in Line Zero Magazine). In addition to being a writer, she has a background in the field of international conflict resolution, has co-founded a non-profit, and currently works in corporate America. Like most lawyers, she spends a disproportionate amount of time thinking (and writing) about what it might be like to do something else. She lives in Northern California in a house full of males including her husband, two sons, three cats, a dog, and a gender-neutral, but well-stocked, wine rack.

Reviews

[R.A. Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Viper is the second book in the Falcon’s Rest MC series. Viper aka Jackson and Lina are one of those couples that you just know will be great. Lina has a history that is rivaled only by Jackson’s. The challenge of the mystery to be solved, not to mention the tension between the main characters is awesome. Viper’s life has become what he made of it, growing far beyond his rough upbringing, he is a man to admire. Lina’s life was basically planned for her, but she rose to every challenge and meets Viper on an even playing field. These talented, well-trained people create a warmth and a heat to crave. No coyness, just a natural relationship that has a few hurdles to overcome.

There are several secondary characters that just take this story to the top. They made me laugh out loud at times and gave me chills at other times. The story will draw you in not in a big rush of adrenaline, but in a subtle, sometimes unforeseen manner that will keep you reading long after your bedtime.

The clues leading from one place to another, from one clue to the next, all start with a murder and a childhood backpack. Viper doesn’t hesitate to dive in the deep end to help Lina track down the clues and hopefully a murderer. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Do yourself a favor and dive into the mystery, the romance and a few of the best secondary characters I have ever read. Once again Ms. Schultz has produced a wonderful read!

[Joseph and Sandra Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tamsen Schultz books!! I've read all of The Windsor series and they were excellent! This series started out with the book Stone and I didn't read it because I thought ahh its about a motorcycle club, because it's called Falcons Rest MC series but they offered this arc book ahead of time and I thought well I would read it and boy was I surprised not that it was good because Tamsen is a great storyteller but the story was excellent.! I loved,this book. Now Im going back to read the first one while waiting for the third!! This story was about Jackson or as his friends called him Viper and Lina. I discovered they met briefly in the first book. Lina finds her father murdered when she goes to check on him and the book takes off from there and continues on a treasure hunt of clues that her father left her. Her characters are all very enjoyable and she takes you on a ride full of twists and turns that kept me turning pages into the night. The closer Jackson and Lina get to the reason her father was killed the closer they get to each other and their HEA. I gave this book 5 stars and I thoughly enjoyed it !! I want to thank Tamsen Schultz and her people for this arc copy for my honest review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Falcon's Rest MC series is a bit of a change from other series and books by Tamsen Schultz. Usually, the characters are involved in law enforcement or some other government role. A motorcycle club is rather different, although the members are all (or at least mostly) ex-military with connections to those kinds of groups.
Our heroine, Lina Kato has spent her working life in intelligence. When her father is murdered, she finds herself following a trail that he's left her and the first person she turns to is Jackson, also known as Viper, a member of the Falcon's Rest MC.
I really enjoyed following Jackson and Lina's relationship as they learnt more about one another and solved the mystery that Lina's father had left behind. I love the blend of romance and thriller that you get in Tamsen Schultz's books.
I really like this new series, I'm looking forward to what we're going to get next in this series.

[Stephanie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the Tamsen Schultz books I have read. This one was no different. I have grown weary of books that on page 1 the male charachter sees the female character and immediately is in total lust. That is not believeable to me. This was not that book.

Lina and Jackson did almost have a one night stand but circumstances interruped that plan.

Now about 3 months later Lina walks into her father home to find him dead with a pink backpack next to him and the words run. She does. Shortly after she realizes that she is being followed. She thinks of Jackson and calls him for help. He immediately comes to her aid. So starts the process of solving the puzzle of her father's death with the clues he left. It's a great mystery and a wonderful slow burn romance.

I was given an advance copy for my honest review.

[JustJeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and intriguing story packed with drama, mystery, suspense and romance. This is the second book in the series, and does not disappoint. Jackson and Lina, are both from less than happy upbringings but have not let that deter their lives, and work together toward solving a murder with purposefully left clues. The author brilliantly wove in a cast of supporting characters that brought some levity, and emotional support. Will Jackson and Lina’s previous brief connection interfere or aid them as they investigate the murder’s clues and puzzle pieces? Ms Schultz creates a compelling plot, relatable and appealing characters, a high level of energy keeping you, the reader, glued to the book and a natural moving romance. Wonderfully written. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viper is the 2nd book in the Falcon's Rest MC series, but can be read as a standalone. Viper and Lina's story is a suspenseful 'treasure' hunt, second-chance-at love romance that with surprising twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. Both of them are very likeable characters and their journey to a HEA felt entirely natural and beautiful. The snippets of characters from previous books we get will definitely wet your appetite for more, as we catch up not only with Viper's brothers from the MC, but with others from Mystery Lake as well. Can't wait for the next brother to find his match!
I was fortunate to have received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mind blowing puzzle and clues to decipher and follow along with a beautiful relationship and loss. There is a lot of subtlety to unpack with Lina and Jackson as they search for her fathers killer. We see them grow in themselves and with each other. The fact that not every parent child relationship is perfect and our choices define us. Viper provided humor, family (not necessarily blood) a road trip where we meet fascinating people old and new. You can read Viper without reading Stone (Book 1) but if your intrigued like I am you will want to go back and grab it (I did). Thank you so much for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions and am looking forward to more in this series. #Viper #FalconsRestMC #TamsenSchultz #Bookfunnel

[Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scavenger hunt! O Goodie!!
Viper, the next in Tamsen Schultz’s Falcon’s Rest Series, is a good guy with a rough past. How he overcame it and is now the man he is when he reconnects with Lina is a very good story. It proves once again that one’s past does not have to ruin one’s future. Their story is not a “slam bam, thank you ma’am”, but rather a slower build, which is what I enjoyed. The
“scavenger hunt” not only creates tension and excitement, but definitely leads to a very worthwhile conclusion.
The lead in (or cliffhanger, if you prefer) is a really good ending 😊
Thank you for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson and Lina

FMC: Lina Kato
MMC: Jackson “Viper” Bond
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 336
Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Former Military MMC, Murder Mystery, Investigation, Close Proximity, Insta Love
Setting: Northern California, Oregon, Washington

Thoughts: This was a good, easy to follow, mystery. It was pretty light for a murder mystery. The characters were flawed but realistic. I liked the quick development of the relationship between Lina and Jackson. This book also took the reader on an adventure through Washington, Oregon and Northern California. I thought it was well written and researched with just the right amount of suspense to keep me invested.

[Tina G Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Tamsen Schultz takes you on a journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. This book was amazing. Viper and Lina have history, a brief moment in time. It was a missed chance to make that moment matter. A mystery to solve, in a matter of death. A connection between two people who find out that they matter to each other. I highly recommend this book and this author. It can be read as a stand alone but reading the other books is like adding sprinkles on your cookie, worth every word.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whole lot of mystery with a little bit of MC thrown in. A refreshing take on the genre and I was all in. I love a lady who can fo for herself but finds a man who just adds to the journey. It would've been 5 stars but I think opportunities were lost and there were a few vague hints about her grandfather (who I got the impression was a pistol) but didn't reveal itself. And like when 'she sassed the MC right back' but it wasn't shared. Which I think would've just added to the story. But it's still a corker and worth a read if you like some suspense sprinkled onto your MC cake.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Falcons MC series but is a standalone. This is Viper's and Lina's story. Lina turns to the one person who can help her after she discovered her father murdered where he left her a chilling message. This is more of a scavenger hunt / mystery and it was certainly an engaging one. I felt sorry for Lina as I think she realized way too late that she should have tried to build more of a relationship with her father. Another great read in this MC series!

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging romantic suspense. Interesting back stories for the couple. A change of pace compared to many romantic suspense stories. Rather than dodging bullets, etc., this one follows a puzzle. Yes, there is danger along the way which requires vigilance and wit. Great group of friends and contacts. As usual, I skipped the intimate details. One is left with a hint of who will be involved in the next one in this terrific series. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Jim Bittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting mystery with lots of clues to decipher. Viper and Lina are relentless in their pursuit of the truth and the taking down of individuals who tried to cover up a serious problem. Some interesting new characters make cameo appearances in the story. I’m looking forward to many more stories in the Falcon’s Rest MC series.

[Lisa Nalbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, when I start a book by Tamsen Schultz book it's hard to put it down until I finish.
Loved the scavenger hunt, second chance romance, complex relationships, and interesting main and side characters. Viper, Book 2 in Schultz’s Falcon Rest MC Series is easy to enjoy as a stand alone, and more fun with the series connections. Looking forward to the next book!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

steamy intruige and action

a hot encounter that goes a bit lukewarm, then maybe ice cold, is followed by trouble coming in hot.

I love the fun to read combo of clever characters, tangled intruige and complex action - plus hot steamy stuff.

another great keeps you holding your breath read

[Christine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book . I love reading about the riders of the falcon motorcycle group. And how they help people. Lots of twist and turns in this book . Looking forward to reading the next in the series

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with Lina and Viper! Their path to happily ever after is action packed! This one will keep you on the edge of your seat. The romance keeps you invested. And yelling, laughing, and swooning. I really love this new series and cannot wait for the next book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people trying to find the answer of why a killer is try to find Lina’s father. Will the mystery be solved in time. Perhaps they will even have a chance at a life together. Loved the book from beginning to end.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so entertaining!!! It is the second in the series and I love the characters. This story has lots of mystery, an extended "puzzle" to solve, and a developing romance. It definitely held my interest and it has a happy ending.

[Carol Roll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Another good addition to this series. Good characters and storyline along with some good twists and turns. This really isn't much of a MC book, other than the character being in a MC. But, it's really more of a mystery and very enjoyable.

[Pat Weingartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I really enjoyed book 2 in this series watching Viper and Lina on their journey to find their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 in this series and will definitely recommend this book to everyone.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The cover alone let's you know this book is smoking hot. The twist and turns kept me guessing.

[Jeri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Viper

I absolutely loved this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense novels. She is an amazing writer!

[Lindsay Langston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a Tamsen Schultz book. One of my favorite authors. I do have to suspend belief in some of the conversations bc these characters are entirely too adult and mature in their conversations and I am just NOT. But, I do love her stories and how well written she is! I love the *no angst* (goes back to all the mature, adult convos that people apparently have…) and the fact that once they are together, they are TOGETHER. Full stop.