Bullet

Lotus MC #5

by Cala Riley

Bullet

The Lotus MC saved me when I was looking for something more. It was the most important thing in my life.
Util I met her.

Harlee Swift.

She’s the girl I’m not supposed to want, but the one I can’t help but yearn for. When tragedy strikes the family, I watch her life fall apart.
I need to save her. I only hope I’m not too late.

Harlee

One night. That’s all it took to change my life irrevocably. Now I’m drowning, unsure if I even want to live.

That is until he jumps in to save me.

Bullet.

The once prospect turned member who should stay far away from me. I should let him go, but he makes me feel alive in ways I thought were lost to me.

When my father finds out, Bullet will be a dead man.

Will our love survive the fallout?

Some subjects in this book may be triggering. For more information please check our website.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Found Family, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: unrequited love
Angst: 😱😱😱1/2
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥


This writing duo just keeps knocking it out of the park for me. In Bullet, we have the story of Bullet and Harlee. Harlee's been in love with Bullet since she was 16, but he just doesn't see her that way and sees her as a friend. But when tragedy strikes, Bullet is the one who steps up to make sure Harlee can get back up after her falls. Absolutely loved this hero, just a good guy that wants what's best for his girl. Lots of action and a good dose of drama that will keep you hooked to the end.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullet and Harlee have been friends for a long time. Harlee has had strong feelings for Bullet for a long time while he viewed her as a friend. When tragedy strikes Harlee’s life both her and her father spiral out of control. Bullet is there trying to keep everything together. Harlee does not make that easy for him.

As things continue to spiral Bullet realises his feelings have changed problem is Harlee has also changed. This is a really emotional read, add in some action and spice and I am not sure what else you could want.

This is book five however you can read it as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read the other books in this series.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Tropes:
MC romance
Tortured fmc
Friends to lovers
Protective mmc

Loved 🥰:
- the fact that Harley had to heal herself before she could be with Jacob. Loved that it wasn’t just a case of “girl falls in love and is magically healed” 😂
- Jacob was such a golden retriever & I loved his character
- getting to see all the previous couples and all the clubhouse scenes

Liked ☺️:
- fast paced & really easy to read

Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally) 🤷🏻‍♀️:
- there’s one felt a little superficial to me. I would’ve liked to have had more pages and seen some of the The heavier topics be delve into more

Spice:
🌶️

Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Addiction / alcohol & drug use

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
📕: Bullet by Cala Riley
Why you’ll love this book!
Motorcycle Romance
Club Princess
Friends To Lovers
Found Family
This is book five of The Lotus Motorcycle Club Series! I loved getting to read about Bullet and Harlee’s story! This book is an emotional roller coaster there are some things in this book that can be triggering to some like
* Loss of a Parent
* Alcoholism
* Grief
* Substance Abuse
* Mental Trauma
Harlee has had a hard life after the loss of her mom who was also her best-friend causes her to really struggle. She also kind of loses her dad because he goes to bottle to numb the grief he feels. Bullet has always loved Harlee but she friend zoned him along time ago but he refuses to leave her side no matter what he is there for her. He protects her from her own self destruction and keeps pushing her to finish school. He is the only one who saves her even when she can’t save herself. Together they fight everything that comes up the threats to the club, her dad , and her own self worth not believing she deserves a man like Bullet.
These two are my favorite of the series because of the emotional rollercoaster they go on together and how their love saves them! The men of this series are all protective, supportive, and possessive of the woman in their life don’t mess with their woman unless you want to face a man who will do anything to protect his woman!

[Katelynn Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullet and Harlee were so good. I love me a good forbidden romance and let me tell you this one did not disappoint! My heart broke for Harlee and everything she went through but loved how much Bullet was there for her through it all. I can’t wait to read the next book who knows whose story will be next! Thank you so much Cala Riley for the honor to be an arc reader I’ve loved every single one I’ve read.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok Jacob, I see you. He stole the show for me! He was strong, dependable and possessive in that perfect way that all of us readers drool over.

Harlee was dealing with a loss and turmoil at home. Bullet stepped up when no one else did to ensure that she was taken care of and stayed out of trouble. That girl knew how to find it and he was so good at being her knight in shining armor.

This was a slow burn as both fought their feelings because of club rules, but they never faltered in being true to their hearts. Just couldn't act on it, but every could tell what they meant to each other.

These two were perfect for each other!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working ON Review

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullet and Harlee’s story was so good. I couldn’t put it down. This story is about friendship, love, loss, grief and the challenges both Harlee and Bullet needed to go through. Harlee wouldn’t be where she was if it wasn’t for Bullet and his fight to not give up on her even when she felt like she had no one. Her own father Honk was dealing with his own demons. Carla Riley keeps knocking it out of the park with the Lotus MC. This series will have you wanting more and more. Definitely need to read the previous stories to know the story on Harlee, Honk and Bullet. A++++++ 5 Star.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickie Review: Oh how my heart absolutely adored Bullet and Harlee. It’s been a minute since a book has brought me to actual tears, and this one did. Matter of fact, I think the last one was a Cala Riley read. Lots of emotion within this story and my heart loved every second of it. It was a little too slow burn for me, but still an amazing, spicy read. And of course, beautifully well written. I love these Lotus men and their fiery women. They always keep me hooked. 5 Stars.

[Rebecca Pickett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate giving a 3 star to a series like this. I love a good MC romance. But good lord is this the same author as the first couple of books or even the last one. The writing was atrocious. The words put in this book would not be be anything these people would be using. I honestly had to force myself to finish the book. It honestly makes me not want to read the next in the series. How can the writing be so different in the books. What is up with this author?

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullet is the fifth book in the Lotus MC series by Cala Riley. It is an emotional story about the forbidden love between Bullet and Harlee. They have many obstacles in their way to overcome as she is a member’s daughter and Honk has made it clear that she is off-limits as none of the guys are good enough for her. Can they find a way to be together or will it end with Bullet being banished or killed. Will this couple get the HEA they desperately want or will being part of the MC keep them apart.

Bullet was one of my favourite members of the MC so I was really pleased we were going to get his story as he’s absolutely adorable. When he took a bullet for Reaper’s old lady Natalie, he was
made a patched in member. Harlee has been in love with him since he was the new prospect. To her it was love at first sight but she knew he only saw her as a friend. We knew Bullet had a soft spot for Harlee but i hadn’t realised how strong his friendship with her mother Eleanor was. Her death has affected him so he understands what Harlee is going through. He really steps up to help the family when Honk’s grief takes him on a downward spiral and he can’t cope without Eleanor and neglects Harlee.

The story continues two years later with Harlee still missing her mum. She worshipped her dad but he’s drinking himself into oblivion and hardly knows she exists. Neither have healed from the pain of losing her and their lives are a mess. I don’t think anyone realises at first how much Bullet was doing to keep the family together. The way he was always there for Harlee as her grief overwhelmed her and she was barely holding on. He now looks after her and makes sure she takes care of herself even when she pushes him away. She acts out but he makes sure she gets to school and was safe.

Although he doesn’t like who she has become, his feelings for her have grown. He can’t admit the truth as against club rules but it’s getting harder every day because he knows she is the one for him. Bullet needs Honks permission to date his daughter but he’s not in any state to discuss the possibility. They have some angry confrontations and he has to prove to Honk that he deserves her. Harlee is trying to pull her life around with his help but she knows their relationship is going to be difficult because Bullet is a good guy and won’t break his promise to her dad.

While these two try to find a way to be together the MC are still dealing with William Dansworth and his determination to be Mayor. He is out to close down all the MCs but especially the Lotus MC and when things escalate who will survive his attack. There is a new character on the scene with links to Danswoth but is she a friend or a foe. Is she more trouble than she’s worth or could she be exactly the person they need to help fight against Dansworth. Will Reaper have to ask for help from the one person he doesn’t want to.

Great seeing how well Colt, Midnight, Trigger and Wrath are all doing well and supporting Bullet.
Will Honk ever give the couple his blessing or will Bullet be banished from the MC? Could he
forfeit his place in the club and possibly his life. Will he sacrifice everything for her and
fight for her? Is loving each other a lost cause and would either recover if they are made to let the other go. Harlee finds such strength from Bullet and he is exactly what she needs. We get a
dramatic ending and teasers for the next book to finish this enjoyable story.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
loss of a parent (discussed on page), grief, depression, abandonment issues, alcoholism, underage drinking and drug use, on page therapy sessions, discussions of parental/abuse, physical threats/violence towards the main characters

I knew I loved this series and these characters, but I didn’t realize I was so attached to them until I started crying…and then cried on multiple occasions. (Officially the fastest I’ve cried reading one of this author duo’s books.) It’s always so easy for me to love their characters, and Bullet and Harlee are no different! They were maybe some of the easiest for me to fall in love with! Bullet and Harlee become unlikely friends, and then he becomes her only constant. But that starts taking a toll on him, and thankfully she makes some super difficult decisions to turn things around. That man is NOT afraid to express his love, every emotion for that woman. And he’s absolutely not afraid to spend every waking moment showing his love and how proud he is of her. I’ve just left them, and I already can’t wait to be back with this found family!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I’m always going to worry about you. I want you to be okay, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you are.”
• “Trust me, the last thing I want to be is your friend.”
• “You don’t understand how thoroughly you are burrowed under my skin. It’s only you. I only see you.”
• “I plan to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you truly deserve.”
• “Don’t ever question how I feel for you,. It’s the most real thing I have ever felt in my life.”

6/10 Dirty Birdy
3/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Friends to Lovers
4/10 Slow Burn
4/10 Tearjerker (personal attachment)
8/10 Series

This is my review for Reaper
This is my review for Wrath
This is my review for Colt
This is my review for Midnight

Trigger Warnings include:
an alcoholic parent is sent to rehab, an incident that involves the FMC causing harm to the MMC out of anger, a bike crash caused by intimidation, an main character is severely injured on page

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

BULLET is the fifth instalment in Cala Riley’s contemporary adult LOTUS MC erotic, romance series. This is nineteen year old club princess Harlee Swift, and Bullet aka Jacob’s story line. BULLET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.


Told from dual first person perspectives (Bullet and Harlee) following two time lines, BULLET focuses on the forbidden relationship between Harlee and Bullett. Approximately two years earlier, Harlee lost her mother in a motor vehicle accident, and her father Honk, who spiralled after the death of his wife. Fast forward to present day, Harlee is about to graduate high school, and is determined to leave as soon as possible but Bullet has been Harlee’s guardian and protector in the wake of her father’s spiral, and our heroine is struggling with unrequited love. The Lotus MC is about to be pulled into a war not of their making, a man running for mayor is taking aim at everyone involved.


The world building follows several intersecting pathways including Honks downfall and recovery; the mayoral candidate targeting of the Lotus MC, as well as Harlee and Bullet dancing around one another, a dance with the potential for both to get burned.


The relationship between Bullet and Harlee is one of the forbidden. Harlee is a club princess, off limits as per her father’s decrees but Harlee has been in loved with our story line heroine for close to three years, and Bullet is struggling to keep their relationship platonic in the face of the sexual attraction and magnetic pull. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and dynamic secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in the previous instalments: Reaper and Natalie, Wrath, Colt, Midnight, Trigger, Tonk, as well as William Dansworth, and his daughter Adalyn.


BULLET is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The characters driven premise is edgy and dramatic; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, energetic and desperate.


copy supplied for review

[Kayla Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Resounding Five Star Ride! Review of "Bullet" (Lotus MC Book 5)

Cala Riley's "Bullet" is a truly outstanding addition to the Lotus MC series, delivering an emotional and action packed story that earns every one of its five stars. This book is a masterclass in pacing, character development, and showcasing the fiercely protective bonds of a true motorcycle club family.

The story centers on Harlee Swift, the club princess, and Bullet (Jacob), a newer member who quickly becomes the quiet, unwavering pillar in her life. Following a devastating loss Harlee's mother's death in an accident that is shrouded in suspicion Harlee’s father, Honk, spirals into alcoholism, leaving his daughter adrift.

Bullet's self appointed mission to save Harlee from herself forms the beautiful core of this book. His dedication is absolute: he ensures she graduates high school, tirelessly pulls her from dangerous parties, and orchestrates her path toward healing. He gets her into therapy and even convinces Honk to seek rehab, moving into their home to provide a constant, sober sanctuary.

Watching Harlee evolve from a reckless party girl into a woman finding her purpose getting a job and truly living again is one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Her transformation is a thing of beauty, a testament to Bullet's steadfast love and care. The transition from protector and friend to lovers is handled with a palpable, intense chemistry that makes the reader root for them fiercely, even against the explicit wishes of Honk.

The tension heightens when Honk, upon his return, threatens to have Bullet banished for daring to pursue his daughter. However, it takes a harrowing, near fatal rescue mission where Bullet’s loyalty and courage are undeniable for Honk’s perspective to finally change. The powerful moment when Honk blesses their love is deeply satisfying and earned.

Bullet is instantly one of my favorite MC heroes. His protectiveness is sexy, selfless, and profound. Beyond the romance, the genuine family aspect of the Lotus MC shines through. The way they show up for one another and their children their unwavering loyalty and chemistry as a unit is truly touching and makes this series so special.

This was an absolutely amazing, perfect read for me, solidifying its place as a 100% five star experience. Riley has done justice to these characters and their world.

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Bullet Book 5 in the Lotus MC Series by Cala Riley. This book is part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. I am in my Motorcycle Club Era and am obsessed with this book. This is a 5 star read for me. This book broke my heart from the very beginning it was emotional and raw and had me in my feels. This is a story about loss and grief and learning how to cope and move forward after a significant loss. I love the brotherhood of the Lotus MC and the found family aspect. I also love the angst, drama, and suspense that comes from this MC romance. This is a slow burn, spicy, virgin fmc, motorcycle club, forbidden romance. This is Harlee and Bullet's story. Harlee is 19 and she is in so much pain, she has been grieving the death of her mother for the past 2 years and has been numbing herself with alcohol and drugs. Harlee’s dad is a member of Lotus Motorcycle Club, her dad is so lost in his grief and in alcohol its like both her parents died two years ago. Bullet is also a member of Lotus MC Harlee is his best friend he cares about her and has been watching her and taking care of her since her mom died. He loves Harlee but can’t be with her because of club rules. Harlee is so lost and keeps pushing Bullet away. Harlee is young but has so much strength inside her I love watching her journey and her taking the steps to heal herself. Harlee has had a crush on Bullet since she was 15 it hurts my heart that they feel they have to hide their feelings and and can’t be together because of her dad and the club and have to pretend to be just friends. I love the side plot if the club continuing to try and stop an old enemy once and for all and all the drama and suspense that comes with that especially for Bullet this time as they ask him to do something that makes things more complicated between him and Harlee. I love their HEA and that they were able to fight through all the obstacles standing in their way and still end up together. I highly recommend this book

[Skye Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get to see our favourite prospects hea!
Bullet is the sweetest guy who has proven he will literally take a bullet for his club and family. He is the quiet guy behind the scenes, always making sure the club and particularly the women are taken care of, and loyal as hell.

When Club legacy Harlee goes off the rails due to a sudden loss, he's the one who makes sure she goes to school to finish her degree, the one to pull her out of parties and from dangerous situations she puts herself in. It's like she has a death wish, and he's the only one who can see it, trying to keep her on the surface of being pulled under.

Harlee suffered a loss no teenage girl should ever have to experience. She’s blocked the grief for so long now with alcohol, drugs, and parties; she doesn't know how to pull herself out of it. She may as well have lost both parents that night the way her dad ignores her for the bottom of a bottle.

Before she knows it, Bullet is the air she breathes and her lifeline. He's been the one constant in her life since that day, and her teen crush has morphed into so much more from everything he's done for her. Too bad he only sees her a little kid.

These two were so cute. Bullet is such a sweetie for Harlee. He stood by and watched for 2 years while she wallowed in grief, always being the White Knight when she needed rescuing. But it took for him to realise he was now enabling more than helping Harlee to take a step back, even if it killed him.
It was the wake-up call Harlee needed, the scare of losing the only one left who cared enough to help.

[Maelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullet completely broke me in the best possible way

As a huge fan of Cala Riley’s MC romances, I knew this book would hit hard — but I didn’t expect it to hit this deep.

I’m usually not a big slow-burn reader… but Bullet and Harlee changed that for me. For once, I wasn’t even rushing for their relationship to cross that line. I was so emotionally invested, so caught in the intensity of what they were feeling, that I just wanted to stay inside their story a little longer. Every moment, every look, every unspoken feeling mattered.

This book is raw. It’s heavy. It’s emotional. It’s intense.
And it stays with you.

The connection between Bullet and Harlee isn’t flashy or rushed — it’s quiet, painful, loyal, protective, and deeply rooted. It’s the kind of bond that feels earned. The kind that grows through pain, loss, patience, and presence. Their story isn’t about big dramatic gestures — it’s about showing up, staying, protecting, and loving someone even when they don’t know how to love themselves.

The emotional weight of this book is real. Grief, trauma, healing, loyalty, found family, devotion — it all feels genuine and grounded. Cala Riley’s writing makes everything feel human, not romanticized, not artificial. The pain feels real. The love feels real. The connection feels real.

This story didn’t just entertain me — it affected me.
It’s one of those books that leaves a mark. The kind that lingers in your mind long after you close it.

Bullet and Harlee’s story is soft and brutal at the same time. Tender and fierce. Gentle and intense. And that balance is what makes it so powerful.

This isn’t just another MC romance.
It’s emotional, raw, beautifully written, and deeply human.

Bullet is a story that stays with you.
And for me, that’s the highest compliment a book can get.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell head over heels for Bullet in his very first appearance as Jacob in Reaper’s book. He is young but so strong and let’s be honest this man is beyond loyal and protective. I had hoped that he would have his own book and was so excited when it was announced. Knowing that Harlee was going to be his old lady made me even more excited. It was when we get further into the series, we see just how protective this man really is with Harlee and how strong his feelings for her truly are. The thing is though, he knows that he can’t go for her knowing that her father, one of his brothers in the MC, doesn’t approve of anyone in a relationship with her. So, this forced proximity, forbidden romance with a sprinkle of some suspense is something that you are looking for, you have to pick up Bullet. I love how Bullet is there as much as he can to ensure that Harlee is always safe and there are a few times she really doesn’t want him to be there protecting her. Harlee is young and lost in so many ways. I don’t want to explain why since honestly you need to read it to understand but just know that her life got flipped upside down and she is struggling. It is seriously how strong both of them are and the way that they both love each other makes you want to cheer for them the entire time. I will say, keep in mind that Harlee has just graduated high school, so life experiences are limited but this young lady loves with her whole heart.

[Britney Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. The suspense of what William will be doing next to try and bring the club down is just wild!

Harlee and Bullet have been friends since he was just a prospect in the club and she was a teenager. Naturally she had her teenage crush on him from the beginning but he never saw her that way as she is a few years younger than him and his goal was to get into the club at whatever cost. So looking or even crushing on a club members daughter was not what he wanted to do.

Then tragedy struck when Harlee lost her mother, the OG old lady of the club and beloved lady all around. She naturally takes this hard and doesn’t know how to deal with losing her mother and best friend, but also she loses her dad as he gets lost in the bottle since he can’t handle losing the low of his life. Harlee goes down the wrong path just to numb herself to the pain. The only one that gets through to her is Bullet.

This is when he starts to notice Harlee for the woman she is now since she is of age now. He helps her find her way back to living for herself and remembering the good her mother brought to the club and everyone around them.

These two were always going to end up together, it was just a matter of them getting outta their own way. I loved their story. It is such a heartbreakingly beautiful love story.
.
.
.
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
10/10 recommendation‼️

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for these two and let me tell you they did not disappoint. Fair warning this book touches a lot of grief and how people hand it differently. For Harlee and her father Honk they handle it badly, I mean the loss of anyone is never easy let alone their Partner/Parent.

Harlee feels as though she lost both of her parents the day she lost her mom and in some ways she did. She also lost herself. But there has been one thing keeping her from drowning in it all. Bullet.

From the moment we met Bullet as a prospect in Reaper & Natalie’s story I just knew he was a special man. His bond with Natalie is what made me love him instantly. But to see the man he had grown into and how much Harlee, the club and his family mean to him. Made him rise to the top of my favorites.

There is not a thing in the world Bullet wouldn’t do for the people listed above. And watching their relationship go from friends who crush on each other to being one of the strongest couples I think of the series. Was amazing.

Harlee is a sassy woman who loses her spark when grief hits her hard. And honestly that’s so relatable. I have felt her pain. But to watch her deal with that pain and grow from it was amazing.


Cala Riley’s Lotus Mc series just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait for who’s next!!

[Cathy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars

This was the 5th book in this series and I have been waiting for Bullet since book 1 when he a took a bullet for Reaper's girl.  He has had a part in every story in this series and I just couldn't wait to see where his story would take us.

We have Harlee who grew up in the MC life but as we know in the last book has tradegy strike and her life is turned upside down and she feels on her own at this time.  She is growing up and going down a bad path and doesn't realize the support she has.  She has had a crush on Bullet since they first met and she has been waiting for him to see her as something more than just a friend.

Bullet (Jacob) has been friends with Harlee for quite a while and values that friendship but didn't realize there was potentially more until later in this story.  He was a constant in Harlee's life, especially when she needed someone in her corner and it was great to see how the feelings changed and the friendship grew into more.

This is definitely slow burn and takes some time getting into relationship status but does get there and it was worth the wait. There is drama, heartbreak, spice, intrigue and rebuilding of relationships that all add to the story and I am excited to see what other stories might give us!!!!

I am blessed to receive and ARC.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bullet by Cala Riley is an emotional and gripping MC romance that delivers heartfelt depth amid the grit of motorcycle club life. As the fifth book in the Lotus MC series, it follows Bullet, a loyal patched member, and Harlee Swift, the daughter of a club brother who's strictly off-limits. Their forbidden connection blossoms from friendship and shared grief into something deeper and more dangerous, tested by family tragedy, club rules, and external threats from a power-hungry antagonist.

I appreciated the raw portrayal of grief and healing, especially how Bullet steps up to support Harlee through her mother's death and her father's downward spiral, showing his tender side beneath the tough biker exterior. The chemistry builds slowly with authentic tension, balancing intense emotions, club drama, and just enough steam to keep things engaging. The found family dynamic within the MC adds warmth and stakes to their story.

While the forbidden love trope and MC conflicts feel familiar in the genre, Riley's strong character growth and emotional resonance make Bullet stand out. The pacing keeps you invested, though some external plotlines could have been tighter. Overall, I’m giving it four stars. It’s a moving, character-driven read perfect for fans of emotional MC romances with heart.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review for ‘Bullet’ by Cala Riley.

Here’s to another amazing book in from the Lotus MC series!
We follow Bullet and Haylee.
Haylee has always had a crush on Bullet, but it was always one sided.
After Haylee’s mother passes, and her dad Honk spirals into a drinking spiral, Bullet steps up to take care of Haylee.
Feelings start to develop, but there are rules to follow, she is off-limits! How will they navigate?

Bullet’s character is loyal, sweet, respectful, and so patient!
Haylee can be a handful, making decisions where I sometimes had to smh. I get she had issues, but pff yeah praise to Bullet for his patience with her lol🤣
Their chemistry flows nice, nothing OtT. Their 🌶️ is sweet, again nothing OtT, 🌶️ that hits just right in this storyline.
The surrounding characters are as usual blended in so well, the members being a tight knit family, the old ladies ready to always lend a helping hand when Haylee needs them.
Honk, grieving father, I had to chuckle at the end, because I foresee something special with this grumpy man🫣

I seriously enjoy how all the books all interconnected( even cross connected) yet can be read as standalone stories.
The background storyline still has William as the main character, with his war against MC gangs.
5/5⭐️

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullet and Harlee

Two years earlier, Harlee lost her mum, and effectively lost her dad at the same time, too. It’s a lot for a 17-year-old.
The story jumps two years to current time, and Harlee is struggling. Despite her struggles, and the fact that she had my sympathy, I initially struggled with her. She seemed unlikeable, and her self-destructive habits were hurting others. Perhaps, it’s because his POV showed just how he felt, and what he was doing. He was so selfless, sacrificing so much for her.

There was one situation that I really didn’t like, and it became a point of conflict. Absolutely no one considered Harlee in their decision, and when it continues to hurt her, they’re lucky that she didn’t spiral again. I was so disappointed in them….
I just wanted Harlee to be someone’s first choice.
Her father though, not a fan. At least he did pull his head in, but oh my lord… what a piee of work…

Overall, despite what I’ll call the blip, Bullet and Harlee’s story was gorgeous. He was so caring, and I loved how there was so much focus on his feelings for her.

I adored this book, and that bonus epilogue? Gorgeous, and such a different, but fitting end.

Thanks Cala Riley, for the opportunity to read in advance.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are we really five books deep into the Lotus MC Motorcycle series? Because Cala Riley—the powerhouse duo we all adore—just keep delivering. Every book hits harder, moves faster, and turns up the heat higher… but Bullet? This one digs straight into the heart with raw, emotional intensity you won’t see coming.

Bullet has finally earned his patch, but before that he was the prospect who kept his biggest secret buried—his feelings for Harlee, the girl who became his best friend. Their bond has always been complicated: she’s club family, and he’s the loyal, quiet biker carrying more devotion than he’ll ever admit out loud.

But when tragedy hits Harlee’s world, everything shifts. Over the next few years, it’s Bullet who steps up, who stays, who becomes her anchor when her dad can’t be. Yet loving the daughter of a long-standing club member as a newly patched-in brother? That’s a minefield. Add Harlee’s emotional spiral, and you’ve got a story that’s gritty, honest, and completely unputdownable.

Cala Riley perfectly blend the chaos, the brotherhood, the fire, and the vulnerability in this one. Bullet is packed with ups and downs, stolen moments, simmering tension, and a club that proves—yet again—family isn’t just blood, it’s chosen.

This is a hard-fought HEA, and when it finally lands… it’s everything. Perfect, passionate, and absolutely worth the ride.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book OMG !! Guys !! It’s just so freaking good . So addictive and emotionally charged , from beginning to end It was like being on the wildest ride at the amusement park . On the edge of my seat anticipating what would happen from one second to the next, devouring every single word to the point you can believe I actually lost track of time . Feeling everything from smiling and laughing to sobbing and yelling outta pure frustration, all while rooting so freaking hard . The characters, the complexities, the obstacles, the intrigue and suspense, the dark and steamy moments, the family and friendships. Now I’m not usually a MC Romance Girl at all . But Cala just might of Changed all that . I’m not sure what it was exactly, but something about Bullet and Haylee’s characters truly resonated with me , sure they had an insane connection, but it was more than that . Maybe it was how Bullet stepped up and took care of Haylee after her mother passed . How sweet he was with her . How patient and respectful and thoughtful and loving he is . Not to mention extremely protective. Before they neven know whats happening, feelings start to develop . Their journey was just so freaking beautiful

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖡𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖧𝖺𝗋𝗅𝖾𝖾
3.5 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

We are back with the Lotus MC and the prospect turned patched member got his book.

Bullet and Harlee's book to me was the most emotional one.

Harlee, after losing her mum she is going downhill. She's drinking, partying, taking drugs all to numb her feelings and pain. She may have lost her mum, but her dad is alive but at the same time he isn't living. She feels invisible and can't wait to get away from her town.

Bullet, he didn't see Harlee has anything other than a friend and daughter of one of his brothers, but when Harlee's mum died, and her dad checked out he became the person who showed up constantly. He was her protector, and during that time he fell for her.

This book was definitely emotional. Harlee went through a lot, but at times I also felt that she was just to selfish in her actions. Bullet, gosh, this man was patient.

The friendship and chemistry was amazing. And I really started to enjoy it a lot more once Harlee got her sh*t together.

The interconnected storyline from the first book is still present and looming, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Truly, deeply loved it.

The authors continue to prove that their MC stories are among their very best. Their MMCs are everything strong, protective, gentle, and impossibly devoted. The kind of men every FMC is lucky to have. Sweet and caring yet firm, knowing how to lead, how to protect, and exactly when to remind their women who the boss is, all while willing to burn the world for them. And their FMCs are absolute badasses!!

Harlee’s pain is heartbreaking. Losing her mother, who was not only her parent but her best friend, completely shattered her. As her father spirals into alcohol and grief, Bullet is the one who refuses to leave. He stands by her, saves her from herself, and pushes her to keep going, to finish school, to breathe again. Step by step, he becomes her strength when she has none left.
Together, they face her father, her insecurities, the threats against the club, and everything trying to break them, clinging to a love that feels like their only anchor. Their story hurt, healed, and stayed with me long after the last page.

Emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. Recommended
Thank you for the ARC 🤍

[Brittany Hayley Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fist off Bullet may have taken the spot of my favourite MC member. It follows Harlee who lost her mom, her dad Honk (mentioned in previous books in the series) has been drinking himself to death for 2 years so she lost him as well. While in her grief she’s been partying, doing drugs pretty much almost every night while her dad’s MC brother Bullet pretty much makes sure Harlee stays alive, goes to school and graduates. Harlee and Bullet become best friends. Harlee has had a huge crush on Bullet when she met him when she was 16. Now 19 she’s getting her life together with help from Bullet and other members of the MC, Bullet starts to see how the firecracker that is Harlee becoming. He starts to fall for her but with his loyalty to the MC and her dad can he stay away or will he risk everything for her? This book has it all spice, fighting, a badass FMC and the most sweetest loyal MMC. It is a slow burn but not in the painfully slow burn way. It shows the evolution of the characters development from friends to lovers. This book flowed so well much like Cala Riley’s other books. I loved it!

[xmanicpixiebookgirlx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Cala Riley. The Lotus MC series is so incredible and I really love reading about each member’s journey to find love. Bullet and Harley were a match made in fate. I loved to best friends to lovers / one sided pining. The age gap was perfect, I loved how Bullet remained a gentlemen throughout their early years and I loved how he kept her above water when her family couldn’t.

The background plot does follow from previous books that I hadn’t read yet so it was a little difficult to follow, but context clues helped navigate that. I was extremely excited when the book mentioned outside MC clubs, since I’ve read Savage and Fang from another chapter.

I will say my one downside to this book was how repetitive the story was. I understood that a huge part of the FMC’s story arc was grief, but it felt like every other paragraph was the same line of “I’m so sad, I’m angry, everything is bad.” As the story progressed it changed and I enjoyed it a lot more, it was just that very beginning that felt like the same line over and over.

I’m so excited to continue this series!! I love the Lotus MC!!