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8 Mile & Rion
Few call me Rion, but you can call me Junior.
Life was easy here on 8 Mile until the day I was told to leave Detroit.
When my dad died, the life I built at his request ended and I stepped back into the world I was born to live in—taking bets and when necessary, collecting on them by force.
I was raised in a man’s world, a world that embraced me, that I understood. Or so I thought.
One collection gone wrong was all it took to change the course of my life forever.
A homeless, bitter ex-Marine squatting in the property I was taking back changed everything.
Loyal Hart was hiding from the ghosts of war. He never wanted to be found, but I wasn't raised to leave a man behind. Despite his nasty words and dirty looks, I knew a good man when I saw one. This angry man had the edge I needed to get results in my line of work, so I hired him. He proved to be more damaged than I ever thought possible, and too soon I realized that I couldn’t live without him.
Loyal found it easier to battle his feelings for me than he did his own demons. Though he kept me safe, even putting his body at risk in the process, he fought even harder to keep me at arm’s length. When true danger came, I saw what he was really made of, and why he lied to keep himself a secret.
A smart bookie always knows her odds.
So I took the risk and bet it all on the man who wouldn't even bet on himself.
Life was easy here on 8 Mile until the day I was told to leave Detroit.
When my dad died, the life I built at his request ended and I stepped back into the world I was born to live in—taking bets and when necessary, collecting on them by force.
I was raised in a man’s world, a world that embraced me, that I understood. Or so I thought.
One collection gone wrong was all it took to change the course of my life forever.
A homeless, bitter ex-Marine squatting in the property I was taking back changed everything.
Loyal Hart was hiding from the ghosts of war. He never wanted to be found, but I wasn't raised to leave a man behind. Despite his nasty words and dirty looks, I knew a good man when I saw one. This angry man had the edge I needed to get results in my line of work, so I hired him. He proved to be more damaged than I ever thought possible, and too soon I realized that I couldn’t live without him.
Loyal found it easier to battle his feelings for me than he did his own demons. Though he kept me safe, even putting his body at risk in the process, he fought even harder to keep me at arm’s length. When true danger came, I saw what he was really made of, and why he lied to keep himself a secret.
A smart bookie always knows her odds.
So I took the risk and bet it all on the man who wouldn't even bet on himself.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2014
19 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 10, 2014
I FUCKING LOVED IT!
I may say this because it's still fresh in my mind, but I think I loved this one more than the Brutal series. *jaws drop* Yeah, I know...I can't believe it either, especially since I loved that series. But this one? Takes the cake, all the way to the bank!!
I'm not gonna break it down for ya, but I'll give ya a little insight. Rion (Junior) kicks ass. Wanna know why? Because this author kicks ass! I can imagine that writing a character as sassy and fierce as Junior, the author has to be hardwired just the same. Don't shake your head no at me, Kelly...I'm on to you ;)
Anywho, back on point. Loyal? He's forty-nine shades (cuz I'm sure 50 is copywrited somehow) of fucked up...and he's in his own category anyway. But who doesn't like a hero with issues? Perfect is boring, crazy is fun, but damaged? Now there's a winner! Uncle Sam may have ruined him but Junior knows when a second chance is needed, and this guy sure needed a few of them.
I also loved Rio and can't wait for his story. My heart broke (just a little) for him at the end...I'm a sucker for someone in need of saving.
Note to Author: You rock! I love your writing, kick-ass characters, and fucked up plot twists. Thanks for putting Detroit back up on the map. I admire the fuck outta you and I'm totally fan-girling right now. Keep those stories coming and I'll always be in the virtual line to download them.
I may say this because it's still fresh in my mind, but I think I loved this one more than the Brutal series. *jaws drop* Yeah, I know...I can't believe it either, especially since I loved that series. But this one? Takes the cake, all the way to the bank!!
I'm not gonna break it down for ya, but I'll give ya a little insight. Rion (Junior) kicks ass. Wanna know why? Because this author kicks ass! I can imagine that writing a character as sassy and fierce as Junior, the author has to be hardwired just the same. Don't shake your head no at me, Kelly...I'm on to you ;)
Anywho, back on point. Loyal? He's forty-nine shades (cuz I'm sure 50 is copywrited somehow) of fucked up...and he's in his own category anyway. But who doesn't like a hero with issues? Perfect is boring, crazy is fun, but damaged? Now there's a winner! Uncle Sam may have ruined him but Junior knows when a second chance is needed, and this guy sure needed a few of them.
I also loved Rio and can't wait for his story. My heart broke (just a little) for him at the end...I'm a sucker for someone in need of saving.
Note to Author: You rock! I love your writing, kick-ass characters, and fucked up plot twists. Thanks for putting Detroit back up on the map. I admire the fuck outta you and I'm totally fan-girling right now. Keep those stories coming and I'll always be in the virtual line to download them.
December 27, 2014
Second chances…everyone deserves them? Growing up that is all Junior knew, if someone came in and had it rough her dad didn’t even blink he gave them a shot. Never needing more than the words to back up the claim. That transferred onto Junior…seeing someone in need made her stake her claim. A family of misfits so to speak, the ones that don’t fit in the mold society so tightly upholds. A life she was proud of…but when the patriarch falls the pieces he leaves behind may be too much for her to put back.
Rion grew up knowing she was loved…placing bets, collecting and growing up on the streets of Detroit’s 8 mile is not the usual for a beautiful young girl, but this isn’t your typical girl. As always KS Adkins writes a tough, sassy, can hold her own female (like someone else I know) that doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her kind of fun involves guns, gambling and fucking shit up. After her dad passes she takes over the bookie business and finds it all wasn’t as it seemed and she had been protected into debt. Starting with the first collection she is broadsided by a beast of a man, the poster child of needing a second chance, little did Rion know that this second chance was her first and only.
Beautiful love story, as only Ms. Adkins can deliver. Taking a hero that has only known the worst about himself and shining a light on what makes him the absolute best for Rion. The journey to being able to get past their own flaws and insecurities and find a way to embrace the life that has been gifted his second chance was an amazing transformation to witness. Their love story is not conventional, not easily come by but when they finally get beyond the bumps in the road the future looks stunning…yeah?
http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
http://www.twounrulygirls.com
Rion grew up knowing she was loved…placing bets, collecting and growing up on the streets of Detroit’s 8 mile is not the usual for a beautiful young girl, but this isn’t your typical girl. As always KS Adkins writes a tough, sassy, can hold her own female (like someone else I know) that doesn’t take shit from anyone. Her kind of fun involves guns, gambling and fucking shit up. After her dad passes she takes over the bookie business and finds it all wasn’t as it seemed and she had been protected into debt. Starting with the first collection she is broadsided by a beast of a man, the poster child of needing a second chance, little did Rion know that this second chance was her first and only.
Beautiful love story, as only Ms. Adkins can deliver. Taking a hero that has only known the worst about himself and shining a light on what makes him the absolute best for Rion. The journey to being able to get past their own flaws and insecurities and find a way to embrace the life that has been gifted his second chance was an amazing transformation to witness. Their love story is not conventional, not easily come by but when they finally get beyond the bumps in the road the future looks stunning…yeah?
http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls
http://www.twounrulygirls.com
August 13, 2016
Nope...
I'm really surprised I finished this book. Maybe it's because of the plot. I could see where the author was trying to go. And even appreciate & understand it. But the execution of all these things just didn't work for me.
Mainly it was the way too much back & forth with the MCs over the course of this novel, went. It was more irritating than endearing to watch unfold. And it painted the picture of the heroine either being too stupid, or her just enjoying being toyed with emotionally or both. While painting the hero as someone who whines more like a b&tch, rather than growls like the Alpha he's trying to be portrayed as.
The Love Triangle that comes late in the game, didn't help this story either. And it comes completely out of left field too. Because of the way you've gotten to know the characters & their interactions with each other, it made it seem off & not organic at all. So this aspect of the plot serves as more of a pointless hook/migraine in the midst of all the other contrivances & back & forths you're already dealing with.
The secondary plot, though it had a few surprising twists, still came off as weak overall. And again, the execution of all of this & how it comes to a close, ends with a fizzle rather than a bang. Not to mention quite a few grammar mistakes here & missing words, that causes you to have to re-read something twice to make sure you read it right. So it kind of throws you out of the flow of a scene sometimes.
All of this just couldn't get me to fall in love with the characters or their plights. So this one was definitely a miss for me.
No. I would not recommend this read.
I'm really surprised I finished this book. Maybe it's because of the plot. I could see where the author was trying to go. And even appreciate & understand it. But the execution of all these things just didn't work for me.
Mainly it was the way too much back & forth with the MCs over the course of this novel, went. It was more irritating than endearing to watch unfold. And it painted the picture of the heroine either being too stupid, or her just enjoying being toyed with emotionally or both. While painting the hero as someone who whines more like a b&tch, rather than growls like the Alpha he's trying to be portrayed as.
The Love Triangle that comes late in the game, didn't help this story either. And it comes completely out of left field too. Because of the way you've gotten to know the characters & their interactions with each other, it made it seem off & not organic at all. So this aspect of the plot serves as more of a pointless hook/migraine in the midst of all the other contrivances & back & forths you're already dealing with.
The secondary plot, though it had a few surprising twists, still came off as weak overall. And again, the execution of all of this & how it comes to a close, ends with a fizzle rather than a bang. Not to mention quite a few grammar mistakes here & missing words, that causes you to have to re-read something twice to make sure you read it right. So it kind of throws you out of the flow of a scene sometimes.
All of this just couldn't get me to fall in love with the characters or their plights. So this one was definitely a miss for me.
No. I would not recommend this read.
October 16, 2014
It probably comes as no surprise to know that I loved this book, I'm a huge KS Adkins fan and I'm always excited about where she's going to take us next. This was no exception, I was getting whiplash with Rion and Loyal never knowing exactly what they were up to, one minute I thought I knew what was going on then things completely changed and I was on the edge of my seat again. Rion is softer than the Detroit After Dark girls, she's grown up being Daddy's princess but she's still got that strong will and no mess attitude that makes this author's heroines stand out. Loyal is the broken man who Rion wants and needs to fix. If you read and loved the Detroit After Dark series I have no doubt you're going to love this too!
Reviewed from ARC.
Reviewed from ARC.
September 6, 2015
Absolute brilliance.
There was suspense, angst, sexy alpha male, and smart mouthed woman!. Add in some serious action that has me grinding my teeth, and clenching my hands and I will scream for more!
Rion, aka Junior and Loyal will have you screaming at your screen.
I love the dual POV
KS you get better with every story I swear, now go write more!
There was suspense, angst, sexy alpha male, and smart mouthed woman!. Add in some serious action that has me grinding my teeth, and clenching my hands and I will scream for more!
Rion, aka Junior and Loyal will have you screaming at your screen.
I love the dual POV
KS you get better with every story I swear, now go write more!
December 3, 2014
LOVED IT!!!
If you want a strong heroine with a smart mouth that can kick some ass (literally), you found her in Rion. Just like Kelly's other heroines, Rion is not perfect and she's certainly not girly. You won't find her parked in a nail salon chatting with her bestie. No you will find her at the shooting range. I am seriously in love with this character.
If you want a strong heroine with a smart mouth that can kick some ass (literally), you found her in Rion. Just like Kelly's other heroines, Rion is not perfect and she's certainly not girly. You won't find her parked in a nail salon chatting with her bestie. No you will find her at the shooting range. I am seriously in love with this character.
July 20, 2016
It is no secret that I am a big KS Adkins fan. Ever since I’ve read her
‘Detroit After Dark’ series I was hooked on her writing. I love her honest, raw, gritty and unique voice. She writes take-no-shit heroines that still manage to sustain a sense of vulnerability and inner strength throughout a lot of troubles.
Rion is a very complex character. She is extremely headstrong and can easily defend herself, but at the same time, she is also very forgiving and vulnerable, and shows this on many occasions. Her forgiving nature is probably the one trait that is both very valuable and inconvenient, as well as her tendency to hand out second chances. However, her giving out second chances is also the reason she meets Loyal and her life changes.
Loyal is a veteran who has just arrived state side, only to find he lost the live he thought he had. During his years as a Marine he saw some crazy shit and has come home ‘wrong’, as he calls it. He has nightmares and a whole lot of other issues he tries to ignore. It takes meeting Rion to change all that and for him to start fighting for his life.
This story has never gotten boring and had one twist after another, just about giving me whiplash. Rion and Loyal’s chemistry is palpable and explosive. They have to fight for their happily ever after tooth and nails, which is what makes them much more lovable. I love the depth to both characters and their wide range of displayed emotions.
This book is amazing and my favorite so far. The characters as well as the story has been well thought through and very well written. Everyone who loves a kick-ass heroine should give this book and author a chance! It’s well worth it!
‘Detroit After Dark’ series I was hooked on her writing. I love her honest, raw, gritty and unique voice. She writes take-no-shit heroines that still manage to sustain a sense of vulnerability and inner strength throughout a lot of troubles.
Rion is a very complex character. She is extremely headstrong and can easily defend herself, but at the same time, she is also very forgiving and vulnerable, and shows this on many occasions. Her forgiving nature is probably the one trait that is both very valuable and inconvenient, as well as her tendency to hand out second chances. However, her giving out second chances is also the reason she meets Loyal and her life changes.
Loyal is a veteran who has just arrived state side, only to find he lost the live he thought he had. During his years as a Marine he saw some crazy shit and has come home ‘wrong’, as he calls it. He has nightmares and a whole lot of other issues he tries to ignore. It takes meeting Rion to change all that and for him to start fighting for his life.
This story has never gotten boring and had one twist after another, just about giving me whiplash. Rion and Loyal’s chemistry is palpable and explosive. They have to fight for their happily ever after tooth and nails, which is what makes them much more lovable. I love the depth to both characters and their wide range of displayed emotions.
This book is amazing and my favorite so far. The characters as well as the story has been well thought through and very well written. Everyone who loves a kick-ass heroine should give this book and author a chance! It’s well worth it!
July 15, 2015
Omg I haven't read this authors books before but it is now going to change,the story gets you right at the start, emotionally it draws you in and from there you are hooked, the characters are brilliant and strong and your emotions are good and bad but you really can't stop reading because it is one of those reads that has pulled you in and you don't put it down,truly brilliant story and amazing writing by the author
December 2, 2014
8 Mile & Rion was amazing! As usual KS didn't disappoint. I loved the strength of Rion's character and her love for Loyal. And of course this story grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. It still hasn't let go. Darn, I read that too fast; how am I supposed to wait for the next one?
March 2, 2015
Amazing story
was refreshing to read a book like this..its was refreshing, addictive and a great story.
Loyal and Rion are my fav characters this year!
i loved the story and plot.
it was action packed with danger,love and Ptsd!
cannot wait for rios book!
was refreshing to read a book like this..its was refreshing, addictive and a great story.
Loyal and Rion are my fav characters this year!
i loved the story and plot.
it was action packed with danger,love and Ptsd!
cannot wait for rios book!
November 21, 2014
4-4.5 stars.
Another great story from K.S. Adkins. There was twist after twist and it never got boring. I really liked Rion and Loyal. They were perfect for each other. :)
Another great story from K.S. Adkins. There was twist after twist and it never got boring. I really liked Rion and Loyal. They were perfect for each other. :)
November 14, 2015
OMG. K.S Adkins you did it again. Just when I think I have read your best you go and write this. Rion is on bad ass chick and Loyal is the best.
June 5, 2015
Everyone deserves a second chance ...
I loved this story! The relationship between the two main characters Rion and Loyal, was, in one word, explosive ... Along with the two of them, their dysfunctional supporting cast helped to make this book one crazy read! Rion is a thirty year old, hell
-on-wheels bookie who is trying to put her life back together after the loss of her dad who was THE bookie. Together, they ran his business. Loyal, an alpha, ex-Marine comes back from his years of service very mentally ( sort of PTSD) damaged with nothing and no one. There's so many reasons why Rion and Loyal shouldn't work, but these two are perfect for each other. This story isn't easy. Someone going through a traumatic meltdown is hard to take. This story is raw, brutal, intense, and beautiful all at the same time. There were so many layers of f#cked-up ness to Loyal that I really wondered how this book would all end. Damn, K.S. Adkins knows exactly how to suck you into her stories and spit you out ~ you'll be thanking her that she did. Brilliant ...
I loved this story! The relationship between the two main characters Rion and Loyal, was, in one word, explosive ... Along with the two of them, their dysfunctional supporting cast helped to make this book one crazy read! Rion is a thirty year old, hell
-on-wheels bookie who is trying to put her life back together after the loss of her dad who was THE bookie. Together, they ran his business. Loyal, an alpha, ex-Marine comes back from his years of service very mentally ( sort of PTSD) damaged with nothing and no one. There's so many reasons why Rion and Loyal shouldn't work, but these two are perfect for each other. This story isn't easy. Someone going through a traumatic meltdown is hard to take. This story is raw, brutal, intense, and beautiful all at the same time. There were so many layers of f#cked-up ness to Loyal that I really wondered how this book would all end. Damn, K.S. Adkins knows exactly how to suck you into her stories and spit you out ~ you'll be thanking her that she did. Brilliant ...
November 20, 2018
This book begins when Rion's dad dies and she has to take over the business. She never would have known how in over his head he was until it's her turn to make it turn out okay. But, someone is out to get her and stalking her. Then when Loyal shows up out of the blue she can't say away from him, however, he has demons he's fighting and has no idea how to deal with them or her.
These two have a lot to get through if they want to even try to make it work, but that may be a moot point of Rion can't stay safe.
This book was okay. I really had a hard time liking the characters at times because of the decisions they made. I felt Loyal gave up a lot, and I felt like Rion pushed too hard too fast at times.
But, other than that I liked the plot line of the story, and I thought the side characters were pretty interesting too. I look forward to more by this author.
These two have a lot to get through if they want to even try to make it work, but that may be a moot point of Rion can't stay safe.
This book was okay. I really had a hard time liking the characters at times because of the decisions they made. I felt Loyal gave up a lot, and I felt like Rion pushed too hard too fast at times.
But, other than that I liked the plot line of the story, and I thought the side characters were pretty interesting too. I look forward to more by this author.
November 19, 2014
Oh my good I love Rion she is a bad ass that's a bit lost. Rion is a bookie and after losing her dad she fights to keep the business going.
she send enforcers to collect on debt and they get knocked out by Loyal ex marine.
Rion and loyal become a couple that love hard and fight harder. They break up and make up but one thing is song they love each other even if Loyal struggles to understand that is what he's feeling. Rion gets kidnapped after receiving letters saying she is owed as debt for a bet. Loyal has to find her with help from her best friend Rio who also loves her.
lots of twists and turns. A must read
she send enforcers to collect on debt and they get knocked out by Loyal ex marine.
Rion and loyal become a couple that love hard and fight harder. They break up and make up but one thing is song they love each other even if Loyal struggles to understand that is what he's feeling. Rion gets kidnapped after receiving letters saying she is owed as debt for a bet. Loyal has to find her with help from her best friend Rio who also loves her.
lots of twists and turns. A must read
March 2, 2015
Absolutely amazing Read!! This is my first K.S. Adkins read but it will not be my last!! I love a strong woman and Rion is one of the strongest leading women I have ever read! Loyal is so damaged though. Damaged from his youth, his "wife" and his time at war. Rion has her own issues living in a mans world and just having lost her father. She takes over his business and demands to be treated like an equal. She and Loyal meet under bumpy circumstances but immediately feel a intense connection. I loved that Rion would not take crap off of Loyal and that Loyal fought so hard to straighten out his head so that he could be the man Rion deserves!! 5+++
March 18, 2015
What an AMAZING BOOK!!! Five stars isn't enough!! Since there are so many reviews describing the story, I'll just tell you my opinion on this whole story. LOVED Rion, love her kind spirit, yet she's a spitfire!! Rio, what a true friend he is to Rion aka Junior. As much as he loved her all those years, he stayed in the shadows like Junior's dad asked him to. Loyal, messed up in so many ways!!! However, Junior gives him a second chance and a third, etc.! This book has it all!! It's sexual, it's a mystery, it's drama, it's love and it keeps you on the edge of your seat!! LOVED this book and it's a definite MUST READ!! I look forward to reading Convincing Bet...Rio's story.
November 30, 2014
Damn this author is tryna kill me! I finished reading Rion and Loyal hours ago and DAAAYUUUM! I had to stew on it for awhile cuz that book had me all kinds of twisted fucked-upness! WOW..just Wow! This was almost a brutal read for me because I felt that shit...like right here *pounding on my chest*...This story broke my heart wide fuckin' open and thankfully by the time I got to the end, my heart was whole again and all was good. Awesome freakin' job! I LOVED it and I can't wait for Rio's story!
February 7, 2015
Wow just wow!!!
I fucking love K.S. Adkins!!! Her books are absolutely amazing and written very well with great story lines. There were a few grammatical errors but they weren't anything that messes you up while reading like I have found in other books. Also I just want to point out that I love the fact that her female characters are the alphas.. as a woman I feel that's the way it should be. No shit!!! Anyways definitely more than five stars if I could but I would and have recommended any and all of her books to everyone I know!!
Emily Harrison
I fucking love K.S. Adkins!!! Her books are absolutely amazing and written very well with great story lines. There were a few grammatical errors but they weren't anything that messes you up while reading like I have found in other books. Also I just want to point out that I love the fact that her female characters are the alphas.. as a woman I feel that's the way it should be. No shit!!! Anyways definitely more than five stars if I could but I would and have recommended any and all of her books to everyone I know!!
Emily Harrison
alpha-romance
March 4, 2015This is a story I had to marinate before writing my review. I love the strength of Rion's character and the strength of her love for Loyal, and those she considers family. The twists and turns had me all tied up in knots for this couple. This is a dark romance that keeps you on the edge. The Author definitely keeps you turning the page. Rion and Loyal’s chemistry is palpable and explosive, it continually kept giving me whiplash. The book was well worth reading and I thank K.S Adkins for giving me the opportunity to read one of her stories.
March 4, 2015
Given this for ARC review. This is the first book by her I've read, now I'm thinking where have you been? Well written with great story line Really enjoyed the characters in this book. The female has good strong role instead of the male which is refreshing 5 star rating as refreshing to read from a new author to me! Really enjoyed the story and the twist and turn in the book.....looking forward to reading more from her
November 22, 2014
Love strong heroines and Junior def was a bad ass her relationship with Loyal was tough from the get go ohhhh but the chemistry was off the charts a lot of angst back and forth therapy and friends declaring there love a psyco stalker and of course Love and a sweet HEA what more can u ask for!!!!
March 12, 2015
First of all.....I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Second of all.....are you freaking kidding me?!?! This book is one of my top 5 favorites so far this year. Emotional, action packed, incredibly intense and sexy as hell!!
January 6, 2015
That story was a crazy roller coaster of drama. I'm not sure how to describe it but I actually really loved it. It is different to what I have been reading and not what I expected.
December 19, 2018
Just read it!
I have a hard time giving 5 stars to anyone, so first why only 3. Editing.. it needed a bit more. BUT the story was awesome. It was good enough I has easily able to over look grammar problems. I even had a hard time putting it done to go to bed.
I have just recently started reading this author and with each book I am becoming addicted.
Her characters become real and issues become.... yeah my heart starts beating, I get flustered, pissed, sad, happy, and I even laugh at loud and have to read that scene over to get that feeling one more time.
Loyal just pissed me off at times. I didn’t always like him. Rion well to tell you the truth she did too. But the thing about books and good stories is that they pull you in and make you need to see what happens next. They make you think.. if I had given just one more second chance could it have been beautiful; or if I had been given just one more chance.. a good books takes you out of your shoes and into someone else’s. Even though the loyal and ruin pissed me off at times I still loved the book, still hoped for that next chance.
Supporting characters, what can I say... Rio’s story will be the next I read. She has a way in all her books I have read to bring the supporting characters out that makes you want to know more about them but doesn’t over shadow the main ones.
This author make me want to visit Detroit. And see the beauty in the chaos I read about.
I have a hard time giving 5 stars to anyone, so first why only 3. Editing.. it needed a bit more. BUT the story was awesome. It was good enough I has easily able to over look grammar problems. I even had a hard time putting it done to go to bed.
I have just recently started reading this author and with each book I am becoming addicted.
Her characters become real and issues become.... yeah my heart starts beating, I get flustered, pissed, sad, happy, and I even laugh at loud and have to read that scene over to get that feeling one more time.
Loyal just pissed me off at times. I didn’t always like him. Rion well to tell you the truth she did too. But the thing about books and good stories is that they pull you in and make you need to see what happens next. They make you think.. if I had given just one more second chance could it have been beautiful; or if I had been given just one more chance.. a good books takes you out of your shoes and into someone else’s. Even though the loyal and ruin pissed me off at times I still loved the book, still hoped for that next chance.
Supporting characters, what can I say... Rio’s story will be the next I read. She has a way in all her books I have read to bring the supporting characters out that makes you want to know more about them but doesn’t over shadow the main ones.
This author make me want to visit Detroit. And see the beauty in the chaos I read about.
September 20, 2018
Rion is a smart, tough cookie, stubborn to a fault, but she's someone who'll always have your back. Loyal is a battle-hardened warrior who has suffered too deeply to feel like he can ever truly be loved and love someone. Their difficult pasts both made them into the strong-willed people they became. I loved that they fought such an uphill battle, but it was so deeply gut-wrenching. Rion was such a bada$$, and Loyal needed to learn how to love again. I cried for Rio, and I hope his story brings him redemption.
October 24, 2019
Perfect book!!!
April 20, 2020
If you believe in second chances, then this is for you! I feel like I’m one of the characters in KS Adkins books the way the stories intertwine, yet stand alone.
September 14, 2015
4.5 Stars
It is no secret that I am a big K.S. Adkins fan. Ever since I’ve read her ‘Detroit After Dark’ series I was hooked on her writing. I love her honest, raw, gritty and unique voice. She writes take-no-shit heroines that still manage to sustain a sense of vulnerability and inner strength throughout a whole lot of troubles. All of this makes for a very eagerly awaited novel that even though it not directly implemented in her first series, is still placed in the same environment and connected to it. I couldn’t wait for this story!
Rion is a very complex character. She is extremely headstrong and can easily defend herself, but at the same time, she is also very forgiving and vulnerable, and shows this on many occasions. Her forgiving nature is probably the one trait that is both very valuable and inconvenient, in combination with her tendency to hand out second chances. However, her giving out second chances is also the reason she meets Loyal, which changes her life drastically.
Loyal is a veteran who has just arrived state side, only to find he lost the life he thought he had. During his years as a Marine he saw some crazy shit and has come home ‘wrong’, as he calls it. He has nightmares and a whole lot of other issues he tries to ignore. Living in denial seems to work for him. It takes meeting Rion to change all that and for him to start fighting for a life that includes more than just existing.
This story has never gotten boring and had one twist after another; just about giving me whiplash. Rion and Loyal’s chemistry is palpable and explosive. They have to fight for their happily ever after tooth and nails, which is what makes them much more lovable. I love the depth to both characters and their wide range of displayed emotions.
~Review by Anja
It is no secret that I am a big K.S. Adkins fan. Ever since I’ve read her ‘Detroit After Dark’ series I was hooked on her writing. I love her honest, raw, gritty and unique voice. She writes take-no-shit heroines that still manage to sustain a sense of vulnerability and inner strength throughout a whole lot of troubles. All of this makes for a very eagerly awaited novel that even though it not directly implemented in her first series, is still placed in the same environment and connected to it. I couldn’t wait for this story!
Rion is a very complex character. She is extremely headstrong and can easily defend herself, but at the same time, she is also very forgiving and vulnerable, and shows this on many occasions. Her forgiving nature is probably the one trait that is both very valuable and inconvenient, in combination with her tendency to hand out second chances. However, her giving out second chances is also the reason she meets Loyal, which changes her life drastically.
Loyal is a veteran who has just arrived state side, only to find he lost the life he thought he had. During his years as a Marine he saw some crazy shit and has come home ‘wrong’, as he calls it. He has nightmares and a whole lot of other issues he tries to ignore. Living in denial seems to work for him. It takes meeting Rion to change all that and for him to start fighting for a life that includes more than just existing.
This story has never gotten boring and had one twist after another; just about giving me whiplash. Rion and Loyal’s chemistry is palpable and explosive. They have to fight for their happily ever after tooth and nails, which is what makes them much more lovable. I love the depth to both characters and their wide range of displayed emotions.
~Review by Anja
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February 7, 2016I loved this book! Honestly, I only bought it because it is set in Detroit. That isn't a common setting for most books, so I thought I would try it. This was my first book by K.S. Adkins but it won't be my last.
Rion is named after her father who raised her. She is the type of character that I really enjoy. A female character with a backbone. Working as a bookie, she is a woman in a man's world. It isn't easy, but she doesn't take crap from anyone.
"Save the ‘you have a vagina so you’re not my equal’ speech for someone else."
Life is life....she takes the hits as they come. The story begins with her finding out some hard truths about her father. Truths that make things difficult for her and their business.
Loyal is an alpha male to the extreme. As a Marine, he has seen some awful things. Things that left him trying to cope with every day life. His life prior to the Marines was also rough. Now he is left looking for his brother. Inadvertently, this leads him to the bookie his brother owes money to, Rion. She isn't at all who he expected to find. It is priceless reading how he tries to figure this strong take charge female out.
I loved seeing the struggles between a strong female character and a strong male character. The conflicts between Rion and Loyal are epic. Rion really stole the show for me. She seemed so real. As the reader, you just get her. You feel what she is going through. The story made me laugh. It made me cry. It made my heart break a little....and it made me happy.
Thank you, K.S. Adkins. I truly enjoyed 8 Mile & Rion. I can't wait to read more from you.
Rion is named after her father who raised her. She is the type of character that I really enjoy. A female character with a backbone. Working as a bookie, she is a woman in a man's world. It isn't easy, but she doesn't take crap from anyone.
"Save the ‘you have a vagina so you’re not my equal’ speech for someone else."
Life is life....she takes the hits as they come. The story begins with her finding out some hard truths about her father. Truths that make things difficult for her and their business.
Loyal is an alpha male to the extreme. As a Marine, he has seen some awful things. Things that left him trying to cope with every day life. His life prior to the Marines was also rough. Now he is left looking for his brother. Inadvertently, this leads him to the bookie his brother owes money to, Rion. She isn't at all who he expected to find. It is priceless reading how he tries to figure this strong take charge female out.
I loved seeing the struggles between a strong female character and a strong male character. The conflicts between Rion and Loyal are epic. Rion really stole the show for me. She seemed so real. As the reader, you just get her. You feel what she is going through. The story made me laugh. It made me cry. It made my heart break a little....and it made me happy.
Thank you, K.S. Adkins. I truly enjoyed 8 Mile & Rion. I can't wait to read more from you.
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