My club is burning from the inside out, and I’m caught in the middle. They want obedience, but that puts the only woman I’ve ever cared about at risk. Makenna was the best thing I ever had… until I let the club tear us apart.
No one knows she’s mine. Not even my brothers. So when it comes down to choosing between her and my patch, there’s no contest.
I’ll burn it all to the ground to keep her safe.
MAKENNA
Everyone thinks he stole me. They’re wrong. I’ve always belonged to Diesel, but when his loyalty wavered, I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
I should have known better. A man like Diesel doesn’t let go of what’s his. Now I’m caught in a world I don’t understand, staring down a war I didn’t know he was leading. Things aren’t what they seem. And secrets don’t stay buried forever.
The truth about what tore us apart might just destroy us both.
All books in the Untamed Sons universe can be read as standalones, but are better enjoyed read in order. This is a dark romantic story with a guaranteed happily ever after. It does have some strong language, graphic violence and content that might be triggering.
Zane known as Diesel to his brothers, has kept his wife Makenna a secret from his club. He had his reason's and if you have read the other books in this series you know what they are. What is did not figure into his efforts to keep Makenna safe is her reaction to being a secret. She does what she does best and runs. Their story started years ago in foster care the question is will it end here. The event we have all been waiting for is here the club war is here nad traitors will be exposed and dealt with. This is an emotional read and at times heartbreaking. By far the best book in the series. While you can read this as a stand alone I really think it is better to have read the first three books.
Just so good! I couldn't put this one down!! All series long, this club has been torn from the inside. It's been rough to see these guys fight against an unknown (and known) enemy. After the business with the Pioneers, the hope was they could build back the club stronger than before, but it's not an easy task when it's not safe to trust any club brother to have your back. Nic, Riot, Mace and Dash have been subtly working to unseat Crank - who has made the MC chapter a dangerous (and deadly) place for all.
Diesel has demons in his past that drive his decisions - both that moved him to join the USMC, and directs his decisions now. Makenna's safety is the ONLY thing that matters, and he will do anything to keep her safe. Unfortunately for him, she isn't going to make that easy! I loved their connection and the strength he has with her.
The storyline is full of everything we love about this club, and all that has come before, in this series - dangers, dis-loyalties, violence, lies, betrayals, passions and chemistry, angst and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the read, worried for the next twist. Definitely a rollercoaster of emotions!!
While you can enjoy any book as a stand-alone, this series should be read in order, as all of the USMC guys we loved in other chapters cross over here, and it's a much richer experience if you know them already. IMO.
I can. not. WAIT for the next story in this series! Fortunate to have received an ARC (thank you) I happily leave my thoughts.
"You can doubt everything, but never that I love you, that I need you. You and I are woven together in a way that can never be untangled."
5 stars
Holy damn, what a ride! This entire series has been building to this moment of confrontation between the club and Crank, with the tension expanding in each book. Diesel and Kenna's story was so different from previous Untamed Sons books for so many reasons, and I freaking loved every single word. Their story absolutely grabs you from the very first page and does not let up for one moment as Diesel and Kenna struggle to mend their marriage while the club fights for a better future. My stomach was in knots the entire time, but I could not stop reading as I have come to love these characters so much. Diesel was one of my favorite heroes so far in how obsessed and devoted he was to Kenna; from the moment they met as children he was willing to fight for her and protect her in every way. I loved the twists dropped in this story and cannot wait for the next book!🖤
Tropes: marriage-in-trouble, childhood protector-to-lovers, morally grey hero, heroine-on-the-run, forced proximity, she runs/he comes for her, second chance romance, touch her and die, MC violence & gore, care as control, burn the world down for her, found family, STEAMY🔥
TW: child abuse, implied child sexual assault, MC violence and gore, implied suicide attempt, kidnapping
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
This is a good story about childhood trauma that turns to a deep and meaningful love, that transcends everything. Diesel is about to lose his mind because the love of his life has left him and he needs her to breath. Makenna left because she was tired of being alone, even though she loves him, she can’t stand being jealous of the club and the time he spends there. When Diesel finds her and kidnaps her to a safe house, he finally explains what’s going on and why he never introduced her to the club brothers and their old ladies. Makenna let him know that she refuses to be second in their relationship no matter the reason. Makenna also lets him know that from now on, they are together or she’s gone. Diesel agrees, even though he is worried that something might happen to her and if it does, the hounds of Hell will have nothing on the destruction that he does to avenge her. The club and the old ladies start to rebuild and form a family that is strong and protective of the old ladies and the children. Diesel and Makenna, their love grows stronger and deeper as the years go by.
Diesel and his love for Makenna was a thing all could hope for in their life. He had kept her hidden from the MC for a long time just to keep her safe especially with things imploding within the club. Men were not sure where their loyalties were and Diesel was one of the men who many thoughts could go one way or another.
We not only had Diesel and Mackenna’s marriage front and center but we also had the club drama not knowing where things would land. This book was packed full of lies and betrayals, life and death, secrets and steam to make this an amazing MC romance. I highly recommend not only this book but the rest of the MC books this author has written.
Diesel" is a riveting romance set in the raw, unpredictable world of the Untamed Sons Motorcycle Club. With emotionally intense storytelling and deeply flawed, passionate characters, this novel promises (and delivers) far more than a standard love story. It’s a best friends to lovers tale—with high-stakes drama, loyalty tested at every turn, and a backdrop of motorcycle club intrigue that keeps the pages turning. My initial impression: be prepared for a wild, heart-wrenching ride that lingers long after the last page.
At the heart of the novel are Zane—known to his MC brothers as Diesel—and Makenna, nicknamed Firefly. Their relationship began years ago in foster care, where both grappled with trauma and learned the art of survival. Now married for four years, their bond is tested by both personal demons and external threats from within the club. Diesel’s decision to keep their marriage secret, aiming to shield Makenna from betrayal and violence, sets off a chain reaction of mistrust and danger in the MC. Meanwhile, Makenna’s instinct to run when things get tough adds another layer of tension, forcing both characters to confront the wounds of their past.
Diesel embodies the archetype of the possessive, protective alpha male. His actions are driven by fierce love and unwavering loyalty, but sometimes border on self-destructive—nearly costing him his marriage to Makenna. Through his eyes, we see the vulnerability beneath the bravado, a man torn between duty, love, and the complicated code of MC brotherhood.
Makenna, equally compelling, is shaped by her traumatic upbringing. Her tendency to flee, emotionally and physically, is both a survival mechanism and a challenge within her marriage. Yet beneath her fragility is a strength that shines, especially in moments when she chooses love over fear. Their dynamic—equal parts explosive and tender—anchors the novel’s emotional core.
The MC itself is more than a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character. Internal turmoil within the club not only threatens Diesel and Makenna but also exposes the cracks in what should be unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. Diesel’s loyalty is questioned, and the couple’s safety is anything but assured, raising the stakes for every decision they make.
The line that resonated most with me: “I would rather walk through the fire with you than sit alone in the ashes of what you leave behind.” This quote encapsulates the heart of Diesel and Makenna’s relationship—love as a choice to face adversity together, rather than seeking solace in solitude. It’s the perfect summation of the novel’s emotional journey and the sacrifices made for love.
"Diesel" is a compelling, emotionally intense romance that balances the grit of MC life with the tenderness of two scarred souls fighting for their future. The best friends to lovers arc is beautifully woven with themes of trust, forgiveness, and undying loyalty. I highly recommend this book for anyone who craves a story that’s equal parts passion and pain, with characters who feel achingly real. Whether you’re a romance reader or part of a book club searching for your next emotional read, this one is not to be missed.
3.75stars-DIESEL is the fourth instalment in Jessica Ames’ contemporary, adult UNTAMED SONS MC: BIRMINGHAM dark, erotic, MC romance series, a spin off set in the author’s UNTAMED SONS MC worlds. This is Zane aka Diesel, and Makenna’s story line. DIESEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Diesel and Makenna) DIESEL follows in the wake of the retrieval of our story line heroine. Makenna and Diesel grew up in the child welfare system, a system that was brutal and abusive for our story line couple. Makenna and Diesel fell in love, married one another but Deisel found himself in need of help, and joined the Untamed Sons MC, keeping his marriage to Makenna a secret from the men who would become his family. Fast forward to present day, Makenna is no longer happy with Diesel’s lifestyle and the MC, believing she remains his dirty little secret, a secret that is about to come full circle when the MC come looking for our story line hero. All is not well within the Untamed Sons MC, there is a fight for power, and anyone standing in the way is permanently removed.
The world building focuses on the struggling relationship between our story line couple as Diesel must prove his allegiance to the MC. Refusing to be tied down, Diesel (Zane) is desperate to protect the woman he is trying to hide but threats from within the MC force Diesel to take the next step to save the woman he loves.
The relationship between Diesel (Zane) and Makenna is one of best friends to lovers to married but in an effort to protect our story line heroine, Makenna remains behind the scenes, as Zane fears her life to be forfeit in the oncoming war. Makenna is tired of being left behind, and in this, our heroine decides it is time to cut the ties to the man whom she loves. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and aggressive.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Untamed Sons MC: Birmingham and their spouses. The requisite evil has many faces.
DIESEL is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is heart breaking, dramatic and edgy; the romance is limited; the characters are dynamic and desperate.
She left him. She couldn't stand being on the outside of his club. It was never supposed to be like this. They had been bonded since they were children in foster care. He is her person, but she can't stand having only part of him anymore. When he joined the club it was to give them a family, a brotherhood, something that two kids in fostercare never had. But when things went south, he had to keep her away while he figured it out. He wants the brotherhood and the family but he can't live without her. When she runs, he follows. There is no place she can go that he won't find her. But he has run out of time, the club is imploding and he will do anything to protect her. It is time to build something together or leave it all behind. This was a little bit of a different story. They are already married and their past unfolds as the story does. They have their own baggage to figure out as they try to unravel the drama at the club. He is crazy for his girl and nothing will stop him from being with her. A world where they are not together just doesn't exist for him. He is hot and tender and she is a fighter and completely in love with her man.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book starts out a bit different than the others in the series. A woman is on the run and you think she's trying to escape an abusive partner perhaps, but then we get the rest of the story. Diesel and Makenna have been together for years, married for four. And she left him because he's hiding something from her. And hiding her from his club. Diesel isn't ashamed for her, but scared he'll bring danger to her because of the war within his club. They not only have to fight for each other, but also those within the club, both the ones they know and those they don't. The romance is great, very realistic in the idea that marriage is hard and it's not always easy to deal with all the outside forces. I loved the ongoing story of the club as well and getting to see all the characters we've met in past books. This story was a real emotional roller coaster, but we get not only a HEA for our MCs, but also the club. But wait, this isn't the last story in the series. We get another one and I for one can't wait.
Wow! All Zade has tried to do since meeting Jenna is protect her, sadly that has meant being away from her almost constantly because of the situation with the club. It takes her leaving in desperation to finally have him realise he is losing her. This is a strong devotional love that very little can truly break, it takes strength to risk leaving to get him to see what's happening. It's filled with pain, trauma, abuse when young that can hit with memories when not expected. Most of all it shows they are stronger together and can face anything, stand side by side rather than one always in front. On the other side is club and finally getting resolution, it's not straight forward or easy. Figuring out who is trustworthy, who stands with them, has their backs or who the rats are, that is the hard part and betrayal stings. Fast paced, deep and emotional throughout. It's a story to invest your heart with, take time to sit and read without disturbance and fall in love with Zade and Kenna as I did, you won't be sorry. Jessica I felt this story, this love is everything.
Diesel is book four of the Untamed Sons MC: Birmingham Chapter.
When the story first started, I wasn't sure if Diesel was a good guy or not. But you quickly learn, he is not just a good guy, but he is the best guy for Makenna. We get to see a new side to him, the sweet and loving one. These two have known each other since they were children and have always been there for each other and have always loved each other. Their love has no limits and we can feel the terror Diesel has with the thought of losing Makenna. We can also feel the depression Makenna feels in the marriage, feeling like she is second place in his life. This was well written with both characters showcasing their fears and pain. Superb read!
There is a lot of action as we get later in the story, as the Sons have come together to get rid of the infestation taking over their MC and their town. Some suspenseful moments throughout.
The club’s civil war comes to a head as Zane and Makenna’s marriage reaches a critical point. Zane, aka Diesel, belongs to the Birmingham chapter of the Untamed Sons, which has been rotting from the inside to the point where he has to keep his wife Makenna hidden from the club. Zane and Makenna lived through nightmares together, starting with a foster home when she was seven and he was eight, and they have the kind of epic love that both builds and burns cities. I’m in awe. Cat’s Stats There is NO CHEATING but book is not safe because of TRIGGERS including but not limited to SA, self-harm, gallons of blood, graphic violence, child abuse, language, etc. Heat is EXPLICIT. TROPES include Childhood Sweethearts, Married to It, Marriage in Crisis, 1% Means 1%, Abused Hero and Heroine, Secret Marriage, Civil War, and Hail to the King Baby.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Welcome back to Birmingham! From the moment Diesel met Mackenna when he was 8 and she was 7, he knew she was is. Everything he's ever done is to protect her. But secrets, misunderstandings, and a looming war threaten to tear them apart. The club is in chaos, and Diesel doesn't know who is friend, and who is traitor. But, the time has come to pick a side and take a stand. Will Mackena understand why he kept her a secret from his club? Will the club understand? With the club war now upon them, will Diesel and Mackenna be standing at the end? And more importantly, will they be standing together? I have loved every book, every new club chapter introduced in this series. But Jessica Ames outdid herself with this one. Diesel has all the feels! Grab a box of tissues, curl up with your favorite fuzzy blanket, and hop on for one helluva ride!
I always get so excited when Jessica has a new release! I’m so addicted to her MC series & can’t get enough. The tension in this series has been building & Jessica has done an incredible job keeping it going & interesting, while delivering characters you fall in love with & can’t get enough of. Diesel was crazy good! From page one it’s a wild ride that had me hooked. Diesel & Kenna have a lot to deal with, between the trouble with Crank & they had issues & struggled with their marriage, it hasn’t been easy for them. But there’s no denying their love for each other. It was so incredible & intense watching these two & I absolutely loved their history & how much Diesel loved Kenna. There was nothing that man wouldn’t do for her. I have read all of Jessica’s books, and I have to say this is definitely one of my favorites.
Diesel and Makenna’s story is raw, emotional, and packed with intensity from start to finish. The two met as kids in foster care, forming a deep bond as they looked out for and protected each other through the toughest years of their lives. Their connection only grew stronger as they got older, eventually leading to marriage—but Diesel kept Makenna away from the club life to protect her from the chaos and violence that came with it.
When the club discovers Makenna’s existence, Diesel’s loyalty is suddenly questioned, and everything he’s fought to protect comes crashing down. What follows is a fast-paced, suspenseful ride as the brothers band together to clean house and take down the corrupt president tearing them apart from the inside.
Definitely another great story in this series—full of loyalty, love, and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood.
I’m loving this series so much,in this book we read about Diesel and Makenna. With all the drama going on in the club Diesel has kept Makenna hidden and his brothers have no idea that he is married. Makenna thinks Diesel is hiding her away because he doesn’t love her enough and is ashamed of her. Makenna runs when things get tough but Diesel always finds her. These two met when they were young in foster care together and have both survived hard lives. The drama in the club comes to a head, loyalty will be tested, lies,betrayal it’s all here. The devotion these two have for each other is beautifully breathtaking, their love is couple goals. This book is one of the best in this series, do yourself a favour and read this series in its entirety, I promise you will not be disappointed ❤️🖤
Zane aka Diesel and Makenna aka sometimes as Max grew up in foster care, met when they were 8 and 7 years old. They have suffered much, loved hard and now the club has become a third in their marriage. A major storm brewing g as she wants out and he is not prepared to let divorce. Everything has been done with good intentions, to keep her safe, to protect her but it has actually created the issues between them. Crank is still the loose canon and the trust and loyalty between brothers creates danger and drama in the power struggles to regain MC control and purpose. The chapter must be returned to safe hands, but Diesel must concentrate on Kenna and his loyalty and devotion to her will always be his main concern. The issue he faces is making sure the marr, his wife and the MC can coexist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy freaking shit!!! Yes! That is what I am starting with because this fucking book!!! Most emotionally charged book I have read by this author, I mean all her books are emotional! But this one took it to the eighth degree! By chapter 8 my heart was splashed across the floor like some Halloween slasher movie! Holy shit! The depth of feeling between Diesel and Makenna stole my breath and ALL my FEELS. Actually that not exactly true, there was no theft because I hamded them over willingly! And then throw in the club shit?! Holy fuck!! I was not sure I would survive this book! And in all honesty, I am not sure I did! If you have read this series so far, you are going to fucking love this!! And if you haven’t, well you have some catching up to do!!
What a total difference start of for this story it has been, I certainly never expected Zane already to have a wife. And that we see her running early in the story. But I loved Makenna for Zane/Diesel, she really has been the one that understands him the most. Now that things in the club have come to a head, its time for the men to take a stand with Nic heading them all. However are all the men faithful or does Nic still have a Rat in the mix?
This story will just gobble up your time, wanting to see how everything pans out with the club, and as far as Diesel and Makenna are concerned, its Makenna who makes a stand to stand by her man for thick or thin, whatever may happen she will be there right by his side. She is the air he breathes, and I just love that for both of them.
Zane/Diesel is fighting to hold onto the woman he loves. McKenna wants a divorce. She feels like a dirty secret as Diesel keeps her separate from his life in the club.
This was a heartwarming story. This couple has known and loved each other other since they were small. They have a history together. I loved this couple. Diesel is madly in love and needs McKenna in his life. McKenna loves him but needs a full time partner. This couple actually communicated and listened to each other (although he did kidnap her). There is violence as they try to fix problems with the club. The author pulls it together and weaves a great story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this book and series sends you on a rollercoaster of emotions. As the problems within the Chapter come to a head we find out more about Diesel and Makenna. They have known each other since they were children in the foster system and are married, but Diesel hasn't told anyone he is married as he fears for Makenna's safety with all that is going on, but the secrecy is pulling them apart. When his secret is revealed and matters come to a head, decisions have to be made, betrayals and traitors dealt with and the dead avenged. Full of drama, action and steam, with heartbreaking moments, this book has several twists and turns that will keep you on your toes as you read it, leaving you unable to put it down.
Love this series! I have read the other novels in this series and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. I was so excited to dive back into this series and this novel did not let me down. From the first chapter I was pulled right back in series and captured my attention until the very last page. So so good! This novel took me on such an emotional and wild ride. Once I started reading I could not put this novel down. I was on the edge of my seat reading and trying to guess what was coming next. I loved Diesel and Makenna's story. Their chemistry was so good and so intense. So so good! I loved it! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. Such a wild ride!
This was another gritty and gripping addition to the series but it unfolded in a different way from the previous books. Diesel has kept his wife, Makenna, hidden from the club due to the uncertainty/betrayals/danger going on there. This has caused him problems on all fronts... My heart was breaking for these two and then I was quickly flipped onto the edge of my seat watching the action, drama, danger, secrets and spice unfold! I loved the devotion that Diesel had for Makenna and just how strong she was. They were perfect for each other but their history well points to that. This really was a wild reading ride that does bring us a fair bit of closure for the over arcing plot but there's more to come ;P I can't wait to dive into the next book ;D
What a great read from start to finish it will have you hooked. The story between makenna and diesel is off the charts. Brought up together in foster care they only had each other to survive the traumatic events that took place. A blossoming love through survival. You can feel the how much love diesel has for her whilst reading this book it never ends he will do anything to protect her. However she doesn't need protecting she needs to be his equal and he realizes things are better when there are no secrets. The untamed sons finally get some answers towards the end, and diesel can finally start to build the family he has always wanted for himself and makenna. I can't wait to continue with the next book.
This was such a rollercoaster of a read both McKenna and Diesel (Zane) have been through so much, their love shines through… communication however not so great. Danger is close at hand in the Clubhouse and Diesel is not prepared to risk McKenna’s safety but Kenna’s fed up of not being a priority and a secret. This book was full of danger, drama, betrayal and retribution. In short I loved it and couldn’t put it down. Jessica Ames has delivered such a fantastic story bringing together all the threads that’ve kept me hanging from this Chapter with a few bonus cameos that were the icing on the cake. Read this book you won’t regret it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Birmingham chapter is fracturing, thru it all his wife has run from him talking about divorce. Diesel/Zane there is no divorce, she cannot get rid of him, he finds her and abducts her. They have been apart of each other's lives since they were 8, Zane has always looked out for Makenna.
He is going have to work to keep her, the other half of his soul, there is no him without her. Will he be able to keep her safe with the civil war in the club?
While this is a standalone for the couple, this is not for the overall story line, the series should be read in order. This an emotional read, these two have been their person, but when he was keeping secrets to protect her, he hurt her. I loved these two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one hit me hard in my heart. Makenna and Diesel met when they were little in foster care. Both have endured terrible childhoods and even when little they had a connection. They end up married, but Makenna feels like Diesel has been distant and no longer wants to be with her.
What a mistake!
Diesel’s life revolves around Makenna and when she tries to leave him, his world comes crashing down. Everything he does is for the love of his life and now he has to get her to understand.
The book is dark, hot and fast paced. I couldn’t put it down. Grabbed this when I was in a bit of a book funk and boy, did it get me motivated to read. I love Jessica Ames and this story did not disappoint. I can’t wait to read more of her upcoming books!
I loved this book. Fave me total Rage vibes where he is with the one who totally understand him.
I loved the secret wife trope and the lengths he went to with he to get her back.
The story is of two halves really, the first being the love story and history between Diesel and Makenna and this was done so beautifully. It really grabs you by the heart
Then we get into the darkness that is the club war, and wow does this go deep.
I loved this from the first page and can’t wait to get the next book
Amazing author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series with Mace and Maylia being my favorite and now I can add Diesel and McKenna to a good second. The love from the two of them made me forget the entire running plot of the story and focus solely on their love. While there were other details from their childhood I would have loved to seen (why exactly did Zane go to jail...etc) the subtle references to a night something happened to McKenna made me wonder. Im glad the story did reach its conclusion with Crank and loved how it all played out. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had everything we'd been waiting on so much more. From the very first few chapters we're hit with twists no one could of guessed, and they don't just stop there. Be prepared to be taken on rollercoaster of emotions. My head and heart hurt. This was very nearly a top read, but I personally found their past to be overshadowed by the present, I would loved learning more as it's what made them them. After the events in this book I'm both excited and scared to find out what happens in the next one. Yes my review is short and vague but I don't want to give anything away. (You'll understand when reading)