The Trust We Broke

Iron Outlaws MC: Colorado #5

by Scarlett Cole

🏍️ MC Romance
⚖️ President vs. Lawyer
💔 Second Chance Romance
💥 Enemies to Lovers
🫦 Hands Off My (Ex) Wife
💪 Size difference
🔥 Primal Play
🖤 Protector Vibes


From USA Today best selling author Scarlett Cole, writing as S. Cole, comes an electrifying second chance romance with extreme 'hands-off-my-ex-wife' vibes romance.

Lucy
With my law degree and a life in New York, I convinced myself I'd moved on.
But the second I saw Grudge again, all rough edges and rage, I couldn't breathe.
He's now a biker forged in fury, and looks at me like I'm responsible.
Maybe I am.
After all, I divorced him the day he went to prison for protecting me.
I thought I came back for my family's sake.
But I forgot how it felt to be wanted—to be his.
And now I’m caught between the life I built…
and the man who still makes me ache.

Grudge
Nothing prepared me for her walking back into my world.
My ex-wife. My weakness.
The woman with secrets in her eyes and that mouth I still dream about.
She says she’s not mine anymore.
But I see the way she trembles when I get too close.
She can lie to herself all she wants—
I’ve waited eight years for a second chance...at love or revenge, I'm not sure.
Because the lies run deep between us, and the trouble coming for us both is about to blow everything wide open.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Found Family, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Morally Grey, Spicy

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

Four-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.

She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.

When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.

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If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com

Reviews

[Cristina]

FYI- Divorced for 10 years. Both MCs have been with OP. Understandably but not for me.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This is the most beautiful second-chance romance! A gritty MC read, it’s emotional and swoony with a smitten hero who owned my heart, and I loved this book!

Beware that this review contains spoilers for earlier books in the series. I would recommend reading these books in order to understand the characters and their world, but you could read it as a standalone if you really wanted to.

This is Grudge’s book. Newly-crowned President of the Iron Outlaws, Colorado chapter, he is learning the ropes and finding his place when his world is rocked once again when his ex-wife moves into town. Grudge and Lucy were childhood friends turned sweethearts. They loved each other fiercely, and they married young only for Lucy to divorce him when he went to prison for attacking a man who assaulted her. Now, it’s ten years later, and though there is clearly so much love still there, Grudge is angry, and he wants answers.

Here we are.
Hating each other.
And yet, I still want her, which is fucking infuriating.

Lucy’s return to town was only meant to be temporary. She’s visiting her estranged, controlling father who is unwell and she’s pitching in to help at his law practice, but keeps running into her ex. When she decides to stay for a while and finds herself a target of the Outlaws’ enemy, Grudge steps in to protect what is his.

My memories of how it used to feel to have Lucy De Bose in my arms are nothing compared to the reality.
We fit.

It’s a gorgeous reunion, full of anger, angst, drama and so much emotion. The passion and chemistry between them is still very much alive, and their sexual connection is undeniable (this book is super steamy!), but they’ve got a lot to work through as they unravel what went down between them in the past and figure out if they can have a future.

“You’re going to ruin me all over again,” he says. “I don’t think I can let you do that twice.”

Through it all, their love for each other shines. It’s obvious, it’s all-consuming, and they don’t hide it from each other. They work through their issues, they’re honest about everything, and watching them find their way back to each other is so, so gorgeous.

“This could have been us,” he says, as little stars spin in my peripheral vision. “All this fucking time, this could have been us.”

While they’re busy falling back together, Lucy is dealing with family drama, Grudge is adjusting to his new role, and the club’s enemies are circling. The action and suspense are so good, and bring added intensity to the story, and I loved being back with the Outlaws, seeing them all together and watching them take Grudge and Lucy’s backs to protect and support them through it all. The hint for the next book is so intriguing, and I’m so excited for Catfish’s book!

This is a fantastically entertaining book that had me glued to my kindle. I love Grudge and Lucy, and their story made my heart pound, and had me swooning madly.

“I love you … Every version of you there’s ever been. Every version there’s going to be.”

A great addition to the series, I loved this one – 5 stars!

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! Grudge is so swoony, and I loved how he and Lucy got back together.

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grudge's ex wife has shown up out of the blue in his small town. The last thing he ever expected was for her to be back after she divorced him years ago, but with her father having multiple strokes and a heart attack, and finding out her fiancé was cheating on her, she's run back to lend a begrudging hand. Only her father and her are hiding secrets, and the rival MC club has started to show an interest in her that's anything but safe.

*****

I'm such a sucker for this MC world. The last book was so sweet and I was hoping for a bit of turmoil between Grudge and Lucy and this definitely delivered. Grudge's frustration between balancing his hatred, regrets and love for Lucy was so endlessly satisfying. The other MC club members pushing him to go after what's his - even if just to get closure - nudged the plot forward steadily while chaos circled around them.

I love that we not only had more explanation into their pasts together, but that Lucy was slowly able to be honest about her own choices, her fathers manipulation, and how her life had been thrown to the wind when she chose to divorce him. The mutual pining, distractions and floundering apart made the chemistry when they were together burn bright. I loved that we had BDSM elements with S/m and some caregiver vibes from him, and soft little vibes from her where she could trust him to lead and support her, despite her being a high-powered badass in her own right.

Overall, this one was fast-paced, with solid twists and suspense, and the sweetest second chance. I can't wait to read the next book between Wren and Catfish as well, and I'm super excited for a non-binary lead!

*****

Thank you to The Author Agency for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

Good lord, the angst!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Holy carp, this book put me through a ringer, lol. Second chance stories are some of my faves and Scarlett Cole completely smashed it with The Trust We Broke. It was really just so moving. There were multiple times in the story where my emotions were just overwhelming. I loved how strong the heroine is , how completely obsessed the hero is, and I loved how they were able to find their way back to each other despite all the odds against them.

If you're a fan of:
✔ big size difference
✔ Opposite sides of the tracks
✔ Second chances
✔ Childhood best friends to lovers
✔ Opposites attract
✔ All the angst

This book will definitely check your boxes too. What an emotional rollercoaster ride — definitely going in my best of 2025 pile!

[cloudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“you’re my favorite wife. i’m working on the ‘ex’ part.”

switching up prezs in the middle of the series was bold, but oh so refreshing, and ultimately the right choice. grudge was the change not only this chapter, but the iron outlaws as a whole needed. this new era with him in charge of colorado has already opened up so many possibilities for the direction of the next instalments. was i expecting queer characters, both openly proud and little hints, neutral pronouns and a non-binary love interest? not at all, which made me all the more appreciative and i hope the author treads with the upmost care and respect because i couldn’t be more excited (while also dreading) for catfish and wren’s story. that wouldn’t have happened without grudge, but most of all without his badass woman. she’s the motivation behind more than just his road name, he’s always been trying to be deserving of her and a better man – not necessarily a good one, he’s still a biker. and as much as i loved them together, the highlight for me might’ve been how he viewed his parent’s love, that could’ve well mirrored his own in another life.

* i was sent an arc by the author agency pr in exchange for a honest review

[Ness · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had high hopes for this one as most of her other books were strong storyline’s.. but this one just didn’t cut it. You can tell where the other books are going and unfortunately not my cup of tea.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ I have mixed feelings about this book. This is a second chance love story between Grudge and Lucy. Some parts of it were good but some were dragging. There was one point where I wanted to dnf but I was so close to the end I pushed through. There are certain things in this book that aren’t my 🍵.

[Holly Surette · Rating 1 out of 5]

was good until it wasn’t

I was invested in this book and it seemed like it was OK not a whole lot of action or drama, but then they had to go woke and have a character that identified as a they them bull crap. So this author has lost me to future reading. so disappointed!

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trust We Broke is SO good! I loved Lucy and Grudge, and of course, I'm a huge sucker for 2nd chances... and this was a very, very deserving 2nd chance for both the FMC and the MMC!
Well written, some suspense, lots of amazing friendships, it was AMAZING!

[Michele Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Main Characters, but…

… but I’m not a fan of unnecessary “shock characters” just for the sake of trends. This author has pressed the edge a few times in previous books, and I rolled with it because she has a good series put together, but she’s just jumped the shark for me and I won’t be continuing on to the next book.
And not just because of the identity crisis that is apparently going to be the main focus in the next story. The constant and waaay overuse of they/them/their pronouns actually makes it almost impossible to track while reading. And just to make sure the reader gets that Wren is a “they”, the author uses 5 pronouns per sentence. It’s overkill and it completely takes me out of the story, thus there is no pleasure while struggling through the poorly written character. And it’s too bad, because I was looking forward to Catfish’s story.
Anyhooo, kinda like KA, once you wade too far over that woke line, it’s hard to come back from. Especially when the character’s behaviors no longer fit in the world created by the author.
This series seems to be heading in to the LBGQT genre, and out of the romance space. The author should maybe label the next books as such so there isn’t a surprise for the reader. I mean with all the “trigger warnings” these days, it seems like it would be mentioned ahead of time. Cuz not only is Wren obviously in the throws of an identity crisis, and Catfish is toying with accepting that maybe Wren is bio-male, but also two of the male side guys are also most likely a couple. Which, again, is all fine, if that was the genre I had intended to read. But it wasn’t. So good luck with the next book, but I’m out.

Otherwise, these 2 characters were great. Lots of chemistry. But the whole book was tanked for me at the end.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only The Best From This Author

I don’t know how this author does it every time she releases another book and it comes out as another 5+ star read. The gritty writing and the way I feel that she actually pulls me into her stories makes her books exceptional and The Trust We Broke is another in a long list of outstanding books.

This is a second chance MC romance that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and had me rooting for this couple to find their HEA. All it takes is Lucy to find her way back home and to run into her first love who happens to be with the Iron Outlaws MC. Now how does a lawyer and a biker ever find common ground.

The twists and turns in this book made it a huge page turner for me. As for steam…whew, it was intense. This was a great addition to this series and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Cole brings next.

[Sarah Poulton-Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and I'll definitely be going back to read the rest. This love story had me hooked. Grudge and Lucy get their second chance at their first love and I was ravenous for every page.

These two have such a great connection both physically (🌶) and emotionally. Their marriage never had a chance to blossom as circumstances forced them apart. The resentment and guilt over their divorce soon dissolves once Lucy moves back to town to help her ailing father. The intensity with which these two reconnect burns up the pages and becomes a palpable force within the narrative.

This is a brilliantly addictive MC romance with a second chance for the main characters. Expect dominance and submission, threat and ongoing intrigue, 'Daddy' (only including as i know this is a no for some), super spicy scenes and soul deep reconnection.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butcher calls him and tells Grudge he needs an escort to the police department. Greer is giving her statement regarding the Midtown Rebels and he doesn't want to run into any problems.

When they arrive at the station, he is scanning the area when he hears her voice introducing herself to Greer. His heart stops as he turns around to see his ex-wife. The woman he had been married to for three months and who divorced him the day he went to prison.

Lucy was only back in Colorado because her father had a stroke. The last thing she was expecting was to come face-to-face with her ex-husband when meeting her new client. The man she had no choice but betray.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This series is meant to be read in order as the characters are interrelated and recurring.

This book is action-packed and full of danger. Lucy returns home when her father has a stroke and heart attack to find out all her father's secrets and a betrayal so deep she is determined that he suffer the consequences.

This book is smoking hot and full of surprises. I loved all the books in this series, but this one has the most surprising twists. Highly recommend.

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my one hundredth book of this year, I wanted it to be a good one, so I held off on reading this, so that I'd have sometreally good to end the year on.
Unfortunately, for me, this one fell flat.
There was no spark between the MC's, even the smexy times were mediocre, and Luce calling Grudge "daddy" outside of playtime, really annoyed me.

So, all in all, this was not the read I was hoping for, but, let's hope Catfish and Wren's story which is up next, is going to make up for it.

[JoAnna VanDorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad that there wasn’t a property patch giving to Luce 😢😢
But Luce is definitely tied with Rae on my #1 Out Laws Old Ladies list. And I hate to say the Grudge knocked my Spark down to #3. Absolute loved them both. But definitely nervous about the next book. 🥴🥴🫤

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was more excited for the next couples than I was reading this couple.. I’m so excited for Catfish, Taco, Jackal and Shade🤭

[Ximena Onte · Rating 2 out of 5]

i hate the daddy kink with everything in me but love the book otherwise!

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reçu en échange d’un avis honnête

TW: violence, abus, aggression, menaces

J’adore cette série de Scarlett Cole alors quand j’ai eu la chance de recevoir un ARC autant dire que je n’ai pas perdu de temps à me plonger dedans. Pour ce cinquième tome de la série on suit Grudge qui a un tout nouveau rôle au sein des Iron Outlaws et qui doit s’y habituer. Alors autant dire que quand Lucy, son ex-femme et seule femme qu’il ait jamais réeellement aimé fait son grand retour, autant dire que ce n’est pas le moment. Mais il remarque vite les réactions de Lucy quand ils interagissent, le désir qu’il lit en elle. Il a attendu huit ans, il ne sait pas encore si c’est pour une seconde chance ou une revanche mais il y a quelque chose. Seulement les mensonges qu’il y a entre eux pourraient tout faire exploser autour d’eux. D’autant plus que Lucy n’est pas là pour récupérer Grudge mais régler un souci familial. Mais elle n’a pas pu oublier l’homme qui a fini en prison pour l’avoir protégée. C’est à ce moment là que Lucy a demandé le divorce même si elle n’a jamais pu lui dire pourquoi… Sauf que son retour au Colorado va remuer pas mal de choses et révéler de nombreux secrets qui pourraient être lié à Grudge et dévoiler une menace qu’aucun d’eux n’avaient vu venir…

J’ai adoré ce tome qui est l’un de mes préférés. Grudge est absolument génial. Il a des airs de gros durs mais derrière cette façade il est droit (autant qu’il se peut quand on fait partie d’un MC en tout cas), loyal et protecteur. Il n’a jamais pu oublier Lucy qui a toujours été sa plus grande faiblesse. Il lui en veut pour être partie comme ça mais quand elle est en danger ses instincts de protection refont surface malgré lui et il doit décider de ce qu’il veut avec elle. A côté de cela c’est aussi quelqu’un de très ouvert d’esprit sur beaucoup de sujets ce qui est très cool. J’aime aussi sa façon d’agir au sein du club et de faire face aux changements qui font suite aux événements du tome précédent.
J’ai tout autant apprécié Lucy qui a beaucoup de tempérament et n’a jamais voulu entrer dans une case et suivre la voie que son père avait tracé pour elle et qui ne lui convenait pas… C’est pour cela que sortir avec Grudge a toujours été un pied de nez à sa famille jusqu’au jour où tout à basculé… Elle a quitté Grudge et le Colorado et n’est jamais revenue depuis. Mais quand elle y revient pour raisons familiales elle est décidé à faire table rase du passé et faire face la tête haute à tout ce qui se passe. Elle m’a impressionné avec ses réactions et j’ai adoré sa relation avec Grudge même si rien n’est évident entre eux. C’est intense, touchante et j’adore la facette de Grudge que l’on découvre.

L’histoire est tout aussi intéressante avec pas mal d’intrigues, de rebondissements et de suspens. J’avais du mal à décrocher de ce livre tant je voulais découvrir la suite des événements. A cela s’ajoute le MC des Iron Outlaws que j’aime beaucoup. C’est un plaisir de revoir les personnages des tomes précédents afin de suivre leur évolution, mais aussi de retrouver certains qui étaient apparus dans la série originale. Cela apporte un vrai plus et au vu des nombreuses révélations de ce tome mais aussi de la fin j’ai extrêmement hâte de découvrir le tome suivant d’autant plus qu’il promet d’aborder des sujets et thématiques un peu différentes de ce que l’on peut avoir l’habitude de voir dans les romans portant sur des MC.

Je ne peux donc que recommander ce tome et cette série si vous aimez les romances de MC qui sortent un peu de l’ordinaire car le moins que l’on puisse dire c’est que les Iron Outlaws sont différents des MC habituels.

https://kingdomofwordsblog.wordpress....

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-THE TRUST WE BROKE is the sixth instalment in S. Cole’s contemporary, adult IRON OUTLAWS MC: COLORADO erotic, MC romance series, a spin off set in the author’s IRON OUTLAWS world. This is club president Zach ‘Grudge’ Williams, and attorney Lucy DeBose’s story line. THE TRSUT WE BROKE 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 (Grudge and Lucy) THE TRUST WE BROKE follows in the wake of the return of Lucy De Bose. Following her father’s heart attack and stroke, Lucy was asked to take over some of her father’s cases but Lucy never expected to come face to face with the ex-husband, the man she still loves, but a man whose heart break and anger threaten any hopes for a second chance. Approximately ten years earlier, Zach ‘Grudge’ Williams was sentenced to prison for a crime he did not commit, and on the day of her sentencing, his wife Lucy filed for divorce. Fast forward to present day, Lucy De Bose’s return to Colorado brings with it memories from the past but as Lucy begins an investigation into her father’s life, not everything is as it appears to be. Working together with the man she still loves, Lucy will discover the lies, secret and deceit that will change the future for our story line couple, and the Iron Outlaws MC.


The world building follows several paths as the Iron Outlaws MC desperately try to avoid a war with the Midtown Rebels but at every opportunity the Rebels are taking aim at our story line heroine. Digging deeper into her father’s files, Lucy comes to the realization that her father’s life is more than she could ever imagined.


The relationship between Lucy and Grudge is one of second chances. Destroyed by an act of revenge, Lucy and Grudge must come to terms with what happened and why, in the hopes of rekindling and reconnecting for everything they lost. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense including some ‘daddy kink’.


The secondary and supporting characters are numerous, familiar and determined. We are reintroduced to the Iron Outlaws MC: Colorado, as well as several member of the mother club. We are introduced to both Lucy and Grudge’s parents, as well as the introduction of genius hacker Wren. The requisite evil has many faces.


THE TRUST WE BROKE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, blackmail and corruption, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, edgy and gritty; the rekindling romance is fated and seductive;the characters are desperate, charismatic and dynamic.


copy supplied for review

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

The Trust We Broke by S.Cole is book five in the Iron Outlaws Motorcycle Club: Colorado series. This time we have the new president Grudge and his ex wife Lucy De Bose. It is a second chance romance full of secrets and lies, betrayal and blackmail, revenge and revelations. She was the love of his life but let him down so does he want her back or will he run her out of town. He was her forever, the only man she’s ever loved but she destroyed their marriage. Can she repair the damage she caused so they can have the HEA they deserve.

The prologue takes us back to the ending of book four when the couple see each other after ten years apart. Lucy is a defence attorney and is only back home because her father is ill.

Grudge had worked his way up to VP and recently got the shock of his life when Butcher made him president. He’s determined not to let him down but things get complicated when Lucy turns up as Greer’s lawyer. He hates Luce for what she did to him but the moment he sees her all the memories come flooding back of their time together before he was sent away. He’s cross he still wants her after she divorced him for protecting and defending her. He knows her father used his actions against him because he didn’t want his daughter with a member of the MC but doesn’t know the full story. He has always wondered why she did it and didn’t wait for him.

Lucy has known Zach aka Grudge, since they were young. They were best friends then teenage lovers and so in love. I loved all the details of their relationship and how thoughtful Grudge was for a young man. They married but when he stood up for his wife after a traumatic incident everything fell apart. She never told him the truth behind her reasons for divorcing him.

He is overwhelmed and angry over his feelings for her. Atom and Smoke are so funny as they calm him down. There is definitely unfinished business between them and they both need closure on their past but as the truth is revealed, will Grudge understand the reasons for her actions.

He feels he’s failing in his new role so coping with all his emotions over Lucy isn’t helping the situation. He knows the Midtown Rebels will definitely retaliate after the Outlaws got revenge for Wraith and they still haven’t worked out what their ex president is up to.

Lucy is having to deal with her father’s
illness, his law firm, pressure from her mother and issues with her ex boyfriend. It is sad how she was manipulated by her father and Grudge was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. What actually happened is shocking and so unfair on both of them. She has a strained relationship with her parents and I felt sorry for Lucy as she slowly found out more about her father and what he has actually been up to over the years.

She has missed Zach as much as he has missed her but can they put the past behind them. Can they rekindle their relationship and have the future they should have had before it was torn away from them.

Great twist at the end which reveals the final truths. These two were so good for each other and I loved how Grudge kept his promises and was always there for her. What an intriguing teaser at the end for Catfish and Wren’s book. What has he done? Also the secret Jackal and Shade are hiding will be an interesting story.

[Courtney Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good MC romance, and let me tell you, Scarlett does not disappoint when it comes to motorcycle club romances. No matter what, I will always recommend her for this type of story because she has a way of getting it done perfectly.

The Trust We Broke was phenomenal! The story was well written and had me on the edge of my seat just from the plot alone. It had just the perfect amount of spice to go along with all the tension between Lucy and Grudge. I felt this second-chance romance was truly among the best that I’ve read, and I was sad when this book was over.

Let me tell you, these characters were great, and I instantly fell in love with them. Since this is the fifth in this series, I knew some of the MC members, and of course, they are amazing.

Lucy is our lead girl, and let me tell you, she’s such a strong badass woman with a law degree. Her character did not disappoint at all because from the very beginning, I fell in love with her. Not only does she stand her ground, but she also doesn’t take crap from anyone.

Grudge is the total package, of course, considering he’s become our new President of the Iron Outlaws, and let me tell you, he sure is in control. He is one of those protective mmc that won’t let anything happen to their women, no matter how much they may not “like” them at first, or in his case, he didn’t want anyone to know he still felt something. His character was well-written and put together that every time he was around, I knew he wasn’t going to disappoint.

The fact that they are basically sweethearts since they have a past was amazing. I just love second-chance romances so much because I love to see main characters reconnect later down the line and still feel the same as they did back then. You could just tell that they still loved each other, no matter how much they tried denying it. When they finally gave in to one another, I was right there rooting for them!

The overall bond and brotherhood of the men in the club is strong, and I love that we get to see how much they all care and will do anything for one another throughout this story. I can not wait until the next book in this series because I can’t get enough of all these characters, no matter how hard I try.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Intense, Oh So Good!**

The Iron Outlaw MC: Colorado series presents its fifth book, titled “The Trust We Broke.” In this installment, Lucy and Zach, nicknamed "Grudge," navigate their intense and complicated past to finally achieve their well-deserved happily ever after (HEA). This story picks up right where the last book left off, with Grudge being promoted to the president position within the motorcycle club (MC) and Lucy moving back home, not out of love or loyalty to her father, but because he is ill.

From their first accidental meeting, it becomes clear that Grudge and Lucy have a deep history, along with much that needs to be addressed. Grudge seeks answers and closure about Lucy's actions from ten years ago, while Lucy uncovers numerous secrets and underhanded deals her father engaged in over the years as a lawyer. Most importantly, there’s a particular deal her father made that impacted both Lucy and Grudge, and she knows she must share this information with him.

Every time they are together, the intense connection and love they have for each other remain palpable and have never faded. As they dig deeper into the truth together, their bond strengthens and rekindles even more deeply.

This series continues to improve, and Grudge and Lucy’s second-chance love story is exceptionally well-written. Readers can truly feel the emotional ups and downs they experience as they heal from their past and move forward together as a united team. The brotherhood within the MC that I love so much is also explored, with more insight into each member from past and future books. The banter among them is fantastic, and their commitment to supporting each other in times of trouble showcases true brotherhood at its best. Additionally, it's always a special treat to see some of our favorite brothers from the original chapter who visit from time to time. Now, I am really looking forward to the next book next year!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teressa - The Sassy Book Tribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iron Outlaws #14 is Grudge’s story, and it was so unexpected.

From the previous book you get a first impression of Grudge and Lucy’s history. This book gives all the dirty passionate details that only Grudge’s story could bring.

Grudge is the new President of the Colorado chapter of the Iron Outlaws. While Butcher has total faith in Grudge, he’s learning what it will take of him to fulfill this new role. His first challenge is to keep Butcher’s old lady safe. What Grudge never expected was that he would have to keep his heart and his past safe as well.

Lucy’s father has fallen ill and needs Lucy to work in his place. At the behest of her mother and recent devastating news, Lucy reluctantly agrees. Being back in her hometown feels right but she didn’t anticipate running into her childhood love so soon.

Grudge and Lucy are childhood sweethearts from the opposite side of the tracks but that didn’t stop them from falling in love and getting married. Regardless of their finances and other’s judgement these two begin their life together with a plan in place. One incident sets off a chain reaction that will end their marriage and relationship altogether.

Grudge and Lucy will have to face danger and deceit to find their way back to each other and you will absolutely fall in love with them along the way!

This second chance love story has everything you want and a little more. I love how Scarlett’s writing sucks you in; you are fully involved from the first chapter. She wrote Grudge and Lucy as such strong characters, and their connection is powerful throughout the book. When these two come together, whew – Scarlett has a way of setting the pages on fire!!

The underlying storyline keeps twisting and turning with surprises left and right. So much information comes out in this book and leaves you wanting more! The whole series keeps getting better and I can’t wait for what she has in store next!

Get this book and buckle up! The ride is bumpy and beautiful!!!

[Ansu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Scarlett Cole’s writing, and I actually quite enjoyed her prose. Even though I’m reading this series out of order, I never felt lost; the author does a great job of making this work as a standalone. However, the execution of the romance and the plot left me with several "what ifs."

The 10-year separation between Grudge and Lucy didn't quite land for me—I struggled to feel the sparks or the chemistry necessary to bridge a decade apart. On a personal note, I’m not a fan of the "Daddy" kink, and hearing Lucy call Grudge "daddy" outside of the bedroom was a major turn-off.

I also found myself frustrated with the lack of communication; if Lucy had just been honest about the divorce from the start, a lot of the lag could have been avoided.

I was expecting Lucy to turn out to be a badass lawyer something similar along the lines of Rebecca from Landman, but we saw almost nothing of her professional abilities.

My biggest disappointment, however, was the gun scene. If you’re going to hold a weapon, you have to be prepared to use it; seeing her be completely hopeless in that moment felt like a missed opportunity for her character to step up.

I’m a fan of drama, so I would have loved to see more "Other Woman" or "Other Man" conflict to spice things up. SC should have brought Henry and Isla more into the story.

The story also felt a bit thin on the logistics—I wanted to know more about how the MC actually makes their money and what the guys do for work.

The "Rebels" drama took up the bulk of the plot, but it lacked the intensity I look for in an MC book. I would have preferred more detail on the FBI's involvement and the internal club friction.

An okay read overall, but it didn't leave me "obsessed." I’m not in a rush to dive into the rest of the series just yet.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to believe that The Trust We Broke is Scarlett's fourteenth MC romance. As this story is as real, fresh, exciting, and utterly addictive as The Sins We Hide, and honestly, it’s the type of enemies-to-lovers, second-chance story we need more of.

And whilst I could list multiple reasons why I love each of Scarlett's previous stories, I must say that Grudge and Lucy's tale is my favourite—at least for now. As this story was powerful, unforgettable, gripping, and basically EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed. In fact, I was still reading at 3:30 a.m.; it was that good.

From Grudge storming around the supermarket, aggressively tossing all the ingredients to make ice cream sundaes into Lucy's basket to avoid seeing her, to the eventual confrontation where every hurt feeling and truth was revealed, I was captivated.

And don’t even get me started on the sex! The chemistry was off the charts, and I was completely invested in every moment.

Plus, the way these two beautifully found their way back to each other was sheer perfection. I also loved the advice and support Lucy received from Greer and the other old ladies, as well as the guidance Grudge got from his brothers. Whether it was about forgiving Lucy or becoming the president he was destined to be, the support was heartwarming and thoroughly deserved.

And with familiar faces, a storyline that delivers all the feels, and a romance you won’t soon forget, The Trust We Broke is pure perfection. Once again, Scarlett showcases why she is the queen of MC romance, and everyone needs to read her books as soon as possible.

My thanks to TAA and Scarlett Cole for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Trust We Broke. All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊

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

Yet again, S. Cole proves she’s one of the few authors who can consistently deliver raw, gritty, and emotional MC romances that hit every mark. She never breaks the reader’s trust — I don’t think I’ve ever given this author less than five stars, and The Trust We Broke is no exception. In fact, it’s another standout addition to the Iron Outlaws MC: Colorado series — powerful, passionate, and packed with all the heart and heat I’ve come to expect.

This story is fast-paced and gripping, filled with danger, dark secrets, and second chances. Lawyer Lucy and newly appointed club president Grudge were once young and wildly in love — even married at 19 — but life, family, and circumstance tore them apart. Ten years later, when fate brings them face to face again, sparks fly, emotions resurface, and old wounds reopen. For Grudge, seeing his ex-wife — the only woman he ever saw a future with — knocks him completely sideways.

S. Cole weaves their past and present together beautifully. The flashbacks to their teenage years add so much emotional depth and make their reunion even more powerful. Lucy completely stole my heart — strong, resilient, and unafraid to stand her ground, even when danger creeps closer than she realises. And Grudge… he’s pure MC alpha with a heart that still beats for her, torn between duty to his club and the love he never let go of.

The chemistry between them sizzles off the page — hot enough to melt your Kindle, so have the ice ready! Add in the ever-loyal Iron Outlaws brotherhood, simmering tension, and a few shocking twists, and you’ve got another unforgettable S. Cole masterpiece.

And that ending? A perfect setup for what’s to come next.

Well done, Miss Cole — you’ve got me hooked all over again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 5 fiery stars for this unforgettable second-chance MC romance!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story. Zachary 'Grudge' Williams is the newly appointed 29-year-old President of the Colorado chapter of the Iron Outlaws MC. He's got a ton of problems instantly weighing him down. To top it off, his ex-wife, Lucy De Bose, is back in town. It's been 10 years since she divorced him on the day he was sent to prison. Now, he has to figure out a way to either forgive her and move on or run her out of town.
Lucy, a 29-year-old defense attorney, is back in town at the request of her mother to help run her father's firm while he recovers from an illness in the hospital. There is no love lost between her and her father, unlike the one between her and the President of the local IOMC. Lucy is in town to settle her father's affairs, but along the way, she realizes that Colorado might be exactly where she needs to be to start a new chapter for herself. The only problem is that Grudge wants her gone. Or does he?
Their story is one of second chances, heartbreak, forgiveness, and healing. They each have to come to terms with the past to find their way forward, together or separately.
I had a great time reading their story. Along the way, readers get a chance to catch up with some of the previous couples, from both the Colorado and New Jersey chapters. Also, we get to meet a wholly new character, Wren, who will set a new precedent in the series' social structure. I look forward to reading the next book. It's definitely going to be another new experience, as some of the other books in the series have been.
On another note, I really hope we get to read more about Shade and Jackal. They seem like fascinating characters.
Well done to the author on another fantastic story.

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trust We Broke is the 14th MC romance S. Cole has released, and yet again, she delivers something fresh, exciting, and completely addictive. I’ve fallen for every single one of her Iron Outlaw biker brothers, and the strong, fierce women who stand beside them are just as unforgettable. Their sisterhood is powerful, supportive, and honestly? I want to be part of it.

I always know I’m deeply connected to a story when my emotions are all over the place - and that’s exactly what this author delivers time and time again. Her writing hits me hard, right in the feels, and The Trust We Broke is no exception. From the very first chapter, I was completely in. I devoured this book in record time - I literally couldn’t put my Kindle down!

Lucy and Grudge’s story is incredible. The shared history between them added so much depth, and watching them find their way back to each other was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. I loved every single page.

What I also adore about this series is how much I look forward to the scenes where all the brothers come together. Whether they’re protecting each other or just hanging out, those moments always feel real and meaningful.

Everything I expect and crave from a great MC romance is packed into this book - and the entire series. High stakes, deep connections, sizzling chemistry, emotional journeys, unforgettable characters and a family dynamic that feels so authentic.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The Iron Outlaws is hands-down the best MC series I’ve ever read. Every book exceeds my (already sky-high) expectations, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one drops!

[Kahea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Stars***

And we have another great addition to the series!
I feel like a broken record since I think I’ve stated that in most of my reviews when it comes to this series/world, but sometimes the simplest statement is the best.
This book, these MC’s and crew, hit all the right buttons when it comes to my romance book loving heart and I cannot wait for what’s coming up next!

But first Grudge and Lucy. I adored these two. Lucy is fierce, intelligent and owns all that she is and is dealing with finding out all the things her father had his hands in. Grudge is protective, loyal and trying to figure out how to make being Prez of the chapter his own, while honoring his predecessor, Butcher. Their journey is definitely one for the books. Childhood bffs who become lovers and are cruelly torn apart, so when Lucy ends up back in town, there is more of an enemies vibe ~ which doesn’t last all that long ~ especially when the reason for their split is revealed. I enjoyed learning about their past and watching as they got to fall in love with each other all over again.

This was a great read. The various twists and turns were well done and I liked how things were connected to past issues. Getting a bit of page time with the NJ chapter was awesome and I’m really enjoying watching the Colorado chapter come into their own as a family. Now while Catfish is up next on cupid’s chopping block, there was a tease that I’m hoping will become a reality, so hopefully there will be more on that possibility in the next book.

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~