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The Mavericks #2
Ace & Ember
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26A forbidden desire. A game of cat and mouse. A love that could ruin everything. Hold on tight for the wild ride that is the next installment in Kate Crew’s extra spicy Mavericks series!
Evie Emberson is trouble. Smart-mouthed, fearless, and relentless—especially when she’s looking for answers. She’s a hacker with a past that just won’t stay buried, so laying low isn’t exactly her strong suit. Especially when he’s around.
Aiden “Ace” Hayes is her brother’s best friend—brooding, loyal, and a walking contradiction. He spends half his time at the motorcycle garage and half deep in Valeport’s underground, and he lives by a code. Rule number one? Don’t touch Evie.
But she’s not a kid anymore. She’s fire and chaos and everything he shouldn’t want. He knows getting involved would blow up the only family he’s ever had—but walking away is getting harder every damn day.
What starts as snark and stolen glances spirals into something darker, hotter, and way past the point of no return. And the more they try to hide it, the more it threatens to consume them.
Now, with enemies circling and Evie’s secrets putting a target on her back, Aiden will do whatever it takes to protect her—even if it means betraying the brother who made him family.
Loyalties will be tested. Rules will be broken.
And hearts? They’re about to burn.
TROPES
· Brother’s Best Friend
· Enemies to Lovers
· Forbidden Love
· Morally Grey MMC
· Extra Spice
Evie Emberson is trouble. Smart-mouthed, fearless, and relentless—especially when she’s looking for answers. She’s a hacker with a past that just won’t stay buried, so laying low isn’t exactly her strong suit. Especially when he’s around.
Aiden “Ace” Hayes is her brother’s best friend—brooding, loyal, and a walking contradiction. He spends half his time at the motorcycle garage and half deep in Valeport’s underground, and he lives by a code. Rule number one? Don’t touch Evie.
But she’s not a kid anymore. She’s fire and chaos and everything he shouldn’t want. He knows getting involved would blow up the only family he’s ever had—but walking away is getting harder every damn day.
What starts as snark and stolen glances spirals into something darker, hotter, and way past the point of no return. And the more they try to hide it, the more it threatens to consume them.
Now, with enemies circling and Evie’s secrets putting a target on her back, Aiden will do whatever it takes to protect her—even if it means betraying the brother who made him family.
Loyalties will be tested. Rules will be broken.
And hearts? They’re about to burn.
TROPES
· Brother’s Best Friend
· Enemies to Lovers
· Forbidden Love
· Morally Grey MMC
· Extra Spice
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
4513 people want to read
About the author
Kate Crew
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
Want to read
February 27, 2026I got the arc!! I’m so excited to read this!
I’ll be reading this soon.
I’ll be reading this soon.
Want to read
February 13, 2026preread: i got the arc so now i have to actually read rook & rebel lol
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had such high hopes for this one because of how much I loved Rook & Rebel… but whew 😅 this was a rough ride.
It legit took me almost two weeks to get through it. For like… 80% of the book there’s basically no real plot moving things forward. It’s mostly Aiden and Evie pining (while somehow not realizing how the other feels even though literally everyone else does 🙃) and Evie doing some random side research into her parents’ past.
And honestly? Evie was the hardest part for me.
I LOVED her in book one. She was giving badass boss energy 👏🔥 But this version of Evie? Not it. She felt self-centered, reckless, and honestly kind of bratty. She knows she’s off-limits because of her brother’s rules with their found family, but the second she suspects Aiden might have feelings, she keeps baiting him, pushing him, punishing him… with zero thought about how it could blow up his entire life. It very much felt like “I want what I want and forget the consequences.” If she truly cared the way she claimed, her actions didn’t match that at all.
Now Aiden? He felt real. He’s genuinely struggling with loving his best friend’s sister and knowing crossing that line could cost him everything. The tension from his side made sense. Even when he tries to cross that line (in disguise 👀), he still holds back until almost the very end.
But then when they finally get together, Evie gets upset because Aiden doesn’t want to shout it from the rooftops immediately. He wants to handle things carefully with Rook first (which… fair??), and she won’t even let him explain before storming off. Again.
The lack of communication was the real villain of this story 😩 If they had just TALKED, we could’ve avoided 80% of the slow, plotless trudge.
🚨 SPOILERS BELOW 🚨
That last 20%? Absolute chaos.
Evie gets abducted. Aiden and Rook go to rescue her… and the big scary operation has, what, four guys in the building?? For a crime ring supposedly desperate to get their hands on her? Make it make sense 😭
Then we have Order members so hyper-focused on Aiden that Rook and Evie basically just… slip away?? And when they come back to save Aiden, suddenly none of the Order has a gun?? And that mysterious fifth Order member? Vanished. Poof. Gone. 🫠
It all felt rushed and not fully thought through, like we sprinted to the finish line to hit a deadline.
I know this was an ARC, so I’m really hoping the editing issues (repeated phrases, missing words, incorrect pronouns, unfinished thoughts) are cleaned up before release because that definitely added to the frustration.
As disappointed as I was, I’ll probably still read the next one — I’m assuming Harper and Hero are up next 👀 — and I’m hoping we get better closure and a clearer explanation of this whole “Order” situation… even though the book should no longer be focused on Evie.
This one just wasn’t it for me. 💔
It legit took me almost two weeks to get through it. For like… 80% of the book there’s basically no real plot moving things forward. It’s mostly Aiden and Evie pining (while somehow not realizing how the other feels even though literally everyone else does 🙃) and Evie doing some random side research into her parents’ past.
And honestly? Evie was the hardest part for me.
I LOVED her in book one. She was giving badass boss energy 👏🔥 But this version of Evie? Not it. She felt self-centered, reckless, and honestly kind of bratty. She knows she’s off-limits because of her brother’s rules with their found family, but the second she suspects Aiden might have feelings, she keeps baiting him, pushing him, punishing him… with zero thought about how it could blow up his entire life. It very much felt like “I want what I want and forget the consequences.” If she truly cared the way she claimed, her actions didn’t match that at all.
Now Aiden? He felt real. He’s genuinely struggling with loving his best friend’s sister and knowing crossing that line could cost him everything. The tension from his side made sense. Even when he tries to cross that line (in disguise 👀), he still holds back until almost the very end.
But then when they finally get together, Evie gets upset because Aiden doesn’t want to shout it from the rooftops immediately. He wants to handle things carefully with Rook first (which… fair??), and she won’t even let him explain before storming off. Again.
The lack of communication was the real villain of this story 😩 If they had just TALKED, we could’ve avoided 80% of the slow, plotless trudge.
🚨 SPOILERS BELOW 🚨
That last 20%? Absolute chaos.
Evie gets abducted. Aiden and Rook go to rescue her… and the big scary operation has, what, four guys in the building?? For a crime ring supposedly desperate to get their hands on her? Make it make sense 😭
Then we have Order members so hyper-focused on Aiden that Rook and Evie basically just… slip away?? And when they come back to save Aiden, suddenly none of the Order has a gun?? And that mysterious fifth Order member? Vanished. Poof. Gone. 🫠
It all felt rushed and not fully thought through, like we sprinted to the finish line to hit a deadline.
I know this was an ARC, so I’m really hoping the editing issues (repeated phrases, missing words, incorrect pronouns, unfinished thoughts) are cleaned up before release because that definitely added to the frustration.
As disappointed as I was, I’ll probably still read the next one — I’m assuming Harper and Hero are up next 👀 — and I’m hoping we get better closure and a clearer explanation of this whole “Order” situation… even though the book should no longer be focused on Evie.
This one just wasn’t it for me. 💔
Want to read
January 11, 2026Coming out July 14
Let‘s see how this book will be…
Let‘s see how this book will be…
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced reader copy through Netgalley.
Evie is a really dislikeable character. She comes off as very childish like a spoiled brat. Her awful personality seems to completely derail the entire plot. It actually pulls me out of the story.
I also don't really care for the miscommunication trope. In fairness though, the plot was good enough that it took reading half of the book to even realize it was a miscommunication trope.
The pacing for this feels off. It seems like a few weeks at most, but later in the book it mentions it being months.
The motivation for the antagonist doesnt make sense at all. Not even for a split second. It's just totally implausible. It's actually one of the weakest/wierdest motivations I've ever read.
The smut just doesn't connect for me. The writing is the same as book one, but something about Evie's attitude problem/childishness and the stupid constant fighting leaves the smut scenes feeling like an afterthought and thus not very good.
I have high hopes that the next book will be better, and I do intend to keep reading books by the author. I just feel that this one didn't hit the mark.
Evie is a really dislikeable character. She comes off as very childish like a spoiled brat. Her awful personality seems to completely derail the entire plot. It actually pulls me out of the story.
I also don't really care for the miscommunication trope. In fairness though, the plot was good enough that it took reading half of the book to even realize it was a miscommunication trope.
The pacing for this feels off. It seems like a few weeks at most, but later in the book it mentions it being months.
The motivation for the antagonist doesnt make sense at all. Not even for a split second. It's just totally implausible. It's actually one of the weakest/wierdest motivations I've ever read.
The smut just doesn't connect for me. The writing is the same as book one, but something about Evie's attitude problem/childishness and the stupid constant fighting leaves the smut scenes feeling like an afterthought and thus not very good.
I have high hopes that the next book will be better, and I do intend to keep reading books by the author. I just feel that this one didn't hit the mark.
March 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for giving me an e-arc copy to read and review! 🥰🥰
I truly love the trope 'brother's best-friend' SO MUCH. And let me say this did not disappoint. The push and pull from the very beginning of this story had me hooked, as it shows the very realistic feelings of the forced proximity that comes from it.
I read some other reviews while reading this book myself about some getting annoyed with the 'push and pull', but I think that's the whole point when dealing with this big of a trope in family matter. I think this story hit a lot of points being realistic of the thought of losing those you love while also choosing who you love.
I am honestly super excited to read the rest of the books in this series and how everyone's love story will play out!
I truly love the trope 'brother's best-friend' SO MUCH. And let me say this did not disappoint. The push and pull from the very beginning of this story had me hooked, as it shows the very realistic feelings of the forced proximity that comes from it.
I read some other reviews while reading this book myself about some getting annoyed with the 'push and pull', but I think that's the whole point when dealing with this big of a trope in family matter. I think this story hit a lot of points being realistic of the thought of losing those you love while also choosing who you love.
I am honestly super excited to read the rest of the books in this series and how everyone's love story will play out!
February 18, 2026
Omg if you thought Rook & Rebel was amazing and had the best bike scene, just wait until you get your hands on this one. MORE spicy bike scenes and even more suspense. Is it possible that I may have loved Evie and Aiden a little more than Rook and Regan?!? I truly love them all the same, but these two made my heart so happy!! As much as this is more of a darker romance, some parts were really sweet and swoon-worthy. Evie, our little psycho girl, was really a romantic at heart. She kept her smart mouth, chaos, and tough image on the outside for everyone else to see, but Aiden knew her better than anyone else, even more than she knew herself.
Ace & Ember was the perfect brother’s best friend and forbidden love romance. Aiden basically became Evie’s personal bodyguard, never letting her out of his sight for any reason at all. They had such good banter and tension between them that it was for sure a cover up to hide their true feelings for one another. Rook would legit kill anyone who touched his sister, so Aiden never wanted to risk losing the only family he has ever had. This definitely put him between a rock and a hard place. But Aiden’s feelings kept getting stronger to the point that Evie was worth these consequences.
I really enjoyed there being an unknown third point of view character, a shadow that was following Evie at all times. Evie was digging up a lot of info that was never meant to come to light, and this person made sure she didn’t uncover more than they wanted her to. She needed answers and closure that involved her parent’s death, and she will do anything to find them. Also, not everyone is as they seem, and you’ll find out more secrets than you expected. This is one wild ride!
Does Aiden end up losing everything, including Evie? Or can he have it all while still keeping his family? 🫣🫣
This a must read and definitely worth the wait until release day in July!
Ace & Ember was the perfect brother’s best friend and forbidden love romance. Aiden basically became Evie’s personal bodyguard, never letting her out of his sight for any reason at all. They had such good banter and tension between them that it was for sure a cover up to hide their true feelings for one another. Rook would legit kill anyone who touched his sister, so Aiden never wanted to risk losing the only family he has ever had. This definitely put him between a rock and a hard place. But Aiden’s feelings kept getting stronger to the point that Evie was worth these consequences.
I really enjoyed there being an unknown third point of view character, a shadow that was following Evie at all times. Evie was digging up a lot of info that was never meant to come to light, and this person made sure she didn’t uncover more than they wanted her to. She needed answers and closure that involved her parent’s death, and she will do anything to find them. Also, not everyone is as they seem, and you’ll find out more secrets than you expected. This is one wild ride!
Does Aiden end up losing everything, including Evie? Or can he have it all while still keeping his family? 🫣🫣
This a must read and definitely worth the wait until release day in July!
March 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Kate crew for the arc! This was a great second book in the mavericks series! I love the banter with the characters, and the tension between the two characters was felts through the pages!
The brother’s best friend, ace falls for the one thing that’s off limits…
Book two in The Mavericks series!
⛓️Dark rom com
🏍️ Biker Gang
❤️🔥 she’s off limits
💻 Computer hacker FMC and dark ruthless MMC
This book had me sucked in and giggling and gasping and the spice 🌶️ 😍
Evie the sister of Rook, the head of the biker gang has assigned a protector to his sister, Aiden aka Ace. The tension these two have… they both have feelings for each other, but keep it inside, because she’s off limits 😉
In the second book the gang becomes target to a stalking lurking in the shadows.
The twist and turns with the spice sprinkled in was such a fun read!
Catch Ace & Ember out July 14, 2026!
Thank you @
For the opportunity to read this book early!
The brother’s best friend, ace falls for the one thing that’s off limits…
Book two in The Mavericks series!
⛓️Dark rom com
🏍️ Biker Gang
❤️🔥 she’s off limits
💻 Computer hacker FMC and dark ruthless MMC
This book had me sucked in and giggling and gasping and the spice 🌶️ 😍
Evie the sister of Rook, the head of the biker gang has assigned a protector to his sister, Aiden aka Ace. The tension these two have… they both have feelings for each other, but keep it inside, because she’s off limits 😉
In the second book the gang becomes target to a stalking lurking in the shadows.
The twist and turns with the spice sprinkled in was such a fun read!
Catch Ace & Ember out July 14, 2026!
Thank you @
For the opportunity to read this book early!
February 17, 2026
I didn’t know I was a dark rom com lover but the more I read, the more I love! Anyway, MY BABIESSSSS. I knew I was going to love Evie & Aiden before I even started page 1. Their dynamic in rook & Rebel had me knowing. I thought I knew who the stalker was but I didn’t. I did guess some other stuff beforehand and was proud of myself. So excited for this book to release! Kate Crew killed it again. Thank you for the ARC Avon 💓🫶🏻
Did not finish
March 19, 2026I got 59% in and just could not finish it
February 18, 2026
The perfect blend of slow burn spice meets captivating storyline!!
This is my first book by Kate, and I am 100% a fan. I went in expecting something totally different than what I received, and my expectations were blown out of the water!
I have not read the first book in this series however the author made it easy for me to fall into this storyline without having to have done that. The world these characters live in is less than upstanding, but you forget about all of that because the background and character development is so good.
The slow burn romance hits just right with the perfect level of spice at the right moments! What I was truly impressed with was the level of storytelling and plot that was given to this novel! Normally, when I read something that is very “spicy romance” driven, the plot is lacking. Not the case with this author. She wove a page-turning narrative that kept me wanting more after each chapter.
Absolutely excited to read more from Kate! Thrilled I could get an ARC of this book.
This is my first book by Kate, and I am 100% a fan. I went in expecting something totally different than what I received, and my expectations were blown out of the water!
I have not read the first book in this series however the author made it easy for me to fall into this storyline without having to have done that. The world these characters live in is less than upstanding, but you forget about all of that because the background and character development is so good.
The slow burn romance hits just right with the perfect level of spice at the right moments! What I was truly impressed with was the level of storytelling and plot that was given to this novel! Normally, when I read something that is very “spicy romance” driven, the plot is lacking. Not the case with this author. She wove a page-turning narrative that kept me wanting more after each chapter.
Absolutely excited to read more from Kate! Thrilled I could get an ARC of this book.
March 4, 2026
Hi, is this Maverick Moto?
Yes, I was wondering if you could schedule an appointment?
Yes, yes - ASAP would be great.
My bike model?
Oh no, I don’t have a bike - actually, I’m just asking for the time of one of your men.
Yes, an appointment for your most morally gray, unhinged, biker boy.
I plan to make him fall head over heels for me and would greatly appreciate your soonest appointment.
Okay, okay - cringe & jokes aside - Ace & Ember is the second book in the Maverick’s series by Kate Crew and I was not only given the luckiest opportunity to read this as an ARC from NetGalley, but it was also one of my most anticipated reads this year which definitely DID NOT disappoint. This was easily a FIVE STAR read for me and am DESPERATELY, crawling on my hands and knees, hoping for this series to continue!
We all know Biker Boys are one of the current obsessions within the book community and, as a fellow reader with the same interest, as a true friend if you will, I cannot recommend enough that you NEED to place this on your PREORDER list immediately.
🖤Morally Gray MMC? Check.
🩵Spitfire Hacker FMC? Check.
🖤Banter & Blackmail? Check.
🩵Spicy & Dark? Check.
🖤Delicious Yearning? Check.
Need I say more?!?
Let me set the stage for you…
We have Aiden, best friend, and right-hand man to Rook (main MMC in Book 1, Rook & Rebel), who has been assigned to watch over Rook’s little sister, Evie. For years Evie has had Aiden at her side per the request of her of her brother and has found it a game to see how much she can push Aiden’s buttons until his unhinged and protective side comes to play. Evie is tasked as the hacker and computer guru for the team and uses her skills to help not only her brother and his team, but also for her own interest, which brings an additional mystery to the plot’s storyline. Little does Evie know that Aiden, while irritated on the outside, is secretly yearning for her each day that he’s with her. Every banter, every touch, and every “blackmail” is taking Aiden one step closer to crossing that line that he promised his best friend he would never go over. And Evie? She can’t wait to see how close she can get Aiden to that line - in fact, what happens if he actually does cross over?
Interested yet?
Yeah, go ahead and click ADD TO CART now so that you can have this in your hands when it comes out JULY 14th. I promise - it’s going to be SO worth it!
What I love about this book is that it isn’t just a dark romance focused on the FMC and MMC’s storyline, it’s also tied with an intriguing mystery that keeps the reader thinking who and what as the plot unfolds. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a love story fangirl at heart and it’s definitely a huge part of this, but having this additional feature included brings so much more to the story and helps keep it not only fast paced, but fun, as you work through the burning chemistry between both main characters.
I also have a HUGE appreciation for authors who bring FMCs having STEM backgrounds. As someone in the computer industry as well, I love seeing characters who I can relate to and “feel seen” with. It doesn’t hurt that Evie and I also have “short tempered firecracker” personalities as well. I mean, sometimes you have to have that type of attitude when working with a mainly male dominated career, am I right?
If you are someone who is looking for a MUST HAVE read to add your ever piling TBR, one that brings sizzling chemistry, unhinged banter, spicy bike scenes, and action packed mystery, definitely get your hands on both Rook & Rebel (if you haven’t read the first in the series) available now and Ace & Ember when it comes out this July!
Yes, I was wondering if you could schedule an appointment?
Yes, yes - ASAP would be great.
My bike model?
Oh no, I don’t have a bike - actually, I’m just asking for the time of one of your men.
Yes, an appointment for your most morally gray, unhinged, biker boy.
I plan to make him fall head over heels for me and would greatly appreciate your soonest appointment.
Okay, okay - cringe & jokes aside - Ace & Ember is the second book in the Maverick’s series by Kate Crew and I was not only given the luckiest opportunity to read this as an ARC from NetGalley, but it was also one of my most anticipated reads this year which definitely DID NOT disappoint. This was easily a FIVE STAR read for me and am DESPERATELY, crawling on my hands and knees, hoping for this series to continue!
We all know Biker Boys are one of the current obsessions within the book community and, as a fellow reader with the same interest, as a true friend if you will, I cannot recommend enough that you NEED to place this on your PREORDER list immediately.
🖤Morally Gray MMC? Check.
🩵Spitfire Hacker FMC? Check.
🖤Banter & Blackmail? Check.
🩵Spicy & Dark? Check.
🖤Delicious Yearning? Check.
Need I say more?!?
Let me set the stage for you…
We have Aiden, best friend, and right-hand man to Rook (main MMC in Book 1, Rook & Rebel), who has been assigned to watch over Rook’s little sister, Evie. For years Evie has had Aiden at her side per the request of her of her brother and has found it a game to see how much she can push Aiden’s buttons until his unhinged and protective side comes to play. Evie is tasked as the hacker and computer guru for the team and uses her skills to help not only her brother and his team, but also for her own interest, which brings an additional mystery to the plot’s storyline. Little does Evie know that Aiden, while irritated on the outside, is secretly yearning for her each day that he’s with her. Every banter, every touch, and every “blackmail” is taking Aiden one step closer to crossing that line that he promised his best friend he would never go over. And Evie? She can’t wait to see how close she can get Aiden to that line - in fact, what happens if he actually does cross over?
Interested yet?
Yeah, go ahead and click ADD TO CART now so that you can have this in your hands when it comes out JULY 14th. I promise - it’s going to be SO worth it!
What I love about this book is that it isn’t just a dark romance focused on the FMC and MMC’s storyline, it’s also tied with an intriguing mystery that keeps the reader thinking who and what as the plot unfolds. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a love story fangirl at heart and it’s definitely a huge part of this, but having this additional feature included brings so much more to the story and helps keep it not only fast paced, but fun, as you work through the burning chemistry between both main characters.
I also have a HUGE appreciation for authors who bring FMCs having STEM backgrounds. As someone in the computer industry as well, I love seeing characters who I can relate to and “feel seen” with. It doesn’t hurt that Evie and I also have “short tempered firecracker” personalities as well. I mean, sometimes you have to have that type of attitude when working with a mainly male dominated career, am I right?
If you are someone who is looking for a MUST HAVE read to add your ever piling TBR, one that brings sizzling chemistry, unhinged banter, spicy bike scenes, and action packed mystery, definitely get your hands on both Rook & Rebel (if you haven’t read the first in the series) available now and Ace & Ember when it comes out this July!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of Ace & Ember!!
Wow... Just wow. This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I thought Rook and Rebel was good, but daaaamn Kate you really did your thing again!
I loved the story between Evie and Aiden; the longing, the yearning, the witty banter, and the friendship they built.
This is hands down one of the best dark romcoms I have read! This series is right up there for me with Into Darkness trilogy and Ruinous Love trilogy.
The way the relationship between these 2 just built up seemed almost effortless, even though there was actually a lot of effort put into trying and failing to stay away from each other.
Aiden is Evie's bodyguard, and her brother Rook's best friend. They have both wanted each other since the day they met, but what would they sacrifice to have each other, and what would that cost??
As always, I adored the suspense in here. I won't give anything away, but let me just say that the ending is a SHOCKER. There's betrayal, there's confusion, and there's so much tension and conflict.
This was one spicy book too 🥵🔥 the dirty bike scenes, the mask scene in the woods, and in the cemetery we're just *chef's kiss*
Kate does an amazing job writing these stories and actually bringing them to life, to where you can visualize the characters and the plot twists.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves dark romcoms, a bit of stalking and suspense, brothers best friend, unhinged main characters, and the occasional st@bbing (well deserved, of course).
**Book one in the Mavericks, Rook and Rebel, is available on kindle to purchase and Spotify. The audiobook is an incredible experience as well, the narrators are Soo good.
Wow... Just wow. This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I thought Rook and Rebel was good, but daaaamn Kate you really did your thing again!
I loved the story between Evie and Aiden; the longing, the yearning, the witty banter, and the friendship they built.
This is hands down one of the best dark romcoms I have read! This series is right up there for me with Into Darkness trilogy and Ruinous Love trilogy.
The way the relationship between these 2 just built up seemed almost effortless, even though there was actually a lot of effort put into trying and failing to stay away from each other.
Aiden is Evie's bodyguard, and her brother Rook's best friend. They have both wanted each other since the day they met, but what would they sacrifice to have each other, and what would that cost??
As always, I adored the suspense in here. I won't give anything away, but let me just say that the ending is a SHOCKER. There's betrayal, there's confusion, and there's so much tension and conflict.
This was one spicy book too 🥵🔥 the dirty bike scenes, the mask scene in the woods, and in the cemetery we're just *chef's kiss*
Kate does an amazing job writing these stories and actually bringing them to life, to where you can visualize the characters and the plot twists.
I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves dark romcoms, a bit of stalking and suspense, brothers best friend, unhinged main characters, and the occasional st@bbing (well deserved, of course).
**Book one in the Mavericks, Rook and Rebel, is available on kindle to purchase and Spotify. The audiobook is an incredible experience as well, the narrators are Soo good.
March 7, 2026
From someone who used to say I could never be into Dark Romance, Kate Crew really makes me want to keep on reading Dark Romances. I love The Mavericks series SO much not only for the romance but for how much plot she’s put into this series so far & let’s not forget THE EMPHASIS on the Bikes in this BIKER romance.
Reading this series made me feel like I was the “backpack” and I was hanging out with all these characters I’ve learned to love so much and AT Mavericks Motto.
I loved Rook & Rebel so much, I just knew I had to get my hands on the Ace & Ember ARC and from all the little hints that Aiden and Evie would be next in the first book, I knew I loved them from the start. Ace & Ember only amplified that because of course a Brothers Best Friend trope is GOING TO EAT EVERY DAMN TIME 🤏🏼 which only added to the secret yearning/pining for eachother and going ABSOLUTELY FERAL after one another each time they tried to fight their connect. I loved the jealous and with banter and seeing this little family of criminals more in this book and am so excited for Book 3 and just know we’re going to finally get a Hiro & Harper love story next!
I rated Rook & Rebel a 5 stars because of the plot but the spice & deeper connection between Aiden & Evie really had me turning the page nonstop while reading Ace & Ember and this book off starts off STRONG. I wish you could see the highlights from just the first 3 chapters because my kindle was lit up 🩵
If you loved Lights Out, Twisted Love, Butcher and Black Bird or The Legacy of Gods series, The Maverick’s series is forsure your next Dark Romance obsession.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Reading this series made me feel like I was the “backpack” and I was hanging out with all these characters I’ve learned to love so much and AT Mavericks Motto.
I loved Rook & Rebel so much, I just knew I had to get my hands on the Ace & Ember ARC and from all the little hints that Aiden and Evie would be next in the first book, I knew I loved them from the start. Ace & Ember only amplified that because of course a Brothers Best Friend trope is GOING TO EAT EVERY DAMN TIME 🤏🏼 which only added to the secret yearning/pining for eachother and going ABSOLUTELY FERAL after one another each time they tried to fight their connect. I loved the jealous and with banter and seeing this little family of criminals more in this book and am so excited for Book 3 and just know we’re going to finally get a Hiro & Harper love story next!
I rated Rook & Rebel a 5 stars because of the plot but the spice & deeper connection between Aiden & Evie really had me turning the page nonstop while reading Ace & Ember and this book off starts off STRONG. I wish you could see the highlights from just the first 3 chapters because my kindle was lit up 🩵
If you loved Lights Out, Twisted Love, Butcher and Black Bird or The Legacy of Gods series, The Maverick’s series is forsure your next Dark Romance obsession.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
February 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This is book two in the series following Rook & Rebel. We’re back in the dark romance, motorcycle club world gritty, chaotic, and full of tension. While this is a continuation of the story after book one, and I definitely recommend reading them in order for full context, I don’t think you’d be completely lost if you jumped in here.
This one centers on Evie, Rook’s little sister, resident hacker, and all-around computer genius and Aiden, Rook’s best friend and right-hand man. Evie is… a lot (in the best way). Aiden’s nickname for her is “psycho,” which honestly tells you everything you need to know. She goes hard, does what she wants, follows her own rules, and embraces a little chaos. The crew tries to keep her out of club business, but Evie is going to Evie.
When she starts digging into her parents’ past, it brings serious trouble to their doorstep. Add in the fact that she’s been crushing on Aiden, who was very clearly told by Rook that she’s off-limits, and you know things are about to spiral. The tension, the defiance, the secrets… it’s messy in a way that works.
This was a twisty, chaotic ride, but I genuinely enjoyed it. If you like dark romance with motorcycle club vibes, strong-willed heroines, and forbidden tension, brothers best friend, maybe a little blood, this one delivers.
This is book two in the series following Rook & Rebel. We’re back in the dark romance, motorcycle club world gritty, chaotic, and full of tension. While this is a continuation of the story after book one, and I definitely recommend reading them in order for full context, I don’t think you’d be completely lost if you jumped in here.
This one centers on Evie, Rook’s little sister, resident hacker, and all-around computer genius and Aiden, Rook’s best friend and right-hand man. Evie is… a lot (in the best way). Aiden’s nickname for her is “psycho,” which honestly tells you everything you need to know. She goes hard, does what she wants, follows her own rules, and embraces a little chaos. The crew tries to keep her out of club business, but Evie is going to Evie.
When she starts digging into her parents’ past, it brings serious trouble to their doorstep. Add in the fact that she’s been crushing on Aiden, who was very clearly told by Rook that she’s off-limits, and you know things are about to spiral. The tension, the defiance, the secrets… it’s messy in a way that works.
This was a twisty, chaotic ride, but I genuinely enjoyed it. If you like dark romance with motorcycle club vibes, strong-willed heroines, and forbidden tension, brothers best friend, maybe a little blood, this one delivers.
March 11, 2026
Did I eat this book up in one sitting? Yes.
Did half of it make sense if you think about it too hard? Absolutely not.
Ace & Ember by Kate Crew
⭐⭐⭐
Tropes:
• Found family
• Friends / enemies to lovers
• Motorcycle club vibes
This book gave me major Flock vibes by Kate Stewart. Very similar energy. Instead of hot rods we’ve got motorcycles and a slightly darker vibe, but the dynamic definitely felt familiar.
🖤 The good
Evie and Aiden definitely had chemistry. Their tension and banter carried a lot of the story, and the found family dynamic within the group was fun to read.
And honestly?
I devoured this book. It’s fast-paced and very bingeable.
🤨 The things that didn’t quite work for me
This is one of those books where it works as long as you don’t think about it too hard.
Because if you do start thinking about it… some things fall apart a little.
Evie and Aiden spend the entire book acting like they’re obsessed with each other while also pretending they’re not. Which is a trope I usually enjoy—but somehow no one around them notices until the very end??
Including Evie’s brother, who is apparently the most overprotective man alive but also completely blind to the very obvious situation happening in front of him.
His rules about Evie dating were also confusing. He says she can have a boyfriend… just not anyone in their group.
Except he also gives her no freedom to actually have a boyfriend, so the logic there never really made sense to me.
Toward the end there’s a big action/rescue sequence that didn’t quite add up logistically. It felt like the characters forgot information they should have known minutes earlier, which pulled me out of the moment a bit.
🌶️ Spice
Very dark romance energy.
There’s one knife scene that was… a lot. Personally I could have done without that one.
Also Aiden calling Evie “psycho girl” as a pet name the entire book just wasn’t my favorite.
⭐ Overall
Did I still eat this book up?
Yes.
Does that necessarily mean it was great?
…also no.
But it was entertaining, chaotic, and easy to binge.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts are my own.
Did half of it make sense if you think about it too hard? Absolutely not.
Ace & Ember by Kate Crew
⭐⭐⭐
Tropes:
• Found family
• Friends / enemies to lovers
• Motorcycle club vibes
This book gave me major Flock vibes by Kate Stewart. Very similar energy. Instead of hot rods we’ve got motorcycles and a slightly darker vibe, but the dynamic definitely felt familiar.
🖤 The good
Evie and Aiden definitely had chemistry. Their tension and banter carried a lot of the story, and the found family dynamic within the group was fun to read.
And honestly?
I devoured this book. It’s fast-paced and very bingeable.
🤨 The things that didn’t quite work for me
This is one of those books where it works as long as you don’t think about it too hard.
Because if you do start thinking about it… some things fall apart a little.
Evie and Aiden spend the entire book acting like they’re obsessed with each other while also pretending they’re not. Which is a trope I usually enjoy—but somehow no one around them notices until the very end??
Including Evie’s brother, who is apparently the most overprotective man alive but also completely blind to the very obvious situation happening in front of him.
His rules about Evie dating were also confusing. He says she can have a boyfriend… just not anyone in their group.
Except he also gives her no freedom to actually have a boyfriend, so the logic there never really made sense to me.
Toward the end there’s a big action/rescue sequence that didn’t quite add up logistically. It felt like the characters forgot information they should have known minutes earlier, which pulled me out of the moment a bit.
🌶️ Spice
Very dark romance energy.
There’s one knife scene that was… a lot. Personally I could have done without that one.
Also Aiden calling Evie “psycho girl” as a pet name the entire book just wasn’t my favorite.
⭐ Overall
Did I still eat this book up?
Yes.
Does that necessarily mean it was great?
…also no.
But it was entertaining, chaotic, and easy to binge.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4,5 ⭐
I LOVE AIDEN and EVIE SO MUCH 😩 The dynamic between these two?! And the banter and the tension?! You can feeeeel the love that's been burning for years between Aiden & Ember (even through book 1). I already loved them both after Rook & Rebel, but I think they're my favorite characters from the crew now. Aiden's loyalty and devotion, Evie's attitude and pure chaos. I was hooked from the beginning.
Also, Aiden felt so REAL. I really enjoyed his POV. Seeing him go through all of these emotions, fighting between his love for Evie and his loyalty for Rook. It felt so real and genuine.
The found family is also one of my favorite things about this series. How deeply they care about each other and how fiercely loyal they are. You just know they have each other's back and always will.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
I LOVE AIDEN and EVIE SO MUCH 😩 The dynamic between these two?! And the banter and the tension?! You can feeeeel the love that's been burning for years between Aiden & Ember (even through book 1). I already loved them both after Rook & Rebel, but I think they're my favorite characters from the crew now. Aiden's loyalty and devotion, Evie's attitude and pure chaos. I was hooked from the beginning.
Also, Aiden felt so REAL. I really enjoyed his POV. Seeing him go through all of these emotions, fighting between his love for Evie and his loyalty for Rook. It felt so real and genuine.
The found family is also one of my favorite things about this series. How deeply they care about each other and how fiercely loyal they are. You just know they have each other's back and always will.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
March 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of Ace & Ember!
I love a dark rom-com, and this one included some amazing tropes to create an exciting story! Morally grey MMC, touch him/her and die energy, blackmail, secrets, suspense, spicy bike scenes - what more do you need?
It was fun to continue the overarching storyline established in the first book, Rook & Rebel. The pacing of this book’s plot development didn’t grip me quite as much as the previous book, but the story itself was still exciting and spicy. I enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC, especially when their feistiness with each other basically turned into foreplay.
I appreciated the consistent series themes of found family and a down-bad MMC. I’m still very invested in all the characters after reading the two books out in the series so far, and I’m excited to see what’s next!
I love a dark rom-com, and this one included some amazing tropes to create an exciting story! Morally grey MMC, touch him/her and die energy, blackmail, secrets, suspense, spicy bike scenes - what more do you need?
It was fun to continue the overarching storyline established in the first book, Rook & Rebel. The pacing of this book’s plot development didn’t grip me quite as much as the previous book, but the story itself was still exciting and spicy. I enjoyed the banter between the FMC and MMC, especially when their feistiness with each other basically turned into foreplay.
I appreciated the consistent series themes of found family and a down-bad MMC. I’m still very invested in all the characters after reading the two books out in the series so far, and I’m excited to see what’s next!
February 18, 2026
arc read!! RTC ⛓️🩶
February 21, 2026
Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for the e-arc! 💟
If you loved Rook & Rebel, you’re gonna want to add the second installment of The Mavericks series to your TBR! This book contained two of my favorite got-me-giggling-and-kicking-my-feet tropes: brother’s best friend and forbidden love. The tension, banter, and spice between Aiden and Evie made it hard not to love them, and their character development and chemistry made for an incredibly enjoyable dynamic to read. The plot was definitely more suspenseful than the first book and I never would have guessed that ending! Overall, I thoroughly loved diving into this book and already can’t for the next one!
If you loved Rook & Rebel, you’re gonna want to add the second installment of The Mavericks series to your TBR! This book contained two of my favorite got-me-giggling-and-kicking-my-feet tropes: brother’s best friend and forbidden love. The tension, banter, and spice between Aiden and Evie made it hard not to love them, and their character development and chemistry made for an incredibly enjoyable dynamic to read. The plot was definitely more suspenseful than the first book and I never would have guessed that ending! Overall, I thoroughly loved diving into this book and already can’t for the next one!
March 2, 2026
2.5. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to get this. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. This was for three main reasons: first, Evie was insufferable and childish. She’s meant to come off as cute chaotic, but she’s just annoying and bitchy. Two, the romance plot hinges on a combo of small misunderstanding for 10 years + psycho older brother being way too much. Three, the side plot was really convoluted and forced. It felt like the original plot had been well wrapped up in the first. So dusting it off to add new things like unknown adoptions, stolen kids, and crime clubs didn’t make sense to me. I’d rather it be its own unique plot. And the whole time I just kept wishing this was Hero’s and Harper’s story. They seem so much more interesting. Hopefully that is next, in which case I would give it a go!
🌶️: 3/5
🌶️: 3/5
February 14, 2026
I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley for a review.
This is book 2 in the Mavericks series about Evie (Rook’s little sister) and Aiden (Rook’s right hand man/best friend) Both have been obsessed with each other, you can tell in book 1 there’s something there.
So I was really looking forward to this being the next story in this series, and I love a good Brothers-best-friend troupe but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Evie is still wondering about her parents and how they got roped into the underground dealings from book 1’s plot. Aiden is constantly assigned to be her “bodyguard” so they orbit around each other all the time. Aiden helps Evie start digging for more information on her parents and Evie decided to blackmail Aiden into showing his true feelings for her and crossing the line that Rook set to “never touch his sister”.
The thing that kept me from loving this more was Evie antics actually. She was constantly as Aiden liked to say “psycho” and juvenile in her methods to communicate and show her own feelings. I mean blackmailing someone to give in and fall for you was a little too teenage love dramatics. If she really loved him then why try to ruin him. That’s just my opinion.
Aiden was made out to be obsessed with Evie and he definitely was. I just thought with his characters background and what he’d loose if he gave in would have made him put up more of a fight. I get that he had been wanting her for a while and loved her “psycho” games but it felt off for me on their true feelings. He seemed devoted, but her not so much. The first half of the book is them just messing with each other to see how far they could push it. Spicy yes, entertaining yes, but not enough real to keep me hooked.
The second half of the book was better. Once we got into the plot and A & E both started to show actual feelings, I enjoyed it more. I feel like they could have gotten to that sooner. Their story got better and more interesting when the relationship got less about games and more real life.
The big climactic unfolding of everything played out a little too easy imo. Shocking twist but some didn’t land as hard. Especially with the “Shadow” stalking chapters reveal.
I do enjoy the whole group dynamics scenes, the found family vibes and getting to see Rook & Rebel together again. I hope Harper and Hero are next up for the series.
The story could have been better but overall I liked it and don’t regret reading. 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book 2 in the Mavericks series about Evie (Rook’s little sister) and Aiden (Rook’s right hand man/best friend) Both have been obsessed with each other, you can tell in book 1 there’s something there.
So I was really looking forward to this being the next story in this series, and I love a good Brothers-best-friend troupe but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Evie is still wondering about her parents and how they got roped into the underground dealings from book 1’s plot. Aiden is constantly assigned to be her “bodyguard” so they orbit around each other all the time. Aiden helps Evie start digging for more information on her parents and Evie decided to blackmail Aiden into showing his true feelings for her and crossing the line that Rook set to “never touch his sister”.
The thing that kept me from loving this more was Evie antics actually. She was constantly as Aiden liked to say “psycho” and juvenile in her methods to communicate and show her own feelings. I mean blackmailing someone to give in and fall for you was a little too teenage love dramatics. If she really loved him then why try to ruin him. That’s just my opinion.
Aiden was made out to be obsessed with Evie and he definitely was. I just thought with his characters background and what he’d loose if he gave in would have made him put up more of a fight. I get that he had been wanting her for a while and loved her “psycho” games but it felt off for me on their true feelings. He seemed devoted, but her not so much. The first half of the book is them just messing with each other to see how far they could push it. Spicy yes, entertaining yes, but not enough real to keep me hooked.
The second half of the book was better. Once we got into the plot and A & E both started to show actual feelings, I enjoyed it more. I feel like they could have gotten to that sooner. Their story got better and more interesting when the relationship got less about games and more real life.
The big climactic unfolding of everything played out a little too easy imo. Shocking twist but some didn’t land as hard. Especially with the “Shadow” stalking chapters reveal.
I do enjoy the whole group dynamics scenes, the found family vibes and getting to see Rook & Rebel together again. I hope Harper and Hero are next up for the series.
The story could have been better but overall I liked it and don’t regret reading. 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC copy to review!
*Fair warning: this is gonna be harsh*
Actually, wtf did I just read? I fear I need to say this first before going into detail about what exactly I didn’t enjoy about this book; I was at a solid 2 stars for my ultimate rating. I had actively been skimming since the 50% mark, and I already knew I wasn’t enjoying it. What brought this down to a 1 star rating was not only the end/twist, but also the fact that I was crying by the time I finished reading because THANK THE LORD it was over (y’all think I’m joking, I’m actively sopping up tears with my sweatshirt while writing this review).
I really don’t want to be mean. Writing a book is hard. It takes everything out of you, inhuman amounts of patience, and causes endless nights of frustration. I give so much credit to anybody that becomes a published author. This book was not good though. Terrible is a harsh word but in this case it feels like a fitting one.
The first book’s writing, characters, and plot were fine. Nothing revolutionary or life changing by any means, but it was decent. I was expecting the same going into this sequel, but boy was I wrong. The writing was worse. It felt like reading one of those shitty shifter romances written by fifteen year olds. The chemistry between Aiden and Evie we saw in book 1 was replaced with increasingly frustrating scenes of an exhausted babysitter putting up with a petulant child. Their “romance” consisted of constant fighting, Evie literally blackmailing him into being with her, destroying his property when she gets jealous, and running off to another guy when she gets upset. It’s like somewhere between book 1 and book 2, their relationship turned toxic. Evie was fine in book 1! She completely changed in book 2, and not for the better.
Idek what to say about the plot. Things were happening, but at the same time, no progress was being made. And the ending. Y’all don’t even get me started bc this was my breaking point. The Big Mystery: What really happened with Rook and Evie’s parents? What were they really involved in? The question that has been plaguing us since the very first book.
Well lemme tell you.
SPOILER ALERT: they illegally adopted Evie from the shadow government (bc regular adoption is so not cool) and under their orders, trained her to become an elite hacker, until the shadow government wanted to recruit her, which her parents were very unhappy about. They said no! 😬 The shadow government burns down their home! 🤯 Rook and Evie escape! 😱 And The Order… does nothing! For like ten years!! 🤔 Until they decide they want Evie again, and by then, at least two of the members have fallen in love with and are obsessed with her.
…
Bruh. What?
Anyways, TLDR: if you didn’t like the first book, don’t read the second. If you did like the first book, stop there. My mind is mush, my spirit is broken, and I fear I’ve lost my sanity. Ok, bye for now. 🙃
*Fair warning: this is gonna be harsh*
Actually, wtf did I just read? I fear I need to say this first before going into detail about what exactly I didn’t enjoy about this book; I was at a solid 2 stars for my ultimate rating. I had actively been skimming since the 50% mark, and I already knew I wasn’t enjoying it. What brought this down to a 1 star rating was not only the end/twist, but also the fact that I was crying by the time I finished reading because THANK THE LORD it was over (y’all think I’m joking, I’m actively sopping up tears with my sweatshirt while writing this review).
I really don’t want to be mean. Writing a book is hard. It takes everything out of you, inhuman amounts of patience, and causes endless nights of frustration. I give so much credit to anybody that becomes a published author. This book was not good though. Terrible is a harsh word but in this case it feels like a fitting one.
The first book’s writing, characters, and plot were fine. Nothing revolutionary or life changing by any means, but it was decent. I was expecting the same going into this sequel, but boy was I wrong. The writing was worse. It felt like reading one of those shitty shifter romances written by fifteen year olds. The chemistry between Aiden and Evie we saw in book 1 was replaced with increasingly frustrating scenes of an exhausted babysitter putting up with a petulant child. Their “romance” consisted of constant fighting, Evie literally blackmailing him into being with her, destroying his property when she gets jealous, and running off to another guy when she gets upset. It’s like somewhere between book 1 and book 2, their relationship turned toxic. Evie was fine in book 1! She completely changed in book 2, and not for the better.
Idek what to say about the plot. Things were happening, but at the same time, no progress was being made. And the ending. Y’all don’t even get me started bc this was my breaking point. The Big Mystery: What really happened with Rook and Evie’s parents? What were they really involved in? The question that has been plaguing us since the very first book.
Well lemme tell you.
SPOILER ALERT: they illegally adopted Evie from the shadow government (bc regular adoption is so not cool) and under their orders, trained her to become an elite hacker, until the shadow government wanted to recruit her, which her parents were very unhappy about. They said no! 😬 The shadow government burns down their home! 🤯 Rook and Evie escape! 😱 And The Order… does nothing! For like ten years!! 🤔 Until they decide they want Evie again, and by then, at least two of the members have fallen in love with and are obsessed with her.
…
Bruh. What?
Anyways, TLDR: if you didn’t like the first book, don’t read the second. If you did like the first book, stop there. My mind is mush, my spirit is broken, and I fear I’ve lost my sanity. Ok, bye for now. 🙃
February 24, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
“Ace” Aiden is a protector by nature — and unfortunately for him, the one person he wants to protect most is completely off limits.
Evie is a hacker who can run with the boys but is secretly a romantic at heart. Together? They’re absolutely dangerous.
If you thought Rook and Rebel was good, just wait until you dive into Ace and Ember by Kate Crew. This forbidden, brother’s-best-friend dark romance takes everything up a notch.
Evie is determined to uncover the truth about who killed her parents — but digging into the past comes with consequences. Secrets unravel, truths explode, and the tension between her and Ace is impossible to ignore.
The 🌶️🌶️🌶️ is next level (and yes… that motorcycle scene? 🔥🔥🔥). While I loved Rook’s story, Evie and Ace had me flipping pages at lightning speed. The chemistry, the danger, the angst — it all worked so well.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!
TROPES ✨
🖤 Brother’s Best Friend
⚡ Enemies to Lovers
🚫 Forbidden Love
🩶 Morally Gray MMC
💻 Hacker FMC
🏍️ Protective Hero
“Ace” Aiden is a protector by nature — and unfortunately for him, the one person he wants to protect most is completely off limits.
Evie is a hacker who can run with the boys but is secretly a romantic at heart. Together? They’re absolutely dangerous.
If you thought Rook and Rebel was good, just wait until you dive into Ace and Ember by Kate Crew. This forbidden, brother’s-best-friend dark romance takes everything up a notch.
Evie is determined to uncover the truth about who killed her parents — but digging into the past comes with consequences. Secrets unravel, truths explode, and the tension between her and Ace is impossible to ignore.
The 🌶️🌶️🌶️ is next level (and yes… that motorcycle scene? 🔥🔥🔥). While I loved Rook’s story, Evie and Ace had me flipping pages at lightning speed. The chemistry, the danger, the angst — it all worked so well.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!
TROPES ✨
🖤 Brother’s Best Friend
⚡ Enemies to Lovers
🚫 Forbidden Love
🩶 Morally Gray MMC
💻 Hacker FMC
🏍️ Protective Hero
March 4, 2026
Disclaimer: I’ve been waiting for this book since I read Rook & Rebel last year. It did not disappoint. But it is different.
First of all: I love Aiden and Evie. Their dynamic is so much fun. And since both Aiden and Evie are part of the pack, you get more glimpses into that whole dynamic and more banter with the other guys in the pack. I’m even more excited for the rest of the series now, because they are so fun in their own ways.
Kate Crew writes such wonderful characters. Evie is such a strong character. She’s smart, she’s creative, but she is a bit impulsive. Aiden is strong, witty, and a Rottweiler when it comes to protecting Evie. The push and pull of their relationship kept me wanting more.
The part of the plot with Evie’s digging and the unseen threat is gripping. And the plot twist is crazy. I didn’t expect the information that came out.
I 100% recommend this if you loved Rook & Rebel.
First of all: I love Aiden and Evie. Their dynamic is so much fun. And since both Aiden and Evie are part of the pack, you get more glimpses into that whole dynamic and more banter with the other guys in the pack. I’m even more excited for the rest of the series now, because they are so fun in their own ways.
Kate Crew writes such wonderful characters. Evie is such a strong character. She’s smart, she’s creative, but she is a bit impulsive. Aiden is strong, witty, and a Rottweiler when it comes to protecting Evie. The push and pull of their relationship kept me wanting more.
The part of the plot with Evie’s digging and the unseen threat is gripping. And the plot twist is crazy. I didn’t expect the information that came out.
I 100% recommend this if you loved Rook & Rebel.
March 13, 2026
Oh I loved this!!! I was honestly scared to start this book since I wasn’t the biggest fan of Rook & Rebel but I loved Evie in the first book and am so happy I decided to grab the arc! Evie is seriously one of the best characters ever written, I love her psycho way of living her life, and Aiden is so perfect for her, this book was so exciting and had some major twists! I will say some things in the end were left unanswered but I’m assuming all will be answered in the next book. But I 100% recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Kate Crew for the eARC!
Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Kate Crew for the eARC!
March 15, 2026
Motorcycle club rules said Ace and Ember were absolutely not supposed to fall for each other… so naturally Ember just blackmails him into giving it a shot. Iconic behavior, honestly.
The tension? Delicious.
The banter? Fun.
The chemistry? Unhinged.
And when I say this book has some of the hottest motorcycle romance scenes I’ve ever read… I mean I was not emotionally prepared. 🥵
If you like forbidden romance, stubborn characters, and a story that will have you fanning yourself while pretending you’re reading it for the plot… this one’s for you.
Low-key still thinking about it. 🏍️📚
The tension? Delicious.
The banter? Fun.
The chemistry? Unhinged.
And when I say this book has some of the hottest motorcycle romance scenes I’ve ever read… I mean I was not emotionally prepared. 🥵
If you like forbidden romance, stubborn characters, and a story that will have you fanning yourself while pretending you’re reading it for the plot… this one’s for you.
Low-key still thinking about it. 🏍️📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely loved Aiden and Evie's story. I love that Evie is a complete baddie and doesn't need to be saved. I don't know whose story I want next more Hero and harper or Mason and the women mentioned at the end of this one.
03-not-released
December 7, 202514th Jul 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Yet another insane, violent romance for me to swoon over. I absolutely fell in love with Kate Crew's writing in
Rook & Rebel
— she does hilarious but dark banter and a crazy obsessed romance so well. While Evie and Aiden's relationship was just as heated and wild as Rook and Regan's, I appreciated that the dynamics between them (as well as the kinks hehe) were still so fresh and different.
We got to see a bit of Evie and Aiden's relationship in the first book—Evie as Rook's younger sister, known for her temper, her dramatics, and for being just a tad bit unhinged (she's got a thing for knives), and Aiden as Rook's right-hand man in their motorcycle and crime business. Aiden is the only one Rook trusts to take care of Evie, which means they're constantly thrown together, and constantly having to deny their attraction and interest in each other.
The forbidden element of their relationship was just one of the reasons they felt so fun and exciting. Evie was such an unpredictable character, but that doesn't mean she didn't care about anything nor did that mean she was dumb. I always appreciated how sharp and smart she was, as capable in a fight as any of the guys and just as bloodthirsty. She was definitely the standout character of the book, especially when it came to their romance. She's been pining after Aiden all these years and has reached her breaking point when it comes to waiting for him—which is why she forces his hand with blackmail.
Aiden is definitely the cool, calm, and collected one in this relationship. But his devotion to Evie, his obsession with her was never once put into question. Even when she was acting out, even when she was putting them in danger, he still always put her needs first, before Rook's and also before his own. Though turns out, what—who—she needed was him. It was so satisfying watching him slowly crumble, to see him finally snap. And their fuck it moments never failed to make me giddy. A couple of my favorite spicy tropes that make their way into this one: masked men and lots of bike sex.
But amidst all the arguments and anger and heat between them, there were also lots of tender moments. There were a couple flashbacks that really helped solidify their relationship and how much they've come to care for and trust each other. I wish we had just a few more conversations between them where they weren't spitting insults or arguing as a way to heavily flirt. And one of the downsides of a forbidden romance element for me is that rarely does the blow up at the end warrant all the heartache and uncertainty leading up to it.
Ace & Ember was a thoroughly enjoyable dark romance. If you want an unhinged read where stabbing, stalking, and other criminal behaviors are not only the norm, but used to make jokes and heighten the romance, this is the series to pick up. Absolutely no regrets in letting this one jump my months-long ARC queue.
﹙ three-point-five stars ﹚
— thank you so much avon for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
We got to see a bit of Evie and Aiden's relationship in the first book—Evie as Rook's younger sister, known for her temper, her dramatics, and for being just a tad bit unhinged (she's got a thing for knives), and Aiden as Rook's right-hand man in their motorcycle and crime business. Aiden is the only one Rook trusts to take care of Evie, which means they're constantly thrown together, and constantly having to deny their attraction and interest in each other.
The forbidden element of their relationship was just one of the reasons they felt so fun and exciting. Evie was such an unpredictable character, but that doesn't mean she didn't care about anything nor did that mean she was dumb. I always appreciated how sharp and smart she was, as capable in a fight as any of the guys and just as bloodthirsty. She was definitely the standout character of the book, especially when it came to their romance. She's been pining after Aiden all these years and has reached her breaking point when it comes to waiting for him—which is why she forces his hand with blackmail.
Aiden is definitely the cool, calm, and collected one in this relationship. But his devotion to Evie, his obsession with her was never once put into question. Even when she was acting out, even when she was putting them in danger, he still always put her needs first, before Rook's and also before his own. Though turns out, what—who—she needed was him. It was so satisfying watching him slowly crumble, to see him finally snap. And their fuck it moments never failed to make me giddy. A couple of my favorite spicy tropes that make their way into this one: masked men and lots of bike sex.
But amidst all the arguments and anger and heat between them, there were also lots of tender moments. There were a couple flashbacks that really helped solidify their relationship and how much they've come to care for and trust each other. I wish we had just a few more conversations between them where they weren't spitting insults or arguing as a way to heavily flirt. And one of the downsides of a forbidden romance element for me is that rarely does the blow up at the end warrant all the heartache and uncertainty leading up to it.
Ace & Ember was a thoroughly enjoyable dark romance. If you want an unhinged read where stabbing, stalking, and other criminal behaviors are not only the norm, but used to make jokes and heighten the romance, this is the series to pick up. Absolutely no regrets in letting this one jump my months-long ARC queue.
﹙ three-point-five stars ﹚
— thank you so much avon for the e-arc via netgalley to review!
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