This is not your starry eyed, love struck romance. There are no singing birds or riding off into the sunset. There is no happily ever after. This is the type of story that tears your heart out, stomps it into the dirt, and very slowly sews it back together. Never to be the same again.
Harley left Branchwood, Colorado, at eighteen in hopes of never returning. But at thirty-six she’s forced to return to her hometown to bury her father. Can she come back home and not be touched by the painful secrets she left behind?
Ford devoted his life to the Hell Hounds MC, even when doing so cost him the girl he loved. He survived that loss though, and put it firmly in his past. But sometimes the past comes running back into town to knock you right on your ass.
He wants the truth.
She wants to forget.
When the truth comes to light will they be able to work together and fix everything that went wrong?
***Beware this book contains sexy, dangerous bad boys***
This was a first time author for me. I think there was a good story line here that could have been developed into a really good book. The characters were interesting, but I was never drawn completely in to really feel the characters. It was like I was detached the entire time I was reading the book. There were some noticeably out of context words that I thought basic proof reading would have caught. There were so many issues that were totally unbelievable to me, such as: -Why did Harley let her father force her to let her child be adopted? Too little detail about this major issue. -When she and Ford connect 18 years later, they immediately reconnect with very little dialogue about the long separation and the child he has never seen. Why didn’t they try to contact each other over 18 years, especially when a child was involved? -In a short amount of time Ford and his club uncover exactly who adopted the child and where she is. She is 17 years old and has a 3 year old son. She’s been horribly abused by the MC president who adopted her. -Upon being rescued the 3 year old is beyond precocious. He had the vocabulary of a much older child and his maturity is way beyond a toddler. Hard to believe since he was abused, malnourished and isolated during his first three years. -Upon being rescued the child goes to the hospital but no one asks how/when/what happened to cause the severe abuse. The hospital treats him and he just goes happily back to Ford’s MC to be loved and spoiled by all of the bad ass bikers. -Upon the daughter’s (Avery) rescue she knows Ford is her father and “just knew” he would rescue her but doesn’t have a clue as to who her mother is. But she totally just accepts Harley when Harley tells her “I’m your mother.” No questions, no anxiety, no resentment. -I just didn’t feel the romance at all between Ford and Harley. In 18 years Harley has never had sex with anyone else but of course Ford has made good use of the club whores.
There is a lot of action but things move to fast and too much was just skipped over to make it even half believable. The author sets up some good characters for possible future books. I’m going out on a limb and rate this book 3 stars in hopes that future stories in the series are written with more detail and a drastic improvement in making the reader feel the emotions and think it’s at least somewhat realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not the typical MC romance. Liked how the story wasn't predictable and the bikers actually had emotions. Ready for Avery's story since I loved Exe the most.
I have never read an MC Romance like this one. I was walking in blind, the blurb gave me enough details to want to read the book but not enough details for me to know what was going to happen. On top of that, the author wrote it similar to a mystery novel. You never got all the details at once, it was spread out. Like when you have a trail of crumbs for the dogs to follow.
I really have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the characters and their will-power to keep fighting against all odds. I loved how they still saw the light when they were surrounded by darkness. But was it unrealistic that they didn't have more issues with the traumatic events happening around them? Did it not take an effect on their mental health? Like I said I am torn, so the rating is only 4 stars.
But I would totally love to read the second book. I do want more of this world that Sandra Richmond writes about.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow - I am just about speechless here..and I feel bad at the same time for how terrible I found this book. Quite honestly, I always read the reviews where people are fussing about someone giving a book a bad review and/or really low **'s and ratings, and they did not finish the book, but...I cannot. I am not sure I have ever read a book that totally lacked EVERYTHING - writing skill, story line, character - much less character development, shucks, I cannot. No literary license here, but I am thinking that in order to produce a semi decent story, there has to be some of the following: • Intro/premise • Story/character development • Crisis • Crucible/climax/crescendo • Down the other side of the mountain in an HEA…or not. Wow, I cannot. I am so flabbergasted at just how much this book lacked in imagination and skill that I am just going to throw down the mic here and exist – stage left.
***my review, is simply that - mine, my opinion. My taxes, death, student loans and opinion should not in any way offend anyone as they are only personal to ME and absolutely should NOT be considered an attack on the wonderfully gifted author nor the readers whose opinion may differ
Can’t wait for more!! Reunited teenage sweethearts, motorcycle club, gritty language, violence, torture but with some triggers thrown in, plus the comic relief is the 3 year old grandson Celeb, does and say something funny and get these tough road harden men and turn them into giant marshmallows filled with love. Harley’s father has secrets from before she was ever born, who he was a member too, what his lying did and how he sold a child, and broken his ‘precious’ daughter trust and love. Ford didn’t want responsibility so for 18 years he’s been loving it up being a biker with parties, drinks and club pass-arounds. But the night Harley comes back to town his single status might just be jeopardized. After 18 years Will Harley ever find her daughter, hoping she had a good life until a shocking discovery in Harleys childhood bedroom will break her already shredded Spirit??
The story itself would have rated give stars of it wasn't for the poor grammar. This book needs some major editing! The incorrect word usage was even worse. When the author used sick instead of sic for the dog to take action, I knew it was only going to get worse--and it did! I expected slang and poor grammar from the MC, but not Harley who was educated. This book has so much potential and the author should get the editing done and release it again. I am debating buying the second book because I am afraid that is poorly edited also.
Oh my goodness!!! This was my first book from this author and definitely not my last. I'm not going to go into this story, there's already so many wonderful reviews. All I can say is this was one action packed and heartbreaking story. You are just going to love Caleb (who had so many nicknames like "freak" , "little man" and "little hero"). These bikers had hearts of gold and is so loving towards everyone, you'll just love them all.
I really wanted to dive into this story and fall in love with Ford and Harley. I mean what’s not to love right? Young love goes wrong, she runs away and comes back for a family issue, only to end up face to face with the man who crushed her heart.
Harley’s relationship with her mother was brutal from the start. I could really empathize with her as she finally gave up on ever having a mother’s love but her daddy was the source of unconditional love and her hero till something happened to change that. She left it all behind to go to Washington for college and decided to stay there and start a new life for herself as a nurse and working her way up in the ranks at the hospital. She thought leaving the memories and family behind her in Colorado was the end of it, but then the dreaded call came and she needed to return home.
Ford was no stranger to abuse in his home either. He was determined he would not grow up to be like his father, but he risked turning even worse than his dad. The day he declared to Harley he was going to join Hell Hounds MC, he wasn’t aware of what all he was throwing away. She had a surprise for him that day, a gift that was going to change her life for sure and she had hoped he would treasure it the same but instead he stood there as she refused to join him and walked away and out of his life.
Years later they come face to face again and no matter how much they tried to deny it, the chemistry was still there. To be a part of his life she will have to give everything up again and start over, only this time she is battling against the history of his behavior on the day she needed him most.
I love the plot idea and I see where this could have easily been an epic book. While I love that it was more gritty and dark versus romantic and sensual, I felt it was so rushed. On more than one occasion I found I was sidetracked with questions that wasn’t answered instead of following along with each step of the plot. The slangs didn’t feel correct to me, the realism was lost as it read more like the author was trying to sell me on the MC drama and not a substantive story that I could relate and engage in. With all of this said, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves gritty, down right crude MC gangs. This is truly a case of my preference versus the style of delivery from the author, both are valid yet sometimes they don’t mix well.
received in exchange for an honest review for Crystal's Many Reviewers
This was my first read by this author, it was rather perplexing. Some parts were rather good, others were frustrating, some were just downright sad and tragic while the rest were just disgustingly dark and gritty. For the life of me I still cannot understand why Harley had such a bug up her ass about the club in the first place all due to some rumors? Are you fucking kidding me? Yeah I know she was only seventeen, some would say she was young and naive but she wasn't so naive to open her damn legs up and get pregnant so stop acting like a damn child, listen to the supposed love of your life instead of having a damn tantrum and running off, hey maybe those horrible 18 years wouldn't have ever happened.
Which makes me wonder, what possessed Ford to all of a sudden become father of the year? If he wouldn't have bumped into Harley at that bar, would he have ever bothered to even ask after their child? With all of that said and done, the storyline was actually very interesting, if not a bit creepy with all of pedophilia going on, that shit was just wrong, what happened to Avery and as a result to little Caleb. Reading from both Harley and Ford's POVS gives us a better look on what both the H and the h are feeling. It amazes me that it takes just TWO men to have like ten different chapters of the Hell Hound's running around looking like a bunch of bumbling idiots, trying to find Avery...lol. At least they get their gruesome payback....
There is a sad loss, but I think from that sad loss there will be lovely connection between two people who both feel that loss deeply...we shall see...
Stars deducted because Harley was just stupid with her tantrums, the Hell Hound's were made to look like idiots by only two men, that's just wrong on so many levels and for an MC book, there wasn't any sexual chemistry like you'd expect to find, that was disappointing.
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
36 year old Harley Brookes never anticipated returning to her hometown of Branchwood, Colorado. She fled 18 years ago with a broken heart to Washington. The death of her beloved father is the only reason for her journey home. Thankfully her best friend Melissa West will be her rock during her stay. 37 year old Ford had a rough upbringing. 18 years ago with a broken heart he joined Hell Hound MC. He finds a sense of family and brotherhood like never before.
Ford never anticipates running into the biggest mistake he ever made randomly one night. He wants answers. Harley wants to forget. What they find is a whole lot of fucked up and everything in life changing.
"I thought I could live life without you baby. Now that I have you, I know I was only existing in life, not living it."
Cliffhanger – no (book 1 of series) POV - Harley and Ford
I have no idea why/how this book got such a high rating in reviews. It was shockingly flawed from the start. However! The storyline is a good one, it's just very poorly executed. There are several reasons for my poor rating. The characters are under developed, the storyline has serious holes. Without wanting to give any of the plot away, it feels very rushed. For example, she's on the cusp of leaving for college, finds out she's preggo, tells her parents, tells the father, but upon meeting this dude who she has fallen for and slept with, fallen pregnant and all in the space of 3 months. She meets him at a park, where they first met and her inner monologue gives you the beau' s autobiography up to that point. A boy so damaged, he has a record, serious issues with his mom, after selling him for crack at the age of9, but he misses her and is in a loving relationship with her... in 3 months... I stopped not long after this... I understand this is the author's first novel, but after the blurb and such high ratings, I was just simply shocked at the sheer over rated expectations I had for it that fell far too short of the mark.
I gave this book a 4 lady porn because it was a page turner and I couldn't put it down. Now somethings were a bit to graphic and some of the story line a tad bit much to swallow but those things are what I base a good book on. Just a little heads up.
Harley's world came crashing down on her at the ripe old age of 18. When she broke the news to her love, Ford he didn't react as she would have hoped and was quick to leave him in the dust. 18 years later they come face to face and the feelings from long ago resurface. Harley has no intention of sticking around but what happened long ago has her teaming up with Ford to make things right. Turns out everything she thought she knew was a lie. It's a battle against time that will have you on edge. Ford and Harley just clicked back together but the focus was more on the danger. Some sex scenes - nothing to detailed or raunchy. The ending was fabulous and the sneak peak of the next book is great.
This is my first book by Sandra and can I just say OH MY FREAKIN WOW! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS BOOK!The story line is magnificent! I cannot wait to read Tortured Love, I just wish we had some idea when it will be out. The characters are amazing. I especially love Caleb. What a sweetheart! He is absolutely precious talk about a cuteness overload. I bawled my eyes out thinking about what he went through at three years old. I mean screaming ugly crying. Lol. And Avery, my heart was actually aching for her. The suspense was so intense I almost peed my pants. Lol. These bad ass bikers are the epitome of the Greek God Adonis, but they're also sweet and caring and generous beyond belief and don't even get me started on their sense of love and devotion for their brotherhood and their families. This book just blew me away. I EXTREMELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!
The idea behind this story is good but it missed the mark a bit for me. It desperately needs editing , not just for the grammar but some of the medical references too. It is really quite violent and I found myself speed reading through some of the more gruesome pages. Harley and Ford were very quick to reconnect after their 18 year separation. Avery and Caleb slotted in very easily, all things considered. I am curious about Avery's story, which is the next book but I might just try the sample first to get a feel for it. The ending was ok~ no cliffhanger. Steam factor? Not high. Violence? Loads. Really quite graphic. I just felt the whole book could have delivered more.
1.5 Es tan irreal que sufrí, todo over the top, el héroe fue una basura con su actitud cuando eran adolescentes y la dejó embarazada porque prefería al club (directamente, ni siquiera buscó convencerla o lograr un equilibrio entre ellos), screw you. Para colmo, se le suma la historia de la hija . Lo peor? un poco me interesa leer la continuación, es un trainwreck que no podes parar de ver.
Harley was young and found love only to lose it so she left home. 18 years later she comes to bury her father, hoping to just say goodbye and go back to her life. A chance meeting with the lost love, Ford, makes her have to face all of the secrets that she left behind.
Ford's life is all Hell hounds MC, it's all he's had after the girl he loved left him with their child. Harley keeps running away from Ford, but he pushes her to know the truth. They dig to find the truth and find all the secrets that lead them back together.
I am excited for the next book in the series, it carries on the story of Avery and how she moves on with her new life.
Wow what a great start to a series. It has so much action and drama it will keep your interest and keeps you reading into the wee hours of the morning. I loved the characters and the story line. It had everything I look for in a good MC book. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I am so glad it came out for nook. I must say I have never had a book make me laugh so much during a torture scene before. I loved little man he is a cool kid. This was just a great book to read. I will be following this author and this series. Rated great
This author did a phenomenal job at capturing so many raw emotions in this book. Love, hate, torture, innocence, guilt, vengeance, lust....ugh so many! Such an amazing read. Can not wait to read the rest of Avery story. My heart breaks for her and can't a it to see how she deals with the emotions she is feeling.
I gotta say this book got better and better as the pages turned ford , and harley there journey made me cry its was difficult in places and it looks like a great start to a new series looking forward to avery, s story
I'm speechless. The first 25% is a little slow but after that all hell breaks out. I cried it is the most heart wrenching read I have read. It is a very dark read and be warned it is not for The faint hearted... So looking forward to Averys next.
What an awesome MC Book. Love all the characters in this book. Can't wait for Avery's book. This is the 1st book I have read from this author. Looking forward to reading more of her work. Excellent job.
First time Reader absolutely loved this book with all its twists and turns. Sometimes you get to go back to try to make things right. Sometimes no matter what you do things will always be damaged. Family doesn't have to be blood. I loved this book it is a gem.
Started off a bit slow, but then it turned out to be amazing. So many emotions, it was beautifully heartbreaking I cannot wait for the next book to come out.