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Anathema #2
Exiled
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The only thing more sacred than the Anathema MC is the vengeance of a wronged man...
Excommunicated...
Exiled from the Anathema MC, Brew Darnell escaped the bullet only to face the unforgiving solitude of the road. With no future before him, Brew battles his past and vows to protect the one he loves the only way he can—by hunting the man who destroyed his family, devastated the Anathema MC, and betrayed every promise he ever made.
Saved...
Trapped in an abusive relationship with a sadistic biker, Martini Wright learned to manipulate, controlling her boyfriend’s temper with a wink and a smile...until she’s traded as collateral to a rival MC. Her captor, Brew, has never trafficked a woman before, and Martini intends to exploit his guilty secrets to escape. Caught in the middle of a gang war, Brew and Martini fight a dangerous attraction—a second chance to heal from the mistakes of their past if they can confess the terrible truth.
Redeemed...
Brew failed his family before, but Martini can still be saved. With redemption delivered at the edge of a blade, Brew must choose who to rescue—the one he already lost...or the love he never deserved.
Exiled is a stand-alone novel, though for a richer reading experience, you may wish to begin with Warlord, the first novel of the Anathema MC Series.
The only thing more sacred than the Anathema MC is the vengeance of a wronged man...
Excommunicated...
Exiled from the Anathema MC, Brew Darnell escaped the bullet only to face the unforgiving solitude of the road. With no future before him, Brew battles his past and vows to protect the one he loves the only way he can—by hunting the man who destroyed his family, devastated the Anathema MC, and betrayed every promise he ever made.
Saved...
Trapped in an abusive relationship with a sadistic biker, Martini Wright learned to manipulate, controlling her boyfriend’s temper with a wink and a smile...until she’s traded as collateral to a rival MC. Her captor, Brew, has never trafficked a woman before, and Martini intends to exploit his guilty secrets to escape. Caught in the middle of a gang war, Brew and Martini fight a dangerous attraction—a second chance to heal from the mistakes of their past if they can confess the terrible truth.
Redeemed...
Brew failed his family before, but Martini can still be saved. With redemption delivered at the edge of a blade, Brew must choose who to rescue—the one he already lost...or the love he never deserved.
Exiled is a stand-alone novel, though for a richer reading experience, you may wish to begin with Warlord, the first novel of the Anathema MC Series.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2015
23 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Lana Grayson
8 books347 followersLana Grayson was born to write anything and everything to do with romance. Her favorite genres range from the dark and twisty to the lighthearted and sentimental—as long as the characters are memorable, the story is fun, and the romance is steamy. Lana lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, and, when she isn’t bundled in her writing chair, she’s most likely cheering on the Steelers or searching for the ‘Burgh’s best Italian restaurants.
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![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 10, 2015
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...
I had picked up Lana Grayson’s Anathema MC series on a whim, not really expecting much. I thought it’d be one of those tiny novella-type quick read with some hot sex scenes and zero plotting. But damn I was so wrong! I have to say that not only this debut series has hot sex, but also it has a tight-knit plot with some seriously damaged and dysfunctional characters who’d leave you intrigued and wanting for more.
The installments of Anathema MC are not your average 30pages novella. Each has 150+pages, with book 2 having almost 300pages. This series revolves around some key members of Anathema MC and their seriously f*cked up lives. The ex-VP of Anathema MC, Blade Darnell, who’s been rotting in prison for the past couple of years, had left a legacy of s*ht on his wake before the law got hold of him. His 2 eldest sons, Brew and Keep (real names Brice and Tristan) are now holding important posts in the MC under the new President, Thorne Radek. They have a rival MC gang, The Temple, who wants to destroy anything and everything in the wake of their supremacy, by which I mean any competitors to their shady business. You get introduced to these MCs in book 1. I found the whole intro confusing at first. It took me a while to get to know them better, the who’s who of it all but it was worth it. When I was finished, I could see the story arc quite clearly and was anticipating the next installment.
TBH, I wasn’t a big fan of the author’s writing style, and thought sometimes the dialogues read ridiculously melodramatic for my liking. It grew on me however, and I was glad for it too that I just didn’t give up. Just finished book 2, which was much more of an improvement IMO, as I found the writing style much clearer and concise. Have to agree that it was pretty darn good!
In book 1, Warlord, we meet Rose, Blade’s daughter, trying to make out a life sans her MC heritage because of the stigma and fear that surrounds the whole MC lifestyle. But there was another, much darker reason, for her reluctance. She wanted to be away from anything that reminded of her of Blade. Her brothers, Brew and Keep would keep track of her no matter. Rose had financial problems and wanted to carry on with her musical endeavors. She didn’t want her brothers’ help, yet there was no backing off when those two were determined to have their way.
Brew is more like Blade in looks and temperament, with dark eyes and hair already sprinkled with grey, having a big muscled body while Keep is a junkie. He might’ve been very handsome once before the addiction took hold of his much lighter features. Now he sports a bald head which used to have blonde hair. Rose has dark eyes and auburn hair, and she resembles Brew more than Keep.
Sometimes ago, a couple of Anathema members split and created a new MC called the Coup. This, in itself, is a violation of Anathema’s code. Then, the Coup was more corrupted than Anathema ever had been. The President is a total sleazebag, who was also involved with the rival, Temple, for more leverage and cut in the drug business. Unfortunately, no one knew that Blade was trying to get out of prison thru his secret, shady dealings with Temple+Coup and Brew was helping him with it, the devoted son that he was. He wanted his father out, and so he was willing to go to some extreme lengths. Even if it meant keeping Keep in a drug-induced stupor; drug that came from Temple thru him. Even if it meant that once the word got out, he’d be good as dead to Anathema because a traitor only gets one thing in return; death, which might or might not be pleasant depending on his sins.
Rose gets entangled with the MC war sh*t completely by mistake. She had no idea that the guitar shop she went to belonged to someone from the Coup. Thus, she also becomes a target. Brew and Keep had to move her to Anathema’s club house, more so when Thorne commanded that Blade’s daughter should be kept safe. Under him. Literally (if you get my meaning). Then we learn that Rose has known Thorne quite young, quite obsessed with him. Because he was quite a bit older, much closer in age to Brew and Keep, he never gave her second look. Or so Rose thought, because Thorne noticed her alright. But out of respect for the VP and his MC brothers, he never laid a hand on the girl with baby bunny eyes. The girl who’d also been the center of his obsession for a long time. Now that she has grown up and he has a chance given to him on a platter, Thorne is going to use it to its fullest.
Note that their relationship wasn’t all flowers and rainbows. Actually there was nothing of that sort because early in the story Thorne (me too) figured out that there’s something quite wrong with Rose. She’s scared of Blade for some reason. And she sports some sexual skills so good, almost inherent, that Thorne didn’t know what to think. She wasn’t a virgin, yet she wasn’t comfortable with sexual activities either. As if she was used to turning off something inside her... Thorne had to know what was wrong.
I just knew something really bad had happened to Rose while she was growing up. Her mother, who passed on leaving her young, wasn’t much of a mother, even if she’d loved her. She was almost always drunk. Blade wasn’t a father material either. Too bossy, too entangled in Anathema. Family never mattered to him; a man who thought of his children as nothing more than possessions. His sons were either already mixed up with Anathema, then either a junky or serving time, while the daughter practically grew up alone.
Rose, being a girl, was basically useless to him. Or was she?
Ironically, Thorne too, at one point, wanted to use Rose to rat out the betrayer he already knew was inside his MC. His prime suspect was Keep being the junky he was. But things change when they started living and sleeping together. Somehow, after all she’d gone thru, Rose manages to create a close bond with Thorne, who instinctively knew that she needed his protection because no one protected her from whatever the hell happened to her. Somewhere along the way, he had a change of heart about Rose as they start falling for each-other in their own twisted way. For Rose, it was a God given that she could actually enjoy sex with Thorne because she thought that part of her will always remain buried. I couldn’t blame her when I got to learn more about it.
When sh*t finally hit the fan with the Coup and Temple, then Rose gets kidnapped. There’s a big war where members of both MC get killed, including the sleezy President of the Coup. A guy named Knight (Luke) takes over the Coup. It seemed that he wanted to create an all around bond with all the MCs when they split from Anathema but the plan obviously backfired. Though he seemed like a decent guy, Knight was the one who betrays Rose’s trust and helps the Coup kidnap her. There’s always those double edged situations that these people couldn’t seem to escape.
Though the war was finally over, to some extent at least, trouble was still brewing. For now, Temple had backed off, the Coup is completely scattered. Rose is safe with Thorne, and she should be basking in the love they share. Yet the Darnell family is destined to have problem follow them one by one. Brew finally confesses that he was the one who betrayed his MC to help Blade. But the bomb dropped when they saw how pale and sickly Rose looked and it wasn’t from her recent brush with death. That she doesn’t want Blade out of prison. In fact, she doesn’t want Blade anywhere near her. It was so horrible even to imagine that a father sexually abusing his teenage girl until he went to prison, that my eyes were wet. Brew and Keep were dumbstruck because they had not a f*cking idea that this is what she’d been going thru while they were away, chasing their own demons... or women for that matter.
It was because of Rose’s heart-wrenching pleas that convince Thorne to spare Brew’s life. She didn’t wanna lose any of her brothers. Brew is exiled finally from Anathema, but he’d have to disappear as they plan to let it be known throughout the MC that he’d been executed. A warning for anyone wanting to go down that path.
Book 2, Exiled, is a direct continuation of book 1. It’s been around 3 months since Brew left Anathema. He’d been going around from town to town as a mysterious biker named ‘Noir’, his profession transporting goods from one MC to another. Brings good money for his no questions asked service. Brew had been as far away from his home as one can be so that no one recognizes him. He’d survived somehow, even thru all the pain and misery of Rose’s revelation. He’s stewing in the guilt of not seeing his father’s real face, the monster that lived almost near the surface. He’d been such a devoted son, always wanting to be like Blade that he was blind to his faults. And now, Rose is paying for his sins; their sins.
Brew rarely keeps contact with Anathema as commanded. Keep is still a junky, working at the MC clubhouse when he’s not sleeping off the drug that’s gradually eating him alive. Brew had asked his brother to sober up and keep an eye on Rose, even though Thorne is now with her 24/7. She’s now the Prez’s Old Lady (aka ‘woman’ or girlfriend), so she’s safe. Thorne, however much a bastard he is, loves Rose like no other, so Brew is sure that she’s in good hands. But Blade will be out very soon, thanks to Brew’s ‘help’. So yah, there’s no shortage of Brew’s nightmares; most of all, it seemed, are his own creations. But he’s determined about one thing. Blade won’t live long enough to celebrate his freedom, let alone laying a hand on Rose ever again! Brew would see to that it’s done.
It’s one of Brew’s transportation jobs that get him into trouble with Temple once again. This time, he was transporting something for an MC called Kingdom, to another called Sacrilege. Sacrilege is a very weak MC with an equally weak old man for President and a big, hulking and brainless brute named Goliath for its VP. They’d do anything to keep their heads, even if it means throwing in the VP’s Old Lady in the deal. When he’s called back to Sacrilege for another job back to Kingdom, this time Brew finds a beautiful, feisty blonde as his ‘courier’, or so to speak. Apparently, she’s to be collateral to Kingdom until whatever mess they’re in is sorted out. No one, of course, cares about the girl’s well-being in all these.
Even though he tries to think of it as just a job, the irony and the similarity isn’t lost on Brew. It strikes something deep within him. He’d failed to help one girl, is he going to do the same with another? It was apparent that the girl, Martini, was apprehensive. Only God knew what those twisted SOB would do to her, death would probably be welcome by the time they’re thru. What Brew didn’t know that Martini (Olivia) wasn’t some weak, vaporous girl. Life has taught her early of the nastiness of this world because, though Martini is only in her early 20s, she’d seen and suffered much more.
It was true that Martini ‘belonged’ to Goliath, the ugly tattoo on her neck would scream as much. However, she had long since failed to feel anything but loathing for that brute. She has been ‘taken’ by men from an early age and acknowledges as much, that at an young age, she welcomed those rough handlings. She’d always been attracted to the proverbial bad boys and got off on being ‘used’. Ever since Goliath came into the scene, things changed. He just ‘took’ her and no one questioned it. At first, she liked his cruel treatments, but now, Martini wants out. More so, now that he’s proven more than once that he doesn’t care a sh!t for her.
Martini’s only solace was her cousin, but more of a brother than one, Red (Ryan); the only person who probably cared for her. Red had a future, he was going to be a doctor, until the MC happened. He left his studies to become the ‘cleaner’ for the MC messes, by that I mean murder scenes. There’s certainly no shortage of that kinda occurrences! He’s so good at his job that Red makes good bucks doing it for various MCs.
Martini finds herself attracted to Noir from the get-go. But she understood that she couldn’t let a man in her life again. All she wanted was out and she was going to use him to get there. A bat of her eyelashes, a quick sway of her hips and a sultry smile has gotten her this far in life, so Martini thought Noir would be the same. She’d find his weakness and it’d be a piece of cake!
Honestly, I didn’t like Martini for the better part of the book because she, indeed, was using Brew to get away, until she finds herself falling for him. Since they found the Kingdom MC members brutally murdered while ‘delivering’ Martini there, they have been on the run. Brew and Martini weather a lot together in that hellish journey to get away from both Sacrilege and Temple. Since Temple’s members knew him and was hunting for his head, Brew knew he’d have to hide. Now Martini has also become a target. They become close and with Martini’s coaxing touch, he relaxes his guard and begins trusting her. He confides to her about Anathema and Rose, though not why he was so far from home. They even end up having sex, and that was enough for Martini to poke and prod, to make sure Noir, who she now knew as Brew, would take her with him and keep her safe.
Brew comes to learn of Martini’s plans in an unfortunate way. And he was hurt, though he’d probably never acknowledge that part. But I understood Martini’s desperation and not wanting to return to Sacrilege, as Brew wanted her to. And though I didn’t like her, I felt the apprehension as much as her. It was given that if she returns she’d suffer much worse than what she would’ve suffered at Kingdom members’ hands. Goliath would never let her ‘transgressions’ go unpunished. And sadly, I was right to be apprehensive. I wouldn’t recount what she goes thru at the hands of Goliath when they finally catches her and drags her back to their place. It was hard to swallow any way.
After getting Rose’s call on Blade being out of prison, Brew knew it’s time to go home and set the record straight. He hated leaving Martini alone but he was angry at her betrayal. Is that all she wanted from him? Did he mean nothing to her? But Brew didn’t have time to dwell on his own hell and heartbreak; he had to make sure that Rose never suffers thru another hellish moment in her life because of a monster who ruined their family.
I felt so bad for Brew every time he’d go and torture himself with his resemblance of Blade in everything, even his rough and callous handling of women. Once upon a time, he conquered a woman and was proud of it. Now he cringes every time he thought of the things he’d done. Though he hadn’t hurt or raped any woman, he knew his blood is poisoned because of Blade and he absolutely despised it. He didn’t want to become intimate with Martini knowing her abusive past with Goliath and other men, but it seemed she wanted the same thing from Brew; more like welcomed it. From her POV we learn that while Goliath made her scared, she craved Brew’s rough touch, wanting more of it. And even though they had this misunderstanding, she wanted him to become her protector. In the next, we find her proving just to what lengths she’s willing to go to help Brew. To make him see that she’d fallen in love with him, that it wasn’t all just an act.
After a brutal night with Goliath, a bruised and battered Martini is dragged down by that a$$hole to face the members of Temple MC. I was scared to death for her because those SOB were the cruelest of the bunch. But boy if Martini didn’t show everyone that she’s made of much sterner stuff! When they taunt her with the threat on Brew’s life, that Blade has paid to kill him because he knew he’s going to get his comeuppance once he’s out, Martini knew it’s time for some serious action. Oh that girl! She makes such a superb escape from their clutches, and thanks to Red, finally flees that hellhole in search of Brew.
The next few chapters are action on top of action plus some really shocking revelations, especially the one about Rose’s real relationship with Brew. It was such a bomb that I was shaking my head, completely flabbergasted! Like something totally unexpected! But now that I look back, Brew’s concerns and continuous show of affection for Rose makes much more sense to me. Much like her, I still can’t get my mind to wrap around this whole matter.
Up next is Knight’s story which I found rather surprising. I was thinking it’d be Keep’s, but doesn’t matter. I really have to know where this series headed to and what Knight can do to Temple with the information Martini handed over to him. I’m kinda addicted to the series right now. A solid 4 star!
I had picked up Lana Grayson’s Anathema MC series on a whim, not really expecting much. I thought it’d be one of those tiny novella-type quick read with some hot sex scenes and zero plotting. But damn I was so wrong! I have to say that not only this debut series has hot sex, but also it has a tight-knit plot with some seriously damaged and dysfunctional characters who’d leave you intrigued and wanting for more.
The installments of Anathema MC are not your average 30pages novella. Each has 150+pages, with book 2 having almost 300pages. This series revolves around some key members of Anathema MC and their seriously f*cked up lives. The ex-VP of Anathema MC, Blade Darnell, who’s been rotting in prison for the past couple of years, had left a legacy of s*ht on his wake before the law got hold of him. His 2 eldest sons, Brew and Keep (real names Brice and Tristan) are now holding important posts in the MC under the new President, Thorne Radek. They have a rival MC gang, The Temple, who wants to destroy anything and everything in the wake of their supremacy, by which I mean any competitors to their shady business. You get introduced to these MCs in book 1. I found the whole intro confusing at first. It took me a while to get to know them better, the who’s who of it all but it was worth it. When I was finished, I could see the story arc quite clearly and was anticipating the next installment.
TBH, I wasn’t a big fan of the author’s writing style, and thought sometimes the dialogues read ridiculously melodramatic for my liking. It grew on me however, and I was glad for it too that I just didn’t give up. Just finished book 2, which was much more of an improvement IMO, as I found the writing style much clearer and concise. Have to agree that it was pretty darn good!
In book 1, Warlord, we meet Rose, Blade’s daughter, trying to make out a life sans her MC heritage because of the stigma and fear that surrounds the whole MC lifestyle. But there was another, much darker reason, for her reluctance. She wanted to be away from anything that reminded of her of Blade. Her brothers, Brew and Keep would keep track of her no matter. Rose had financial problems and wanted to carry on with her musical endeavors. She didn’t want her brothers’ help, yet there was no backing off when those two were determined to have their way.
Brew is more like Blade in looks and temperament, with dark eyes and hair already sprinkled with grey, having a big muscled body while Keep is a junkie. He might’ve been very handsome once before the addiction took hold of his much lighter features. Now he sports a bald head which used to have blonde hair. Rose has dark eyes and auburn hair, and she resembles Brew more than Keep.
Sometimes ago, a couple of Anathema members split and created a new MC called the Coup. This, in itself, is a violation of Anathema’s code. Then, the Coup was more corrupted than Anathema ever had been. The President is a total sleazebag, who was also involved with the rival, Temple, for more leverage and cut in the drug business. Unfortunately, no one knew that Blade was trying to get out of prison thru his secret, shady dealings with Temple+Coup and Brew was helping him with it, the devoted son that he was. He wanted his father out, and so he was willing to go to some extreme lengths. Even if it meant keeping Keep in a drug-induced stupor; drug that came from Temple thru him. Even if it meant that once the word got out, he’d be good as dead to Anathema because a traitor only gets one thing in return; death, which might or might not be pleasant depending on his sins.
Rose gets entangled with the MC war sh*t completely by mistake. She had no idea that the guitar shop she went to belonged to someone from the Coup. Thus, she also becomes a target. Brew and Keep had to move her to Anathema’s club house, more so when Thorne commanded that Blade’s daughter should be kept safe. Under him. Literally (if you get my meaning). Then we learn that Rose has known Thorne quite young, quite obsessed with him. Because he was quite a bit older, much closer in age to Brew and Keep, he never gave her second look. Or so Rose thought, because Thorne noticed her alright. But out of respect for the VP and his MC brothers, he never laid a hand on the girl with baby bunny eyes. The girl who’d also been the center of his obsession for a long time. Now that she has grown up and he has a chance given to him on a platter, Thorne is going to use it to its fullest.
Note that their relationship wasn’t all flowers and rainbows. Actually there was nothing of that sort because early in the story Thorne (me too) figured out that there’s something quite wrong with Rose. She’s scared of Blade for some reason. And she sports some sexual skills so good, almost inherent, that Thorne didn’t know what to think. She wasn’t a virgin, yet she wasn’t comfortable with sexual activities either. As if she was used to turning off something inside her... Thorne had to know what was wrong.
I just knew something really bad had happened to Rose while she was growing up. Her mother, who passed on leaving her young, wasn’t much of a mother, even if she’d loved her. She was almost always drunk. Blade wasn’t a father material either. Too bossy, too entangled in Anathema. Family never mattered to him; a man who thought of his children as nothing more than possessions. His sons were either already mixed up with Anathema, then either a junky or serving time, while the daughter practically grew up alone.
Rose, being a girl, was basically useless to him. Or was she?
Ironically, Thorne too, at one point, wanted to use Rose to rat out the betrayer he already knew was inside his MC. His prime suspect was Keep being the junky he was. But things change when they started living and sleeping together. Somehow, after all she’d gone thru, Rose manages to create a close bond with Thorne, who instinctively knew that she needed his protection because no one protected her from whatever the hell happened to her. Somewhere along the way, he had a change of heart about Rose as they start falling for each-other in their own twisted way. For Rose, it was a God given that she could actually enjoy sex with Thorne because she thought that part of her will always remain buried. I couldn’t blame her when I got to learn more about it.
When sh*t finally hit the fan with the Coup and Temple, then Rose gets kidnapped. There’s a big war where members of both MC get killed, including the sleezy President of the Coup. A guy named Knight (Luke) takes over the Coup. It seemed that he wanted to create an all around bond with all the MCs when they split from Anathema but the plan obviously backfired. Though he seemed like a decent guy, Knight was the one who betrays Rose’s trust and helps the Coup kidnap her. There’s always those double edged situations that these people couldn’t seem to escape.
Though the war was finally over, to some extent at least, trouble was still brewing. For now, Temple had backed off, the Coup is completely scattered. Rose is safe with Thorne, and she should be basking in the love they share. Yet the Darnell family is destined to have problem follow them one by one. Brew finally confesses that he was the one who betrayed his MC to help Blade. But the bomb dropped when they saw how pale and sickly Rose looked and it wasn’t from her recent brush with death. That she doesn’t want Blade out of prison. In fact, she doesn’t want Blade anywhere near her. It was so horrible even to imagine that a father sexually abusing his teenage girl until he went to prison, that my eyes were wet. Brew and Keep were dumbstruck because they had not a f*cking idea that this is what she’d been going thru while they were away, chasing their own demons... or women for that matter.
It was because of Rose’s heart-wrenching pleas that convince Thorne to spare Brew’s life. She didn’t wanna lose any of her brothers. Brew is exiled finally from Anathema, but he’d have to disappear as they plan to let it be known throughout the MC that he’d been executed. A warning for anyone wanting to go down that path.
Book 2, Exiled, is a direct continuation of book 1. It’s been around 3 months since Brew left Anathema. He’d been going around from town to town as a mysterious biker named ‘Noir’, his profession transporting goods from one MC to another. Brings good money for his no questions asked service. Brew had been as far away from his home as one can be so that no one recognizes him. He’d survived somehow, even thru all the pain and misery of Rose’s revelation. He’s stewing in the guilt of not seeing his father’s real face, the monster that lived almost near the surface. He’d been such a devoted son, always wanting to be like Blade that he was blind to his faults. And now, Rose is paying for his sins; their sins.
Brew rarely keeps contact with Anathema as commanded. Keep is still a junky, working at the MC clubhouse when he’s not sleeping off the drug that’s gradually eating him alive. Brew had asked his brother to sober up and keep an eye on Rose, even though Thorne is now with her 24/7. She’s now the Prez’s Old Lady (aka ‘woman’ or girlfriend), so she’s safe. Thorne, however much a bastard he is, loves Rose like no other, so Brew is sure that she’s in good hands. But Blade will be out very soon, thanks to Brew’s ‘help’. So yah, there’s no shortage of Brew’s nightmares; most of all, it seemed, are his own creations. But he’s determined about one thing. Blade won’t live long enough to celebrate his freedom, let alone laying a hand on Rose ever again! Brew would see to that it’s done.
It’s one of Brew’s transportation jobs that get him into trouble with Temple once again. This time, he was transporting something for an MC called Kingdom, to another called Sacrilege. Sacrilege is a very weak MC with an equally weak old man for President and a big, hulking and brainless brute named Goliath for its VP. They’d do anything to keep their heads, even if it means throwing in the VP’s Old Lady in the deal. When he’s called back to Sacrilege for another job back to Kingdom, this time Brew finds a beautiful, feisty blonde as his ‘courier’, or so to speak. Apparently, she’s to be collateral to Kingdom until whatever mess they’re in is sorted out. No one, of course, cares about the girl’s well-being in all these.
Even though he tries to think of it as just a job, the irony and the similarity isn’t lost on Brew. It strikes something deep within him. He’d failed to help one girl, is he going to do the same with another? It was apparent that the girl, Martini, was apprehensive. Only God knew what those twisted SOB would do to her, death would probably be welcome by the time they’re thru. What Brew didn’t know that Martini (Olivia) wasn’t some weak, vaporous girl. Life has taught her early of the nastiness of this world because, though Martini is only in her early 20s, she’d seen and suffered much more.
It was true that Martini ‘belonged’ to Goliath, the ugly tattoo on her neck would scream as much. However, she had long since failed to feel anything but loathing for that brute. She has been ‘taken’ by men from an early age and acknowledges as much, that at an young age, she welcomed those rough handlings. She’d always been attracted to the proverbial bad boys and got off on being ‘used’. Ever since Goliath came into the scene, things changed. He just ‘took’ her and no one questioned it. At first, she liked his cruel treatments, but now, Martini wants out. More so, now that he’s proven more than once that he doesn’t care a sh!t for her.
Martini’s only solace was her cousin, but more of a brother than one, Red (Ryan); the only person who probably cared for her. Red had a future, he was going to be a doctor, until the MC happened. He left his studies to become the ‘cleaner’ for the MC messes, by that I mean murder scenes. There’s certainly no shortage of that kinda occurrences! He’s so good at his job that Red makes good bucks doing it for various MCs.
Martini finds herself attracted to Noir from the get-go. But she understood that she couldn’t let a man in her life again. All she wanted was out and she was going to use him to get there. A bat of her eyelashes, a quick sway of her hips and a sultry smile has gotten her this far in life, so Martini thought Noir would be the same. She’d find his weakness and it’d be a piece of cake!
Honestly, I didn’t like Martini for the better part of the book because she, indeed, was using Brew to get away, until she finds herself falling for him. Since they found the Kingdom MC members brutally murdered while ‘delivering’ Martini there, they have been on the run. Brew and Martini weather a lot together in that hellish journey to get away from both Sacrilege and Temple. Since Temple’s members knew him and was hunting for his head, Brew knew he’d have to hide. Now Martini has also become a target. They become close and with Martini’s coaxing touch, he relaxes his guard and begins trusting her. He confides to her about Anathema and Rose, though not why he was so far from home. They even end up having sex, and that was enough for Martini to poke and prod, to make sure Noir, who she now knew as Brew, would take her with him and keep her safe.
Brew comes to learn of Martini’s plans in an unfortunate way. And he was hurt, though he’d probably never acknowledge that part. But I understood Martini’s desperation and not wanting to return to Sacrilege, as Brew wanted her to. And though I didn’t like her, I felt the apprehension as much as her. It was given that if she returns she’d suffer much worse than what she would’ve suffered at Kingdom members’ hands. Goliath would never let her ‘transgressions’ go unpunished. And sadly, I was right to be apprehensive. I wouldn’t recount what she goes thru at the hands of Goliath when they finally catches her and drags her back to their place. It was hard to swallow any way.
After getting Rose’s call on Blade being out of prison, Brew knew it’s time to go home and set the record straight. He hated leaving Martini alone but he was angry at her betrayal. Is that all she wanted from him? Did he mean nothing to her? But Brew didn’t have time to dwell on his own hell and heartbreak; he had to make sure that Rose never suffers thru another hellish moment in her life because of a monster who ruined their family.
I felt so bad for Brew every time he’d go and torture himself with his resemblance of Blade in everything, even his rough and callous handling of women. Once upon a time, he conquered a woman and was proud of it. Now he cringes every time he thought of the things he’d done. Though he hadn’t hurt or raped any woman, he knew his blood is poisoned because of Blade and he absolutely despised it. He didn’t want to become intimate with Martini knowing her abusive past with Goliath and other men, but it seemed she wanted the same thing from Brew; more like welcomed it. From her POV we learn that while Goliath made her scared, she craved Brew’s rough touch, wanting more of it. And even though they had this misunderstanding, she wanted him to become her protector. In the next, we find her proving just to what lengths she’s willing to go to help Brew. To make him see that she’d fallen in love with him, that it wasn’t all just an act.
After a brutal night with Goliath, a bruised and battered Martini is dragged down by that a$$hole to face the members of Temple MC. I was scared to death for her because those SOB were the cruelest of the bunch. But boy if Martini didn’t show everyone that she’s made of much sterner stuff! When they taunt her with the threat on Brew’s life, that Blade has paid to kill him because he knew he’s going to get his comeuppance once he’s out, Martini knew it’s time for some serious action. Oh that girl! She makes such a superb escape from their clutches, and thanks to Red, finally flees that hellhole in search of Brew.
The next few chapters are action on top of action plus some really shocking revelations, especially the one about Rose’s real relationship with Brew. It was such a bomb that I was shaking my head, completely flabbergasted! Like something totally unexpected! But now that I look back, Brew’s concerns and continuous show of affection for Rose makes much more sense to me. Much like her, I still can’t get my mind to wrap around this whole matter.
Up next is Knight’s story which I found rather surprising. I was thinking it’d be Keep’s, but doesn’t matter. I really have to know where this series headed to and what Knight can do to Temple with the information Martini handed over to him. I’m kinda addicted to the series right now. A solid 4 star!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2015
Wow...just wow! I read Warlord, the first book in this series and was for the most part pretty impressed with this first time author's work.
Now with this follow-up I am just blown away by the sheer poetry of her writing (YES you read that correctly...poetic writing in a violent book about biker clubs at war) and found myself re-reading passages because there was so much beauty in the words of even the most disgusting, degrading and abusive scenes.
Brew was a "dead man" walking...on his own taking jobs for money to one day pay back for what he feels were his sins of not protecting his little sister from the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of their own father. While completing a delivery, he meets Martini, a beautiful bartender...the "property" of a vicious rival club member and is ordered to take her to another club to be held as "collateral". This is the start of a road trip to hell that doesn't go as planned, and the beginning of what would be both of their downfalls and salvations. Martini desperately wants to escape the cruel man she is owned by and Brew is a hardened shell of man...having failed to protect the little girl he has taken into his heart and left behind a broken woman...and so they both feel like they have nothing to lose when everything starts to go terribly wrong.
So much happens in this book (it is literally non-stop action and one bad thing after another that makes it crazy hard to follow at times) that I won't even try to explain or even try to summarize...but just know going in that you will not be disappointed or feel like it is anything you have read before.
The relationship between Brew and Martini is fascinating...a deep, dark connection based on the twisted imperfections of two lonely, lost souls who feel they have no hope at love or even deserve to be feeling anything close to happiness. The slow build-up of trust and feeling and the sexual chemistry that both threatens to heal as it destroys them is also really wonderful and this author took her time to make it very real and believable.
A HUGE and I mean gigantic OMG and WTH moment occurs about 80% into the book and I pretty much was in shock but thought it made for a very interesting complication and took the story in a different direction but created the basis for some new feelings to be explored.
It ends with an HEA for now and the promise of more adventure to come for another brother in the next book. Be forewarned though, it contains graphic depictions of abuse against women and some pretty gruesome violence in the course of conducting club business as well.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***** 5 ***** "a match made in hell reaches for a heavenly paradise" stars
Now with this follow-up I am just blown away by the sheer poetry of her writing (YES you read that correctly...poetic writing in a violent book about biker clubs at war) and found myself re-reading passages because there was so much beauty in the words of even the most disgusting, degrading and abusive scenes.
Brew was a "dead man" walking...on his own taking jobs for money to one day pay back for what he feels were his sins of not protecting his little sister from the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of their own father. While completing a delivery, he meets Martini, a beautiful bartender...the "property" of a vicious rival club member and is ordered to take her to another club to be held as "collateral". This is the start of a road trip to hell that doesn't go as planned, and the beginning of what would be both of their downfalls and salvations. Martini desperately wants to escape the cruel man she is owned by and Brew is a hardened shell of man...having failed to protect the little girl he has taken into his heart and left behind a broken woman...and so they both feel like they have nothing to lose when everything starts to go terribly wrong.
So much happens in this book (it is literally non-stop action and one bad thing after another that makes it crazy hard to follow at times) that I won't even try to explain or even try to summarize...but just know going in that you will not be disappointed or feel like it is anything you have read before.
The relationship between Brew and Martini is fascinating...a deep, dark connection based on the twisted imperfections of two lonely, lost souls who feel they have no hope at love or even deserve to be feeling anything close to happiness. The slow build-up of trust and feeling and the sexual chemistry that both threatens to heal as it destroys them is also really wonderful and this author took her time to make it very real and believable.
A HUGE and I mean gigantic OMG and WTH moment occurs about 80% into the book and I pretty much was in shock but thought it made for a very interesting complication and took the story in a different direction but created the basis for some new feelings to be explored.
It ends with an HEA for now and the promise of more adventure to come for another brother in the next book. Be forewarned though, it contains graphic depictions of abuse against women and some pretty gruesome violence in the course of conducting club business as well.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
***** 5 ***** "a match made in hell reaches for a heavenly paradise" stars
Read
March 21, 2015DNF!
A bit of spoiler up ahead!!
Picked it up and put it right back down!!
I was really looking forward to this book as I loved warlord.
Once again I read a book about a man almost 40 and a women in her mid 20's.
I am really tired of this age gap that are put into MC books. I wish the heroine was older, then I would have continued.
At the 4% mark I lost complete interest in this book.
I just can't read anymore books abou grown men falling for girls who are barely old enough to rent a car!
This is in no way a reflection of how good the book might be, I'm sure it's great. I just can't get attached to books like this anymore, very disappointing. Happy reading to everyone else!!
A bit of spoiler up ahead!!
Picked it up and put it right back down!!
I was really looking forward to this book as I loved warlord.
Once again I read a book about a man almost 40 and a women in her mid 20's.
I am really tired of this age gap that are put into MC books. I wish the heroine was older, then I would have continued.
At the 4% mark I lost complete interest in this book.
I just can't read anymore books abou grown men falling for girls who are barely old enough to rent a car!
This is in no way a reflection of how good the book might be, I'm sure it's great. I just can't get attached to books like this anymore, very disappointing. Happy reading to everyone else!!
April 25, 2015
While I like the characters and the story line, I found myself finding it hard to absorb the prose in this book (just like in book 1). I found myself re-reading sentences/paragraphs to make sure I understood and followed the thought process involved. Then I found myself skipping pages. At about 60% the action picked up and I followed the story better. I'm sure there are a lot of readers that will like the writing style but it's not for me. Doubt if I'll go for book 3. It's just too much of an effort for me to follow and stay interested in the story.
March 27, 2015
I received this as a Arc for honest review! I thought the first book Warlord kept me on the edge of my seat, lol! This brings suspense, emotions and surprises! I'm absolutely loving this series and most defiantly recommend it if you like MC books!!!
April 7, 2015
Good story
Non stop action. Although it is not my usual sort of story, it held my interest to the end. Sons of Anarchy fans are likely to enjoy this one. Grammatical errors and a need for good proofreading recommended.
Non stop action. Although it is not my usual sort of story, it held my interest to the end. Sons of Anarchy fans are likely to enjoy this one. Grammatical errors and a need for good proofreading recommended.
April 1, 2015
loved it can't wait for book 3
April 12, 2015
Barbaric
To much senseless violence for me. Lots of explicit sex , abuse; mental as well as sexual. A very dysfunctional family!!
To much senseless violence for me. Lots of explicit sex , abuse; mental as well as sexual. A very dysfunctional family!!
December 7, 2015
a decent continuation. same thoughts as the first.
June 23, 2017
Loved It
Wow.. what a story. This book was filled with so much drama I was addicted from the 1st paragraph. This definitely had more dark matter in it but thankfully everyone ended up in a better place. I loved the characters. They were so well-written and intriguing. I am praying that you have a Story for Keep, Tristian, in the future. That poor guy needs a story to heal him!
Wow.. what a story. This book was filled with so much drama I was addicted from the 1st paragraph. This definitely had more dark matter in it but thankfully everyone ended up in a better place. I loved the characters. They were so well-written and intriguing. I am praying that you have a Story for Keep, Tristian, in the future. That poor guy needs a story to heal him!
May 16, 2017
Rough with HEA
Good MC story. Great female characters. Males are tough and gruff and far from perfect but they live their women. Bad things happen to the females so proceed with cation. Book 3 is amnesty out so I am off to Amazon to buy it now.
Good MC story. Great female characters. Males are tough and gruff and far from perfect but they live their women. Bad things happen to the females so proceed with cation. Book 3 is amnesty out so I am off to Amazon to buy it now.
April 27, 2015
This book was mesmerizing to it's highest level!
Brew Darnell is in an exile from all that he holds dear. His choices, walk away with a bullet to his shoulder or not walk away with a bullet to his head. Everyone marked him a traitor. Everyone except Rose. His Bud. Accepting the consequences for his actions he had to lose her too. Now everyone thinks he is dead. The hate inside him has fostered and he survives day to day on the adrenaline he gets from biding his time to finally get the revenge on the man that caused it all, Blade. Since Brew is supposed to be dead he now goes by an assumed name, Noir, and takes jobs for pick up and delivery. He's good at his job. But his mind is still at home with Rose and the Anthema MC. He has three months to make his plan for revenge. His job is what brings him to the Kingdom MC. Pick up one item and transport to another mc, simple.
Olivia, "Martini", did not have an easy life. She owned a bar and was the old lady of the Sacrilege MC vice president, Goliath. He was a mammoth of a man with a heavy hand. She always went for the wrong bad boy. All she needed was to get away. She had tried before but he always found her. Then she had to face her consequences. All she needed was one break.
The attraction between Noir and Martini is combustible. Which is not always a good thing. Especially when their feelings for each other are never on the same page at one time. They are both running from their dark past but neither know where they are running to.
Exiled is a masterfully written book. Brew and Olivia are matched better for each other than they could ever dream of. Deceit and lies get in their way and secrets never stay secret forever.
Lana Grayson great job and I am anxiously awaiting for book three. Thank you for your hard work.
Brew Darnell is in an exile from all that he holds dear. His choices, walk away with a bullet to his shoulder or not walk away with a bullet to his head. Everyone marked him a traitor. Everyone except Rose. His Bud. Accepting the consequences for his actions he had to lose her too. Now everyone thinks he is dead. The hate inside him has fostered and he survives day to day on the adrenaline he gets from biding his time to finally get the revenge on the man that caused it all, Blade. Since Brew is supposed to be dead he now goes by an assumed name, Noir, and takes jobs for pick up and delivery. He's good at his job. But his mind is still at home with Rose and the Anthema MC. He has three months to make his plan for revenge. His job is what brings him to the Kingdom MC. Pick up one item and transport to another mc, simple.
Olivia, "Martini", did not have an easy life. She owned a bar and was the old lady of the Sacrilege MC vice president, Goliath. He was a mammoth of a man with a heavy hand. She always went for the wrong bad boy. All she needed was to get away. She had tried before but he always found her. Then she had to face her consequences. All she needed was one break.
The attraction between Noir and Martini is combustible. Which is not always a good thing. Especially when their feelings for each other are never on the same page at one time. They are both running from their dark past but neither know where they are running to.
Exiled is a masterfully written book. Brew and Olivia are matched better for each other than they could ever dream of. Deceit and lies get in their way and secrets never stay secret forever.
Lana Grayson great job and I am anxiously awaiting for book three. Thank you for your hard work.
April 29, 2015
4.5 stars.
I had issues with book 1 Warlord. However this was so, so much better. The authors writing was still over the top and over wordy but I found it much more readable. It was often over wordy to the point I occasionally got confused with the emotions expressed though, but it was honestly worth it to plow through.
I admit I took a break from reading at about 52% and read a few more books, but when I started reading again I did not put this book down. It caught me up, it was an attention grabber.
There was lots and lots of action in this book, much more than in Book 2. The politics of the different clubs was confusing to me. I think I should have written down some of the info as I read as to be honest as I got a little confused with all the betrayals. I am not saying this to put anyone off reading this as it was an exciting read with so much going on. Brew has truly been knocked on his ass by what happened to Rose in Book 1, he is on his own after being kicked out of his club and pretty much has a death wish. Martini, (hideous name), has had a terrible life, it is good to see a really raw story about a club girl showing the real deal of how they are treated by club members. We know there are disrespected girls in clubs but we only really read about the girls who catch the eye of a club member and escape all the bad that is in club life. With Martini, she suffers real violence and has to be a not very nice person in order to survive. She slowly learns to change her thoughts and the way she lives when she meets Brew and he learns to change his thoughts and processes too. However this is not a straight forward romance. Meet, fall in love, fall out etc.
There is loads going on. The writing is so much improved. Still over wordy, but I enjoyed it this time. It was often really beautiful.
I had issues with book 1 Warlord. However this was so, so much better. The authors writing was still over the top and over wordy but I found it much more readable. It was often over wordy to the point I occasionally got confused with the emotions expressed though, but it was honestly worth it to plow through.
I admit I took a break from reading at about 52% and read a few more books, but when I started reading again I did not put this book down. It caught me up, it was an attention grabber.
There was lots and lots of action in this book, much more than in Book 2. The politics of the different clubs was confusing to me. I think I should have written down some of the info as I read as to be honest as I got a little confused with all the betrayals. I am not saying this to put anyone off reading this as it was an exciting read with so much going on. Brew has truly been knocked on his ass by what happened to Rose in Book 1, he is on his own after being kicked out of his club and pretty much has a death wish. Martini, (hideous name), has had a terrible life, it is good to see a really raw story about a club girl showing the real deal of how they are treated by club members. We know there are disrespected girls in clubs but we only really read about the girls who catch the eye of a club member and escape all the bad that is in club life. With Martini, she suffers real violence and has to be a not very nice person in order to survive. She slowly learns to change her thoughts and the way she lives when she meets Brew and he learns to change his thoughts and processes too. However this is not a straight forward romance. Meet, fall in love, fall out etc.
There is loads going on. The writing is so much improved. Still over wordy, but I enjoyed it this time. It was often really beautiful.
November 21, 2015
Wow! I became a fan of Lana Grayson after reading Warlord where I became hooked on this story! She did not disappoint in Exiled!! She threw in a plot twist in this book that had me closing my kindle for a minute or two and had me shaking my head. The twists and turns in this story are fantastic! The last 15 percent or so of the book had me locking myself in my room so my family could not interrupt my reading! I am absolutely desperate for book three. May cannot come soon enough! I laughed and I cried while reading this book. It is a gritty and raw MC read, definitely not for the faint of heart. Lana tackles a lot of issues here; child abuse and sexual abuse among them.There was plenty of hot, steamy sexy scenes too!! There is so much to this story that it is very hard to put into words, but I promise you that if you read this you will not be disappointed. Exiled picks up three months after Warlord leaves off. Brew is exiled from Anathema, a "ghost," and is waiting to avenge his father's death once Blade gets out of prison. Martini is an abusive relationship with a biker named Goliath. She ends up being collateral and Brew has no choice but to take her with him. Then this is where the story takes off so you need to read it and hold on tight!!!! I love the play on names, Brew/Noir (I loved the scene towards the end when Martini is meeting Luke at the vineyard and she says Pinot Noir is her favorite wine.)Martini. I laughed each time a bottle of Gin was mentioned, and when Brew and Rose were reminiscing about the biker and garage story .... a moped! It was just an intense read, but Lana was still able to give us some laughs. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I give this book five stars! It was an exceptional read!!!
November 7, 2015
WOW-this story has a lot of heart and a lot of heat. This story is Brew Darnell story-he is Rose’s brother and he has been Exiled from the Anathema MC. He found out about the horrible abuse his sister suffered and now lives day to day making amends . He does transport jobs for other MC's and is just a man with a heavy heart who wants to make things up to his sister so bad.
Martini is working as a bartender and has a boyfriend who uses her and beats on her. Brew comes across Martini as he finishes his job completing the delivery he was hired to do. He finds her attractive but Martini is “property” of the rival MC boyfriend and their crew. We, the reader, see how she has had to survive in order to keep her head above water. She wasn’t nice, she wasn’t kind but in order to be what was needed to keep breathing- a club girl was treated horribly and Martini learned real quick how the club guys treated girls like her. Brew sees her and the instant chemistry is immediate. But he turns off that part to how he feels and we see a roller coaster of emotions go thru them and the ride immediately starts to take place when they hire Brew to take her to a rival MC for collateral on a job that they are doing for them. Brew is against this all the way but what can he do? Violence , Sex, betrayal is all on the plate here… Martini and Brew have this chemistry, this instant bond but what is on the table have them fighting it…the twists and turns will have you on the edge til the very end of the book. I loved the ending and how everything played out- the choices that the MC made ended up making sense and I was so glad the author followed up with Brew’s story. I am eagerly awaiting book 3.
My Rating: 4.6 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review****
Martini is working as a bartender and has a boyfriend who uses her and beats on her. Brew comes across Martini as he finishes his job completing the delivery he was hired to do. He finds her attractive but Martini is “property” of the rival MC boyfriend and their crew. We, the reader, see how she has had to survive in order to keep her head above water. She wasn’t nice, she wasn’t kind but in order to be what was needed to keep breathing- a club girl was treated horribly and Martini learned real quick how the club guys treated girls like her. Brew sees her and the instant chemistry is immediate. But he turns off that part to how he feels and we see a roller coaster of emotions go thru them and the ride immediately starts to take place when they hire Brew to take her to a rival MC for collateral on a job that they are doing for them. Brew is against this all the way but what can he do? Violence , Sex, betrayal is all on the plate here… Martini and Brew have this chemistry, this instant bond but what is on the table have them fighting it…the twists and turns will have you on the edge til the very end of the book. I loved the ending and how everything played out- the choices that the MC made ended up making sense and I was so glad the author followed up with Brew’s story. I am eagerly awaiting book 3.
My Rating: 4.6 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the author for my honest review****
November 19, 2015
This is the second book in the Anathema series. This is the story of Brew, and it pretty much picks up where the last book left off. Brew is out on his own after being excommunicated from his MC. He is now no one, a nobody. Now, all he has left is one last mission. Until that time comes, he tempts fate by doing dangerous jobs, looking for death, hoping that it will find him. During one of his jobs, he is tasked with running Martini between MCs. Martini is a young spitfire lady who owns a local bar that has pretty much been taken over by the local MC, Sacrilege. She also happens to be the old lady of one brutal member. She is given instructions that she is to be transported to another MC as an offering, but she sees this as her opportunity to finally escape. And she will use any means necessary. Thus begins the adventure that leads to war between MCs and lovers alike. I liked this book for the most part. My only complaint is how slow it was getting started, at least for me. It took quite a few chapters before I was really able to get into it. I felt like there was a lot over-explaining going on, or a lot of descriptions of the scenes going on, but sometimes it just was not really clear. I had to go back and re-read paragraphs a few times before I fully understood what was happening. But about half way through the book, it was easy to read. I followed the story pretty easy after that. Although I wasn't complete in love with this book, I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I have to know where this is going and how it will all end.
March 19, 2015
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Oh my word this book was so good it kept my up all night reading it. I read Warlord the first book in the Anathema series and I was really impressed with the book since it was a first time read for me by Lana Grayson. Exiled was another great read by Lana Grayson I really enjoyed this book as much I did the first one.
Exiled is about Brew and Martini. It is a continuation from Warlord and takes place 3 months after Warlord. Brew is on his own and doing dangerous runs from the Canadian border to Mexico. He was exiled from his MC and left for dead. He is on the hunt for his sister and to find her. While he is doing a deal he comes a across a beautiful young lady who is with another MC. Martini is in danger herself within her MC. When these two meet they both are stubborn in their own ways.
I really loved Exiled. I loved Brew he was a much older alpha male who was trying to get revenge and was left for dead. Brew was sexy and dangerous all in one hot package. Martini was a headstrong female character who wanted to escape her madman husband. Can't wait to read the third book in the series. Thank you for the ARC!
Oh my word this book was so good it kept my up all night reading it. I read Warlord the first book in the Anathema series and I was really impressed with the book since it was a first time read for me by Lana Grayson. Exiled was another great read by Lana Grayson I really enjoyed this book as much I did the first one.
Exiled is about Brew and Martini. It is a continuation from Warlord and takes place 3 months after Warlord. Brew is on his own and doing dangerous runs from the Canadian border to Mexico. He was exiled from his MC and left for dead. He is on the hunt for his sister and to find her. While he is doing a deal he comes a across a beautiful young lady who is with another MC. Martini is in danger herself within her MC. When these two meet they both are stubborn in their own ways.
I really loved Exiled. I loved Brew he was a much older alpha male who was trying to get revenge and was left for dead. Brew was sexy and dangerous all in one hot package. Martini was a headstrong female character who wanted to escape her madman husband. Can't wait to read the third book in the series. Thank you for the ARC!
March 19, 2015
Loved It!! Exiled is the second book in the Anathema series and I suggest that you read the first book Warlords before you start it. Exiled picks up 3 months after Warlords ends and it is Brew's story.
Brew is exiled from Anathema and is on the run making money doing transport jobs for other MC's. He is a dead man walking bidding his time until his father gets out of prison so he can avenge all the terrible things his father did to his sister.
Martini is stuck in a abusive relationship with no way out. Her biker boyfriend and his MC club hire Brew to take her to a rival MC for collaterial on a job that they are doing for them. Brew is against this but has no choice.
This book is filled with excitement,danger and some sexy scenes.
Brew is one of those characters that you fall in love, he is tough, sexy and I love that he is in his late 30's. Martini has a mouth on her and her and Brew's chemistry is off the charts.
One thing that I really love about this series is that there is something that comes out in each book that you would have never guessed. I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
Brew is exiled from Anathema and is on the run making money doing transport jobs for other MC's. He is a dead man walking bidding his time until his father gets out of prison so he can avenge all the terrible things his father did to his sister.
Martini is stuck in a abusive relationship with no way out. Her biker boyfriend and his MC club hire Brew to take her to a rival MC for collaterial on a job that they are doing for them. Brew is against this but has no choice.
This book is filled with excitement,danger and some sexy scenes.
Brew is one of those characters that you fall in love, he is tough, sexy and I love that he is in his late 30's. Martini has a mouth on her and her and Brew's chemistry is off the charts.
One thing that I really love about this series is that there is something that comes out in each book that you would have never guessed. I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
December 14, 2015
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This is the second book of the Anathema MC series. Lana Grayson is amazing! I loved this book!! Although this can be read as a standalone, to get a better grasp of everything i would star with reading Warlord.
Brew Darnell has been exiled from the Anathema MC. He vows to protect the one he loves the only way he can—by hunting the man who destroyed his family, devastated the Anathema MC, and betrayed every promise he ever made. Martini Wright is trapped in an abusive relationship with a sadistic biker. She learned to manipulate, controlling her boyfriend’s temper with a wink and a smile...until she’s traded as collateral to a rival MC. Her captor, Brew, has never trafficked a woman before, and Martini intends to exploit his guilty secrets to escape. Brew failed his family before, but Martini can still be saved. Brew must choose who to rescue—the one he already lost...or the love he never deserved.
I loved how badass yet manipulative Martini is and Brew is one determined hot Alpha male! There are so many twists and turns in this book, i highly recommend this read!
Brew Darnell has been exiled from the Anathema MC. He vows to protect the one he loves the only way he can—by hunting the man who destroyed his family, devastated the Anathema MC, and betrayed every promise he ever made. Martini Wright is trapped in an abusive relationship with a sadistic biker. She learned to manipulate, controlling her boyfriend’s temper with a wink and a smile...until she’s traded as collateral to a rival MC. Her captor, Brew, has never trafficked a woman before, and Martini intends to exploit his guilty secrets to escape. Brew failed his family before, but Martini can still be saved. Brew must choose who to rescue—the one he already lost...or the love he never deserved.
I loved how badass yet manipulative Martini is and Brew is one determined hot Alpha male! There are so many twists and turns in this book, i highly recommend this read!
March 19, 2015
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book (obviously flew through it, since I got it late on Tuesday & finished it on Wednesday). I am really happy that the next book in this series is only a month or two away as I'm curious about the path for this next featured character. I have been waiting for Brew's story since Warlord & Lana didn't disappoint with this fast paced story. I would suggest reading Warlord first, as it provides a great base for Exiled (and explains how the characters got to this point).
This is a MC thriller romance, so expect the characters to be of rough/tough stuff and end up in some shady situations. The thriller portion of this definitely tends toward the darker side of this genre (abusive situations), but the book gives fair warning of that and frankly if you read this genre, it isn't an unexpected element to the story. The descriptions of each change in setting and scenario really pull the reader in and make for a suspenseful read.
I really enjoyed this book (obviously flew through it, since I got it late on Tuesday & finished it on Wednesday). I am really happy that the next book in this series is only a month or two away as I'm curious about the path for this next featured character. I have been waiting for Brew's story since Warlord & Lana didn't disappoint with this fast paced story. I would suggest reading Warlord first, as it provides a great base for Exiled (and explains how the characters got to this point).
This is a MC thriller romance, so expect the characters to be of rough/tough stuff and end up in some shady situations. The thriller portion of this definitely tends toward the darker side of this genre (abusive situations), but the book gives fair warning of that and frankly if you read this genre, it isn't an unexpected element to the story. The descriptions of each change in setting and scenario really pull the reader in and make for a suspenseful read.
March 22, 2015
I received and ARC in exchange for a review:
I think I got the better end of the deal because I would have purchased this book anyway :)
I believe there are books that are okay/ good/ etc that miss a touch of something- mainly the style of writing. Lana Grayson is a metaphorical genius that writes you a lyrical lullaby even in an intense scene. Somehow she makes every sentence beautiful and if you are a thesaurus fiend ( like myself) she will quickly become a favorite author of yours.
That's said- Exiled was HOT, Fast Paced and Exciting. Martini was smart and fast as a whip, a refreshing female lead. I wasn't a huge fan Brew in Warlord , but he clearly redeemed himself. It was a great story line and I love that the story is continued but their love story is complete.gives just the right amount of cliffhanger AND I'm excited for Luke's novel!!!
I think I got the better end of the deal because I would have purchased this book anyway :)
I believe there are books that are okay/ good/ etc that miss a touch of something- mainly the style of writing. Lana Grayson is a metaphorical genius that writes you a lyrical lullaby even in an intense scene. Somehow she makes every sentence beautiful and if you are a thesaurus fiend ( like myself) she will quickly become a favorite author of yours.
That's said- Exiled was HOT, Fast Paced and Exciting. Martini was smart and fast as a whip, a refreshing female lead. I wasn't a huge fan Brew in Warlord , but he clearly redeemed himself. It was a great story line and I love that the story is continued but their love story is complete.gives just the right amount of cliffhanger AND I'm excited for Luke's novel!!!
November 21, 2015
This is the second book in the Anathema series and it just keeps getting better! While this can be read as a standalone I strongly recommend reading this series in order since it helps to have a better understanding of what exactly is going on. We were introduced to Brew in the first book and now he's been exiled from the Anathema MC club and he's on a mission to seek out the one who caused all of his problems and make them pay. While on this mission he comes across Martini who has been traded off to a rival MC club and ends up with Brew. Now he's faced with a difficult choice and his happiness depends on making the right one. I really enjoyed this book and I'm loving this series! I love how dark and dangerous these stories are and can't wait for more. I highly recommend this to anyone and I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2015
What a wonderful read! Grayson does it again. While sticking to the same characters and themes, we get a glimpse of the world through a different set of eyes. Though the characters from Warlord are most definitely present, this story is told mostly from Brew’s point of view. It gives a different feel for the book and makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. It was exciting and sad and intense with at least one turn you won’t see coming! This is the book for you if you like romance, heartbreak, redemption, and love. Can’t wait to see what happens in Lana’s next book, Knight!
Bonus: If you’re from Western Pennsylvania, you’ll love the references in this book! Yinzers rejoice!
Bonus: If you’re from Western Pennsylvania, you’ll love the references in this book! Yinzers rejoice!
April 5, 2015
Great Read!
Noir is a delivery man. He picks up things from one MC and delivers it to another MC. When one of the deliveries is a woman, Noir refuses because there is not enough money for him to be a trafficker. But he takes her, Martini, and things go from bad to worse. Martini is looking for a way out and leaving with Noir might be her chance. They will find guys beheaded, guys from another MC that thinks Noir is dead and then Noir heading back to the west coast to avenge a wrong to his sister. Can Martini get Noir to take her with him to protect her? Will Martini use Noir to escape? What will happen when his old MC finds out he is not dead? This is a great story and I loved it. Can't wait to read more of this series.
Noir is a delivery man. He picks up things from one MC and delivers it to another MC. When one of the deliveries is a woman, Noir refuses because there is not enough money for him to be a trafficker. But he takes her, Martini, and things go from bad to worse. Martini is looking for a way out and leaving with Noir might be her chance. They will find guys beheaded, guys from another MC that thinks Noir is dead and then Noir heading back to the west coast to avenge a wrong to his sister. Can Martini get Noir to take her with him to protect her? Will Martini use Noir to escape? What will happen when his old MC finds out he is not dead? This is a great story and I loved it. Can't wait to read more of this series.
May 26, 2015
Again, it is obvious that the writer is very talent however there is something lacking therefore; what made the first book so interesting was lacking in this book. There was no real developing in the two main characters especially Brew. I don't feel like we got to witness enough of the relationship buildup to make me invested in the couple (Brew and Martini). Martini character was weak and deceitful and appears to be a teenager. Brew character was moody but a true mature alpha male on a mission. Overall I was truly disappointed with this second book. I had hoped it would have been at least as good as the first book was but it fell a little short. The storyline was well orchestrated many exciting moments, action and secrecy but fell short .
November 23, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. In this one, it picks up where the first one left off. We get a chance to get Brew's story. And what a story this is. Brew is basically a runner for another MC since he was exiled. He gets the opportunity to transport a sassy sexy woman named Martini to another MC as a sign of good faith. When things don't go exactly as planned, all hell breaks loose;rival gangs, who-dunnits,and the release of the infamous Blade Darnell along with some new creepy characters like Goliath in the mix. In this one a few more pieces to the Darnell family puzzle come to fruition. I was completely blown away.Exiled was a suspenseful, dark, gritty and sexy read. This was an excellent follow up to Warlord. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Knight.
November 2, 2015
Exiled from his club Brew knows there's only one reason for him to go on, and that's to exact revenge on his father. Until then, he lives for the day.
This brings him right into the middle of club business that becomes dangerous for him, and his latest assignment.
Martini knows she's trapped with no way out, when Goliath comes with a new demand, one that won't be good for her health. Could she persuade her driver to maybe help, or is she doomed?
One decision made on the go turns out to bring a world of unhappiness, and soon Brew & Martini are on the run. Can they make it through unscathed?
Biker romance, action and smut in a great combo, can´t wait for the next installment.
This brings him right into the middle of club business that becomes dangerous for him, and his latest assignment.
Martini knows she's trapped with no way out, when Goliath comes with a new demand, one that won't be good for her health. Could she persuade her driver to maybe help, or is she doomed?
One decision made on the go turns out to bring a world of unhappiness, and soon Brew & Martini are on the run. Can they make it through unscathed?
Biker romance, action and smut in a great combo, can´t wait for the next installment.
November 23, 2015
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Brew had self-exiled himself to protect his family and to escape the vile memory of his father. Lana's portrayal of this MC is very gritty and draws you in.
Brew, Martini, Goliath, Rose, Keep, Thorne, Lyn and many more great characters. I felt for each character as they dealt with their demons throughout the story. Every ounce of pain Martini felt, I felt for her. It was gripping.
I can't wait to read the next book. I will not give away the twist in this book but lets just say that I was shocked!
Loved it! Keep up the great work.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Brew had self-exiled himself to protect his family and to escape the vile memory of his father. Lana's portrayal of this MC is very gritty and draws you in.
Brew, Martini, Goliath, Rose, Keep, Thorne, Lyn and many more great characters. I felt for each character as they dealt with their demons throughout the story. Every ounce of pain Martini felt, I felt for her. It was gripping.
I can't wait to read the next book. I will not give away the twist in this book but lets just say that I was shocked!
Loved it! Keep up the great work.
June 2, 2015
I am such a huge fan of Lana Grayson's books. She has totally turned me on to MC books and the second Anathema book, Exiled, did not disappoint. It picks up where Warlord left off and then takes shock and awe while reading to a whole new level. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor several times. Exiled was filled with internal and external struggles that I couldn't wait to see resolved. The wars waging inside of Brew and Martini almost pale in comparison to the coming MC war. This story was deep and rich and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next installment!
March 18, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest reviewWow! This book was amazing. I love the way the author wrote this. I felt many times i was there in the book because of how the scene was described. This MC book was very gritty, dirty and raw, just the way I like them! The characters were great! The storyline had a great flow and kept you on the edge of your sit. I had a hard time pulling myself away from this one. The twists and turns during the story were awesome! A must read!
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