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Ready to Ride #4a
Hard Ride: Part 1
Liv never expected to find herself trapped in an alley facing a band of rough bikers. And she certainly never expected to see him again...
When Shock encounters an old flame in a dark alley, it sends him spiraling. She's still as beautiful as ever, but she seems to have fallen on hard times since college, and he's concerned about the risks she seems to take. In order to keep her safe and finally have her for himself, he makes a sensual deal: his help for her complete submission. But will Liv be able to let go of the past and fall for the hard rider?
When Shock encounters an old flame in a dark alley, it sends him spiraling. She's still as beautiful as ever, but she seems to have fallen on hard times since college, and he's concerned about the risks she seems to take. In order to keep her safe and finally have her for himself, he makes a sensual deal: his help for her complete submission. But will Liv be able to let go of the past and fall for the hard rider?
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
4 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Opal Carew
166 books1,896 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Opal Carew loves cats, Zentangle, and wild nail polish!
http://www.opalcarew.com/
http://us.macmillan.com/author/opalcarew
http://www.opalcarew.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 2, 2015
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 SEXY, BAD-ASS, Motorcycle Riding STARS!
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4 HOT Stars and getting hotter!
Ending ~ To be continued
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars
OH YEAH! I REALLY enjoyed the first part of this series. It kept me interested and turning the pages.
My favorite character so far is the hero Devin, AKA Shock. Ladies I’m claiming him as MINE! He’s so dam sexy and SO MUCH MORE! I’d love to take a ride with him in more ways than one.
The heroine Olivia, AKA Liv, is a well written character too. She is a very caring type of person and I really like that.
Although they have not had sex yet, the heat level and sexual tension is very high. That is one thing that Opal Carew never disappoints me with.
I have been craving a Motorcycle romance and when I saw this 3 part series at Netgalley and that the author is Opal Carew, it was a no brainier for me. YEP, this is a 3 part story and I enjoyed it SO MUCH that I will be starting on part Two right away.
*I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Hero Rating ~ 5 SEXY, BAD-ASS, Motorcycle Riding STARS!
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4 HOT Stars and getting hotter!
Ending ~ To be continued
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars
OH YEAH! I REALLY enjoyed the first part of this series. It kept me interested and turning the pages.
My favorite character so far is the hero Devin, AKA Shock. Ladies I’m claiming him as MINE! He’s so dam sexy and SO MUCH MORE! I’d love to take a ride with him in more ways than one.
The heroine Olivia, AKA Liv, is a well written character too. She is a very caring type of person and I really like that.
Although they have not had sex yet, the heat level and sexual tension is very high. That is one thing that Opal Carew never disappoints me with.
I have been craving a Motorcycle romance and when I saw this 3 part series at Netgalley and that the author is Opal Carew, it was a no brainier for me. YEP, this is a 3 part story and I enjoyed it SO MUCH that I will be starting on part Two right away.
*I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
April 28, 2015
The first instalment of a three part new series by Opal Carew, is an interesting story, entertaining and with enough sexual tension even if the actual act between the two main characters wasn't there.
Liv and Shock were good friends in college, but they lost touch after. He always wanted her, but she wasn't ready for him. Now years after those days, they find each other again and it's bound to get even messier than the first time.
Liv needs Shock's help to save her sister but in order to obtain the money she needs from him, she has to sign a contract that will bind her to him for a month. A whole month as his own sexual toy, of shorts.
The story and all was ok nothing special or unique, but the main character Liv was somewhat naive and i didn't care about all the sharing with others. I thought Shock would be more possesive of her. Anyway it's a hot little story. We 'll see how it goes.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- I liked the ending.
- Dual POV.
- The contract seemed familiar. Very GSOG.
- I don't like where this is going with the multiple partners.
- Devin is sweet and considerate with her.
- Liv's secret is a twist that brings some depth to the character and the story.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
Liv and Shock were good friends in college, but they lost touch after. He always wanted her, but she wasn't ready for him. Now years after those days, they find each other again and it's bound to get even messier than the first time.
Liv needs Shock's help to save her sister but in order to obtain the money she needs from him, she has to sign a contract that will bind her to him for a month. A whole month as his own sexual toy, of shorts.
The story and all was ok nothing special or unique, but the main character Liv was somewhat naive and i didn't care about all the sharing with others. I thought Shock would be more possesive of her. Anyway it's a hot little story. We 'll see how it goes.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- I liked the ending.
- Dual POV.
- The contract seemed familiar. Very GSOG.
- I don't like where this is going with the multiple partners.
- Devin is sweet and considerate with her.
- Liv's secret is a twist that brings some depth to the character and the story.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
May 29, 2015
This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was like 50 shades of grey with a biker. And uh.... minus the actual sex. Down to the contract and what the girl didn't want to do on the contract. The girl had a contract because of a loan she wanted from the biker and there was a twist in their backstories that you didn't expect. Ended abruptly though.
This was like 50 shades of grey with a biker. And uh.... minus the actual sex. Down to the contract and what the girl didn't want to do on the contract. The girl had a contract because of a loan she wanted from the biker and there was a twist in their backstories that you didn't expect. Ended abruptly though.
April 8, 2015
4.5 / 5 stars
Received arc through Xpresso Book Tours / NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; original post with excerpt can be found at { mignon mykel : reviews } on 4/8/2015
After starting this part, I realized that Steele was the main character in RIDING STEELE (go figure), so I went back and quickly read that book --
Note: You don't need to read the previous books/serials in order to start this serial. However, you do need to read each part of whichever serial you choose, in order.
While I won't be formally reviewing RIDING STEELE on the blog, the gist I can give you is this:
These books are about opening up to your fears and realizing the potential that you have. And with most erotica stories, these fears are around the sexual kind. Also, with most MC books, there's a lot of grit, a lot of sex, and a lot of sharing...
I don't necessarily agree with the whole, "I love you, I want your body, and if I tell you to share it with three other bikers, you do it" thing -- nope, I actually don't -- but it's the style of this particular genre so I deal with it.
That said, I enjoyed this part of the HARD RIDE serial simply because we don't get to the sharing aspect -- it's the learning part.
We have Liv -- she is a great sister who has done everything in her power to keep her sister's medical bills from piling up. She has sold her townhouse, her car; now she's frantically trying to find other ways to get money to keep the bills at bay while her sister is still inpatient.
She ends up at a biker bar, there to meet a guy named Carl (her ex? Her sister's ex?). He doesn't show, and a group of bikers harass her. On her way out, she (dumbly) takes an alley to find a cab, and ends up running into a savior -- and not just any savior, but a man she knew in college.
Shock has had quite the whirlwind of a life since he last saw Liv. Back then, he had money, a family business he was set to get a good part of, and a crush on Liv; Liv had a crush on Devin, as well, but a night gone wrong made her wary of men and she all but pushed him away.
Now Devin has erased that part of his life and goes by Shock. He's no longer the well-dressed, fancy Devin Liv knew, but a gruff biker -- and he reminds her that Dev is gone, stop calling him it.
I rather liked Shock's gruffness where Liv was concerned, however I felt he acted a bit too entitled to her. He decides to help her out, but in exchange he's going to get what he's always wanted from her, but with a few extra rules in place. Liv has a right to be apprehensive.
So, again, while I'm afraid I'm not going to like where this is going -- the whole 'sharing' thing -- I'm interested in what part two is going to bring us.
The last line of part one certainly has me begging for more.
Received arc through Xpresso Book Tours / NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; original post with excerpt can be found at { mignon mykel : reviews } on 4/8/2015
After starting this part, I realized that Steele was the main character in RIDING STEELE (go figure), so I went back and quickly read that book --
Note: You don't need to read the previous books/serials in order to start this serial. However, you do need to read each part of whichever serial you choose, in order.
While I won't be formally reviewing RIDING STEELE on the blog, the gist I can give you is this:
These books are about opening up to your fears and realizing the potential that you have. And with most erotica stories, these fears are around the sexual kind. Also, with most MC books, there's a lot of grit, a lot of sex, and a lot of sharing...
I don't necessarily agree with the whole, "I love you, I want your body, and if I tell you to share it with three other bikers, you do it" thing -- nope, I actually don't -- but it's the style of this particular genre so I deal with it.
That said, I enjoyed this part of the HARD RIDE serial simply because we don't get to the sharing aspect -- it's the learning part.
We have Liv -- she is a great sister who has done everything in her power to keep her sister's medical bills from piling up. She has sold her townhouse, her car; now she's frantically trying to find other ways to get money to keep the bills at bay while her sister is still inpatient.
She ends up at a biker bar, there to meet a guy named Carl (her ex? Her sister's ex?). He doesn't show, and a group of bikers harass her. On her way out, she (dumbly) takes an alley to find a cab, and ends up running into a savior -- and not just any savior, but a man she knew in college.
Shock has had quite the whirlwind of a life since he last saw Liv. Back then, he had money, a family business he was set to get a good part of, and a crush on Liv; Liv had a crush on Devin, as well, but a night gone wrong made her wary of men and she all but pushed him away.
Now Devin has erased that part of his life and goes by Shock. He's no longer the well-dressed, fancy Devin Liv knew, but a gruff biker -- and he reminds her that Dev is gone, stop calling him it.
I rather liked Shock's gruffness where Liv was concerned, however I felt he acted a bit too entitled to her. He decides to help her out, but in exchange he's going to get what he's always wanted from her, but with a few extra rules in place. Liv has a right to be apprehensive.
So, again, while I'm afraid I'm not going to like where this is going -- the whole 'sharing' thing -- I'm interested in what part two is going to bring us.
The last line of part one certainly has me begging for more.
April 6, 2015
Just wow. No spoilers here, but the tension between Liv and Shock is out of this world. Unrequited attraction is given an unexpected reunion and second chance. Filled with surprise after surprise. This is the first MC book I've read, but certainly not the last. I cannot wait to read parts two and three, though I think my kindle might implode from the heat.
**I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an honest review.**
**I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an honest review.**
March 29, 2015
ARC received for review
Great start to this novel. Shock needs to get his head out of his a$$. Nice cliffhanger... I need to see more of Steele and Tempest in the next part.
Great start to this novel. Shock needs to get his head out of his a$$. Nice cliffhanger... I need to see more of Steele and Tempest in the next part.
December 16, 2015
2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Warning: This review is spoilery, but that's the way I roll.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't read very many motorcycle club-esque stories. So, some of the things that I didn't like about this book might just be attributed to my naiveté. Actually, one of the things. But that's a big thing.
Liv is waiting in a bar in a questionable part of town when some even more questionable guys try to talk to her.
She runs into her old friend from college, Devin Ancanster, who is now known as Shock. They remember each other very well--they both wanted each other but something stopped them from allowing their relationship to be more than friends and study partners. They might have said what that was, but I can't remember. Regardless, there's this underlying sexual tension on both of their parts. She's hot and beautiful, and he's a big motorcycle-riding dude, so you know they both want to be all over each other. I guess.
When Shock (who I want to refer to as Devin because I just can't get over the name and that's what she called him in college) saves her from being assaulted, he offers to bring her home. She reluctantly lets him. She recalls that he came from big money, and he tells her that he has even more of it now. Convenient, since she's in desperate need of money . After exhausting every avenue to get the money she needs, she goes toDevinShock, and asks to borrow $50,000.
At first, he's pissed. But then he agrees. In return, he wants her to do something for him.
Liv sees no other option but to take him up on his offer, so she signs the contract he sends over with some negotiation. Honestly, that part was pretty ridiculous, but whatever. As part of their deal, he picks her up for their month together and takes her to house, where he's more than ready to get their party started. She reveals some stuff to him that is pretty shocking (no pun intended), and as a result,DevinShock is surprisingly gentle with her. All along, Liv realizes that maybe she's more into the idea than she thought.
We're left with a cliffy, but of course we knew we would be. This is a novella, the first of three, so we expect the second to have an even bigger cliffhanger.
So, what did I like?DevinShock is pretty forward, and I liked that about him.
The whole point of the contract is skeevy to me, but I like his personality (what we saw of it) and think he can be funny.
Didn't Like: First of all, the names really threw me off. Like I said, I haven't read other motorcycle club books, so this might all be normal, but really? In addition to Shock, there's Hawg, Crow, Magic, Dom (which I guess is also a real name), and Wild Card. I mean...
I'm not even going to address how totally unbelievable this story is. Not to mention that she goes back to that area with the bar, where she was almost raped. As in goes back there again--the next night. O.O
Also, it just wasn't hot to me. It could have been hot, but I don't feel like I knew them well enough. So why am I reading the next installment? I just want to know what happens. I don't even know why.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Warning: This review is spoilery, but that's the way I roll.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't read very many motorcycle club-esque stories. So, some of the things that I didn't like about this book might just be attributed to my naiveté. Actually, one of the things. But that's a big thing.
Liv is waiting in a bar in a questionable part of town when some even more questionable guys try to talk to her.
"A pretty little lady like you shouldn't be all alone. Me and my men would be happy to offer our company."
She runs into her old friend from college, Devin Ancanster, who is now known as Shock. They remember each other very well--they both wanted each other but something stopped them from allowing their relationship to be more than friends and study partners. They might have said what that was, but I can't remember. Regardless, there's this underlying sexual tension on both of their parts. She's hot and beautiful, and he's a big motorcycle-riding dude, so you know they both want to be all over each other. I guess.
When Shock (who I want to refer to as Devin because I just can't get over the name and that's what she called him in college) saves her from being assaulted, he offers to bring her home. She reluctantly lets him. She recalls that he came from big money, and he tells her that he has even more of it now. Convenient, since she's in desperate need of money . After exhausting every avenue to get the money she needs, she goes to
At first, he's pissed. But then he agrees. In return, he wants her to do something for him.
"You want me to..."--she stared into his steely brown eyes-- "... to date you?"
"Sweetheart, it's not a date I want from you."
Liv sees no other option but to take him up on his offer, so she signs the contract he sends over with some negotiation. Honestly, that part was pretty ridiculous, but whatever. As part of their deal, he picks her up for their month together and takes her to house, where he's more than ready to get their party started. She reveals some stuff to him that is pretty shocking (no pun intended), and as a result,
"Fuck, you are so wet."
He tried to draw his hand away again, but she grabbed his wrist and pulled it back.
"Then do something about it."
We're left with a cliffy, but of course we knew we would be. This is a novella, the first of three, so we expect the second to have an even bigger cliffhanger.
So, what did I like?
"Sweetheart for fifty grand, it's going to be a hell of a lot longer than one night." He raised an eyebrow. "and I expect you to be one exceptional fucking lay."
The whole point of the contract is skeevy to me, but I like his personality (what we saw of it) and think he can be funny.
Didn't Like: First of all, the names really threw me off. Like I said, I haven't read other motorcycle club books, so this might all be normal, but really? In addition to Shock, there's Hawg, Crow, Magic, Dom (which I guess is also a real name), and Wild Card. I mean...
I'm not even going to address how totally unbelievable this story is. Not to mention that she goes back to that area with the bar, where she was almost raped. As in goes back there again--the next night. O.O
Also, it just wasn't hot to me. It could have been hot, but I don't feel like I knew them well enough. So why am I reading the next installment? I just want to know what happens. I don't even know why.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
May 30, 2015
Hotness Rating 4 out of 5
Hard Ride is the fourth book of the Ready to Ride series by Opal Carew. It is also broken up in 3 different parts, so I will be reviewing each individual installment and giving my thoughts of the overall story, as well.
Hard Ride part #1 is the beginning of a great adventure by Opal Carew. If you've not read a book by Opal Carew be prepared for hot, spicy sex that pushes the boundaries for most anyone.
Shock had a life before the life of freedom that he leads now with his MC. And that life just happened to include the pretty young thing in skin tight pants playing with fire right before his very eyes. The girl that left him behind. The girl that he's never been able to forget.
Liv has gotten herself in quite the predicament. She's alone in a dark alley and about to be attacked by a less than desirable man. Thank God someone has come along to rescue her. Imagine her surprise when she learns it's the only guy she had ever given her heart to. Only he's very different now. So much has changed. For the both of them.
Eventually, the couple get down to a conversation that reveals so much, yet brings about more questions. Liv confides in Shock that she needs money desperately. A lot of money. She doesn't tell him why, but he offers to give it to her for a price. Shock doesn't want paid back he wants Liv to sign a contract. He wants Liv at his beck and call for a month. In any way that he wants her. She's willing to do anything for the money that essentially can help save her sister's life.
They set out to agree on a contract that is agreeable for both parties. Which turns out to be pretty entertaining. At least I enjoyed it. Finally, with the contract hammered out and signed they begin their time together. Shock takes Liv to meet his gang and to begin the 30 days they have together.
The heat this couple generates is sizzling. Their sexual chemistry just leaps off of the page. But, it's not just sex. You can feel their connection. The care that Shock has for Liv. When Liv gets around to telling Shock what happened in college to make her run the other way he wants to release her from the contract and take her back to the life that she has.
You can find this review and others at wwww.riverinaromantics.com
Hard Ride is the fourth book of the Ready to Ride series by Opal Carew. It is also broken up in 3 different parts, so I will be reviewing each individual installment and giving my thoughts of the overall story, as well.
Hard Ride part #1 is the beginning of a great adventure by Opal Carew. If you've not read a book by Opal Carew be prepared for hot, spicy sex that pushes the boundaries for most anyone.
Shock had a life before the life of freedom that he leads now with his MC. And that life just happened to include the pretty young thing in skin tight pants playing with fire right before his very eyes. The girl that left him behind. The girl that he's never been able to forget.
Liv has gotten herself in quite the predicament. She's alone in a dark alley and about to be attacked by a less than desirable man. Thank God someone has come along to rescue her. Imagine her surprise when she learns it's the only guy she had ever given her heart to. Only he's very different now. So much has changed. For the both of them.
Eventually, the couple get down to a conversation that reveals so much, yet brings about more questions. Liv confides in Shock that she needs money desperately. A lot of money. She doesn't tell him why, but he offers to give it to her for a price. Shock doesn't want paid back he wants Liv to sign a contract. He wants Liv at his beck and call for a month. In any way that he wants her. She's willing to do anything for the money that essentially can help save her sister's life.
They set out to agree on a contract that is agreeable for both parties. Which turns out to be pretty entertaining. At least I enjoyed it. Finally, with the contract hammered out and signed they begin their time together. Shock takes Liv to meet his gang and to begin the 30 days they have together.
The heat this couple generates is sizzling. Their sexual chemistry just leaps off of the page. But, it's not just sex. You can feel their connection. The care that Shock has for Liv. When Liv gets around to telling Shock what happened in college to make her run the other way he wants to release her from the contract and take her back to the life that she has.
You can find this review and others at wwww.riverinaromantics.com
June 3, 2015
Part #1 I always love this woman books! I do not understand why she is so mean to Devin. I mean what a sexy name. Now at least we know his story. Why he has money and what he does with it. The fact that they knew each other and really were attracted to each other was a nice touch. I like him more now as his biker bad ass self! The fact that he wants to protect her is a good thing, but what will he say when he finds out why she asked him for 50grand!! does he think so low of people when it comes to money? Well, let's see where she takes us. #2 here I come!!
#2 Liv really just needs to tell Shock why she needed the money. I really think she has under-estimated him. The fact that she is trying to come out of her shell is one of the things Shock likes most about Liv and the fact that she is doing it with him. I never really have any complaints about this author. The only complaint I think I have is not enough words ...more more more please! See, not really a complaint! Let's see where this author takes us next....shall we?
#3 I did enjoy this read. I wanted a little more excitement like the ones previous to it. I know Julia was part of it, but maybe a little e bit more. I know Liv was attached to her sister, but the way she fell for Shock was something I wanted her to do harder. Very good read always fast reads as well. Prologue??
I received this ARC from St. Martin's Press via Net Galley for my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley!
#2 Liv really just needs to tell Shock why she needed the money. I really think she has under-estimated him. The fact that she is trying to come out of her shell is one of the things Shock likes most about Liv and the fact that she is doing it with him. I never really have any complaints about this author. The only complaint I think I have is not enough words ...more more more please! See, not really a complaint! Let's see where this author takes us next....shall we?
#3 I did enjoy this read. I wanted a little more excitement like the ones previous to it. I know Julia was part of it, but maybe a little e bit more. I know Liv was attached to her sister, but the way she fell for Shock was something I wanted her to do harder. Very good read always fast reads as well. Prologue??
I received this ARC from St. Martin's Press via Net Galley for my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley!
April 6, 2015
Opal Carew has done it again. She never fails to deliver the hottest, panty-melting erotica romance ever.
This was just the start of a 3 part novel and the sexual tension is fierce! We get to know Shock better in this book; but don't worry we get to see the rest of Steele's group too.
Shock and Liv had been close friends in college. He had wanted more and had thought she felt the same, but when he tried to ask her on an official date she rejected him. That rejection still hurts even though several years have passed. When Liv brings herself to ask him for a loan he decides to use this as a way to make her spend time with him. He draws up a contract basically saying that she will submit to him sexually over the next 30 days. His hope is to be able to screw her out of his system....he thinks if he can just have her like he had always wanted then he could forget about her.
We know things couldn't work out that smoothly though, right? Despite great effort on both their parts, they still have feelings for one another.
When the truth about the past is revealed it has Shock doubting his whole plan and feeling like a total ass.
Although they don't actually have sex in this part, there's still plenty of sexual activity going on to keep things interesting.; I just kept cheering them on...ready for that moment when they finally do give in to their feelings and let it all go.
This was just the start of a 3 part novel and the sexual tension is fierce! We get to know Shock better in this book; but don't worry we get to see the rest of Steele's group too.
Shock and Liv had been close friends in college. He had wanted more and had thought she felt the same, but when he tried to ask her on an official date she rejected him. That rejection still hurts even though several years have passed. When Liv brings herself to ask him for a loan he decides to use this as a way to make her spend time with him. He draws up a contract basically saying that she will submit to him sexually over the next 30 days. His hope is to be able to screw her out of his system....he thinks if he can just have her like he had always wanted then he could forget about her.
We know things couldn't work out that smoothly though, right? Despite great effort on both their parts, they still have feelings for one another.
When the truth about the past is revealed it has Shock doubting his whole plan and feeling like a total ass.
Although they don't actually have sex in this part, there's still plenty of sexual activity going on to keep things interesting.; I just kept cheering them on...ready for that moment when they finally do give in to their feelings and let it all go.
May 12, 2015
I received an arc copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review
what a splendid story, a young heroine named liv, and our hero Shock (real name Devlin).
This pair have a history, from college, but it was a short-lived romance, Liv distanced herself from Shock after a traumatic event. Shock's family were well off and it appeared he was destined to be mega rich. However, his father and brother lost the business and the money after getting involved in embezzlement.
Years later Liv runs into Shock again, now a member of a biker gang, he is a big muscled, tattooed, tough looking guy, he looks hard as nails but do not be fooled, he actually has a soft heart. He is a bit of a dominant person, hot as hell, and, even though, his family fortune has gone, he already has made his own fortune!!!
Liv's priority is her family, her sister is sick and needs treatment, which, of course, is expensive. Liv decides to ask Shock to help her (but fails to tell him why), of course he is a hot blooded male and takes this opportunity to get Liv to do his bidding, he lends her the cash in return for her being with him for a month. He is not being sadistic, he clearly has feelings for Liv, and this sets the bond between them both, for the 2nd and 3rd part of this series.
what a splendid story, a young heroine named liv, and our hero Shock (real name Devlin).
This pair have a history, from college, but it was a short-lived romance, Liv distanced herself from Shock after a traumatic event. Shock's family were well off and it appeared he was destined to be mega rich. However, his father and brother lost the business and the money after getting involved in embezzlement.
Years later Liv runs into Shock again, now a member of a biker gang, he is a big muscled, tattooed, tough looking guy, he looks hard as nails but do not be fooled, he actually has a soft heart. He is a bit of a dominant person, hot as hell, and, even though, his family fortune has gone, he already has made his own fortune!!!
Liv's priority is her family, her sister is sick and needs treatment, which, of course, is expensive. Liv decides to ask Shock to help her (but fails to tell him why), of course he is a hot blooded male and takes this opportunity to get Liv to do his bidding, he lends her the cash in return for her being with him for a month. He is not being sadistic, he clearly has feelings for Liv, and this sets the bond between them both, for the 2nd and 3rd part of this series.
May 4, 2015
This is not your usual gritty MC Romance. It's sweet, some what innocent in the steam dept but still hot and filed with angst.
Devin/Shock is a hard character to get to know well or understand at the moment but I look forward to more from him and Liv.
This is a three part story and I'll give a full review on the Book Three. But I highly reccomend it for those who like sweet tomance books, with a bit of kink.
~~ I received and ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. ~~
Devin/Shock is a hard character to get to know well or understand at the moment but I look forward to more from him and Liv.
This is a three part story and I'll give a full review on the Book Three. But I highly reccomend it for those who like sweet tomance books, with a bit of kink.
~~ I received and ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review. ~~
March 28, 2015
The issue with this novel being in three parts is that this first book is finished after just getting to know the characters. At this point, I don't really like either character which makes a story hard to want to finish. Nonetheless, I will start reading the second book because Carew chose the perfect cliffhanger to end this story.
April 15, 2015
**This is not for young readers and it is not for the faint of heart. It contains graphic sexual content and suggestions.**
The above being said....Oh My!!!!
I read this book after reading Tempest and Steele's story so, so far, pretty tame in comparison. I am on to read part 2, so enough said!?!
The above being said....Oh My!!!!
I read this book after reading Tempest and Steele's story so, so far, pretty tame in comparison. I am on to read part 2, so enough said!?!
June 2, 2017
Wow that was short, sweet and intense. I love the connection between Olivia and Devin. They were friends who were attracted to one another. Six years later they see each other and though their lives are more different than either expected, the attraction is still intense between them.
Devin now goes by Shock and he owns his own business and is a rider (motorcycle gang). Olivia is hard pressed for cash to help her sister so she asks Shock. He agrees with one condition and things take off from there.
The attraction between the two of them is undeniable. I hated how Shock just decided to end things so soon. I hope he reveals his feelings Liv in part two.
Devin now goes by Shock and he owns his own business and is a rider (motorcycle gang). Olivia is hard pressed for cash to help her sister so she asks Shock. He agrees with one condition and things take off from there.
The attraction between the two of them is undeniable. I hated how Shock just decided to end things so soon. I hope he reveals his feelings Liv in part two.
July 1, 2024
Pretty good very interesting
May 17, 2020
What happens when you see an old flame from college and he is a biker.
Well in this novela you get a brief look at the interaction between our couple. They meet in an alley way accidentally while he comes to her rescue. Little do they know that they will be meeting many more times in the future because she needs him and he might also need her.
Well in this novela you get a brief look at the interaction between our couple. They meet in an alley way accidentally while he comes to her rescue. Little do they know that they will be meeting many more times in the future because she needs him and he might also need her.
January 2, 2016
2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Warning: This review is spoilery, but that's the way I roll.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't read very many motorcycle club-esque stories. So, some of the things that I didn't like about this book might just be attributed to my naiveté. Actually, one of the things. But that's a big thing.
Liv is waiting in a bar in a questionable part of town when some even more questionable guys try to talk to her.
She runs into her old friend from college, Devin Ancanster, who is now known as Shock. They remember each other very well--they both wanted each other but something stopped them from allowing their relationship to be more than friends and study partners. They might have said what that was, but I can't remember. Regardless, there's this underlying sexual tension on both of their parts. She's hot and beautiful, and he's a big motorcycle-riding dude, so you know they both want to be all over each other. I guess.
When Shock (who I want to refer to as Devin because I just can't get over the name and that's what she called him in college) saves her from being assaulted, he offers to bring her home. She reluctantly lets him. She recalls that he came from big money, and he tells her that he has even more of it now. Convenient, since she's in desperate need of money . After exhausting every avenue to get the money she needs, she goes toDevinShock, and asks to borrow $50,000.
At first, he's pissed. But then he agrees. In return, he wants her to do something for him.
Liv sees no other option but to take him up on his offer, so she signs the contract he sends over with some negotiation. Honestly, that part was pretty ridiculous, but whatever. As part of their deal, he picks her up for their month together and takes her to house, where he's more than ready to get their party started. She reveals some stuff to him that is pretty shocking (no pun intended), and as a result,DevinShock is surprisingly gentle with her. All along, Liv realizes that maybe she's more into the idea than she thought.
We're left with a cliffy, but of course we knew we would be. This is a novella, the first of three, so we expect the second to have an even bigger cliffhanger.
So, what did I like?DevinShock is pretty forward, and I liked that about him.
The whole point of the contract is skeevy to me, but I like his personality (what we saw of it) and think he can be funny.
Didn't Like: First of all, the names really threw me off. Like I said, I haven't read other motorcycle club books, so this might all be normal, but really? In addition to Shock, there's Hawg, Crow, Magic, Dom (which I guess is also a real name), and Wild Card. I mean...
I'm not even going to address how totally unbelievable this story is. Not to mention that she goes back to that area with the bar, where she was almost raped. As in goes back there again--the next night. O.O
Also, it just wasn't hot to me. It could have been hot, but I don't feel like I knew them well enough. So why am I reading the next installment? I just want to know what happens. I don't even know why.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Warning: This review is spoilery, but that's the way I roll.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't read very many motorcycle club-esque stories. So, some of the things that I didn't like about this book might just be attributed to my naiveté. Actually, one of the things. But that's a big thing.
Liv is waiting in a bar in a questionable part of town when some even more questionable guys try to talk to her.
"A pretty little lady like you shouldn't be all alone. Me and my men would be happy to offer our company."
She runs into her old friend from college, Devin Ancanster, who is now known as Shock. They remember each other very well--they both wanted each other but something stopped them from allowing their relationship to be more than friends and study partners. They might have said what that was, but I can't remember. Regardless, there's this underlying sexual tension on both of their parts. She's hot and beautiful, and he's a big motorcycle-riding dude, so you know they both want to be all over each other. I guess.
When Shock (who I want to refer to as Devin because I just can't get over the name and that's what she called him in college) saves her from being assaulted, he offers to bring her home. She reluctantly lets him. She recalls that he came from big money, and he tells her that he has even more of it now. Convenient, since she's in desperate need of money . After exhausting every avenue to get the money she needs, she goes to
At first, he's pissed. But then he agrees. In return, he wants her to do something for him.
"You want me to..."--she stared into his steely brown eyes-- "... to date you?"
"Sweetheart, it's not a date I want from you."
Liv sees no other option but to take him up on his offer, so she signs the contract he sends over with some negotiation. Honestly, that part was pretty ridiculous, but whatever. As part of their deal, he picks her up for their month together and takes her to house, where he's more than ready to get their party started. She reveals some stuff to him that is pretty shocking (no pun intended), and as a result,
"Fuck, you are so wet."
He tried to draw his hand away again, but she grabbed his wrist and pulled it back.
"Then do something about it."
We're left with a cliffy, but of course we knew we would be. This is a novella, the first of three, so we expect the second to have an even bigger cliffhanger.
So, what did I like?
"Sweetheart for fifty grand, it's going to be a hell of a lot longer than one night." He raised an eyebrow. "and I expect you to be one exceptional fucking lay."
The whole point of the contract is skeevy to me, but I like his personality (what we saw of it) and think he can be funny.
Didn't Like: First of all, the names really threw me off. Like I said, I haven't read other motorcycle club books, so this might all be normal, but really? In addition to Shock, there's Hawg, Crow, Magic, Dom (which I guess is also a real name), and Wild Card. I mean...
I'm not even going to address how totally unbelievable this story is. Not to mention that she goes back to that area with the bar, where she was almost raped. As in goes back there again--the next night. O.O
Also, it just wasn't hot to me. It could have been hot, but I don't feel like I knew them well enough. So why am I reading the next installment? I just want to know what happens. I don't even know why.
August 14, 2015
When Liv was in college all she cared about was school and her best friend Devin. They were inseparable if they weren’t studying together they were hanging out. She longed for their relationship to be more than friendship. When Devin finally decides to ask her out on a real date his timing couldn’t be worse. Something terrible happened to Liv that changed her forever and damaged her beyond repair. She knows her rejection hurt him so she walked away, never thinking she would see him again. She couldn’t have imagined that she would become face to face with the one person she ever cared for in a dark alley surrounded by a band of rough looking bikers. But there he is coming to her rescue once again and hotter than she remembered.
Shock remembers how Liv broke his heart when he finally got up the nerve to ask her out on a real date. They had been best friends for a long time, but he always wanted more, just never had the nerve to ask. When she rejected him, it hurt more than he cared to admit. Now years later he has the opportunity to get her out of his system. To get her into his bed and scratch the itch he has been feeling since the day she walked out of his life. Can he leave his heart out of it and have a fling with the only girl who ever actually held his heart. The only girl who ever could truly break him? Will a month of her complete submission be enough to quench his need for her?
This is the story of Liv and Shock an MC romance. I liked the backstory of how Liv and Shock knew each other in college as best friends. They both had feelings for each other then, but for an unknown reason Liv pushes him away and then their connection breaks for years. When they meet up unexpectedly, again, Devin is now Shock, and he is in a motorcycle gang who like to share their woman.
Liv is broke her life has not turned out as she would have expected at all. She has spent most of her time recently trying to work to help pay for her sisters medical bills. When Shock has the chance to help her and himself to her body he takes it. Liv needs money Shock has it so it’s a win / win situation he thinks. But she refuses to tell him why she needs it, he assumes it’s to pay a debt or maybe for a deadbeat boyfriend. He decides he doesn’t care and strikes a deal with Liv to be his sex slave for a month in exchange for the money. Liv accepts begrudgingly since her experience with sex is very limited and her first time not of her own choice.
I don’t want to give away too much plot from the whole story so I will say this about part one it was a decent start to the series. I liked Shock even though sometimes he was jerk you can tell it was because Liv really broke his heart, though we have no idea why until book two.
Liv is a very naïve girl who cared for Shock back in college, but her bad traumatic experience made her back away and changes her life. Making her feel undeserving of love and acceptance or friendship which stops her from being able to commit or have any sort of social relationships besides her sick sister.
The secondary characters are interesting, I know they are from the previous Riding Steele series, which I actually did not get to read yet. I am curious about it now, though. You do not have to read that series to understand this one.
I am an Opal Carew fan and have read many of her books, this series has the same elements as her others lots of hot sex, alpha males and the woman who tame them.
RECEIVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. SEE MY REVIEW FOR BOOK TWO AND BOOK THREE.
Shock remembers how Liv broke his heart when he finally got up the nerve to ask her out on a real date. They had been best friends for a long time, but he always wanted more, just never had the nerve to ask. When she rejected him, it hurt more than he cared to admit. Now years later he has the opportunity to get her out of his system. To get her into his bed and scratch the itch he has been feeling since the day she walked out of his life. Can he leave his heart out of it and have a fling with the only girl who ever actually held his heart. The only girl who ever could truly break him? Will a month of her complete submission be enough to quench his need for her?
This is the story of Liv and Shock an MC romance. I liked the backstory of how Liv and Shock knew each other in college as best friends. They both had feelings for each other then, but for an unknown reason Liv pushes him away and then their connection breaks for years. When they meet up unexpectedly, again, Devin is now Shock, and he is in a motorcycle gang who like to share their woman.
Liv is broke her life has not turned out as she would have expected at all. She has spent most of her time recently trying to work to help pay for her sisters medical bills. When Shock has the chance to help her and himself to her body he takes it. Liv needs money Shock has it so it’s a win / win situation he thinks. But she refuses to tell him why she needs it, he assumes it’s to pay a debt or maybe for a deadbeat boyfriend. He decides he doesn’t care and strikes a deal with Liv to be his sex slave for a month in exchange for the money. Liv accepts begrudgingly since her experience with sex is very limited and her first time not of her own choice.
I don’t want to give away too much plot from the whole story so I will say this about part one it was a decent start to the series. I liked Shock even though sometimes he was jerk you can tell it was because Liv really broke his heart, though we have no idea why until book two.
Liv is a very naïve girl who cared for Shock back in college, but her bad traumatic experience made her back away and changes her life. Making her feel undeserving of love and acceptance or friendship which stops her from being able to commit or have any sort of social relationships besides her sick sister.
The secondary characters are interesting, I know they are from the previous Riding Steele series, which I actually did not get to read yet. I am curious about it now, though. You do not have to read that series to understand this one.
I am an Opal Carew fan and have read many of her books, this series has the same elements as her others lots of hot sex, alpha males and the woman who tame them.
RECEIVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. SEE MY REVIEW FOR BOOK TWO AND BOOK THREE.
May 9, 2015
Hard Ride #1
A Novel in Three Parts
By Opal Carew
Liv is at her wits end. She knows that she is taking her life into her own hands by meeting her sister’s estranged husband on the shady side of town, but it is imperative that she speak to him about her sister’s medical condition. When it is clear that he is not meeting her, she gets up to leave and suddenly, several bikers approach her and start saying crude things about her predicament and what they intend to do with her. She is scared; she must get out of this area, or risk rape or worse, so she leaves the bar to find a cab, but there are no cabs at this time of night, and now she feels trapped.
Shock is hanging out at the usual bar with his crew when he spots a woman who looks like someone from his college days walking alone in the dark. He notices the lewd behavior and dangerous stares from the other men, leering at her as though Christmas just came early. Fearing for her safety, he and his friends follow her and surprise her in an alley. He recognizes her right away, his body calling to hers. As happy as he is to see her again, his anger takes over and he scolds her about her impulsive behavior and inability to make smart choices. Now she is angry, “how dare this thug say those things; who made him boss”. Her heart nearly jumps in her chest as she finally realizes who he is.
After talking for a while, strolling down memory lane, she realizes that he may be the answer to her money woes; that maybe she can borrow the money from him, so her sister can have the life-saving surgery she needs. When she asks him for the money, he becomes angry and distant. However, he devises a plan that will help her with the money and give him what he has always wanted, the opportunity to experience her. He draws up a contract where she must be his sexual partner and do everything he asks of her for one month straight in exchange for a fifty-thousand dollar loan. Once the contract begins, it becomes clear that the sexual attraction is still there; the hunger in his eyes makes her tingle in places she never has before, the heat in his touch make her yearn for more, and the fiery kisses buckle her knees. Every neuron is firing off in her body, her synapses overloaded, she wants him; but when she reveals something in her past, he is left reeling and rethinking the contract.
My thoughts:
This first book of the three part series sets the pace. At times, the storyline is boring, but the sex most definitely is not. I really like Shock’s character and would love to know the true background of these two. This is just the beginning of the series and the sex will only get hotter and the scenes more intense.
Review by Michele Douglas
Full Disclosure: I was provided the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Novel in Three Parts
By Opal Carew
Liv is at her wits end. She knows that she is taking her life into her own hands by meeting her sister’s estranged husband on the shady side of town, but it is imperative that she speak to him about her sister’s medical condition. When it is clear that he is not meeting her, she gets up to leave and suddenly, several bikers approach her and start saying crude things about her predicament and what they intend to do with her. She is scared; she must get out of this area, or risk rape or worse, so she leaves the bar to find a cab, but there are no cabs at this time of night, and now she feels trapped.
Shock is hanging out at the usual bar with his crew when he spots a woman who looks like someone from his college days walking alone in the dark. He notices the lewd behavior and dangerous stares from the other men, leering at her as though Christmas just came early. Fearing for her safety, he and his friends follow her and surprise her in an alley. He recognizes her right away, his body calling to hers. As happy as he is to see her again, his anger takes over and he scolds her about her impulsive behavior and inability to make smart choices. Now she is angry, “how dare this thug say those things; who made him boss”. Her heart nearly jumps in her chest as she finally realizes who he is.
After talking for a while, strolling down memory lane, she realizes that he may be the answer to her money woes; that maybe she can borrow the money from him, so her sister can have the life-saving surgery she needs. When she asks him for the money, he becomes angry and distant. However, he devises a plan that will help her with the money and give him what he has always wanted, the opportunity to experience her. He draws up a contract where she must be his sexual partner and do everything he asks of her for one month straight in exchange for a fifty-thousand dollar loan. Once the contract begins, it becomes clear that the sexual attraction is still there; the hunger in his eyes makes her tingle in places she never has before, the heat in his touch make her yearn for more, and the fiery kisses buckle her knees. Every neuron is firing off in her body, her synapses overloaded, she wants him; but when she reveals something in her past, he is left reeling and rethinking the contract.
My thoughts:
This first book of the three part series sets the pace. At times, the storyline is boring, but the sex most definitely is not. I really like Shock’s character and would love to know the true background of these two. This is just the beginning of the series and the sex will only get hotter and the scenes more intense.
Review by Michele Douglas
Full Disclosure: I was provided the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2015
Hard Ride: Part 1 of 3 by Opal Carew
Source: Netgalley
My Rating for the entire series: 4 - 4½/5 stars
My Mini-Review:
Liv needs money and a lot of it and she can’t tell anyone why. Her reasons aren’t dark or illegal but good and decent, her sister is dying and with little to no money and tapped out insurance, Liv has become desperate. In an effort to get even a small measure of the financial help she needs, Liv finds herself in a dive bar waiting for her ex who never shows. To make matters worse, when Liv tries to leave, she is accosted by a group of bikers looking for a little easy action.
Before Devin became Shock, the hot, hard, tatted up biker he was your average college kid from an extremely wealthy family who was totally in like with a girl named Liv. Shock however is a different sort of beast; oh, he is still extremely wealthy but he has left his blue blood family behind and spends his days riding with his crew and overseeing an empire he built for himself. Shock is beyond wealthy and when he sees Liv not once but twice in dive bars and has to rescue her both times, he decides it is time to become involved.
Shock never understood why Liv pulled away from their budding relationship in college but now she is back in his life and needs his help. The businessman in him sees lending Liv $50,000 as a bad deal but the purely sexual side of him sees her request as an opportunity to reconnect and finally get her into his bed. Shock agrees to lend Liv the money but only on the condition she sign a contract binding her to him for the next thirty days. Liv is to ride with Shock and his crew and be willing and ready to serve Shock (and the crew!) in the most intimate of ways. All of the details are outlined in the contract and though Liv is very nervous she is also desperate to save her sister and so, she signs the contract.
Liv is both ridiculously nervous and excited about her contract with Shock. She feels slightly like a whore but Shock is a man she knows she can trust and with that in mind, she divulges to him exactly why she pulled away from him in college. The reason is reprehensible and the decent guy in Shock overrides nearly every other impulse he has regarding Liv and he decides to take her home and terminate the contract . . . . . .
Source: Netgalley
My Rating for the entire series: 4 - 4½/5 stars
My Mini-Review:
Liv needs money and a lot of it and she can’t tell anyone why. Her reasons aren’t dark or illegal but good and decent, her sister is dying and with little to no money and tapped out insurance, Liv has become desperate. In an effort to get even a small measure of the financial help she needs, Liv finds herself in a dive bar waiting for her ex who never shows. To make matters worse, when Liv tries to leave, she is accosted by a group of bikers looking for a little easy action.
Before Devin became Shock, the hot, hard, tatted up biker he was your average college kid from an extremely wealthy family who was totally in like with a girl named Liv. Shock however is a different sort of beast; oh, he is still extremely wealthy but he has left his blue blood family behind and spends his days riding with his crew and overseeing an empire he built for himself. Shock is beyond wealthy and when he sees Liv not once but twice in dive bars and has to rescue her both times, he decides it is time to become involved.
Shock never understood why Liv pulled away from their budding relationship in college but now she is back in his life and needs his help. The businessman in him sees lending Liv $50,000 as a bad deal but the purely sexual side of him sees her request as an opportunity to reconnect and finally get her into his bed. Shock agrees to lend Liv the money but only on the condition she sign a contract binding her to him for the next thirty days. Liv is to ride with Shock and his crew and be willing and ready to serve Shock (and the crew!) in the most intimate of ways. All of the details are outlined in the contract and though Liv is very nervous she is also desperate to save her sister and so, she signs the contract.
Liv is both ridiculously nervous and excited about her contract with Shock. She feels slightly like a whore but Shock is a man she knows she can trust and with that in mind, she divulges to him exactly why she pulled away from him in college. The reason is reprehensible and the decent guy in Shock overrides nearly every other impulse he has regarding Liv and he decides to take her home and terminate the contract . . . . . .
April 9, 2015
I don't usually read MC books, actually, I've only read three in my life, but I never really get into them because it's usually not a genre I enjoy. I didn't realize that this book was a MC novel, totally my fault, but that said, I did enjoy the story and the characters. I'm excited about reading the next book in this three part serial, but I'm also nervous because of some of the things readers are saying about the rest of this series.
I'm honestly interested in reading the next part of this serial to make up my own mind. I didn't really like MC books before and I liked this one, so who knows. I might love the next two books as well. I want to read to see for myself. But just reviewing this one, I would recommend this book to other readers who love MC novels. It's a great book and the chemistry between Liv and Shock is sizzling!
Liv is struggling to make ends meet. Her sister having medical issues and needing help, Liv sacrifices everything--her car, her home, and her financial stability to keep her sister alive. But Liv is drowning in bills and desperately needs help. When she runs into a old college friend, one whom she rejected years ago, she knows he can help her, but pride, hidden feelings, and a secret she's been hiding for years stand in her way.
Devin, now known as Shock, hasn't seen Liv in over six years. Back in college, before his life changed drastically for him, he has a huge crush on Liv, but was crushed when she rejected him. Now, years later, she's asking for his help. Shock, having been burnt by her in the past, and not trusting of people who only seem to want him for his money, knows he can't deny her, but maybe in exchange for his help, she can fulfill a craving of his. Being his for a month in exchange for the money she needs.
What Shock doesn't know is that Liv turned him down years ago for a big reason. And when he finds out what that secret is, everything will change.
I recommend this story for readers who enjoy MC romances. This story is interesting and I look forward to seeing what happens next between Shock and Liv!
I'm honestly interested in reading the next part of this serial to make up my own mind. I didn't really like MC books before and I liked this one, so who knows. I might love the next two books as well. I want to read to see for myself. But just reviewing this one, I would recommend this book to other readers who love MC novels. It's a great book and the chemistry between Liv and Shock is sizzling!
Liv is struggling to make ends meet. Her sister having medical issues and needing help, Liv sacrifices everything--her car, her home, and her financial stability to keep her sister alive. But Liv is drowning in bills and desperately needs help. When she runs into a old college friend, one whom she rejected years ago, she knows he can help her, but pride, hidden feelings, and a secret she's been hiding for years stand in her way.
Devin, now known as Shock, hasn't seen Liv in over six years. Back in college, before his life changed drastically for him, he has a huge crush on Liv, but was crushed when she rejected him. Now, years later, she's asking for his help. Shock, having been burnt by her in the past, and not trusting of people who only seem to want him for his money, knows he can't deny her, but maybe in exchange for his help, she can fulfill a craving of his. Being his for a month in exchange for the money she needs.
What Shock doesn't know is that Liv turned him down years ago for a big reason. And when he finds out what that secret is, everything will change.
I recommend this story for readers who enjoy MC romances. This story is interesting and I look forward to seeing what happens next between Shock and Liv!
June 7, 2015
As I have read books two and three in the Ready to Ride series as well as other books of Ms. Carew’s, I was actually surprised by Hard Ride #1. Pleasantly surprised. I am accustomed to her books being full of sex (not a complaint) and on the light side of a storyline (again not a complaint), which makes her books one of my not-so-guilty pleasures because I enjoy them so much. However, with this installment of Hard Ride, Ms. Carew has introduced a more significant storyline than I’m used to and I cannot wait to see where she takes it.
Without giving away too much, Liv seems to be a magnet for trouble and her life is further complicated by a serious family issue she is dealing with – one which she seems to be bearing the burden of solely. Finding herself in an unexpected situation where she has to be rescued from a group of bikers by another biker, Liv understandably freaks out…until she realizes that she knows her rescuer from college. When their paths cross yet again, Liv swallows her pride and asks for his help. I was torn between being shocked by Shock’s conditions for helping her yet not surprised – this is an Opal Carew book after all. I had to remind myself more than once that Shock was unaware of why Liv needed his help and that what he was asking for wasn’t unheard of in the land of fiction, especially within the world of Ready to Ride. Not to mention it made for one seriously funny contract negotiation scene. At least it was funny until later in the book when we learn about an incident in college that Liv had to deal with. While the extremely limited number of sexual encounters was surprising (and HOT!), Ms. Carew’s penchant for a cliffhanger ending in her serial releases was not. Bring on Part Two because I’m ready to ride!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Without giving away too much, Liv seems to be a magnet for trouble and her life is further complicated by a serious family issue she is dealing with – one which she seems to be bearing the burden of solely. Finding herself in an unexpected situation where she has to be rescued from a group of bikers by another biker, Liv understandably freaks out…until she realizes that she knows her rescuer from college. When their paths cross yet again, Liv swallows her pride and asks for his help. I was torn between being shocked by Shock’s conditions for helping her yet not surprised – this is an Opal Carew book after all. I had to remind myself more than once that Shock was unaware of why Liv needed his help and that what he was asking for wasn’t unheard of in the land of fiction, especially within the world of Ready to Ride. Not to mention it made for one seriously funny contract negotiation scene. At least it was funny until later in the book when we learn about an incident in college that Liv had to deal with. While the extremely limited number of sexual encounters was surprising (and HOT!), Ms. Carew’s penchant for a cliffhanger ending in her serial releases was not. Bring on Part Two because I’m ready to ride!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
April 2, 2015
Olivia and Devin have hard a hard road. They met first in college, where they became friends who wanted more. He asked her to go out with him and she turned him down, not wanting to go further.
Olivia (known as Liv) runs into him about ten years later at a seedy bar in a bad side of town. He is surprised to see her there when he realizes he knows her. Devin now goes by Shock, a member of a biker gang with tattoos and about 5 or 6 more inches than when she saw him last. It is a surprise for both of them to say the least.
Last Live heard, Devin was from a wealthy family who owned their own business. She was under the impression he would one day take over and thus quite thrown by the sight of him in biker leather. He still makes her hot but in a new way.
Shock (aka Devin) has had a hard road to get to where he is now. The person she knew in college is not who he is anymore, not really. He has changed and found a place where he feels more comfortable and accepted. Can Liv understand and want him anyway? Can he finally tell her how he feels about her?
This book is broken into a 3 part novel, where this is just the first part. Each piece is being released a week apart so we can enjoy the anticipation. Their story is a sweet one where he wants to protect her and love her. I give this book a hard 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP! This story comes with a warning - the love scenes are scorching!
***This ARC copy is given FREE for review purposes from Netgalley.com and the publisher. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
Olivia (known as Liv) runs into him about ten years later at a seedy bar in a bad side of town. He is surprised to see her there when he realizes he knows her. Devin now goes by Shock, a member of a biker gang with tattoos and about 5 or 6 more inches than when she saw him last. It is a surprise for both of them to say the least.
Last Live heard, Devin was from a wealthy family who owned their own business. She was under the impression he would one day take over and thus quite thrown by the sight of him in biker leather. He still makes her hot but in a new way.
Shock (aka Devin) has had a hard road to get to where he is now. The person she knew in college is not who he is anymore, not really. He has changed and found a place where he feels more comfortable and accepted. Can Liv understand and want him anyway? Can he finally tell her how he feels about her?
This book is broken into a 3 part novel, where this is just the first part. Each piece is being released a week apart so we can enjoy the anticipation. Their story is a sweet one where he wants to protect her and love her. I give this book a hard 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP! This story comes with a warning - the love scenes are scorching!
***This ARC copy is given FREE for review purposes from Netgalley.com and the publisher. My honest opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.
April 7, 2015
Book: Hard Ride #1: A Novel in Three Parts (Ready to Ride)
Author: Opal Carew
Publication Date: 4/7/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
New to me Author.
Liv is a young girl who went to college and at one time had a good life. Things take a big change for her after her sister becomes ill and she finds herself doing things she may never have done otherwise.
One night Liv finds herself in a bar awaiting a friend and ends up finding more than she bargains for.
When in college Liv had a friend who she wanted so much more with but things never happened as you plan. Devin was everything , he came from a well off family and Liv figures he did so much more with his life. But what she finds out couldn’t be farther from the truth of that. Devin is no longer going by that name. He is now known as Shock.
She finds herself walking out of the bar and out into a dark alley and that’s where things take a turn for the worst? Or does it?
I have found lately I am really enjoying the MC genre and came across this book on netgalley and requested to read and review. To my delight this is just book #1.
The author is a wonderful writer the story is in great detail and the suspense in this book was fantastic. It is a short but very hot book.
Can’t wait to find out more about what happens to Liv. And I would recommend this book if you like the MC series.
Gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Opal Carew
Author: Opal Carew
Publication Date: 4/7/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
New to me Author.
Liv is a young girl who went to college and at one time had a good life. Things take a big change for her after her sister becomes ill and she finds herself doing things she may never have done otherwise.
One night Liv finds herself in a bar awaiting a friend and ends up finding more than she bargains for.
When in college Liv had a friend who she wanted so much more with but things never happened as you plan. Devin was everything , he came from a well off family and Liv figures he did so much more with his life. But what she finds out couldn’t be farther from the truth of that. Devin is no longer going by that name. He is now known as Shock.
She finds herself walking out of the bar and out into a dark alley and that’s where things take a turn for the worst? Or does it?
I have found lately I am really enjoying the MC genre and came across this book on netgalley and requested to read and review. To my delight this is just book #1.
The author is a wonderful writer the story is in great detail and the suspense in this book was fantastic. It is a short but very hot book.
Can’t wait to find out more about what happens to Liv. And I would recommend this book if you like the MC series.
Gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Opal Carew
June 23, 2015
Originally posted on Apr 9 2015 at Butterfly-o-Meter Books:
In a Flutter: Interesting
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The bikers in Hard Ride are, of course, fascinating. Bikers tend to be :D Worlds that include them tend to be as well. I can’t say I felt we were immersed in that world, but the hints that are present are interesting.
Characters: Liv was fun, easy to like though tougher to empathize with. There’s some stuff in her past, some stuff in her present… she’s got a plateful. The fact is not overly played on, which I appreciate it, and I hope things will be the same in the next 2 parts of the novel as well.
Shock was yummy, of course. Alpha male, biker, tattoos, leather… are you kidding me? :)) So much hot.
I liked their chemistry, and the feels that are involved.
Plot: This a rekindled romance kind of trope, though they’ve know each other for a while but haven’t been an actual couple. The feels were there though. The story so far is fun, the contract-based kind of affair.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his and her POV.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, interesting blurb – and I wanted to try a bikers read :D So it spoke to my need, lol.
All in all, this was an interesting beginning and I’m reading #2 right now. Yes, I am a total tease like that *mwahahaha* Don’t worry though, I’m sharing my thoughts on it next week! So far, so good!
In a Flutter: Interesting
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The bikers in Hard Ride are, of course, fascinating. Bikers tend to be :D Worlds that include them tend to be as well. I can’t say I felt we were immersed in that world, but the hints that are present are interesting.
Characters: Liv was fun, easy to like though tougher to empathize with. There’s some stuff in her past, some stuff in her present… she’s got a plateful. The fact is not overly played on, which I appreciate it, and I hope things will be the same in the next 2 parts of the novel as well.
Shock was yummy, of course. Alpha male, biker, tattoos, leather… are you kidding me? :)) So much hot.
I liked their chemistry, and the feels that are involved.
Plot: This a rekindled romance kind of trope, though they’ve know each other for a while but haven’t been an actual couple. The feels were there though. The story so far is fun, the contract-based kind of affair.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his and her POV.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, interesting blurb – and I wanted to try a bikers read :D So it spoke to my need, lol.
All in all, this was an interesting beginning and I’m reading #2 right now. Yes, I am a total tease like that *mwahahaha* Don’t worry though, I’m sharing my thoughts on it next week! So far, so good!
April 6, 2015
4.5 Stars
This is part one of a three-part novel. Liv finds herself in a bad neighborhood at a biker bar, trying to help her sister. Trying to take a short-cut to her car, she finds herself trapped in a dark alley, facing a group of rough bikers. There to save the day is her college friend, Devin, but he is not the heir to a family business empire that she knew. Here stands a sexy, muscled, tattooed biker to her rescue.
Devin is no longer Devin. He goes by the name of Shock. The family fortune was lost, and he has made it on his own. He has dealt with his own demons, but never forgot Liv, his college sweetheart. Shock soon learns that Liv is in desperate need of financial assistance, so he comes up with a plan to loan her money and to give himself an opportunity to spend some time with Liv and get her out of his system. That’s what he thinks!
Hard Ride #1 is a short read with a cliff-hanger ending. It is riveting. It grabs you from the first page and keeps the pages turning. You can’t help but fall a little bit in love with Shock in this first installment. The secondary characters are an interesting group of bikers that were introduced in a previous book, Riding Steele. Hard Ride can definitely be read as a stand-alone if you missed the first book. Get out your leather and get ready to ride!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is part one of a three-part novel. Liv finds herself in a bad neighborhood at a biker bar, trying to help her sister. Trying to take a short-cut to her car, she finds herself trapped in a dark alley, facing a group of rough bikers. There to save the day is her college friend, Devin, but he is not the heir to a family business empire that she knew. Here stands a sexy, muscled, tattooed biker to her rescue.
Devin is no longer Devin. He goes by the name of Shock. The family fortune was lost, and he has made it on his own. He has dealt with his own demons, but never forgot Liv, his college sweetheart. Shock soon learns that Liv is in desperate need of financial assistance, so he comes up with a plan to loan her money and to give himself an opportunity to spend some time with Liv and get her out of his system. That’s what he thinks!
Hard Ride #1 is a short read with a cliff-hanger ending. It is riveting. It grabs you from the first page and keeps the pages turning. You can’t help but fall a little bit in love with Shock in this first installment. The secondary characters are an interesting group of bikers that were introduced in a previous book, Riding Steele. Hard Ride can definitely be read as a stand-alone if you missed the first book. Get out your leather and get ready to ride!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2016
From reading this first book I think Liv is similar to a lot of women, she is tough yet shy. She is also beautifully written and in general as a person she is struggling in her life as many women find they do but she is strong and hold herself together which is something a lot of women and men can relate too.
When Liv runs into Shock, she hadn't seen him in years, he was the one who no one could live up to and the one who she could compare other men to. But he is different now, he has changed but she can still see the old person he use to be, the one who made her heart race and her body tingle even through their relationship never went that far.
Liv is desperate and needs Shock's help so she can help her sister and will do anything to do that even if it means being his for a month. She will have to be his own toy in a way, do anything he wants and try not to fall deeper into this situation that she already is.
This is the first part in a third novella series, that make up one book. Even though it has suggestive themes it doesn't have any sexual activity in it, but you can clearly see that it is leading to that in the next book.
Hard Ride #1 is a electrifying book that will leave you wanting more after you finish reading the first part. With it's delicious male characters, relatable women and sexual tension it is a must read for any fan of erotica.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Thrilling, Daring and Breathtaking.
When Liv runs into Shock, she hadn't seen him in years, he was the one who no one could live up to and the one who she could compare other men to. But he is different now, he has changed but she can still see the old person he use to be, the one who made her heart race and her body tingle even through their relationship never went that far.
Liv is desperate and needs Shock's help so she can help her sister and will do anything to do that even if it means being his for a month. She will have to be his own toy in a way, do anything he wants and try not to fall deeper into this situation that she already is.
This is the first part in a third novella series, that make up one book. Even though it has suggestive themes it doesn't have any sexual activity in it, but you can clearly see that it is leading to that in the next book.
Hard Ride #1 is a electrifying book that will leave you wanting more after you finish reading the first part. With it's delicious male characters, relatable women and sexual tension it is a must read for any fan of erotica.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Thrilling, Daring and Breathtaking.
April 15, 2015
Hard Ride #1, first of three parts.
I was gifted this story in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved and lusted over Opal Carew's stories for a few years now and this one is promising to live up to my thoughts and hopes.
We first meet Liv as she is waiting in a run down rough bar waiting for Carl. It is late at night, way past midnight and Carl does not show up. Being a rough part of town it is hard for her to get a taxi.
In the bar that night is Shock and three other members of the biker gang. Shock went to college with Liv and had was attracted to him before she shot him down and took their friendship with her. Shock sees her outside the bar and all his old feelings come to the surface.
They have both changes since then and neither of them followed the path that they had intended on. Liv finds herself in a bit of a bind financially and turns to the only one that she thinks can help her out. Shock.
His plans for repayment- shocking!
Her reaction to his plans- interesting and then shocking!
Read this first part to find out more.
I thought this story was extremely well done. It features the biker gang that we have met before and fell in love with. The reason she needs the money will pull at your heart strings The attraction between these two is instant and strong. What happens when they act on this was something I did not see coming. I was intrigued and eager to continue reading. I would rate this segment a 5/5.
April 9, 2015
Ah man I am beginning to hate cliffhangers, and this one was a doozy.
I was pulled in on page one and it didn't let me go until the very end when I was looking for more and hoping it wasn't over. Shock and Liv were friends in college and haven't seen one another in years so when he sees her in a seedy bar in a bad neighborhood he gets protective of her like he did all those years ago. Liv is in desperate need of money to help her ill sister so she asks Shock if he can help her out and he does with one condition....you can take a guess on what he wants, Oh and she is withholding a doozy of a secret!
This is going to be another hit series for Opal Carew
***I have received this book from St. Martin's Press through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
I was pulled in on page one and it didn't let me go until the very end when I was looking for more and hoping it wasn't over. Shock and Liv were friends in college and haven't seen one another in years so when he sees her in a seedy bar in a bad neighborhood he gets protective of her like he did all those years ago. Liv is in desperate need of money to help her ill sister so she asks Shock if he can help her out and he does with one condition....you can take a guess on what he wants, Oh and she is withholding a doozy of a secret!
This is going to be another hit series for Opal Carew
***I have received this book from St. Martin's Press through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
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