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Dartmoor #3
The Skeleton King
His club brothers call him the Money Man. Vice President Kingston Walsh is one of the most trusted members of the Lean Dogs MC. He's thoughtful, quiet, and he's all business. Who better to serve as guardian of the club's skeletons?
He never counted on the girl, but he's not letting her go. She has skeletons too...
Emmie Johansen has worked at the same horse farm all her life, and when the owner decides to sell, she's crushed. Briar Hall is about to be sold to real estate developers, and she's about to be out of a job, a home, and a purpose. Enter Walsh, and the Lean Dogs MC. Emmie thought losing the farm was the worst possible scenario. But when the club buys Briar Hall, and keeps her on as manager, she begins to unravel the farm's dark secrets... and learns the true meaning of "outlaw."
The Skeleton King is the third full-length installment of the Dartmoor Series, and is NOT a standalone novel. This is a work of Literary Fiction, told from alternating points of view. Be sure to look for earlier books in the series: Fearless, Price of Angels, Half My Blood, and Secondhand Smoke.
He never counted on the girl, but he's not letting her go. She has skeletons too...
Emmie Johansen has worked at the same horse farm all her life, and when the owner decides to sell, she's crushed. Briar Hall is about to be sold to real estate developers, and she's about to be out of a job, a home, and a purpose. Enter Walsh, and the Lean Dogs MC. Emmie thought losing the farm was the worst possible scenario. But when the club buys Briar Hall, and keeps her on as manager, she begins to unravel the farm's dark secrets... and learns the true meaning of "outlaw."
The Skeleton King is the third full-length installment of the Dartmoor Series, and is NOT a standalone novel. This is a work of Literary Fiction, told from alternating points of view. Be sure to look for earlier books in the series: Fearless, Price of Angels, Half My Blood, and Secondhand Smoke.
372 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2015
78 people are currently reading
850 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
June 29, 2022
6/28/22: Continuing post Wild Charge series re-read...
Original Review:
4 Loving This Series Stars
Full Transparency: This was my least favorite so far...but I still really enjoyed it.
To be blunt, Walsh, as romantic as he was, just didn't really do it for me.
This will sound completely shallow...but I don't care.
I'm 5'7" (that's about 170cm for my metric friends), so reading that Walsh was an inch shorter than me kept making me think of kissing a hobbit.
So shoot me.
Regardless, he was awesome and I really liked Emmie.
My favorite quote from this book comes from Michael: "He woke my baby up." Oh my gosh, I die.
Anyway. The world Gilley has created here is just so rich and I love it.
None of the characters are all good and none of them are all bad, they are just extraordinarily real.
I was really looking forward to Aiden's story, but with the bomb dropped on us at the end of this one, I'm feeling some...trepidation now. Oh well. Still jumping in.
Original Review:
4 Loving This Series Stars
Full Transparency: This was my least favorite so far...but I still really enjoyed it.
To be blunt, Walsh, as romantic as he was, just didn't really do it for me.
This will sound completely shallow...but I don't care.
I'm 5'7" (that's about 170cm for my metric friends), so reading that Walsh was an inch shorter than me kept making me think of kissing a hobbit.
So shoot me.
Regardless, he was awesome and I really liked Emmie.
My favorite quote from this book comes from Michael: "He woke my baby up." Oh my gosh, I die.
Anyway. The world Gilley has created here is just so rich and I love it.
None of the characters are all good and none of them are all bad, they are just extraordinarily real.
I was really looking forward to Aiden's story, but with the bomb dropped on us at the end of this one, I'm feeling some...trepidation now. Oh well. Still jumping in.
August 4, 2020
Shiiiiiiiiiit! WHAT KIND OF ENDING WAS THAT???
Review of the whole series: MY REVIEW
Review of the whole series: MY REVIEW
August 26, 2021
Another 4 solid stars
I am enjoying being a part of this universe. 😍
I am enjoying being a part of this universe. 😍
February 24, 2023
Book one is still my favorite of this series, hands down. I love the world Gilley has created here, but I wasn’t a huge fan of this couple.
Walsh is like, “this is how it’s gonna be” and Emmie is like, “F*ck you,” but then she suddenly forgets that she hates him and simpers down like a good little horse-riding-biker chick.
Walsh is like, “this is how it’s gonna be” and Emmie is like, “F*ck you,” but then she suddenly forgets that she hates him and simpers down like a good little horse-riding-biker chick.
February 25, 2020
Re-read 23rd - 24th February 2020
Now that I’ve read this for the third time. I can’t understand why I didn’t like it more the first time 🤷🏻♀️
Re-read 12th March - 14th March 2018
I’m re-reading this incredible series but I nearly skipped this one because it was my least favourite last time. But I’m so glad I didn’t, I enjoyed it more this time. Maybe because my expectations weren’t as high and my original complaints still stand but this time I feel it deserves the 4* I gave.
Original review.
My least favourite so far but it's still a good read.
I started reading 'Fearless' on the 17th August it's now the 24th and I've just finished the third full length book plus the novella which should give you some idea of how much I'm enjoying this series.
That said, this was my least favourite but that doesn't mean it's a bad book because it's not, it's still a great read.
I've been trying to work out exactly what I didn't like and there isn't anything as such because it wasn't that I didn't like this book it just wasn't, for me anyway as strong as the others.
The characters weren't as charismatic and even though I repeatedly told myself while reading that bikers don't have to be tall, strong, tattooed and dangerous it just didn't work, while Walsh maybe the perfect size for Emmie I prefer mine taller and more alpha, Mercy and Michael are perfect examples of this.
Also the story itself didn't really work for me either it felt just too far-fetched at times.
Now the difficult part, rating this book.
Compared to the previous books in the series this would be 3* but that's the rating I give to the majority of the free romantic reads I download and this is more than them so therefore 3* doesn't seem a fair representation.
Now that I’ve read this for the third time. I can’t understand why I didn’t like it more the first time 🤷🏻♀️
Re-read 12th March - 14th March 2018
I’m re-reading this incredible series but I nearly skipped this one because it was my least favourite last time. But I’m so glad I didn’t, I enjoyed it more this time. Maybe because my expectations weren’t as high and my original complaints still stand but this time I feel it deserves the 4* I gave.
Original review.
My least favourite so far but it's still a good read.
I started reading 'Fearless' on the 17th August it's now the 24th and I've just finished the third full length book plus the novella which should give you some idea of how much I'm enjoying this series.
That said, this was my least favourite but that doesn't mean it's a bad book because it's not, it's still a great read.
I've been trying to work out exactly what I didn't like and there isn't anything as such because it wasn't that I didn't like this book it just wasn't, for me anyway as strong as the others.
The characters weren't as charismatic and even though I repeatedly told myself while reading that bikers don't have to be tall, strong, tattooed and dangerous it just didn't work, while Walsh maybe the perfect size for Emmie I prefer mine taller and more alpha, Mercy and Michael are perfect examples of this.
Also the story itself didn't really work for me either it felt just too far-fetched at times.
Now the difficult part, rating this book.
Compared to the previous books in the series this would be 3* but that's the rating I give to the majority of the free romantic reads I download and this is more than them so therefore 3* doesn't seem a fair representation.
February 21, 2020
I know this wasn't a 5 star read for a lot of my GR friends, but I loved it just as much this time around.
Original review March 2016
If I'm honest, I was a bit meh about starting this book. Why? because Walsh just didn't make an impact on me in previous books. And .... I bloody loved it. LOVED it.
Walsh and Emmie are the cutest couple, open and honest with each other so no ridiculous miscommunication or misunderstandings thank goodness. I love how the quietly fell for each other, quietly got on with their lives and that their story was sort of removed from the club so we got to see and spend time with them and their story, although we still got to see the other characters, no fear of that, because .... Mercy!
Definitely my favourite of the series so far. Walsh, being an ex jockey might not be the tallest of blokes, but he sure did have the biggest impact on me and proves the old adage that dynamite sure does come in small packages (says the vertically challenged reviewer!)
Original review March 2016
If I'm honest, I was a bit meh about starting this book. Why? because Walsh just didn't make an impact on me in previous books. And .... I bloody loved it. LOVED it.
Walsh and Emmie are the cutest couple, open and honest with each other so no ridiculous miscommunication or misunderstandings thank goodness. I love how the quietly fell for each other, quietly got on with their lives and that their story was sort of removed from the club so we got to see and spend time with them and their story, although we still got to see the other characters, no fear of that, because .... Mercy!
Definitely my favourite of the series so far. Walsh, being an ex jockey might not be the tallest of blokes, but he sure did have the biggest impact on me and proves the old adage that dynamite sure does come in small packages (says the vertically challenged reviewer!)
April 19, 2020
It wasn't perfect, but bloody hell! I couldn't read it fast enough.
What an incredible page turner!
5 Stars!
February 16, 2016
The journey continues ...
To be quite honest, I had no idea what to expect going into this book because we haven't seen/heard much from a quiet Englishman up till now. Boy, was I in for a treat because I really, REALLY enjoyed Walsh's story. As always, TeriLyn and I exchanged TONS of texts while reading, trying to describe his character, and we finally settled on a word 'charming' because it was simply perfect [for him]!
I know I say this in every single one of my reviews [of this series] but Walsh and Emmie's story, from the way they meet to the way their relationship progresses, quickly became another one of my favorites. I love the way Walsh's character is very calm, reserved. And I love the way Emmie's character is no shrinking violet [when it matters]. I love their background stories and, once again, I love the club's dynamic.
I feel like I should just review this entire series once it's done and say it's one of THE best series I've ever read. Period.
Every book/story/character is so unique. The writing is outstanding. The ongoing plot is very much keeping me on my toes.
Bottom line: READ THIS SERIES! You will not regret it.
Cheers!
P.S. Check out TeriLyn's Spoiler Free Review of The Skeleton King because it ROCKS!
September 29, 2016
4 Stars
Another really good story...
This time Walsh and Emmie's story
Emmie, with a missing mother and a drunk as a father, lives for her job running the stables at Briar Hall. This is about to come to an end when the owner decides to sell the business.
Developers are interested and the owners daughter wants that to happen.
Walsh Is the Vice President of the Lean Dogs MC and is also the clubs money man, when he see's an opportunity for the club, first of all to protect the clubs interests and to add a new business for them, he doesn't expect to be so taken aback by the pretty stable girl.
The Lean Dogs are facing problems and Emmie may be one of those problems but Walsh is feeling something for this girl and he is not letting her go.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this story but I have to be honest, I didn't feel the same connection to Walsh and Emmie as much as the others in the series.
I felt that although Walsh was the VP of the club he didn't really come across as someone who would of been 2nd in command. He was more of a money man for the club. Maybe it was just his character, he was softer than the other Lean Dogs. The author may have intended him to be that way. But Mercy still comes across as a better VP.
Finally being a Brit, I find that sometimes when a character that is written into a story is from the UK, but written from an American pov I find myself a bit critical if its not done right. At times Walsh's dialogue was such a mixer of accents it became a bit off putting.
You don't have to say Pet and lovey at the end of Walsh's sentences to make the reader think he's British.
I still love this series, I love the way the characters lives are simple, no big houses, money's tight. It makes a change, Also the characters are not all 6'3 and with model looks, they all have a unique rawness about them that makes them so much more interesting.
Next up Aiden
Another really good story...
This time Walsh and Emmie's story
Emmie, with a missing mother and a drunk as a father, lives for her job running the stables at Briar Hall. This is about to come to an end when the owner decides to sell the business.
Developers are interested and the owners daughter wants that to happen.
Walsh Is the Vice President of the Lean Dogs MC and is also the clubs money man, when he see's an opportunity for the club, first of all to protect the clubs interests and to add a new business for them, he doesn't expect to be so taken aback by the pretty stable girl.
The Lean Dogs are facing problems and Emmie may be one of those problems but Walsh is feeling something for this girl and he is not letting her go.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this story but I have to be honest, I didn't feel the same connection to Walsh and Emmie as much as the others in the series.
I felt that although Walsh was the VP of the club he didn't really come across as someone who would of been 2nd in command. He was more of a money man for the club. Maybe it was just his character, he was softer than the other Lean Dogs. The author may have intended him to be that way. But Mercy still comes across as a better VP.
Finally being a Brit, I find that sometimes when a character that is written into a story is from the UK, but written from an American pov I find myself a bit critical if its not done right. At times Walsh's dialogue was such a mixer of accents it became a bit off putting.
You don't have to say Pet and lovey at the end of Walsh's sentences to make the reader think he's British.
I still love this series, I love the way the characters lives are simple, no big houses, money's tight. It makes a change, Also the characters are not all 6'3 and with model looks, they all have a unique rawness about them that makes them so much more interesting.
Next up Aiden
September 21, 2016
4.5 Stars.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. We really hadn't seen much of The Money Man. He was always there, but hovering in the background.
OK, maybe Walsh is not exactly described like "Charlie" in the book but he is like this in my imagination.
We meet up with characters from the previous books. Love them. We see how their lives are progressing and their little families extending.
As usual, Gilley's prose is quite descriptive and poetic and I do like her writing style.
We have Aidan's story up next. This one ended with a bit of a bombshell. Not sure still how I feel about Aidan. He has a lot of growing up to do, IMHO.
AIDAN
I just had one little question ...
My spoiler isn't really a spoiler and the author was kind enough to reply to an email I sent her this morning.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. We really hadn't seen much of The Money Man. He was always there, but hovering in the background.
His club brothers call him the Money Man. Vice President Kingston Walsh is one of the most trusted members of the Lean Dogs MC. He’s thoughtful, quiet, and he’s all business. Who better to serve as guardian of the club’s skeletons?
He'd had whores; he was done with them. He wanted something ... more than that.
OK, maybe Walsh is not exactly described like "Charlie" in the book but he is like this in my imagination.
Skeletons were going to own her either way - it was just a decision between his or hers.
We meet up with characters from the previous books. Love them. We see how their lives are progressing and their little families extending.
You come to the MC a broken man, and it'll make you whole again.
As usual, Gilley's prose is quite descriptive and poetic and I do like her writing style.
A pair of does stepped cautiously from the wood and began to crop at the grass, large ears swivelling. Bright red cardinals fluttered through the shafts of sunlight, wings translucent as they rays passed through the feathers ...
We have Aidan's story up next. This one ended with a bit of a bombshell. Not sure still how I feel about Aidan. He has a lot of growing up to do, IMHO.
AIDAN
I just had one little question ...
My spoiler isn't really a spoiler and the author was kind enough to reply to an email I sent her this morning.
March 17, 2016
Before any of you go giving me the stink eye, this was still a win. I enjoyed it very much... but... yeah you knew that was coming. I felt a lot of what drew me in on the previous books was seriously lacking. I just didn't feel the MC or their respective families were in any kind of danger or threatened, so it made this storyline hard to believe. Secondly as much as I wanna have love for Walsh, can't claim he's a harden bad ass biker. I just wasn't feeling that for him. He came across as a lonely man willing to do just about anything to get the girl. Not a powerful vice president of one of the largest outlaw's, who kick ass and takes names. The other thing was the rogue fed and Ian and them being given wide birth to fuck with the club and its members. You'd think there would have been more then a few stalkerish behaviors and uncomfortable confrontations.
February 5, 2023
*4.5 Stars*
The Dartmoor series just keeps getting better. Walsh and Emmie’s story was so good. Amazing chemistry, suspense and the overall story was further explored.
I could easily tell that there’s been a development in Lauren Gilley’s writing. The long descriptions were shorter and more character development and not just the main two. The characters from the previous books and the ones to come got a lot of time in this story which I loved. I’m more invested than I’ve ever been with the Lean Dogs MC.
Walsh and Emmie are two mature people which I really liked. There’s a marriage of convenience trope and it played well into the plot and the growth of Walsh and Emmie. The Skeleton King has so far been my favorite.
4.5 Stars
The Dartmoor series just keeps getting better. Walsh and Emmie’s story was so good. Amazing chemistry, suspense and the overall story was further explored.
I could easily tell that there’s been a development in Lauren Gilley’s writing. The long descriptions were shorter and more character development and not just the main two. The characters from the previous books and the ones to come got a lot of time in this story which I loved. I’m more invested than I’ve ever been with the Lean Dogs MC.
Walsh and Emmie are two mature people which I really liked. There’s a marriage of convenience trope and it played well into the plot and the growth of Walsh and Emmie. The Skeleton King has so far been my favorite.
4.5 Stars
March 2, 2020
I'm loving this series, so good!
I like how we are also getting to follow previous characters in the series, closely.
I like how we are also getting to follow previous characters in the series, closely.
December 15, 2022
Gah! This series!
I'm not sure I liked Walsh's book as much as the first three, but it's still head and shoulders above most of what I've read this year. 😍😍
Moving on to Aiden's book immediately.
I'm not sure I liked Walsh's book as much as the first three, but it's still head and shoulders above most of what I've read this year. 😍😍
Moving on to Aiden's book immediately.
September 8, 2020
5 "All hail the Skeleton King." Stars
In the third novel of the Dartmoor series Lauren Gilley gives us the story of Lean Dogs VP, Walsh and the woman who catches his eye, Emmie. In a quite unconventional start to their lives Walsh and Emmie lead readers on another journey with this club. Told from Gilley's own personal, stylistic way with words we get yet another rounded perspective of life within the club from all of favorite Lean Dogs characters.
Even though a "traditional" romance within an MC isn't likely with many, Walsh and Emmie definitely have an interesting start. Emmie's views on life inside the club are heavily saturated with contempt. Walsh turned out to be someone who I found quietly charming. There's so much that goes down between the two that's laced with melancholy and a rather seemingly obvious deception. As we dig deeper into the hearts of each of them things aren't as skewed as we thought.
In addition to Walsh and Emmie there's A LOT happening with the club and our other beloved characters. The way in which Gilley continually feeds our needs for all the characters moving forward in the series is remarkable. It's literature that leaves you satisfied each and every time.
Lauren Gilley's story telling leaves me completely enraptured. I say it after each book I finish because with each layer of the Lean Dogs stories being built upon with each new book it's an exploration into the life of bikers unlike any other I've read. If my nose is in a Dartmoor book I'm totally held hostage by the brilliance of the story. This author doesn't simply tell me what's happening, she shows me. With imagery, metaphors, beautiful descriptions, and brutal honesty from her characters. I highly recommend The Skeleton King as long as you've read the other installments to the series, Walsh will pleasantly surprise you in big ways.
Second Read: September 2020 - I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Walsh and Emmie's story. Their love isn't instant or even realized early but it ebbs and flows with the great story telling and makes for an interesting turn of events for The Lean Dogs.
My 5 Star reviews for the Dartmoor series:
Book One: Fearless
Book Two: Price of Angels
Book 2.5: Half My Blood
In the third novel of the Dartmoor series Lauren Gilley gives us the story of Lean Dogs VP, Walsh and the woman who catches his eye, Emmie. In a quite unconventional start to their lives Walsh and Emmie lead readers on another journey with this club. Told from Gilley's own personal, stylistic way with words we get yet another rounded perspective of life within the club from all of favorite Lean Dogs characters.
Even though a "traditional" romance within an MC isn't likely with many, Walsh and Emmie definitely have an interesting start. Emmie's views on life inside the club are heavily saturated with contempt. Walsh turned out to be someone who I found quietly charming. There's so much that goes down between the two that's laced with melancholy and a rather seemingly obvious deception. As we dig deeper into the hearts of each of them things aren't as skewed as we thought.
In addition to Walsh and Emmie there's A LOT happening with the club and our other beloved characters. The way in which Gilley continually feeds our needs for all the characters moving forward in the series is remarkable. It's literature that leaves you satisfied each and every time.
Lauren Gilley's story telling leaves me completely enraptured. I say it after each book I finish because with each layer of the Lean Dogs stories being built upon with each new book it's an exploration into the life of bikers unlike any other I've read. If my nose is in a Dartmoor book I'm totally held hostage by the brilliance of the story. This author doesn't simply tell me what's happening, she shows me. With imagery, metaphors, beautiful descriptions, and brutal honesty from her characters. I highly recommend The Skeleton King as long as you've read the other installments to the series, Walsh will pleasantly surprise you in big ways.
Second Read: September 2020 - I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Walsh and Emmie's story. Their love isn't instant or even realized early but it ebbs and flows with the great story telling and makes for an interesting turn of events for The Lean Dogs.
My 5 Star reviews for the Dartmoor series:
Book One: Fearless
Book Two: Price of Angels
Book 2.5: Half My Blood
September 16, 2015
Absolutely amazing!!!! The Lean Dogs MC is hands down my fave MC ever. I'm obsessed with each and every member. New and old. Kingston Walsh was someone I liked from book 1 and now I'm 100% in love with him. What I love is each story is different, each character has their own story to tell, no formula here. And it's utterly brilliant. I feel totally immersed in their world and honestly I don't want to ever leave. Lauren Gilley's writing is captivating keeping us glued to every single page. Excellent addition to the series and I'm already excited for the next book.
April 20, 2019
5 Englishman 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 because I am addicted to Lean Dogs family and every book of them is fucking brilliant!! The quality and the writing ability of Lauren Gilley is superb !!
February 18, 2018
"This was the choice fate had set before her: love the man and take on the club, all the violence it entailed, or be alone and ultimately stagger beneath the weight of her demons. Skeletons were going to own her either way - it was just a decision between his or hers."
Despite the three-star rating, lower than what I gave to the previous books, I still did enjoy this one.
Lauren Gilley set the bar so high, with her lyrical writing, main and secondary characters portrayal and plot development that I experienced a sort of not-so-acute disappointment.
The gorgeous style was still there, but the rest lacked its usual spark: both Walsh and Emmie were fascinating and endearing, but their characterization was more told than showed.
The anxiety, love and pain of Ava and Mercy and Michael and Holly were so intense and raw that they brought me on the verge of physical sickness and caused me emotional distress.
They cried, struggled, made love, and every single feeling reached me with unrestrained power.
It's what I'd call compelling ugliness: not just the shock value, the violence for violence sake, but the actual, intricate background, the personal history behind that. That sort of devotion and awe I felt for those characters and their arc. I cared for them and loved them, in the end, despite some incredibly disturbing choices.
Walsh and Emmie's story was less troubled and shocking, and maybe even a little more boring, because of that. Theirs was some sort of odd insta-love/lust that didn't feel either deep enough or validated in any practical way. I'm not trying to demean it, though, just trying to explain why I didn't like “The Skeleton King” as much as the other 2.5 books.
They had so little time to interact, and the event that brought them together belonged to a 70's romance novel: forced marriage. No wonder Emmie hated almost everything about it.
I'm happy they ended up together, though. The way Emmie kept having second thoughts and tried to avoid the MC world was described with the perfect authenticity. Nobody in her right mind would trust the VP of an infamous MC without being repulsed by it or fearing for her own life.
She liked Walsh physically, felt the pull of the attraction, but managed to keep her feelings from changing into undying love too fast. They still were there, though, the puppy eyes and the butterflies in her stomach.
As for Walsh, I think his past wasn't handled in the best way. Potentially, his heartbreak could've been as gripping as Mercy's or Michael's. But it was rushed and just barely outlined, so he came across as just lonely and not ready to risk his heart.
Another element “The Skeleton King” lacked, and it showed, was the contribution that made this series irresistible: its secondary characters.
No smooth, well-orchestrated narrator switch. No Ava and Mercy every few pages, being adorable and stubbornly bent on making babies. No Michael and Holly's own delightful little family glimpses.
It was mostly Emmie and Walsh, but the two weren't as strong – characterwise - as the other four people.
Other than that, the storyline still captured my interest. I reached the end craving for the next book, so it still was a success for me.
I still hate Ghost, though. Nothing will make me change my opinion of him: he's a giant dick.
I'm really looking forward to reading Aidan's story now. Hope he finally grows up...
June 23, 2024
What did it matter if Walsh was the dangerous, bad boy type she was supposed to avoid? Playing it smart had only ever left her lonely. But the way Fred said "dangerous" left her wondering. Because there were bad boys... and then there were men who'd kill you.
The fourth novel in Lauren Gilley's Dartmoor outlaw biker series centers on Kingston "King" Walsh, the VP and money man of the Knoxville, Tennessee Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club.As for the titular "Skeleton," it might refer to all the old bones buried around a seemingly abandoned farm property that in fact belongs to this outlaw motorcycle gang. Problem is, the horse farm next door is planning to sell out to a corporation that wants to build a thriving retirement community there. Imagine all those old, nosey, looky-loos wandering off the grounds onto the property next door, their dogs sniffing the strange smells emanating from the freshly dug ground. Ghost Teague, the ruthless Pres of the Lean Dogs MC, can't have that.
So the club decides to send King to buy out the horse farm from under the corporation. Which is how King meets Emmie Johansen, the manager of the horse farm, who cares more for the horses she has lovingly tended to for years than the owners themselves. King shares that love, having been a jockey before he turned biker, trading his horse for a hog. Soon, King and Emmie feel an attraction for each other though they remain weary of letting their guard down and sharing their secrets. Good, suspenseful story.
The fourth novel in Lauren Gilley's Dartmoor outlaw biker series centers on Kingston "King" Walsh, the VP and money man of the Knoxville, Tennessee Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club.As for the titular "Skeleton," it might refer to all the old bones buried around a seemingly abandoned farm property that in fact belongs to this outlaw motorcycle gang. Problem is, the horse farm next door is planning to sell out to a corporation that wants to build a thriving retirement community there. Imagine all those old, nosey, looky-loos wandering off the grounds onto the property next door, their dogs sniffing the strange smells emanating from the freshly dug ground. Ghost Teague, the ruthless Pres of the Lean Dogs MC, can't have that.
So the club decides to send King to buy out the horse farm from under the corporation. Which is how King meets Emmie Johansen, the manager of the horse farm, who cares more for the horses she has lovingly tended to for years than the owners themselves. King shares that love, having been a jockey before he turned biker, trading his horse for a hog. Soon, King and Emmie feel an attraction for each other though they remain weary of letting their guard down and sharing their secrets. Good, suspenseful story.
March 10, 2016
I finished this a couple of day's ago but I am so into the series that I started the next before reviewing this :).
I really liked Walsh's story, I usually have to find the lead male attractive in different ways to enjoy a book but when they are written this well with great story lines then it's not needed. Emmie the lead female is definitely what makes this book great and the setting on a horse farm. This book was no different from the other's in the way that while giving us the story of Walsh and Emmie Lauren Gilley was able to keep us up to date with all the other characters without hurting the plot.
I just wish I did not have to work!!! This series has grabbed me and pulled me in and I just want to curl up and keep reading.
I really liked Walsh's story, I usually have to find the lead male attractive in different ways to enjoy a book but when they are written this well with great story lines then it's not needed. Emmie the lead female is definitely what makes this book great and the setting on a horse farm. This book was no different from the other's in the way that while giving us the story of Walsh and Emmie Lauren Gilley was able to keep us up to date with all the other characters without hurting the plot.
I just wish I did not have to work!!! This series has grabbed me and pulled me in and I just want to curl up and keep reading.
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October 22, 2017
09 /27/2016 -- I feel the same this second round. The ending seemed abrupt and didn't really close with King and Emmie. I just don't think it had the story closure I'm used to with this author.
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09/18/2015 -- I enjoyed Walsh's story. I liked the others in this series a bit more, but this was a nice add and continuation of the series.
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09/18/2015 -- I enjoyed Walsh's story. I liked the others in this series a bit more, but this was a nice add and continuation of the series.
October 1, 2017
3.5*
Not as good as the first two, but the writing style is gripping and I really enjoyed it overall. I liked Emmie and Walsh, but I couldn't feel the epic love. I couldn't fully connect with their relationship and its progression was wonky. I loved the setting and the horses. The side characters are always awesome and there's a lot going on.
The ending wasn't shocking to me, I saw that shit coming from a mile away and I'm going to need benzos to make it through Aidan's book. I've been dying to read the book about this adorable, idiotic man-child since book #1. LOL
I can't stop with the binge reading...
Not as good as the first two, but the writing style is gripping and I really enjoyed it overall. I liked Emmie and Walsh, but I couldn't feel the epic love. I couldn't fully connect with their relationship and its progression was wonky. I loved the setting and the horses. The side characters are always awesome and there's a lot going on.
The ending wasn't shocking to me, I saw that shit coming from a mile away and I'm going to need benzos to make it through Aidan's book. I've been dying to read the book about this adorable, idiotic man-child since book #1. LOL
I can't stop with the binge reading...
September 13, 2020
Emmie Johansen has worked at the same horse farm all her life - Briar Hall, and when the owner decides to sell, she's devastated, especially as it looks like it's going to be sold to developers and she's going to lose all that she loves. But what no one knows is that the Lean Dogs have used the property next to Briar Hall to dispose of bodies for years, and there is no way that they'll risk the skeletons being discovered. So Vice President Kingston Walsh known as the Money Man purchases Briar Hall on behalf of the club. Kingston is planning to keep the Briar Hall as it is, which is a sigh of relief for Emmie. However, she's heard of the Lean Dogs MC and is more than a little wary of them, and when she sees something she shouldn't, her life takes an unexpected turn.
I wanted more depth with this read and when it came to the MCs.
Throughout this book, numerous threads from previous characters' plotlines are picked up, as well as plot lines that appear to be developing for books to come.
Not my favourite in the series, the connection between Kingston and Emmie wasn't there for me, but still, an ok-ish one time read. I'm still enjoying the world the author has created.
I wanted more depth with this read and when it came to the MCs.
Throughout this book, numerous threads from previous characters' plotlines are picked up, as well as plot lines that appear to be developing for books to come.
Not my favourite in the series, the connection between Kingston and Emmie wasn't there for me, but still, an ok-ish one time read. I'm still enjoying the world the author has created.
May 14, 2016
Full review to come.
September 21, 2015
I continue to be amazed at the quality and excellent writing skills exhibited by this author. This book was another 5 star read for me and made me want more of the Dartmoor family as soon as I can get it. Walsh has always been an extraneous character for me in the previous books. Yes, he played a major part in the club but he didn't really grab me like so many of the other characters. I wasn't really excited about this book but the author succeeded in pulling me into the story and especially the relationship between Walsh and Emmie. I think Walsh is now one of my favorite characters and I can't wait to read more about him, Emmie and Walsh's continuing ties to the original London Lean Dogs charter. We get to catch up with Mercy/Ava, Ghost/Maggie and the other club family members. I can't wait to get Aiden's story but I'm most intrigued with Tango and how his story will unfold. If you liked the previous Lean Dogs books, you'll love this one. I think the author did a great job of delivering two characters who don't fit the profile of the usual bad boy biker and his heroine. It was definitely different and refreshing. A book that will definitely go on my read again shelf.
February 10, 2016
Another great delivery from Lauren Gilley.
Book 3 is about Vice President Kingston Walsh - The Money Man. Not our typical biker. He is thoughtful, quiet and all business and guardian of the club's skeleton's? It is not a standalone but a continuation of the Lean Dogs family and their lives. The story is told from alternate points of view.
Emmie and Walsh meet when the owner of the horse farm decides to sell. Enter the Money Man and the Lean Dogs MC and the unravelling of the farm's secrets.
Soon we get to know that Emmie has skeletons also and when she inadvertently steps into club business she gets the order to marry Walsh. Its the only way he can keep her safe by becoming his old lady
Yeah there is the usual naff cliff hanger but it paves the way for Aiden's story next. I am so looking forward to that one.
Book 3 is about Vice President Kingston Walsh - The Money Man. Not our typical biker. He is thoughtful, quiet and all business and guardian of the club's skeleton's? It is not a standalone but a continuation of the Lean Dogs family and their lives. The story is told from alternate points of view.
Emmie and Walsh meet when the owner of the horse farm decides to sell. Enter the Money Man and the Lean Dogs MC and the unravelling of the farm's secrets.
Soon we get to know that Emmie has skeletons also and when she inadvertently steps into club business she gets the order to marry Walsh. Its the only way he can keep her safe by becoming his old lady
Yeah there is the usual naff cliff hanger but it paves the way for Aiden's story next. I am so looking forward to that one.
September 19, 2017
I'm really enjoying this series and Lauren Gilley's writing. Like Susan Fanetti she really gets inside the characters making them seem so much more that outlaws without glossing over the really bad things they do. And I love the interconnecting storylines and characters with the Russells and the other Dartmoor Chapters especially London. Great binge reading.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
October 14, 2016
3.5 stars for this one.
another enjoyable addition to this mc series but for me maybe my least loved so far. however still a good book and i didnt want to put it down. i have flown through the first 3 within a few days, they're all so good! this author writes this series in such a deep way. it's a whole lot of fun as a reader to throw yourself into the world she's built. i am loving all of our characters, although i do have an extra soft spot for ava, mercy, maggie and ghost. i just really like that with every book the previous couples are very much still front and center at times. it's made it all the more real. okay so this was walsh's book and while i perhaps didnt connect with him and emmie as much as wanted too, they were still addictive to read about. walsh just was not my fave hero so far. i feel as if there wasnt as much character development here like with previous books. plus he said "lovey" too much and the constant 'he's only 5"4' & the 'he's a short guy' kind of killed it a bit at times, it was overdone. regardless there's an overall story connecting all these books within the series and i am just utterly addicted to it. aiden's book is next and i am very keen to jump in and see where the author takes us next. excellent series so far, i would recommend to anyone.
another enjoyable addition to this mc series but for me maybe my least loved so far. however still a good book and i didnt want to put it down. i have flown through the first 3 within a few days, they're all so good! this author writes this series in such a deep way. it's a whole lot of fun as a reader to throw yourself into the world she's built. i am loving all of our characters, although i do have an extra soft spot for ava, mercy, maggie and ghost. i just really like that with every book the previous couples are very much still front and center at times. it's made it all the more real. okay so this was walsh's book and while i perhaps didnt connect with him and emmie as much as wanted too, they were still addictive to read about. walsh just was not my fave hero so far. i feel as if there wasnt as much character development here like with previous books. plus he said "lovey" too much and the constant 'he's only 5"4' & the 'he's a short guy' kind of killed it a bit at times, it was overdone. regardless there's an overall story connecting all these books within the series and i am just utterly addicted to it. aiden's book is next and i am very keen to jump in and see where the author takes us next. excellent series so far, i would recommend to anyone.
October 2, 2016
This whole series has been really good, on to the next.
April 4, 2018
3.5 / 5 stars
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