Wild Cards

Twisted #3

by R.C. Stephens

She grew up with love but tragedy took everything away from her. He was forced into a life that he hated and was drowning in darkness. They both lost hope... They both looked for ways to numb the pain... To him, she was unpredictable and alluring. To her, he was a dark knight with a shady past. What happened next was unexpected. Their chance encounter was not chance anymore. As their worlds collide and their impenetrable walls are infiltrated, these two dark souls are forced to face the one thing on earth that scares them the most... Love.

Genres: Dark, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Romance, Amazon, Erotica

372 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2015

About the author

R.C. Stephens writes the kind of stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love all over again.

A Top 100 Amazon bestselling author, she crafts emotional, heartfelt romances full of humor, heat, and happily ever afters.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling her three kids, sneaking in a coffee date with her husband, or walking her lovable goldendoodle, who’s always by her side during late-night writing sessions.

A proud Toronto native, she loves cozy winters—but it’s the colors of fall and the first bloom of spring that truly inspire her.

Keep up with R.C. by signing up to her newsletter-http://rcstephens.com/newsletter/

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rc.stephens.8/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc_stephens...

Reviews

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I didn't even finish the book. I really did not like this book at all. This is my style of books I normally read (contemporary adult) but still everything about the book was bad for me. I'm not in any way against the style of writing either. It's just I did not like the characters in the book. They were all annoying and not slightly likeable at all.
First let me begin by saying about the main character Vicky. She annoyed me a lot. It was ok for her to go off the book for a while. I agree she had a lot to take in with her mother dying and finding out her cheating bf fucking another girl. I was totally ok with the part but the way she continued fucking up her life and people still kept calling how good and studious and all that bullshit annoyed me. Yes, people have their own way of coping and it's hard to come back from such a big trauma. I sincerely sympathised with her on losing her mother for cancer but afterwards the way she handled everything? Nope. I did not like it.

"She was good and pure"

Ok that seems like a nice enough quote about a person right? but let me take you to the other one and you can see for yourself how good and pure she is.

"I felt a little taken aback when my first thought was to find a random hot guy and fuck him. Tim the doorman perhaps...I know there's something very wrong with that"



YES!!!! There is something seriously wrong with that. It's ok that she wants to fuck somebody, I mean it's natural reaction of human beings but just because you are "totally crushing" after another guy you don't randomly goo around sleeping with other who are handily available to you. These kind of situations were plentiful in the novel and I hated it.Let's see her choice of friends now.
Nessa, Nessa who showed the wild side of the world.

"You will met her; she is a great girl. My best friend, she introduced me to the sex clubs and they made a dark world feel a little brighter for brief moments"

She needed to fill the aching pain in her heart and one night stand maybe ok but continuing it? I can't believe that I said that a one night stand was ok. What is wrong with me? Back to our problem here. how can Nessa be a great girl if she introduced her to such a world and then left her alone? I mean she was raped thanks to this life that made her 'dark world a little brighter'!!!! Then there's Luc. I agree he was the most likeable person in this story. But that doest mean i totally like him. He was flawed true, but I liked how he handled his problems. Unlike all the characters in this books. Maybe i liked Bryce even a bit. Though he bought in the news of a new daughter quite quickly. Like I mentioned before the way Vicky treated Luc was totally horrible. My first example for that is mentioned above when Nessa almost went to screw the doorman to relieve her wanting him. Luc that is not the doorman. Then there is this quote.

"Luc thought I should fear him, what he didn't realise was that I felt safe having this broken ogre beside me"



Wait i thought Luc was this hot guy all women looked at and wanted to fuck? Why is he an ogre? My little English vocabulary has taught me that ogre means a hideous creature. Not hot guy. Im sure the author wanted to show that despite being broken that Vicky sill liked him. It just didn't have the effect she wanted. This other quote is the same.

"He maybe a nice guy that attended sex parties but he was also in business with that asshole on the fortieth floor"

For now forget the latter part of that quote but nice guy who attended sex parties?



I guess that's enough about Vicky. I'm going to talk about Luc. Like I mentioned before he was a nice guy but it's just that the way he thought of Vicky annoyed the shit out of me (I sound like some jealous ex :D )

"Honestly, Vicky, and I don't know why I am being so open with you. Let me get this out that I have never been this open with a woman before, but I will consider it part of my personal growth.."



Good for you Luc. Cuz you pretty much bared your soul out to a woman you met only two or three times. I think it was twice. It's just i was too quick he told her everything that he has never told anyone. I guess part of it was cuz he was lied to and he lied before and it ended horribly. Still I didn't like it.

I guess that was enough of ranting on about how I didn't like the book. Bottom line I didn't like so much I didn't even finish it and I rarely go around not finishing a book. It just doesn't seem right. Maybe one day I'll come back and read it gain. If I'm bored that is. Other than the fact that the characters annoyed the shit out of me I got to say the writing style and stuff were pretty good. There were slips here and there where Nessa texted Vicky when she was with Luc, telling she came and the next minute when Luc knew it was Nessa even without Vicky telling him who texted her. Those were a few in the little bit I read. Ok I read more than half of the book, 62% to be precise. For me it seems like the author was trying to be like other New Adult authors out there, showing how two utterly broken people too can find their happily ever after but it just did not work for me.it just fell flat for me. I hope her other books will be better. The only reason I guess i gave it a 2-star cuz her writing style was ok.

*Edit*

As i thought, I couldn't stay without finishing a book. So I don't feel any better than I did before about the book. Maybe just a little. The pregnancy was totally unwanted. Seriously and the DEA thing? It's like the author wanted to make it look all dangerous and stuff but everything was just too much. Too many elements in one story making me confused by the end. I still don't like the book :/

*Re-edit*

Maybe I was bit too harsh on this review. I don't know why i feel like that. I've never edited a review as much as I have this one. Maybe I might give this book a bit more than 2 stars. Something in the back of my mind is saying that I'm being a bit too unfair on this one. Ughhhhhhh!!! This sux!

New Ratings=2.5 stars

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the entire series, I know Luc. Yes I didn't know if there could be any redemption for him. While I understood being brought up in the mob couldn't have been easy, I struggled for a little with his character. I was wrong. the author flipped the entire character and made me fall for him. What happened with the mob family in the past makes me conflicted with hating Luc.
The story of Vicky was DARK. OMG I loved it. Yes it was a bit edgy and that is why I enjoyed reading it. What a messed up life Vicky had. I was thrilled the way it played out.

There is an awful lot of this to love so grab book 1 and get going. The writing style is great, the story was great, it was steamy and dark, so what are you waiting for?? Read it now

[Drue DePompei-Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is not necessary to read the first 2 books, I am glad I did. I gave me a more indepth feel for everything that Luc went through and how far his journey was.

Vicky is the perfect woman for Luc they are both battered souls and able to connect with each other on a much deeper level. But the demons of their pasts keep resurfacing.

The only thing I would have liked would have been more of Vicky's best friend Nessa, after a certain point in the book she seemed to kind of get lost in the story and I really liked her character and I hope if there are more books planned for this series that one is her story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after the changes to this book I still loved it! The feels! This book has it all! Where do I start? This is the first 'dark' romance that I've ever read and if I'm honest, after reading the prologue I was unsure wether or not to carry on. (I say dark romance but it is only one scene that this applies too. This scene is completely necessary to their epic love story.) All I can say is I'm so glad I did! Luc has definitely joined my list of alpha males! Love this book!

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Wild Cards
Author: R.C. Stephens
Series: Twisted Series, Book #3
Release Date: October 7, 2015
Genre(s): Dark Romance
Page Count: 310
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

She grew up with love but tragedy took everything away from her.

He was forced into a life that he hated and was drowning in darkness.

They both lost hope...

They both looked for ways to numb the pain...

To him, she was unpredictable and alluring. To her, he was a dark knight with a shady past. What happened next was unexpected. Their chance encounter was not chance anymore. As their worlds collide and their impenetrable walls are infiltrated, these two dark souls are forced to face the one thing on earth that scares them the most… Love.

Review:
“His smile was beautiful and light. This man needed to smile more, he was too damn intense all the time and now I understood why. ‘I like your smile.’ I tilted my head to the side and grinned at him. ‘I like you,’ he answered.”

5 stars!! Beautiful story and so well told!

I’m a huge dark romance lover, and I will say this teetered on the edge of dark, and I loved every page! Your heart breaks for the characters as you learn about their backgrounds and story! I wanted to jump in my kindle and hug them!!! Luc and Vicky were perfect for each other, almost like magnents! They fit together perfectly!! I’m in love with this series and I can’t wait to read more!


ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club

[R.C. Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved writing this story. To me these characters represent the reality of the difficult road to falling in love especially for those who have been burned in the past. When writing this story I felt every ounce of their despair and hope. Their need to find that special someone that they know they can depend on no matter what. I think deep down we all need that reassurance that if we fall there will be someone to catch us and love us unconditionally.

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luc and Vicky are two broken people trying to find their way in the world. They find eachother and though they resist at first, end up surpassing their problems into a deeper connection. This is an emotional read. They are very flawed characters but what they have with eachother is what the universe determined they needed to heal. Good plot twists and development not to mention sexy as hell scenes.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a bad decision at a sex party sends her to the hospital Vicky Molina realizes the error in her way and she just wants to go home. What awaits for her there is not something she ever could have expected. The death of her mother hit her hard but the two years after have treated her unkind and been harder than ever. Finally working up the nerve to go to New York City and meet someone she takes off and doesn't look back. Old habit die hard though as they say. Her first night in the city and she finds herself at a sex party in a swanky apartment. What's with the green eyes and handsome face of a stranger that won't leave her mind?

Luc Blanchard now Luc Lebaum has a dark and seedy past. He doesn't touch woman, drugs , or alcohol. What is it about the green eyed beauty that walks through his front door the first night of him hosting a party? With his connections to the French mob he doesn't let anyone in to his life. Why did he take her back home? Especially on his bike? He doesn't touch woman, it his body has different ideas. Two years is a long time without being with someone. The pain of his past and the weight of his choices hold him hostage but his , however brief, leave from the family means a lot to him. New York City is a long way from France. His father however has a long reach.

Follow Vicky and Luc as they fight against themselves to find a second chance. Can Luc forgive himself for his past as everyone else involved already has? Can Vicky over come her grief and let him in? What does Luc's father have to say about the budding romance. What about Vicky's ? When tragedy strikes again in Vicky's life can she handle it? Will some surprising news along the way help or hinder her? What happens when a second chance at love gets shattered because of a past too strong to over come.

Wild Cards by RC Stephens had me captivated from word one. RC Stephens has a way with words that makes you feel everything these people do within the story. Find out if the wild card is a good bet.

[Caro · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Wild Cards” is the story of Vicky and Luc. Both have endured very cruel things and cross each other’s paths continuesly.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. There were a lot of things that didn’t work. First, the beginning of the book. Sure, there’s this warning from the author and I can say I’ve already read a lot of “dark” stuff in books. But this was just too much. And I feel the need to warn here myself, too – BE AWARE, there’s a very violent and disturbing rape-scene at the beginning of the book, in which the female MC is violated physically and mentally BADLY.

Then there was the writing. R. C. Stepehns seemed to not be very keen on punctuation marks. There was one sentence I had to read a few times, until the sense sank in:
“He sat on the long chair with his legs in front of him fully erect.”
Um, ok? Without a comma, this sentence says that his legs are fully erect. And there were quite a few things that really sat wrong with me in regard of grammar (switches in present and past tense) and typos.

And last but not least – the insta-attraction. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. This book is a great example for the author dictating us readers what to feel/think of the MC’s relationship. I want to FEEL my books, FEEL how the MC’s fall in love, struggle, the good moments and the bad! But sadly, I felt nothing in “Wild Cards”. I had zero connection to the characters, their stories or their relationship.

Please remember, that this is only my very personal opinion and everyone should try the book for themselves, maybe it’ll be a new favorite… I refrain from rating “Wild Cards”, since I gave up reading at the 42% mark.

*** A copy of "Wild Cards" was kindly provided by author R. C. Stephens in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by letting you know that there is sexual abuse in this book, so if reading about this topic will be an issue for you, do not read this book.

I thought the storyline for this book was great! It was well thought out and well written. The characters were well developed with enough history to understand them and why they do what they do.

I could have given this book a higher rating, but what held me back was the conversations between characters. They were too proper and not real enough. I could connect with the characters during their inner dialogues, but once they opened their mouths to speak, that connection was lost. It was as if a different person was speaking. Yes, there are people in this world who speak this way, but with these characters and their backgrounds, the only person I expected to speak this way was Bryce. I didn't expect them to speak like they were from the "hood" or anything like that. Just not as proper as they did.

I loved the story and the characters. How even though they had a rough life or had unfortunate things happen to them, they could still pick themselves up and want to better themselves. To get back on track and obtain the things that just yesterday they could only dream about. And they remained themselves throughout the whole story. Vicky just wanted her father, not what he could do for her. And that stayed true throughout the book. Yes, she took a couple hand outs, but when you change your mind about going back and only have the clothes you packed, well, you do need to accept a few things. But she didn't go wild. Luc was a different story. He had everything already. He just had to find his way back to himself and realize his own self worth and what he deserves in life.

All in all, a great book that I highly recommend you read!

*ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild Cards
RC Stephens
3.5 stars

Wild Cards is Luc’s story a few years later however you don’t need to read them to know what is going on. Luc is leaving the world that is mob run after a brutal past and losing too much. He is seeking comfort in a new life and therapy. Luc considers himself a monster. He hasn’t engaged in physical contact, drugs or alcohol in over two years but the parties; he hosts them and watches.

Vicky is damaged by the events in her past. She was on the move to heal and then her world fell apart. New York is her only hope or so it seems. The letter her mother left her blew her world apart. She doesn’t believe in love she only believes in bad men and the way to find solace is at the parties.

Both Luc and Vicky has very damaged past. If you have triggers over rape please do not read this book. There is one incident but its very graphic. The past also comes back to haunt Vicky about mid point in the book.

I really think this book has more potential than the story given. There were several frustrating moments for me and I wanted Luc and Vicky to move on. Sometimes its enough already of the torment and the self bashing. The end seemed a little rushed but again it was a decent read. Im not really a BDSM or sex party type read so its sometimes difficult for me to say if it was great. I find myself doing more of the “who would do that” type of mind set. Don’t get me wrong I love me some steamy stuff but some of this was over the top for me as far as I want more of a story line.

Like I always say having said that if you like the BDSM and Sexy Party type read then this is for sure something you will want to click up. Thanks for the ARC for the honest review!

[Lauren-marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this. I really did. I didn't know what to expect when I first started this as I hadn't read the first two in the series. After the prologue I was completed engaged and had high hopes for this book. Sadly this didn't live up to my expectations. This book has great potential. I love the idea of the story line. We had two broken souls and a man from a mafia family. Like I said great idea and something that I would usually enjoy. Unfortunately for me the story was pretty slow paced most of the way through. I found that it really picked up its pace around 80% of the way through and will say that I did enjoy the last bit of this book. I don't think the way it was written helped. For me everything seemed to be over pronounced. Although I liked the characters, they did lack depth. They both had a dark past and awful things had happened to them. Both Luc and Vicky coped in their own ways and I can see why what happened to them fucked them up a little, but all they seemed to do was wallow in self pity for far too long and I just wanted to scream at them to move on! It kind of made me a little depressed reading it.
Like I said, this has great potential and I can see why people would like it I normally like something along these lines), but I guess sadly this was not for me.

*I recieved an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Darlene Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

Wild Cards by R.C. Stephens

Wild Cards is definitely not for the faint of heart. It is brutal, gritty, and raw. With scenes that will tear your heart and soul apart.

Luc is coming of age in a world run by the mob and lives under the constant brutality of his own father.

Vicky is trying to find a way to bury the emptiness inside of her, and seeks out sex parties and other activities to try to fill the void within her.

Both Luc and Vicky are very flawed characters, however they are both looking for more. The question is, will they find that 'more' they need with each other, or will they only end up destroying each other even more.

This is a very difficult and brutal read. Yes, there is hope and friendship and redemption within these pages, but it is buried within the heartache and travesties that both of these characters face.

If you enjoy dark and raw reads, this one is for you.

3.5 stars

[Sharamebeth79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own. I enjoyed read R.C. Stephens book Wild Cards. I found it easy to identify with Vicky Molino. I felt that this book was a great way to escape and vicariously try things that I had not heard about before. This book covers some material intended for people eighteen and over as well as being for entertainment purposes. Vicky has a very steamy imagination and a lot of courage to try out steamy scenarios. Vicky is on a journey for answers I this book and I felt for her with everything that she is going through in this story. I would recommend this book to other readers and I encourage them to have their own fun with reading it.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Received an Arc for an honest review**

This is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I loved the twists and turns in this book that I finished it all in one sitting. This story is about Luc, and how he's finally starting over his life. He's away from his mafia family, successful in a legal job, and sober but that doesn't stop him from having regrets for things he's done in the past. Vicky is lost and damaged from her past happenings, that she tries to bury her pain by going to sex parties. This story has it all. It may not be for everyone as there is some dark and twisted but it really is good book.

[Edelmira · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 AMAZING STARS !

I love this story so much. It was beautiful, emotional, and heart-wrenching story. It literally captivated me in so many ways.
This story is about two broken souls experienced a painful past.
Later, they found each other with so much love and second chance with life.
I think Wild Cards will stick with me for a very long time and definitely a great reread for me. :)
R.C is such an amazing author. Her stories are always so incredible to read. I see myself a little bit in every female leads she writes.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!! GRAB A COPY NOW !

*I was given an ebook copy from New Adult Book Club / Author in exchange for an honest review.*

[JMV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received from the author for a honest review. After receiving Wild Card for a review, I decided to go back and read the first two books just in case. While this book goes over what happens in the previous Twisted series, I'm glad I did. This is Luc's story 2 years later. After leaving his families business and moving to NY, Luc still feels like he doesn't deserve love. That is until he meets Vicky. The two both have twisted past and so the story goes. I liked the storyline but again it just wasn't enough. I do think this author gets better and better as she writes more.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Cards can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading Bittersweet Love and Twisted Love first to fully understand the history and story of the characters. It is a well written suspense/thriller that is definitely for the age 18 and over age group due to the adult content and subjects covered. I liked the first two books, but I truly LOVE Wild Cards. I read this in one sitting. It's emotional, raw and gut-wrenching but well worth it. I highly recommend this entire series. You won't be disappointed.
**ARC provided for an honest review**

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one but I do wish I had read the prior books in the series. It does have a very small portion that hits on sexual assault but that isn't the main focus of the book. The focus is more on the incredible love story between two wounded souls and the healing power of that love. After getting over several bumps along the way Luc and Vicky have a love that is strong and enduring. A fascinating story that will remain with me. I recommend this one.

[Maria York · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a slow read until you get 3/4 the way through it! It does have a great story line, sexy male characters, a broken woman and the dark twists that I was looking for! The only thing that I really didn't like was how slow paced it was!
One man who thinks he's a monster because of the things that his mafia boss father made him do, a girl who has been broken to the point that she thinks that she doesn't care what happens to her and a connection that neither one can deny!

[Carrie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing R.C Stephens first for me!
It was written smoothly & kept ahold of me from the prologue. Definitely Wild Cards!
Broken souls, lost & found love. Fighting for redemption & owning your dreams.
A powerhouse of a read!!

[Nancy Metsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! I loved this story. Luc had my heart rom book 1. The book pulled me in deep and didn't let me go until the very end of the book. Thanks RC. You did it again

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Although this book is a third novel in this series, it is a stand-alone. I have not personally read the first two books and was not lost at all with reading of this one. This author asked Jenn if we would please review her book and participate in release of this, her latest book, Wild Cards, and I was the lucky recipient of this ARC (from the author) to read and review. I have to tell you, it pulled me in almost immediately and kept me hooked throughout the entire book.
As you’ve seen in the synopsis, this book does have a pretty intense trigger. It is toward the beginning of the book and although I suppose you could skip it, it would be confusing for you to read the rest of the book; not because this issue continues to happen over and over again, it does not. But the aftermath creates situations a couple of times (where if you don’t know what happened, you might not fully grasp this story). So if you cannot handle a sexual aggravated assault, this is probably not the book for you. And I hope the author doesn’t mind, but this might make some people relax and others know not to read it, but it’s almost a date-assault scenario so if that’s one you can deal with, I recommend you give it a try. This book is definitely worth reading if you can get past this one part!
This book begins with Luc. He’s a young man, and French. He lives in France with his family; his father is a powerful head of an organized crime family. And frankly, his father is an asshole. Like HUGELY an asshole. He, of course, wants Luc to join the “family” as his oldest son but Luc doesn’t want this. Luc doesn’t want to live a violent life, at all. The things his dad put him through to try to “persuade” Luc to joining the family business were cruel and impossible to justify, yet that’s how he operates, whether Luc was his son or not. Eventually, he earns himself a “break” from the family but always knows in the back of his mind, he might be called back and his time away will be over. He heads to New York to create a life for himself minus the organized crime aspect and is genius at what he does for a living; using his experience, intelligence and skills to better a company with their fingers in many different fields. Luc just happens to be excellent at working on their car design that has many unique features and by working there, he has found a “home” where he can just be himself and appreciated for who he is.
As for Vicky, she’s a small-town girl in the big city! She grew up with a mom and a dad and a brother and they were all very close. But then they lost her mom and their world fell apart; she’s come to New York to try to build something new. But sometimes, some of her choices are questionable. But she has suffered for quite a while and keeps trying to make the pain go away. She is beginning to learn that she no longer wants to take the types of chances with her safety as she did in her past; she’s hoping for happiness and a better future. And when she sees Luc one evening at a party, she is immediately attracted to him…
“Hello.” A man came up beside me and leaned on the bannister. He was incredibly tall, over six feet for sure, with a muscular build…When he looked at me, I felt the need to look away. There was something intense and forbidden in his gaze. His dark hair was wet and slicked back, like he may have stepped out of a Calvin Klein underwear ad…”Hi,” I responded, feeling my legs buckling…”Luc, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he extended his hand, using that raspy accent that sounded like heaven. “Vicky,” I replied, not allowing my weak-at-the-knees feeling to betray my front. As I extended my hand to his, his tough demeanor was at odds with his gentle response as he took my hand, gently brushing his sensuous lips across my heated skin. My body betrayed me as shooting need burst straight to my hungry core. “Why is a pretty girl like you by herself?” he asked with a slight grin. “I should be asking you the same question,” I replied nervously, hoping to hide how much his presence affected me, and feeling like I sounded stupid at the same time. My cheeks flushed. . .did I just call him a girl? He threw his head back laughing a deep, throaty laugh, clearly amused by my answer…
Eventually, she discovers Luc works in the same building where she will be working; and he’s her boss. But that doesn’t keep these two from being crazily attracted to one another; they have the type of chemistry that could combust at any moment.
But Luc knows he cannot become involved with a woman with the threat of his family, especially his father, hanging over his head. He tries to fight his attraction to her, but that becomes very difficult for him to do as he gets to know her better and feels a compulsion to protect her from a very real threat that Vicky has lurking in her life from her past. When he discovers she lives one floor below him in his apartment building, he eases into her life so seamlessly that I doubt either of them really noticed it at first. But this begins to concern Luc and he tries to keep his distance…
“Why do you keep referring to me as a girl, Luc? It’s irritating the shit out of me. . .I’m twenty-two years old,” she said with a tone that oozed attitude. “It’s not that I think you are a girl, it’s that I need to think that you are a girl so that you will stay off limits to me,” I admitted hesitantly. “What does that mean?” she snapped. “It means that as much as I want you, I know I can’t have you.”…”How?” she asked, as her forehead creased and she squinted her eyes. Even confused she was beautiful. “Because, Vicky, I am a monster. I have done bad things too,” I said with defeat in my tone. As much as I tried to be good, it always comes down to my sins. “Luc, you’ve been watching out for me since the day I met you. You can’t be that bad. You need to be more forgiving of yourself. Besides, this is just friendship here, right?” she asked. I knew she needed the confirmation because I did too. So even though my dick went hard just watching her I confirmed. . .”Yeah, Vicky, we are just friends. I’m looking out for you,” I answered, wanting to believe in those words more than anything. Really, I wanted to undress her, knowing she wasn’t wearing a bra under her shirt and wondering if she was commando too. Luckily, I had put on a pair of boxers to tame my beast down…
But even the best laid plans can go awry. Eventually these two cannot resist each other for another moment, and it was explosive. This author can seriously write some pretty hot scenes!
I felt so badly for Luc. He’s a really great guy who has imposed a sentence onto himself for several years with the belief that he cannot have anyone in his life because of the very real threat that one day, he will get a call telling him his time in New York is up and it’s time to return to the “family business.” But as we learn at the very beginning of this book, he’s really a great guy. He’s got a conscience. He wants to be a good man. He takes steps to make a difference. They always say we are our own worst critic and he takes that thought to extremes. All he wants is to find someone to love and have a family with her. But he tells himself he isn’t allowed to do that and until he meets Vicky, this was a pretty easy thing to uphold. But meeting “the one” took that thought and blew it to smithereens!
The author states that these are two darks souls. I’m not entirely sure I agree. To me, a dark soul is someone who has given up all hope and when something good comes along, they cannot even begin to see it for what it is because they have lost all faith in the light. That was not the case here. I think both of these characters had given up, yes, but I think there was a small glimmer of hope that neither of them completely extinguished and when the time was right, they began to stoke those embers until they had combustion. And once they came together, there was no going back, for either of them.
But, both of these people had danger lurking around the corners of their lives and they both had to find the inner strength to take care of business when it was required. They gave each other the strength they each needed to face their demons and come out not only alive, but better. Made better by their belief in each other and learning that when push came to shove, they were each willing to be strong to ensure a future together.
As I mentioned, this book pulled me in almost immediately and I got a bit resentful when real life would came a’calling. I wanted these two characters to find happiness, their HEA! I wanted the bad guys to go away. I wanted each of them to experience the love and pleasure that comes from conquering the darkness and moving into the light together. It was easy to invest in these two characters, as well as several of the supporting characters within this book. Actually, I’m really hoping some of them get their own books! They are intriguing to say the least!
I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone willing to brave the darkness at the beginning of this book. Unless it is truly a trigger for you, I would say “Go for it.” I have a couple of triggers too that are similar and I did fine (although it was stressful for a little while). I will truly look forward to reading more of this author’s work. She is truly talented!

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two broken people. One due to his father and the other due to circumstances that break her. Luc tries to be a good person. Wants to be free of the chains his family and their line of work has shackled him to. Overall he is a great guy what happened in his past was not good but if he was forgiven by those wronged than he should forgive himself. That is easier said that done though and his guilt keeps him company for 2 years. that is until Vicky. Vicky who had just bad things happen to break her and have her want to be numb and uses sex parties to make herself feel better. That is until Luc. Luc who has her see that life is worth living. Luc who brings her back from the darkness and gives her hope and love. Luc who is kind, patient, understanding and gentle with her. But can’t forgive himself. He tries to stay away from Vicky but can’t. vicky helps him too. He begins to feel hope and that he can overcome things and be in a relationship. They help each other heal as they are honest, patient, and loving towards one another.

Vicky is in New York due to a letter her mother left her and for a new start. Meeting Bryce gives her the new start and meeting Luc gives her hope and love. We see throughout how incredibly honest Luc is with vicky but at first she pushes him away. At one point she thinks he may not come back and that saddens her for she didn’t realize until than how loving and kind he was and all she did was be angry. For them this is a turning point for this is when both realize they need each other in the their lives.

This is nicely written, emotionally driven and gives hope that love can help to conquer all and that people can change and get what they deserve.

This is the complicated, sometimes dark and interesting story of Luc and vicky. How Luc grew up and became consumed with guilt. How he wants to be free and that when he loves he loves with all he has. How Luc falls in love and begins to heal and see acceptance and love from others. The story of Vicky and how she falls into the abyss of darkness and what happens when she is in the dark. How she closes herself off and almost loses love due to her anger. How she gains hope and begins to heal due to the love of Luc. How she fights for herself when her life is in peril. How she fell in love with Luc and didn’t give up on him even when he was trying to protect her and how she regained her life again. We also see an appearance from her brother and begin to see a story there and how the tragedy of their family affected him and how he is trying to crawl out of the darkness as well. Every character has a story here and some of it is told leaving you wondering what is going to happen with them. will the characters climb out of the dark and live again? Will love help them find their way like Luc and vicky’s love did? I am curious to find out.

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 emotional stars
I could tell from the first pages that Wild Cards indeed will be a wild read, an emotional roller-coaster, and sometimes I need exactly something like that. I haven't read the first two books, but since this is a standalone, I enjoyed it without any knowledge about the other stories in the series.

Despite their issues and bad decisions, I liked Luc and Vicky, and really rooted for them to get through their painful past, and I hoped they will be able to heal each other's wounds. I love stories when broken charachters found someone to lean on, someone to share their every pain and struggle and hope with. Despite every uglyness what happened with them in the past and along the way, Luc and Vicky have a really special connection and a beautiful love.

Being a women, it's always hard to read about the things what happened with Vicky, and the first few pages were put me through the ringer a couple of times, I was on the edge of my seat with my heart breaking for her and every other victim who was in her situation. In the end, this qoute really stuck with me.

"I knew I was stronger for having survived what I had survived."
I think books like this are giving hope to everyone who has ever in a bad place in their lifes, and they show that with the right person by your side, you can survive anything.

The mafia line and horrible crimes on Luc's side wasn't easy on me either. But you know what? I loved every minute of it.
I think they were good to each other and deserved to be happy together, no matter how hard it was to find their forever.

"He was my wild card and I would bet on him every time. Even though the dust had settled now, life was full of kicks and punches and with Luc by my side I knew that we would face those bumpy roads together."

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an ARC for this book for a honest review.
First I must say that this wasn't the final draft of the book and things might change when the book is out.

I usually don't read Dark Romance as so many books are now called. I'm a sucker for happy books or light ones where I don't feel much pain, 'cause you know... life. This book was a roller-coaster the prologue was incredible, it was scary but that was ok, it left me wanting.
Then the first chapter was a complete shock and I considered giving up on it because (and here's a trigger warning) there's a really strong scene containing sexual abuse and violence and it's described from the victim's inner monologue. I don't know why but that scene affected me awfully and I was ugly crying and not in that 'This books is so touching and good and bla bla' way but in an anguished way. Thankfully things got better and I could see the path of the story and it was a really interesting one, but there were things that bothered me, things about the leading female actions and thoughts, but when I analyse them I totally get them because this is a Dark Romance, that tells the story of two messed up persons that find each other and heal, and fortunately together they did heal 'cause apart I think they were for sure messed up and didn't deal with things in a healthy way.

The story of the book is good, I just think it wasn't my thing, I'm in a really sensitive stage in my life so I think it affected me deeply that first scene.

The book has a HEA, a little bit of action, a lot of drama and some steamy things I really think it's more of the Adult type and not so much a New Adult one, but since the leading female is 22 I totally get the category.

[Tonya Farmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed for 2 Girls Who Love Books blog
I was gifted a copy of Wild Cards in exchange for an honest review.

I love the cover it is sexy and enticing! The prologue was promising and I was really excited to read the story of Luc and Vicky.

The problem was the characters were not likeable. I could not relate with they way they spoke. I feel as though they lacked something. Both Vicky and Luc have dark paths that have lead them down this dreary road and it does lead to a HEA but getting there was a difficult read for me. I was not held captive and felt no pull to finish. The reader is reminded constantly about the 2 years it has been since this and the 2 years since that.....over and over and over again. There is multiple view points and not just between our two leads. The story is back and fourth and just did not flow well for me.

The story concept its self is good.....Luc is the son of a Mob boss who 2 years ago left behind his fathers world because he could not handle that life. Luc had been violent with his then lover due to drug and booze. He has sinced moved to New York where he attends and host sex parties but he only looks and never touches because he is "a monster" -_-

Vicky has a dreadful past as well. Her mother died of a brain tumor. She was attending a sex party in Canada when she left to go home with " the hot man driving the fancy car". She had one of the worst BDSM rape experinces I have ever read about.....and this is where she loses me because despite this happening .....2 years ago..... sex parties are the only way she will have sex....she even attends one all ALONE in New York upon her visit there!!!!

2.5 stars is all I can give this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! One sign of a great author to me, is the ability to make a hated character in a series redeemed in their own story. R.C. Stephens freakin nailed it in Wild Cards.

Luc is finally starting over in a new life. He's away from his mafia family, is successful in a legal job, and sober. This doesn't stop him from drowning in guilt and darkness however. He's done terrible things in the past that he can't take back. Vicki is on the road to self destruction by trying to bury her pain with sex parties. Her bad choices have started to become dangerous for her. When she goes to New York at her mother's last request, she meets Luc. They have an instant strong connection, but fight it. Will Luc and Vicki find healing or destroy each other?!

I read the first two books in the Twisted series, and I loathed Luc. R.C. Stephens brilliantly wrote a raw and gritty story that changed my feelings for him. Now I understand the real him, and fell in love. Character development is perfect, as I saw a completely different side to Luc, while watching he and Vicki heal through time. The storyline is well written, realistic, and flowed smoothly. I physically felt the two characters pain while cheering for their redemption. The twists had my heart racing, and didn't see a few of them coming. Wild Cards is a beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild Cards is the third book in the Twisted series. Can be read as a stand-alone, but if you want back story on Luc, it wouldn't hurt to read the first two. Also, there is a graphic scene in this book that may cause triggers for sexual abuse survivors. It is extremely tough to read, so please be aware.

My feelings were torn in regards to this book. On one hand, it was extremely difficult to root for Luc after finding out what happened with his ex-wife. I didn't read the first two books before Wild Cards, so I had no clue what had transpired during Luc's drug and alcohol infused rage until it was mentioned during a therapy session. It was easy to like him in this book because he was so caring and honest. He was seeking help for all that had happened to make sure it would never occur again. I'm not sure if I could have given him a chance if I had read the others.

Vicky, on the other hand, has been through so much in so few years, that it was impossible not to root for her. Sure, the storyline was implausible in many ways, but I liked her enough to let that go. The chemistry and building of trust between Luc and Vicky is the main reason I liked this book.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luc was broken because of his past and his action with Alexis. He vowed to never touch a woman no matter what. He was paying he penance, because he couldn't forgive himself even though she did.
Vicky is suffering from the pain of loss, betrayal and brutality. She was a shell roaming around numbing herself with strangers not to connect but to numb the pain.
When he saw her the connection was instant, but his vow kept him away.
When she saw him she saw through to his soul, but she was empty and a loner.
This book is powerful with topics both taboo and aggressive. What make this book special is the way they find each other and find what they need to heal one another.
Luc is still hiding from his past but he pushes on for her, praying that it doesn't result in the same tragedy of his past relationship with Alexis.
The love he share for Vicky is deeper and if he loses her he will lose it all.
I know I am being vague but to much can be given away sometimes in reviews and I want you go through that struggles these characters go through to become whole again for each other. The journey is well worth the tears and nail biting!