Drifter

The Satan's Knights MC New York #1

by Janine Infante Bosco

Once, I thought I was meant to be a hero.
I’ve got a tattered American flag and the scars to prove it.
But I survived war just to live in hell.
And it turns out what I really am is a drifter.
A man born to ride through this world alone.
A former nomad who now rides with the Satan’s Knights of Brooklyn.
I'm drifting into a brand new kind of chaos.
The kind with luscious lips and intoxicating eyes.
A girl who doesn't need a hero.
Until she does.
Until her power and control are tragically stripped from her.
But a broken man who dances with the devil isn't meant to save anyone.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Military Fiction

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2016

About the author

Janine Infante Bosco lives in New York City, she has always loved reading and writing. When she was thirteen, she began to write her own stories and her passion for writing took off as the years went on. At eighteen, she even wrote a full screenplay with dreams of one day becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild.



Janine writes emotionally charged novels with an emphasis on family bonds, strong willed female characters, and alpha male men who will do anything for the women they love. She loves to interact with fans and fellow avid romance readers like herself.



She is proud of her success as an author and the friendships she's made in the book community but her greatest accomplishment to date would be her two sons Joseph and Paul.

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I fell in love with this book when I read the note from the author at the start. Not only did it feel personal, it was humorous, insightful, and gave ample warning of what was to come. I know that I was definitely in love with this story, and especially in love with the man who goes by the name of Stryker, by the end of the Prologue.

This story was intense and it wasn't just about the suspenseful plot surrounding the MC Club and the mafia, although that part was intricate, detailed, hella fun, and scary AF. It was intense because of what had developed between Stryker and Gina. Every time he called her "pretty eyes" or told her "I've got you" or gave her "5 facts", I swooned right along with her.

If you're looking for hearts and flowers, hoping to discover unicorns and rainbows, or searching for a light and easy read, you won't find that in this book. It's about a veteran suffering from PTSD who found his reason to live in Gina. It's about when she lost the light of life, he became her reason. It's about finding beauty in the deepest depths of ugliness. It's about surviving, conquering, and holding onto hope.

In this book you'll find betrayal, anger, hate, and the nastiest of atrocities. You'll also find family, loyalty, understanding, forgiveness, beauty, hope, and the strongest of them all, love.

Release Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: MC Club Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 3 out of 5
Book Type: Book 1 of the Nomad Series

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Facts

One, I couldn’t wait to read this book.
I don’t really have the urge to stick with a series of books. Even when they are standalones, somewhere along the line I lose interest in characters and move on to something new and exciting. The exception that proves the rule? Janine Infante Bosco. She is without doubt my favorite author in the MC Romance genre and one of only a handful people who could make me stick with entire series. The end of the last series nearly killed me but it seems I my memory is as fickle as my affections towards books because when I heard she had a new MC series I was all over it like crack on a dirty spoon.



Two, I shouldn’t have read this book.
Because here we are again. I’m obsessed with a new lot of characters while still obsessed with the last bunch. I have a new book boyfriend to add to an already worryingly large list and another fantasy man that broke my heart and will leave a mark. Stryker, dang. Broken yet strong. Gruff yet sweet. Protective yet vulnerable. A saviour and yet in need of saving himself. Tall, muscled, tattooed. And then she gives him a dirty mouth and a possessive streak and you can stick a fork in me cause I’m done!



Three, I was destroyed by this book.
That fickle memory I mentioned earlier? Yep, I forgot aaallll about the rivers of tears I cried over Infante’s writing. At the beginning there’s a note from the author. In it she says to trust her, to trust the characters and to trust the characters. You’d be wise to keep that in mind because in this book you will find violence, devastation, heartbreak and more than a couple of moments of loud gasps and “WTF ARE YOU DOING JANINE?”’s. It will put you through the goddamn ringer and spit you out, devastated and horrified, on the other side. But it will all be worth it because…



Four, I found the beautiful.
There is something so beautiful and real about the emotions that rise from circumstances as violent and devastating as the ones in this book. Characters who seem so real and beautiful that you will rage with them and cry with them and love with them and laugh with them. Characters who will have so invested, have you murmuring words of encouragement and caution to yourself. Characters who burn with the passion of a thousand suns. Two people, who against seemingly insurmountable odds and circumstances that should have broken them into a million pieces, somehow found peace and beauty and love in each other. So…





Five, I want more.

I was sucked in from the prologue. Lived, what seemed like, a lifetime with these people. Reconnected with old characters I’ve grown to love and met new ones I will love just as hard. Bosco stuck the perfect balance between humour, violence, love and passion in this highly entertaining read. And when you reach the last few pages and reach, as she put it herself: “The fucking end. Praise Jesus”, you will have nothing but good, beautiful feelings filling your heart.



Devastatingly ugly. Devastatingly beautiful. Highly recommended.

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

[Ashleyjo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not really sure how to rate this book. While the PTSD plight, rape, and turmoil were all written very realistically and with detail and emotion, it gets diluted with page after page of boring.

All the MC stuff was confusing, boring, and way too long. It was too many names being dropped around and touches of side stories that never really have any meaning within the story.

About 60% of the book feels like fluff. We start strong… fade to boring…have a big climax and wind down. But, my Gawd was the boring middle of this book exhausting to get through.

While the trauma portions of the book were very realistic, the mafia aspect was far from it. Wtf kinda mafia is this weak? It was very unrealistic that this mafia dude was so desperate for help from a MC so broke and defenseless.

Speaking of broke, the MMC here gets out of prison and just magically has money to live for months and months doing nothing? No job, and his club is so broke they can’t even obtain a new home after theirs is burned down.

The mom transformation wasn’t very believable.

Bottom line: The well-written parts of this book deserved a better wrapper. Parts, like his livelihood, the mom’s transformation, the mafia presence, and the outcome of his PTSD, needed more attention. Other parts, mainly all the extensive club chatter, needed to be shortened. 2.2 stars.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: ONS, opposite side of the tracks
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Holy fracking hell! How have I not read her before? Completely ripped me apart 🙈. Think I started crying 3 or 4 times and it was completely worth it!

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Janine!

Hero(s) rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
Other woman/men drama: No
Cheating: No
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
**********************************************
Overall rating: 5 "facts" stars

I wasn't ready for this one.
I've known that this one was coming, but my god in heaven, I was NOT ready for it.

To know how invested I am in any and everything Janine has written, you will understand how near, and very freaking dear, every single character that my eyes have read about and my mind has processed.

I remember every single story, every detail.

Drifter has thrown me for a loop. Because when I say (and I repeat) that I was not ready for Stryker Kincaid & Gina Spinelli ... this was a surprise dropped on my lap.

I so wish I could share some quotes that would give you a glimpse into what this story is about.

Here are "five facts" ... (when you read the story, you will totally get it..)

1. Stryker Kincaid is a nomad...a drifter...who sorta/kinda belongs to the Satan Knights (yes, the old crew are all there...most of them).

2. Gina Spinelli is a kick ass heroine, with a few flaws of her own, but still. The girl could give as good as she could take. In all aspects...

3. From a pool game to a notebook...you will absolutely suck this book up in possibly one sitting. I choose to read Janine's books slowly because I need them to soak in and stay there.

4. Chapter Thirty ripped my heart out of my chest...

5. This is not your typical romance story. And I'm soooo okay with that!!

As for the next few books coming out...I have never been more ready! I can't wait for Cobra's (and I'm thinking Celeste's) story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the book starts there's a 'Dear Reader' chapter. Make sure to read that. It's important so you know whether or not the book will be for you. Also, there's a drinking game posted in there:

Take one shot if Stryker makes you hot.
Take two shots whenever Gina makes you cry.
Take three shots whenever you laugh.
When you have about seventy percent left of the book put the bottle down.

I highly advise not really participating in this drinking game because you'll die from alcohol poisoning. I had to add a new category for shots when I hit seventy percent: Take zero shots whenever you fall madly-irrevocably- in love with the characters. This is what my shots taken would have looked like if I participated, there's a slash where seventy percent is:
2131111311311111111131111113112222133133122211131122222///
222222220000002220222000002020000030100000110100

"Ready," she calls.
She wasn't ready, and neither was I.
Not for the ride I was about to take her on or the one she was about to take me on.

**5 Facts**
1. I've read a lot of books that had an underlying awareness factor, whether that was sexual assault, domestic abuse, drug use, human trafficking, or even veterans, but I've never seen a book pull it off so well. It was real and it hurt. It was the big bad no one wants to talk about, but it was there. You might know a lot about the situation, but even so you wont be prepared. You wont want to read about the bad. This book captured the bad with this one veteran and his pretty girl, but it also captured the good.

"You know what happens when you walk away from a bomb? he asks with a strained voice.
I shake my head because words fail me when he takes two steps closer and reaches out to touch my cheek.
"You search for a sign you're alive," he says simply, bringing his other hand to my cheek and cups my face. Blowing out a breath, he leans his forehead against mine and his eyes search mine.
"Found my sign, pretty girl," he whispers as I wrap my arms around him and squeeze him tight.

2. Despite the grit of this book it was hilarious. I laughed. Then I laughed some more. These characters are a riot. They show you the beautiful in the world. They show you the reason we continue to move on day after day.

"That was-" his sentence trails off as he takes a deep breath and lifts his head from my shoulder.
"Quick," I finish, swallowing the embarrassment. "I've been kind of having a dry spell," I blurt, slamming my eyes shut. "Not that I'm dry like you know... down there, but dry as in... of fuck this," I hiss, sighing heavily as I open my eyes and stare back at his amused face.

3. Fire. Holy mother of everything good. This book was smoking hot. You'll need the fire department on speed dial while reading. Stryker is a man full of dirty promises. I'm not going to elaborate any more than that because you just have to meet Stryker and see for yourself.

"You wont be needing clothes for the rest of the night, pretty girl," he whispers against my ear.

4. This book will rip your heart out. Not just rip it out, but it will tear it into tiny pieces. Then run it over. For good measure it'll take those battered pieces and douse them in gasoline and grab a pack of matches. I haven't felt a book like this in a long time. It hurt.

I lifted the gun to my temple a total of thirty-six times, and every time I closed my eyes I saw her face. Her green eyes pleaded with me every damn time, begging me to stay and suffer, not to give up and be a statistic.

5. The book never lights that pack of matches. It takes your battered gasoline soaked piece and washes them clean and slowly stitches them back together. The cuts are fresh, but over time they will scar, you'll have reminders of this book, you'll never fully forget, but in the end it does put you back together. It gives you hope, love, and beauty.

There are things ordinary people don't realize are precious gifts. Sometimes it takes the ugly in the world to remind us of those gifts.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile]

Paused at 45%

I've been enjoying this one but I'm really really lost in terms of the plot and the secondary characters who were apparently from another series. I'm going to read that series(hopefully all) before I finish this one. Did I miss the note that this was interconnected??ugh

[Jos · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 + Stars, if it could be!!!!!! SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD read with caution

Wow, I am so emotionally drained on every single level possibly. Talk about a cyclone of emotions....I can't even begin to describe but I will try. NOW this book is not all hearts and flowers and it gets pretty DARK at one point in the story and I mean I went in blind and did NOT see what came about in the latter half of the book, it gutted me completely so much so I had to put my Kindle down and just cry, I was THAT upset!

Stryker and Gina, whoa, these two amazing and beautiful and sexy souls, ahhhhhhh, I can't even begin to describe them let alone their beautiful and passionate relationship. Oh and don't EVEN get me started on the "5 Facts" ranting...freaking loved it, devoured every single second of every single sentence of every single page. I am just a bit speechless and I hate to give anything away.

This story was SO much more than your typical MC romance, it was a literary jewel, it was breathtakingly beautiful and yet heartbreaking all at once. The trauma both of these characters endured, omg, I cried a RIVER of tears for BOTH of them but for Gina...my heart broke into a million freaking pieces, the event that took place shattered me, I mean obliterated me inside. Thank god by the end of the book my heart had mended BUT I still want MORE of them, I and my heart desperately need so much more! I want all of the HEA....yes ALL of it because I absolutely freaking love and adore the shit out of this couple:) They are PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There wasn't anything I would change about either of them!!!!!!!!

My gosh, this book will stay with me for a long time, if not forever, it was truly a Grand Slam. I love this author and after reading this and seeing her grow from an already great author to a complete Master of Writing, I am in awe. This book is a literary masterpiece and deserves to be on my shelf that I like to keep above my 5 Star reads because this book, this journey, these characters, well they deserve far more than a 5 Star rating in my opinion:)

Congrats Author Janine Infante Bosco, you are BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can already tell that I'm going to love this series... it's like a longer part ll ... same club with other people and a whole lot of different people and a new mob boss...yes this is a MC but they won't hand in hand...oh and a whole lot of more trouble.

Stryker was a nomad until Wolf convinced him to join with them. He promised their club has "Heart"....it does. Once you find yours you fit in perfectly. Stryker had PTSD from his time in the service and won't sleep in the same bed as a woman. He will stay close but not to sleep.

Gina is Rocco's sister but they don't get along. He went mob working in Florida while she became a stock broker. Gina and Stryker meet and decide on one night but he can't forget those green eyes. When Gina finds out Rocco is now running the mob in her town and is put under protection..it doesn't help. Stryker is then the one who helps with her PTSD. Two broken souls working together.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 solid stars; almost a 5 star
I really liked these characters and the story. This author has a style of writing that always grabs me and pulls me right into the story. This book is a spin off of her Tempted series. This one is a stand alone however most of the characters were introduced in that first series. It's a mix of a MC and the mafia. There are a lot of triggers in this book i.e. PTSD and the heroine's rape and emotional turmoil surrounding that. At first Gina tries to save Stryker with his PTSD issues but then they both become broken souls and end up helping each other become whole again. This one isn't like the usual MC love story out there. It has depth and a love story that makes you root for these two lost souls. Stryker is a hero a woman would love to hear say "I've got you" to her. I recommend this book and Bosco's other books.

[The Gemini’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stryker and Gina hit it off with instant attraction. Stryker has past demons he is battling and Gina acquires demons while they are together. Stryker does a great job of helping her through it even though it does seem a little repetitive at times.

I love how this author accurately portrayed how a victim feels and what they are dealing with after being raped. I feel like too many authors add something like this in their books and sugarcoat it. Definitely a breath of fresh air. The emotions were very real and raw.

If you like MC romances check this out! Just keep in mine that there are triggers.

[Serialbookstarter:Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took me a while to finish. It got bogged down a bit in the middle. Stryker is a war veteran suffering from ptsd. He and Gina meet over a game of pool. It’s instant attraction. She’s a feisty stockbroker from a crime family. Bad stuff happens but they are survivors and get their hea.

[Julie Reveles (Juls ~ ILST BLOG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!


"When you feel like there is nothing beautiful in this world, look around you. Find your beautiful."

Sometimes when I read stories from amazing authors, it's so hard for me to write reviews because I want to give their stories justice. At times, I feel that no matter what I say or how many times I say it was good, no one will understand how good it truly is until they read it themselves. I highly recommend that you one click Drifter. I actually recommend that you one click any and all stories by Janine Infante Bosco. I've been reading her books from the very beginning, and I've never not liked one of them! They have all been so good in their own way and you can never go wrong with anything written by her. She is an amazing author, and it's really cool to see first hand the growth that she has made every time she has a new release. I feel that as every book from her MC series is released, they are even more intense then the previous one. Janine stated that while writing this she really pushed herself out her comfort zone. I can see why, and I'm so happy she did because it was so worth it!

From now on when I hear the words opposites attract, Stryker and Gina are going to pop in my head. They are completely opposite in every way, but they complete each other in every way possible! I loved them together, and I loved the strength they gave each other and the security they felt when they were together. I'm really hoping to get more about them in her upcoming story lines!

As for Janine, five fact!

#1. I hope and pray that you never stop writing! Waiting for a new release from you always leaves me on pins and needles!

#2. Stryker is hot as hell, and sometimes I wonder how your going to out due one character with the next, but you continue to amaze me! Because even after reading all 11 of your books, it's still so hard for me to pick just one character as my favorite!

#3. I have read so many MC stories that have been released from many different authors. Most of them for some reason I've only been able to read a couple of them before I lose interest. However, I have read every single one of yours, and I know I will continue to do so.

#4. One of the highlights about reading your stories is the conversations we get to have in the beginning, the middle, and the end!

#5. I love your one liners that can completely bring me to my knees. I love that by the time I'm finished reading, I have highlighted so many beautiful words that have brought tears to my eyes just by those special moments. Mostly, I love that you've made me feel the emotions of every single one of your characters!


~ Juls

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 pretty girl stars and 5 beautiful facts.

1. Stryker is a dirty mouthed biker you will instantly love.
2. Drifter is the complete MC package. A package complete with dog tags and Cargo pants, a package named Stryker.
3. Beauty survives the ugly.
4. A hero never sees themselves as the hero.
5. You will love the 5 facts Stryker and Gina share throughout their journey.

Styker ex marine living in torment with PTSD. A Nomad biker who becomes part of the Satan's Knights.

Gina, a stockbroker, sassy and fierce, a woman with backbone working in a man's world.

A one night stand that becomes more.

Gina:
For one night I was just a girl. A pretty girl. I trusted him with my body, surrendered control and allowed Stryker to lead.

I loved Drifter I was completely enraptured by the plot and loved all the characters involved, including club members and extended characters. There's mafia involvements, danger, threats, club action, Drifter is gritty,gripping and raw and told in dual pov's.

Gina:
hope is delivered to me in a six foot package. A package decorated in tattoos that resemble stars drawn onto his skin with a sharpie.
My hero gave me hope.

Drifter contains references to rape,domestic abuse and Ptsd issues.

*Keep the beauty alive in the ugly.

My first book by this author but it won't be my last, I was intrigued with Gina's brother a mafia boss and other members of the MC so I am definitely looking forward to more from this author.

Arc gratefully received for review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends & L.A.B.B Facebook & Goodreads groups
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

**Carla's Five Star Review**

Drifter is the first book in the Nomad series, and after reading it, I just have one question-where in the heck can I find the Ten Star review button? Five stars are just not enough!

Okay friends, this books comes with a warning page, and you definitely need to read it! This story is raw and real, and, it is evident that this author had to dig deep and push beyond her comfort zone to create such a no holds barred story.

Stryker is a man who has been to hell and back and has the emotional and physicals to prove it. He is an ex marine and nomad biker who becomes a part of the Satan's Knights MC. Gina is a fierce woman trying to make it in a man's world. When these two come together, their connection is nothing short of epic! I swear every time Stryker called Gina his "pretty girl", I totally swooned! I can honestly say that I felt ever emotion Janine claimed I would while reading this story. I cursed, I screamed, I cried, I laughed and eventually I smiled. I also needed a cold shower and a good stiff drink (or maybe five) ;)

Janine Infante Bosco hit it out of the park with this first book in what I am certain is going to make my all time favorite series list! Simply Phenomenal!!

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drifter (The Nomad Series, book 1) by Janine Infante Bosco
This book is not for the faint at heart. A warning must be given for fellow readers who have triggers, to note that there is an adverse scene in this book. This book was Hot, dirty and a dark read. Stryker, the former marine turned nomad biker boy was everything and so much more. Gina was a strong sassy girl who played with the big boys. This story had so much going on and I have to commend the author for how well she wrapped everything up. The plot was strong and kept you entertained with MC Bikers, Italian Mafia as well as Russian Mafia. Main characters were well developed, complex and pulled at your emotions. Secondary characters left us wanting more of this series. I will be adding Ms Bosco on my list of favourite authors. I love a good MC read and this one hit all the marks.
Reviewed for Hot Books and Sassy Girls Book Blog

[Trish - Novels In Heels · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Addictive Stars
(5 stars is just not enough)

Janine Infante Bosco has yet again given us a thought provoking, addictive and riveting, devastating and provocative story. Drifter will totally absorb you from the very first page. It totally absorbed me. Completely loved this story.

Remember to always find the beautiful in the ugly.

Five Facts Review

Janine Infante Bosco is a brilliant writer. Her writing style is impressive, raw and seamless.

This story will give you chills.

Drifter is powerful, explosive and graphic.

You will be transported into Stryker and Gina’s life…the depth, the grit, the vividness…it’s so real.

Highly recommended, a definite must read.

[EscapeNBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Keep the beauty alive in the ugly."

Drifter is book one in the Nomad series by Author Janine Infante Bosco. It is an MC novel and the first book in the Nomad Series.

"He's the guy who enticed the bad girl buried beneath the class, the guy that makes that girl want to come out and play."

Stryker has seen and experienced more in his young life than one hundred men combined. Gina is a spitfire. Her surety and spunk aren't present without reason. She is a strong contender in business and can hold her own in and out of the office.

"We're looking for lightning. We're going to get burned. That's a fact."

I was in shock and disbelief in the opening pages of Drifter. I know these things happen, I am a bit naive to them; reading about them is always a jolt to my system. I was immediately aware that Stryker would have baggage that he could never comfortably carry, but was caught off guard by the extra burden those around him would be forced to shoulder. I loved how Stryker was a sexy, alpha-male, but also had a gentle side that he showed to those he loved. When Gina was added to the picture, their compatibility and heat was unstoppable, they were such a great couple. The only drawback to this story was the inconsistent editing errors that occasionally caught my eye. However, the storyline kept me invested and the characters felt like long-lost family.

Drifter was a fast-paced, edge of your seat, wipe the sweat from your brows and lust from you eyes read.

"When you feel like there is nothing beautiful in this world, look around you. Find your beautiful."

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/4/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
"Stryker"
I’m a drifter.
A man born to ride through this world alone.
There used to be a time when I thought I was the rescuing type. I enlisted in the Marines and made it my duty—I was going to save lives.
I was going to be a true American hero.
But God had another plan.
Or maybe Satan did.
For everything I touch finds mortality.
I’m no hero.
I’m nothing.
I’m a veteran biker, a former nomad who survived war only to live in hell.
Now I ride with the Satan’s Knights of Brooklyn and I’m drifting into a different kind of chaos.
The kind that revolves around a pretty girl with intoxicating green eyes.
A girl who has the power to turn me inside out.
A girl who doesn’t need anyone to rescue her because she’s her own savior.
Until she’s not.
But a man plagued by war and the devil inside him can never be her hero.

Gina Spinelli

Strong. Independent. Fierce.
They are the three things I strived to be.
But sometimes being successful can be lonely.
Sometimes a girl just wants to be a girl and have someone take care of her.
Maybe even love her.
Sometimes the strong become vulnerable.
Or worse, the victor becomes the victim.
Sometimes we lose control or in my case it’s stripped from you.
Defeated. Broken. Haunted.
They are the three things I have become.
In my darkest hour I admit defeat.
In my darkest hour I need one person.
I need him.
Stryker.

[Cinzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re not like the others,” she says thoughfully as I stand to my full height, grabbing my gun off the nightstand and shoving it into the waistband of my jeans.
I fixed her with my cold eyes.
“Nah, sweetheart, I’m not” I agree, rolling my neck as I bite the inside of my cheek and crack my knuckles. “They’ve still got a little left in their black souls,” I ground out, fisting a hand and bringing it between my pecs.
Hollow.
Just like the ground after an IED splits it open e swallows the destruction.
“Nothing left here,”….

5 facts.
One, Stryker made a mistake: he isn’t heartless, absolutely, he learned to hide it well, it’s frozen, because there is a line when it comes to the wounds a man can bear.
Two, Gina is able to bring back the light and warmth in Stryker’s life.
Three, Stryker is the person who manages to bring back the beauty in Gina’s life.
Four, “Been there, done that.” who survived hell, like Stryker, is the only person who can become vital for Gina, when she lives her own personal hell, he is the only one who can understand, the only one she can trust.
Five, “Drifter” by Janine Infante Bosco is a must-read book.

I loved the open letter written by the author to her readers, a small premise which made me realize right away that this was going to be one of those stories able to get under my skin, I didn’t realize how much. But she was right when she said:

“Have faith in me.
Have faith in the characters.
Have faith that there is more to the world than ugly. “

I found the beauty in Stryker and Gina, I loved them, they let me feel so many emotions. While there have been some tough moments in their story, in their lives, thinking of them all I can feel are good feelings and I had to admit Stryker has gone above and beyond my expectation.
I underestimated him, I thought he’d be the classical bad boy biker, sexy, dominant, with his wild charm, but I found so much more in him.
Stryker is a veteran who came back home from the war in Afghanistan, returning part of his MC, the Satan’s Knights. His loyalty towards them has never been questioned, but war and life in the Marines have deeply changed him, his scars inside of him, which along with a PTSD push him anyway to remain somewhat isolated from everyone, taking care of his demons. Isolated but always present and ready to spring into action if brothers need him.
The club’s interests are tied to a dangerous world, where wars with other clubs are rife and relations with the underworld can lead to cross lines, to go against your enemy and show them who’s in charge in the area.
A life full of dangers for Stryker is just a normal routine to face everyday.
One evening by chance he met Gina, a woman totally different from any other girl who is accustomed. Different and irresistible. Gina is strong-minded, very confident in herself, in her abilities, in her intelligence and even, why not, to use her body as a weapon.
Between a joke and a challenge pool strikes a lightening, a passion that only seems to increase as they spend time together.
Gina doesn’t belong to the reality of the club, but her origins are anything but quiet, as her family is one of the most famous and feared in the world of organized crime, and even though she took distance from them, however she remains a pawn to be exploited, a target to hit.
The attraction between Gina and Stryker is scorching hot, without false promises, but despite all this only one night of wild hot sex isn’t enough for them. Stryker is intrigued by the spirit of Gina, her irony, her independence, her smart mouth and he can’t help himself from wanting her, he really go caveman, wanting to clear every men from the surface of the Earth who try to approach her. His instinct goes even further out of control when the club and Gina’s brother seem to have a common enemy that threatens to destroy them.
Their world is with no holds barred, where everything is permitted when it comes to hitting a rival. Stryker and Gina will have to reckon with this reality.
For a moment Stryker lives in two parallel worlds: he and Gina “alone”, and seeing them as they discover each other is the most beautiful part of their story, funny, hot, but also so touching, because with her Stryker-the-man takes off his armor and gradually reveals his weakest points.
Then there is the reality of the Stryker and “other”, where once again he’s cold and unforgiving, willing to do anything for his brothers.
The toughest moment is the one which gives a twist to everything, and takes place when these two realities inevitably collide and trouncing Gina.

I knew this would happen, the author had warned everyone. It’s true, Gina has broken my heart, she made me shed tears, but it was just this moment that turn their story and Stryker into something great and wonderful.
“I’ve got you.”
A promise by Stryker untranslatable in my language (Italian) for me in its intensity.
A phrase so simple and it holds such a force: there are, don’t be afraid, let go I will protect you, take me by force. I see all lot of things in those few words, but mostly love, trust and safety, which at that time for Gina they mean everything.
Gina broke my heart, but Stryker managed to put it back together piece by piece and it was worth it.
Stryker is the rock to lean on, he’s always been that way … first with his mother, later with Gina. It’s part of his DNA, he is a protector, but also an avenging angel.
It will take me some time before I could just make them go away from my thoughts and this is my favorite thing in these moments: rethinking their story and see its beauty and feel its heat.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triggers galore here

Drifter is the first book in this MC series and by accident I read book 7 (wolf’s story) a couple years ago. (Why did I wait so long to pick this series up again!)
Stryker is everything you expect in a biker, ex (wounded)military with PTSD, a nomad, drifting day to day trying to deal with the pain and torture of his life.
He takes the fall for one of his brothers and we meet him being released from prison. He walks into a bar and meets prim and proper looking stockbroker Gina. Sparks fly and the dirty talker has Gina where he wants her in no time.
This is a journey of love and hate, of right and wrong, of forgiveness and friendship. This deals with many triggers and is not a sweet happy read. It will break your heart at times, but love conquers all, and the love Stryker and Gina have is everlasting. Cannot wait to continue this series and meet ALL these fabulous men. Great author!

[domestic_godess_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

I believe this is my first book by this author and I really liked it. Ill definitely continue the series.

[Melyssa Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Drifter
Author: Janine Infante Bosco
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Nomad #1)
Rating: ★★★★★

Review



It was a year ago to the day that I picked up my first book by this author. It was the second book in the Tempted series, and there was just something about the way the blurb was written that I knew I had to read it. So read it I did. And when I was done, I eagerly awaited the next, which turned into more of the same until the series that brought me to her came to an end.

So imagine my surprise, when it didn’t really end. The series may have, but everything I’ve come to love about a Janine Infante Bosco book did not. Not the intrigue or suspense, not the characters and not even the bloodshed and tears. It was all there, just this time, with a different group of men attached.

Nomads. The wanderers. The ones without a home. At least, the ones wandering until they find their home in the Satan’s Knights. Find their home in the love of a good woman. Find their home within their own hearts.

And this, this is what Stryker does.

This is more than a biker book. It’s about more than an MC, though the one aspect that I’ve always loved about MC books still rings true in family. It’s more than a romance. It’s a book of heartbreak, a book about loss and a hell of a lot of pain, but more than all of that (which I know, sounds kind of depressing), it’s a book about the very real, often times overwhelming power of hope and healing. The bond of family. The reality of love.

It’s a fictional book to be sure, but also one that deals with some of the very real issues that a lot of men and women face on a day to day.

PTSD, Sexual and Domestic Assault. Abuse in its many different forms. It’s all present within this story, which doesn’t make this story one for the faint of heart, but the author handled it with such care, along with a realism that will make you question if she’s lived it or knows someone who has.

But even with the difficult subject matter, it was incredibly hard to put down. And she did it to me again, just as she did when she wrote the Tempted series, in that she made me cry. Made me physically need to take a step away from the story to be able to breathe again from the emotional onslaught I experienced the deeper I delved into the pages.

Into the characters themselves.

I fell in love at the same time I had my heart ripped from my chest. I held my breath in fear, never knowing what was coming around the bend, while hope still remained alive. I swooned over the busted but not broken biker, while my soul bled for the woman that sparked the lightning. I went anywhere and everywhere within the confines of this story, and by the time it ended, found myself, all of the broken and shredded bits, put back together again.

Healed by the love I mentioned earlier. Saved by the family and the bond that was so incredibly strong I felt as though I was a part of it. Given a renewed sense of hope and what is truly beautiful in this world.

And that, that’s what book reading is all about. At least it is for this reader.

My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read an ARC of this story. Gina and Stryker’s journey is one I won’t soon forget. I look forward to seeing what comes next!

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Find Your Beautiful Stars

FIVE FACTS:

1) Stryker is hot AF and I absolutely fell in love with his dirty talking self.
2) Gina is feisty and learns she has strength she never knew she had.
3) This book made me seriously ugly cry.
4) This book makes me strive to find my beautiful in an ugly world.
5) Stryker is mine, so back the eff off!

This book…I don’t even really know where to begin. The books that affect me the most always seem to be the hardest ones to write reviews for. I finished this book almost two weeks ago and I’m still struggling with how to put into words what is still swirling around in my head. I’m still in a book hangover! Please read the “Dear Reader” page before you start this book. Janine gives you a glimpse into what you’re getting into by delving into the lives of Stryker and Gina, and at times, it’s very ugly. So be warned!

From the “Dear Reader” page until my kindle wouldn’t turn anymore, I was totally sucked into this book. I didn’t want to put it down…I made the family have a “fend for yourself” night. Momma wasn’t cooking…I had Stryker’s story to finish. Stryker is an ex-marine member of the Satan’s Knights MC and suffers from PTSD. I have read many many stories where the hero suffers from PTSD, but certainly none that have tackled the subject with so much realness as this one. Gina is a feisty stockbroker that continually must prove herself in a man’s world. Meeting Stryker over a game of pool, she can tell immediately things will be interesting with him. Their chemistry is unbelievably HOT! Stryker has one dirty dirty mouth and I would LOVE for him to make (and keep) all those dirty promises he makes with that dirty mouth to me any day of the week and twice on Sunday! The more they are together, the more her dreams of wanting more resurface from being buried deep and she struggles to guard her heart. After the first night with Gina, Stryker knows he’s screwed… she’s not the type of girl to walk away from. She’s the type that makes you want forever.

Their relationship is intense, raw and gritty and real. It is beautifully written with characters that strong, yet vulnerable. Supporting characters that make you want their story next. This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you with your heart not only ripped out of your chest, but stomped on into little bits and pieces and gasping for breath. This book had me laughing and it made me ugly cry so hard. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. My heart bled for Stryker and Gina. I felt every little thing they went through. But don’t fear! Janine doesn’t leave us laying on the floor bleeding out from a broken heart…she beautifully puts it back together again. Yes, there will be scars, but those are the signs we are healing. Those are the signs that there is hope and love in this world. Those are the signs we take to go out and find our beautiful in an ugly world. I will be healing from this book for a long time to come. Job very well done!

Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is too often overlooked. In "Striker" the author brings home some of the facts that the sufferers have to endure on a day to day basis.

Striker is ex army and has been left to cope with his traumatic encounters without any help. He is a biker, patched in the Satan's Knights MC. His family!

Gina is Stokebroker. She is self sufficient and determined but has to work extra hard to prove herself in a man's world.

Striker and Gina meet over a game of pool and the fun and games kick in instantly. They are totally opposites but there is a "lightning" between them. Striker believes that he can only bring doom and gloom in anyone's life and being plagued by nightmares, he avoids any commitments. Surely one night can't hurt!

There is an attack on the club members causing fatalities and serious injuries and in the aftermath, Striker finds himself looking for solace in Gina who welcomes him with open arms. Their one night turns in many more nights and then because of Gina's brother being mafia, her life is under threats. Striker becomes her protector and just when they are getting comfortable with each other, everything changes. Gina is faced with her own trauma and recurring nightmares.

The interactions between Striker and Gina can be light fun one minute and intense and passionate the next. The war between the MC and the Mafia is full violence, danger and a myriad of palpable emotions. The loyalty amongst the club members is beholding. The language can be offensive and the sex scenes very explicit but the core of the story is concrete. A fabulous storyline.

FIVE FACTS

Cathartic
Heartfelt
Addictive
Sensual
Exquisite

I received a complimentary eARC from IndieSage PR. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drifter by Janine Infante Bosco, promised to be a hot, dirty and dark read and it delivered. A famous line from that Tom Cruise movie, "You had me at hello" is fitting to justify my 5 star rating, however you need to swich out "Hello" with "Former Marine/ Biker and Sassy Heroine". Stryker and Gina are both strong characters who are so well developed they are as realistic as you and I.

Drifter isn't for the faint of heart. There are some confronting scenes and issues dealt with in this book. I found myself preparing for what was the inevitable. Knowing, yet not knowing, what was to come as the author cleverly used a flash forward to set the scene and tone of the book. Bosco was honest when in her author notes she states that her book isn't a fairytale, but a realistic interpretation of the world we live in. I found myself thinking about the story when going about my daily routine, a sure sign that a novel is thought provoking and true to life.

I enjoyed the fast pace story and authentic setting delivered to us in Drifter. Having just returned from a New York holiday, I was transported back there with the author's description of the city that never sleeps, in particular the scene at the twin tower footprints. Having been there and experiencing the atmosphere first hand I had goosebumps when reading the epilogue.

I am eagerly anticipating the second book in this series, as although Drifter isn't a cliffhanger, Stryker and Gina are sure to feature in future books in The Nomad Series.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we meet Stryker. We learn a bit about his past as a Marine. We see why he was discharged and sent home. We see what his early childhood was like and what drove him to the Marines. We also see what his life is like now. What he has done, who he has done it for and why are the things we find out. When Wolf picks Stryker up in his cage, where has Stryker been? When they go out to dinner that night, they have a back room reserved. Why? Stryker at one point, sneaks out of the back room, his interest on a bunch of suits gathered around a pool table. What does Stryker end up doing? Things get interesting when Stryker meets Gina, Gee to her co-workers and friends. Who is she? Where does she work? What does she do for a living? I think one of the most heartbreaking lines happens when they're on the boardwalk talking, giving their five truths. It is something that Gina says to Stryker. I like Gina, I like who she is and what she stands for. I like that when she realizes certain things about Stryker, she starts researching them to see how she can help. Between Stryker's club, and her brother's life, terrible things happen to everyone in the book. What things they are, you will have to read to find out, but there is hope. Read and find out. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. I could not stop reading once I picked this up.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drifter (Nomad Series #1) by Janine Infante Bosco
5 star review

Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.

I LOVED this story! I am a big fan of mc stories so I knew as soon as I read the synopsis of Drifter by Janine Infante Bosco that I was going to love it and I wasn’t disappointed! It was a page turner that kept me guessing all the way through! There are some very emotional scenes in this book and I found myself laughing one minute and crying the next. I totally took Stryker and Gina’s characters into my heart! Stryker was clearly dealing with some harrowing memories of when he was in Afghanistan, I really felt for him. I actually thought this was really well written and the PTSD part of the storyline was portrayed really well. It saddens me that things explained in this book actually happen in real life and to people who have served for their country. I liked Gina, she was feisty and her character was well developed and believable. I loved them together as a couple and that they helped each other through difficult times. There were some particularly HOT scenes between them so this is definitely a book for mature readers only and there is a ‘Dear Reader’ section that explains parts of the story that you should read first.
I totally love this book and I can’t wait to see what happens next!! A fab 5 star read!!

[Candy Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

**WARNING**
5 things you will need while reading this book:
1)Tissue
2)Tissue
3)Tissue
4)Tissue
5)Tissue

& only 1 thing you will NOT need:
A bookmark!

I devoured this book in one read! I seriously could not put it down!

I really hope my review does this book justice.
My heart was ripped out of my chest, shattered into tiny little pieces, sprayed down with lighter fluid, but was never set on fire. The events these 2 main character's faced are without a doubt real. I love Janine's writing style of telling the story truthfully. Sugar coating is not what you get with this book. It is raw, mean, unhuman and we can't forget sexy. The amount of tears I cried couldn't have put out the flames that burned when the extremely steamy "Chase" takes charge.

This book is definitely top 5 on my list of best MC Series starter novels I've ever read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for my honest opinion.