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O'Harra Brothers #4
Outlaw's Promise
She was just a kid when she found me lying injured beside the road and saved my life. I promised her I'd return if she ever needed me. Twelve years later, I answer the phone and hear her voice: a biker gang's about to sell her to the highest bidder. Like hell they are! I tear the place apart and we roar off on my Harley... but the kid I remember has grown up into a woman I can't resist, with long red hair and curves that don't quit. And now she thinks I'm a goddamn hero.
Every time we ride and her body presses against mine, I just want to rip her dress right off. Neither of us can resist... but for her sake, I can't let her get close. She claims there's still good in me but she doesn't know how much blood I've got on my hands. Now the gang who took her want her back and they're willing to destroy my whole MC to get her. But it's too late. I've fallen for this woman. And I'm never letting her go.
Standalone bad boy romantic suspense with HEA, no cheating.
Every time we ride and her body presses against mine, I just want to rip her dress right off. Neither of us can resist... but for her sake, I can't let her get close. She claims there's still good in me but she doesn't know how much blood I've got on my hands. Now the gang who took her want her back and they're willing to destroy my whole MC to get her. But it's too late. I've fallen for this woman. And I'm never letting her go.
Standalone bad boy romantic suspense with HEA, no cheating.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2016
3175 people are currently reading
1957 people want to read
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,339 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
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September 19, 2024
“He’d saved me. Now I had to save him.”
Outlaw’s Promise is book four in the O’Harra Brothers series by Helena Newbury. Well, folks, she did it again. Helena blew me away. I actually had to message my friend and exclaim how crazy awesome the book I was reading is. That the suspense started right off with page one and that I was freaking out! That’s pretty much my state of mind all the way through this book! As is the norm with any of hers that I’ve read!
We start out meeting Annabelle when she is an eight year old little girl, not having very good luck with the life she had been given. With a mom who just gave up and an abusive step dad, she was pretty much on her own. The night she first met Carrick, it would be a night that changed her life forever. This little girl was beyond brave, and so very smart. It’s the night she saved his life. And the night Carrick would take on a debt to return the favor, if she ever needed him. That day would come, twelve years later.
Carrick “Irish” O’Harra was only seventeen the night he first met Annabelle. He was just a kid then. Now, at twenty nine, he was a full fledged member of his MC, his position was their enforcer. Carrick had a weight he carried on his shoulders for all the things he had done, both before he came to the MC and after. He never forgot that little girl that saved his life, and now she needs him. She said she is at a rival MC, and that they are selling her to the highest bidder. When he arrives, even though he knows it isn’t logical, he still expected to see that little girl. Instead is a woman who literally took his breath away.
Carrick and Annabelle find themselves up against a man who is more of a ghost than anything else. He is feared by all. No one knows who he really is. Only that his name is Volos. And he wants his property, he wants Annabelle. And will go to any and all lengths to get her.
Carrick and Annabelle find themselves drawn to one another, an attraction that grows by the day. But Carrick is determined that he will not dirty Annabelle with his past. That he needs to keep her at arms length for her own good. Until the day comes that he just can’t do it anymore and he claims her. But she won’t be safe until Volos is gone. And how can he eliminate a threat if he doesn’t know who or where he is?
All I can say is hold on to your hats with this one because it’s a wild ride. The chemistry with these two burned up the pages. Helena always makes me fall in love with her characters and I definitely did with these two. Now, it’s time for the final book, book five, Brothers. The book we’ve been building towards all along, when the brothers all unite and search for the one brother they lost when they were children, Bradan. I can’t wait to get started.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Outlaw’s Promise is book four in the O’Harra Brothers series by Helena Newbury. Well, folks, she did it again. Helena blew me away. I actually had to message my friend and exclaim how crazy awesome the book I was reading is. That the suspense started right off with page one and that I was freaking out! That’s pretty much my state of mind all the way through this book! As is the norm with any of hers that I’ve read!
We start out meeting Annabelle when she is an eight year old little girl, not having very good luck with the life she had been given. With a mom who just gave up and an abusive step dad, she was pretty much on her own. The night she first met Carrick, it would be a night that changed her life forever. This little girl was beyond brave, and so very smart. It’s the night she saved his life. And the night Carrick would take on a debt to return the favor, if she ever needed him. That day would come, twelve years later.
Carrick “Irish” O’Harra was only seventeen the night he first met Annabelle. He was just a kid then. Now, at twenty nine, he was a full fledged member of his MC, his position was their enforcer. Carrick had a weight he carried on his shoulders for all the things he had done, both before he came to the MC and after. He never forgot that little girl that saved his life, and now she needs him. She said she is at a rival MC, and that they are selling her to the highest bidder. When he arrives, even though he knows it isn’t logical, he still expected to see that little girl. Instead is a woman who literally took his breath away.
Carrick and Annabelle find themselves up against a man who is more of a ghost than anything else. He is feared by all. No one knows who he really is. Only that his name is Volos. And he wants his property, he wants Annabelle. And will go to any and all lengths to get her.
Carrick and Annabelle find themselves drawn to one another, an attraction that grows by the day. But Carrick is determined that he will not dirty Annabelle with his past. That he needs to keep her at arms length for her own good. Until the day comes that he just can’t do it anymore and he claims her. But she won’t be safe until Volos is gone. And how can he eliminate a threat if he doesn’t know who or where he is?
All I can say is hold on to your hats with this one because it’s a wild ride. The chemistry with these two burned up the pages. Helena always makes me fall in love with her characters and I definitely did with these two. Now, it’s time for the final book, book five, Brothers. The book we’ve been building towards all along, when the brothers all unite and search for the one brother they lost when they were children, Bradan. I can’t wait to get started.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
dnf
August 25, 2017Yeah, I'm going to have to tap out on this one at about 18%.
My first clue that this was a bust, should have been when the heroine, who was on stage being sold by her step-father and a guy tore her dress open to expose her body. Her thoughts were that this was the only thing she had left of her mother's...
My next clue should have been when the hero, after 12 years "remembers" the heroine's voice on a voicemail saying she's about to be sold...she made this phone call after escaping to an office while waiting to be sold. TWELVE years she's had his number...
Next, we have the hero rushing off to her rescue, storming the castle, so to speak, by himself then fighting off how many guys? Well, there were about 80 or so there and several of them end up attacking the hero and he suddenly goes all "Hulk" on them and fights them off..
Finally, I get the idea this book isn't for me when the heroine and hero ride on his bike and hide in an alley. When the hero is pressed tightly against the heroine to keep her quiet and hide from a guy searching for them, BOTH are having sexual thoughts about the other...right. Like that's going to be my thoughts if I think I might die. Annnddd...I'm out.
My first clue that this was a bust, should have been when the heroine, who was on stage being sold by her step-father and a guy tore her dress open to expose her body. Her thoughts were that this was the only thing she had left of her mother's...
My next clue should have been when the hero, after 12 years "remembers" the heroine's voice on a voicemail saying she's about to be sold...she made this phone call after escaping to an office while waiting to be sold. TWELVE years she's had his number...
Next, we have the hero rushing off to her rescue, storming the castle, so to speak, by himself then fighting off how many guys? Well, there were about 80 or so there and several of them end up attacking the hero and he suddenly goes all "Hulk" on them and fights them off..
Finally, I get the idea this book isn't for me when the heroine and hero ride on his bike and hide in an alley. When the hero is pressed tightly against the heroine to keep her quiet and hide from a guy searching for them, BOTH are having sexual thoughts about the other...right. Like that's going to be my thoughts if I think I might die. Annnddd...I'm out.
July 24, 2017
What a pleasant surprise
I don't often just dive into a book without checking out details since I've been burned one too many times. However, the few times that I have, and it's been a great book, it makes its all the sweeter. That was the case with Outlaws Promise. One thing I didn't know was it was the latest book in a series about 4 brothers. I wish I would have read them first, but it didn't make me feel like I was missing anything in this one.
This is Carrick and Annabelle's story. The prologue introduced us to this couple 12 years prior- she is 8 and he is 17. Zero romantic feelings (obviously). He is injured and she saves his life by hiding him. She thought of him over the years but more it's a crush and hoping he would come sweep her away some day. He obviously never forgot her, she saved his life and he would never forget it. He gave her a necklace and his phone number, telling her if she would ever need him to call- he owed her. Little did he know that call would come and change his life forever.
Carrick was not the younger boy she had met 12 years prior. The MC life had hardened him. He was an enforcer. He had done so much that he didn't feel he would ever deserve the kind of life that Annabelle deserved to have. He fought hard against his feelings.
Annabelle was a fantastic heroine. She was in a horrible predicament and her last hope was a promise from a man 12 years prior. She took a chance that the number was the same and called- and her life was never the same either.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever - no club whores or women from his past hanging around. He had slept with women from the club but it wasn't dwelled upon and we never see or get details.
-hero pushes away for a while
-not as steamy as I prefer
-romantic suspense
-club violence and human trafficking weaved into the story
-short (unfulfilling) epilogue that is only 2 months out. Apparently there is another book released through her newsletter with all the brothers.
While I gave it 4 stars an epilogue and more steam would have boosted it
I don't often just dive into a book without checking out details since I've been burned one too many times. However, the few times that I have, and it's been a great book, it makes its all the sweeter. That was the case with Outlaws Promise. One thing I didn't know was it was the latest book in a series about 4 brothers. I wish I would have read them first, but it didn't make me feel like I was missing anything in this one.
This is Carrick and Annabelle's story. The prologue introduced us to this couple 12 years prior- she is 8 and he is 17. Zero romantic feelings (obviously). He is injured and she saves his life by hiding him. She thought of him over the years but more it's a crush and hoping he would come sweep her away some day. He obviously never forgot her, she saved his life and he would never forget it. He gave her a necklace and his phone number, telling her if she would ever need him to call- he owed her. Little did he know that call would come and change his life forever.
Carrick was not the younger boy she had met 12 years prior. The MC life had hardened him. He was an enforcer. He had done so much that he didn't feel he would ever deserve the kind of life that Annabelle deserved to have. He fought hard against his feelings.
Annabelle was a fantastic heroine. She was in a horrible predicament and her last hope was a promise from a man 12 years prior. She took a chance that the number was the same and called- and her life was never the same either.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever - no club whores or women from his past hanging around. He had slept with women from the club but it wasn't dwelled upon and we never see or get details.
-hero pushes away for a while
-not as steamy as I prefer
-romantic suspense
-club violence and human trafficking weaved into the story
-short (unfulfilling) epilogue that is only 2 months out. Apparently there is another book released through her newsletter with all the brothers.
While I gave it 4 stars an epilogue and more steam would have boosted it
January 26, 2022
This book started off ok... and then it lost me
*****
Rating: 2 stars
Steam: 2 flames
Genre/Tropes: Biker / Damsel in distress / Anti-Hero
Triggers: Human Trafficking
*****
Besties Book Club pick for January 2022. The first 40% of this book wasn't bad, there was action, angst and suspense... and then it went side ways for me and the book turned into insta love, insta acceptance, insta change, insta forgiveness, insta everything.
Carrick, 17 yrs old is found on the side of the road injured and in danger by 8 year old Annabelle. And like any good eight year old, she immediately jumps to his aid, pulls him to safety, hides his bike, and collects medical supplies for him...and is never scared (I have failed as a mother because my kids at 8 couldn't do that).
When it is safe for him to leave, he gives Annabelle his phone number and tells her he owes her one and that if she ever needs him, he will come running.
Annabelle has had a tough life, her stepfather is abusive and she is very intelligent when it comes to mechanics and engineering. 12 years after that night, Annabelle is being sold at auction... she calls the only person she can think of. The boy/man she helped 12 years ago and Carrick comes running.
Carrick is an Enforcer, the protector of the club... a killer, and that is how his character starts out... he is one scary mean biker... but then he gets the magical vajayjay and goes from biker to tricycler... and Annabelle is some kind of genius that can solve all the problems like MacGyver... (uh oh).
The villain was sinister and creative, but was also easy to spot. Once I hit the last half of the book I just couldn't suspend belief enough to get behind everything that happened. This book just wasn't for me.
*****
Rating: 2 stars
Steam: 2 flames
Genre/Tropes: Biker / Damsel in distress / Anti-Hero
Triggers: Human Trafficking
*****
Besties Book Club pick for January 2022. The first 40% of this book wasn't bad, there was action, angst and suspense... and then it went side ways for me and the book turned into insta love, insta acceptance, insta change, insta forgiveness, insta everything.
Carrick, 17 yrs old is found on the side of the road injured and in danger by 8 year old Annabelle. And like any good eight year old, she immediately jumps to his aid, pulls him to safety, hides his bike, and collects medical supplies for him...and is never scared (I have failed as a mother because my kids at 8 couldn't do that).
When it is safe for him to leave, he gives Annabelle his phone number and tells her he owes her one and that if she ever needs him, he will come running.
Annabelle has had a tough life, her stepfather is abusive and she is very intelligent when it comes to mechanics and engineering. 12 years after that night, Annabelle is being sold at auction... she calls the only person she can think of. The boy/man she helped 12 years ago and Carrick comes running.
Carrick is an Enforcer, the protector of the club... a killer, and that is how his character starts out... he is one scary mean biker... but then he gets the magical vajayjay and goes from biker to tricycler... and Annabelle is some kind of genius that can solve all the problems like MacGyver... (uh oh).
The villain was sinister and creative, but was also easy to spot. Once I hit the last half of the book I just couldn't suspend belief enough to get behind everything that happened. This book just wasn't for me.
October 25, 2016
Outlaw’s Promise by Helena Newbury begins with suspense and ramps right up into adventure almost immediately. Annabelle is first introduced as an eight year old who, although fearful of an alcoholic and abusive step-father, goes to the aid of an injured stranger who has crashed his motorcycle in her back yard in the middle of the night. This stranger turns out to be Carrick O’Hara, a young prospect for the Hell’s Princes MC. Carrick is injured and being pursued by some men from a rival MC. Annabelle, using a budding engineering knowledge that belies her age, manages to hide Carrick and his bike. She cares for him through the night and in return for her kindness, he gives her a phone number and a promise that should she ever find herself in trouble, she need only call and he will come to her aid. He seals this promise with a gold four leaf clover necklace for luck.
The story then jumps ahead twelve years with Annabelle, having lost her mother at the age of fifteen is still living with her step-father who has begun looking at her in a decidedly un-father like manner. Annabelle arrives home one evening and is ordered by her step-father and another man to make herself pretty and is taken to a nearby bar where she learns she is to be sold at a live auction. Having long since memorized the phone number Carrick had given her all those years ago, Annabelle finds herself alone long enough to contact him and ask for help.
While Annabelle has been growing up, Carrick has been acting as the Enforcer for his MC. He is respected yet feared for this and it makes him feel more isolated than would be normal for a Brother in an MC. Carrick goes after Annabelle on his own, manages to get them both out, but incurs the wrath of the man who was set on buying her. Because of this, the buyer, Volos, comes after everything that Carrick has come to care about. Carrick has to realize that he can’t fix everything on his own and that he must rely on his Brothers for help.
The thing I like most about a Helena Newbury book is the roller coaster ride that begins right at the start and then never lets up. There is great chemistry between the two leads, intriguing and likeable secondary characters, and a suspenseful storyline that keeps you guessing and on the edge. This book also has one of the more remorseless villains that I have read in a while, and the element of human trafficking is gut-wrenching.
Although this is a continuation of the O’Hara Brothers stories, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone and it is not necessary to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, although I highly recommend them all.
Outlaw’s Promise is smart, fast-paced, sexy, suspenseful and another excellent read from Ms. Newbury. I look forward to what she will write next.
I was gifted a copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The story then jumps ahead twelve years with Annabelle, having lost her mother at the age of fifteen is still living with her step-father who has begun looking at her in a decidedly un-father like manner. Annabelle arrives home one evening and is ordered by her step-father and another man to make herself pretty and is taken to a nearby bar where she learns she is to be sold at a live auction. Having long since memorized the phone number Carrick had given her all those years ago, Annabelle finds herself alone long enough to contact him and ask for help.
While Annabelle has been growing up, Carrick has been acting as the Enforcer for his MC. He is respected yet feared for this and it makes him feel more isolated than would be normal for a Brother in an MC. Carrick goes after Annabelle on his own, manages to get them both out, but incurs the wrath of the man who was set on buying her. Because of this, the buyer, Volos, comes after everything that Carrick has come to care about. Carrick has to realize that he can’t fix everything on his own and that he must rely on his Brothers for help.
The thing I like most about a Helena Newbury book is the roller coaster ride that begins right at the start and then never lets up. There is great chemistry between the two leads, intriguing and likeable secondary characters, and a suspenseful storyline that keeps you guessing and on the edge. This book also has one of the more remorseless villains that I have read in a while, and the element of human trafficking is gut-wrenching.
Although this is a continuation of the O’Hara Brothers stories, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone and it is not necessary to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, although I highly recommend them all.
Outlaw’s Promise is smart, fast-paced, sexy, suspenseful and another excellent read from Ms. Newbury. I look forward to what she will write next.
I was gifted a copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2025
3.5 stars. This is part of a series about brothers, but it can be read as a standalone. I read this after enjoying another book in this series, Bad for Me - and this book was fairly enjoyable, but not as good as Bad For Me.
When Annabelle is 8 and Carrick is 17, she saves his life. He crashes his motorcycle outside her house, a rival club is after him, and she helps him. That night, he gives her his phone number and tells her to call him if she ever needs help. She thinks about him often as she grows up and he becomes the guy she daydreams about. But, she doesn't want to waste her chance to use that phone call. 12 years later, when she's 20 and he's around 29, her stepdad is selling her off to a criminal, so she calls him. Carrick remembers her and saves her.
I love this premise, and Annabelle and Carrick are both likable. Annabelle is better with machines than people, she can fix cars and bikes. Even though I'm bored with machines IRL and don't understand them, I do like a heroine who is good with them. I also liked that this book has its cake and eats it, too - it hits the spot for a "damsel in distress" trope, but Annabelle also isn't helpless. Most of the time when Carrick rescues her, she's not just standing there, she's helping him fight the villains in her own way. Or, she's halfway to rescuing herself. And Carrick is in an MC - a lot of MC books are part of long series, so it's nice to see a standalone read.
But, the rest of the book kind of just became them running around trying to escape the criminals who tried to buy Annabelle. Just running from one plot event to the next, dealing with kidnappings, explosions, barely pausing between disasters. The story wasn't totally lacking in depth, there was some. But, there could have been more, and more quiet character moments. (Carrick's brother Sean's book had a better balance of quiet character moments). I wanted this book to take a few beats and really dig into Annabelle getting to know the club, and acclimating to life there. Carrick is basically the executioner for the club, so everyone is scared of him and surprised to see him being sweet with a woman. This story also could have spent more time on that part. It didn't completely gloss over it, but it should have dug in deeper.
I did like the element of the story where Carrick is basically a bad guy in general, but to Annabelle, he's her white knight. He's used to being bad, but he likes that she sees him as good, and to everyone else, it seems crazy that this dangerous guy is the only man Annabelle feels safe with. I love all that. But, I didn't like that he pushed her away for a while because he thought he was too "bad" for her and she deserved a normal guy. That got tedious (it's also condescending, because why don't you let her decide what kind of guy she wants, instead of deciding for her?) I might have tolerated that more if Carrick's brother Sean hadn't also done that in his book, because that also just felt repetitive.
Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable standalone MC read, but I had several nitpicks and it could have been better. And, among the standalone books in this series, this wasn't as good as Carrick's brother Sean's book.
When Annabelle is 8 and Carrick is 17, she saves his life. He crashes his motorcycle outside her house, a rival club is after him, and she helps him. That night, he gives her his phone number and tells her to call him if she ever needs help. She thinks about him often as she grows up and he becomes the guy she daydreams about. But, she doesn't want to waste her chance to use that phone call. 12 years later, when she's 20 and he's around 29, her stepdad is selling her off to a criminal, so she calls him. Carrick remembers her and saves her.
I love this premise, and Annabelle and Carrick are both likable. Annabelle is better with machines than people, she can fix cars and bikes. Even though I'm bored with machines IRL and don't understand them, I do like a heroine who is good with them. I also liked that this book has its cake and eats it, too - it hits the spot for a "damsel in distress" trope, but Annabelle also isn't helpless. Most of the time when Carrick rescues her, she's not just standing there, she's helping him fight the villains in her own way. Or, she's halfway to rescuing herself. And Carrick is in an MC - a lot of MC books are part of long series, so it's nice to see a standalone read.
But, the rest of the book kind of just became them running around trying to escape the criminals who tried to buy Annabelle. Just running from one plot event to the next, dealing with kidnappings, explosions, barely pausing between disasters. The story wasn't totally lacking in depth, there was some. But, there could have been more, and more quiet character moments. (Carrick's brother Sean's book had a better balance of quiet character moments). I wanted this book to take a few beats and really dig into Annabelle getting to know the club, and acclimating to life there. Carrick is basically the executioner for the club, so everyone is scared of him and surprised to see him being sweet with a woman. This story also could have spent more time on that part. It didn't completely gloss over it, but it should have dug in deeper.
I did like the element of the story where Carrick is basically a bad guy in general, but to Annabelle, he's her white knight. He's used to being bad, but he likes that she sees him as good, and to everyone else, it seems crazy that this dangerous guy is the only man Annabelle feels safe with. I love all that. But, I didn't like that he pushed her away for a while because he thought he was too "bad" for her and she deserved a normal guy. That got tedious (it's also condescending, because why don't you let her decide what kind of guy she wants, instead of deciding for her?) I might have tolerated that more if Carrick's brother Sean hadn't also done that in his book, because that also just felt repetitive.
Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable standalone MC read, but I had several nitpicks and it could have been better. And, among the standalone books in this series, this wasn't as good as Carrick's brother Sean's book.
October 31, 2016
Well that was exciting! I read a lot of really good reviews on this book so figured why not get it? It had everything I love in a book...sweet heroine, tough guy knight-in-shining-armor who thinks he's not worthy of love and a whole lot of crazy action and suspense.
There were a few places that seemed a tad too far fetched (a little girl being able to not only move a man's body but also pick up a motorcycle from the ground) and another surprise that happens when the bad guy is revealed...but overall I really couldn't put the book down once I started reading.
Now I'm very curious about the rest of the Irish clan and to read their stories as well. Good deal at only 99 cents right now.
**** 4 **** "he never forgot her" stars
There were a few places that seemed a tad too far fetched (a little girl being able to not only move a man's body but also pick up a motorcycle from the ground) and another surprise that happens when the bad guy is revealed...but overall I really couldn't put the book down once I started reading.
Now I'm very curious about the rest of the Irish clan and to read their stories as well. Good deal at only 99 cents right now.
**** 4 **** "he never forgot her" stars
November 22, 2016
1.5 Stars.
Dnf'd at 60% because this is just too cheesy :p
Dnf'd at 60% because this is just too cheesy :p
April 4, 2017
4 STARS
March 29, 2019
I did something I almost never do. I read book 4 in a series without reading the 3 before it. Honestly, the others didn’t interest me but Outlaw's Promise did. I ended it wanting to know answers to questions that are answered in a book that takes place after this one that can't be read as a standalone.
I liked the premise of Outlaw's Promise. Carrick was injured when he was 17 and saved by 8-year-old Annabelle. He made a promise to young Annabelle – if she ever needed anything to contact him. He wrote his number down on a piece of paper and took off. She memorized the number and grew up remembering the Irish biker every time things got bad for her. They got bad a lot with her abusive stepfather. But she never made that call until she was 20. The man who raised her sold her to human traffickers and she was minutes away from being auctioned to the highest bidder at a motorcycle club. She somehow sneaks into an office and grabs a phone. She barely manages to leave a message for Carrick before she’s grabbed and thrown on stage and paraded around like a piece of meat. This, after she’s taken out back for a special viewing of sorts by a creeper in a mask who offers 50 grand for her. Nobody else’s bid comes close so of course the creepy man – who goes by Volos – wins Annabelle. Right before she’s taken away, in storms Carrick with guns blazing to protect the girl who’d once saved his life. Long story short, they manage to get away on Carrick’s big and bad Harley.
Only when they're far enough away does Carrick see that young Annabelle isn’t quite so young anymore. ;)
Of course, Volos – the ultimate bad guy – doesn’t go down without a fight. He’s determined to get his ‘property’ back any way he knows how.
Carrick battles himself over Annabelle. He wants her and he wants her bad. But he’s the enforcer for the Hell’s Princes motorcycle club and he’s done things that would make even the most hardened person pause. When the danger follows them Carrick takes Annabelle to the only place he knows he can keep her safe – his motorcycle club. The other one had been a rival club. With the club offering protection and hot Carrick staying by her side, Annabelle believes she’s okay. And she is for a little while but then bad things start happening at the club – things that Annabelle knows she’s responsible for.
This was a nice story. I absolutely loved Carrick and his bad boy ways. I guess I liked Annabelle okay enough. I did feel there was a bit too much back and forth with the drama. Just when I thought things were starting to look up even a little bit something else bad happened. I did enjoy watching Carrick finally open himself up a bit. There aren’t a lot of sex scenes in the book but the ones there were pretty hot.
The identity of the bad guy was too predictable. As soon as he was introduced in the story I knew it was him, though I hoped not because it was just too easy.
Overall, a nice read. I may go back and read the first three in the series. I’m now curious about a long-lost brother that's mentioned, and I'm wanting to know a little bit more about the others who have their own stories.
I liked the premise of Outlaw's Promise. Carrick was injured when he was 17 and saved by 8-year-old Annabelle. He made a promise to young Annabelle – if she ever needed anything to contact him. He wrote his number down on a piece of paper and took off. She memorized the number and grew up remembering the Irish biker every time things got bad for her. They got bad a lot with her abusive stepfather. But she never made that call until she was 20. The man who raised her sold her to human traffickers and she was minutes away from being auctioned to the highest bidder at a motorcycle club. She somehow sneaks into an office and grabs a phone. She barely manages to leave a message for Carrick before she’s grabbed and thrown on stage and paraded around like a piece of meat. This, after she’s taken out back for a special viewing of sorts by a creeper in a mask who offers 50 grand for her. Nobody else’s bid comes close so of course the creepy man – who goes by Volos – wins Annabelle. Right before she’s taken away, in storms Carrick with guns blazing to protect the girl who’d once saved his life. Long story short, they manage to get away on Carrick’s big and bad Harley.
Only when they're far enough away does Carrick see that young Annabelle isn’t quite so young anymore. ;)
Of course, Volos – the ultimate bad guy – doesn’t go down without a fight. He’s determined to get his ‘property’ back any way he knows how.
Carrick battles himself over Annabelle. He wants her and he wants her bad. But he’s the enforcer for the Hell’s Princes motorcycle club and he’s done things that would make even the most hardened person pause. When the danger follows them Carrick takes Annabelle to the only place he knows he can keep her safe – his motorcycle club. The other one had been a rival club. With the club offering protection and hot Carrick staying by her side, Annabelle believes she’s okay. And she is for a little while but then bad things start happening at the club – things that Annabelle knows she’s responsible for.
This was a nice story. I absolutely loved Carrick and his bad boy ways. I guess I liked Annabelle okay enough. I did feel there was a bit too much back and forth with the drama. Just when I thought things were starting to look up even a little bit something else bad happened. I did enjoy watching Carrick finally open himself up a bit. There aren’t a lot of sex scenes in the book but the ones there were pretty hot.
The identity of the bad guy was too predictable. As soon as he was introduced in the story I knew it was him, though I hoped not because it was just too easy.
Overall, a nice read. I may go back and read the first three in the series. I’m now curious about a long-lost brother that's mentioned, and I'm wanting to know a little bit more about the others who have their own stories.
December 24, 2018
5 +++++ stars
Wowzers!! I did not see this one coming. I’d just finished a book and was scrolling up and down my Kindle list of books when my finger just sort of stopped on this book. I’m thinking it’s fate. Normally I do a bit of research before starting to read a new to me author. I check the starred reviews on GoodReads though I don’t read any until after I finish a book so as not to be influenced. I’m not really a MC Club reader so if I’d noticed that when I started reading, well, I might not have started reading and what a true gem I would have missed.
The books starts out with 8 year old Annabelle finding an injured young man in her yard late at night. She bandages him up, hides him from those who injured and stays with him until he’s ready to leave. His name is Carrick and he gives her his phone number and tells her to call him if she ever needs him. Then he gives her his Shamrock chain. She holds on to that promise for 12 years. Life has been tough for her. Her mother dies and then her step father is real creepy with her. But things hit the critical stage when he gives her to a motorcycle gang and they are about to auction her off to a white slavery ring. She calls the number Carrick gave her all those years ago, hoping he remembers her and leaves a message; a cry for help..
Not only does Carrick remember her, he races to her rescue and saves her just in time. Now he’s not sure what to do with her. She of course sees him as her knight in shining armor, the prince she saved as a child who has now saved her. But Carrick is not the young man he was when they first met. He’s the enforcer for a motorcycle club and chock full of self-loathing. He loves his fellow club members; they are his family and will do anything for them but he doesn’t feel he deserves any rescuing himself.
It doesn’t take her long to figure out that he feels unworthy of her and while he is willing to give up his life to save her, he doesn’t want saving himself. But save her he will no matter what it takes, from the maniac who is still after her.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The longing for each other leaps off the pages. The heart aches for the sad past of both of them but especially for Carrick. Their love for each other is so poignant. I read this book in one sitting, not able to put it down and I don’t think it will be long before I do a reread of it so I can savour it the next time. Without question this is one of my best reads of the years. This is book 4 about the O’Hara brothers and it works extremely well as a stand-alone book. Though of course having loved it so dearly I’ve now gone and picked up the first 3 books and can hardly wait to start reading them.
A huge thumbs up and you HAVE to read this book.
Wowzers!! I did not see this one coming. I’d just finished a book and was scrolling up and down my Kindle list of books when my finger just sort of stopped on this book. I’m thinking it’s fate. Normally I do a bit of research before starting to read a new to me author. I check the starred reviews on GoodReads though I don’t read any until after I finish a book so as not to be influenced. I’m not really a MC Club reader so if I’d noticed that when I started reading, well, I might not have started reading and what a true gem I would have missed.
The books starts out with 8 year old Annabelle finding an injured young man in her yard late at night. She bandages him up, hides him from those who injured and stays with him until he’s ready to leave. His name is Carrick and he gives her his phone number and tells her to call him if she ever needs him. Then he gives her his Shamrock chain. She holds on to that promise for 12 years. Life has been tough for her. Her mother dies and then her step father is real creepy with her. But things hit the critical stage when he gives her to a motorcycle gang and they are about to auction her off to a white slavery ring. She calls the number Carrick gave her all those years ago, hoping he remembers her and leaves a message; a cry for help..
Not only does Carrick remember her, he races to her rescue and saves her just in time. Now he’s not sure what to do with her. She of course sees him as her knight in shining armor, the prince she saved as a child who has now saved her. But Carrick is not the young man he was when they first met. He’s the enforcer for a motorcycle club and chock full of self-loathing. He loves his fellow club members; they are his family and will do anything for them but he doesn’t feel he deserves any rescuing himself.
It doesn’t take her long to figure out that he feels unworthy of her and while he is willing to give up his life to save her, he doesn’t want saving himself. But save her he will no matter what it takes, from the maniac who is still after her.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The longing for each other leaps off the pages. The heart aches for the sad past of both of them but especially for Carrick. Their love for each other is so poignant. I read this book in one sitting, not able to put it down and I don’t think it will be long before I do a reread of it so I can savour it the next time. Without question this is one of my best reads of the years. This is book 4 about the O’Hara brothers and it works extremely well as a stand-alone book. Though of course having loved it so dearly I’ve now gone and picked up the first 3 books and can hardly wait to start reading them.
A huge thumbs up and you HAVE to read this book.
May 14, 2020
I gave it a 4 stars because i needed a longer epilogue... like when they are married and have kids you know 10-30 years from now... BUT OVERALL THIS BOOK GOT ME ALL ROMANTIC FEELING CAUSE THE COUPLE ARE SO VERY INTO EACH OTHER! The connection that they have are pure love and sweet and hot at the same time... omg
--- MC SAFE LOVE STORY
I love that we don't see many club wh*res around the club or going to the hero and heroine. NOOO... ALL MEMBERS ACCEPTED THE HEROINE just like that, without weird looking or judging her. They don't talked about other girls, nooo... so this mc is very safe, no triggers like that.
--- NO CHEATING
--- NO VIRGINS.
They don't mention if they celibate or what.
--- IT HAS SEPARATION but not too long. BOTH ARE LOYAL and didn't go to anyone else.
--- THE HERO push the heroine away like three times because he had his reasons, and I'd sympathize the reasons... I understand why he did that. THE HEROINE ONLY PUSH THE HERO ONCE. So all the pushing away its not annoying at all tho.
--- NO DRAMA WITH OW. ONLY WITH OM but its not her boyfriend or something like that. Its about the enemy who wants to sell her... like that
--- THE HERO IS POSSESSIVE but not ott, he is very protective and alpha male.
--- not too many jealous scenes from the hero
--- THE HERO ALWAYS SAYS you are mine.
Mine. Mine. mine....
--- LOVE IN FIRST SIGHT
--- Both are very passionate and in love. Even though the hero have a lot of damage inside of his head and mind and even heart, he managed to make it right to the heroine. He changed and pursue her.
He changed to be better for her...
--- HOT SMUT SCENES
--- HAPPY ENDING...
So very in love and only few months epilogue and how they going to live together in a new house. The hero did say he wants a family with the heroine in the future so i think its a good epilogue...
--- MC SAFE LOVE STORY
I love that we don't see many club wh*res around the club or going to the hero and heroine. NOOO... ALL MEMBERS ACCEPTED THE HEROINE just like that, without weird looking or judging her. They don't talked about other girls, nooo... so this mc is very safe, no triggers like that.
--- NO CHEATING
--- NO VIRGINS.
They don't mention if they celibate or what.
--- IT HAS SEPARATION but not too long. BOTH ARE LOYAL and didn't go to anyone else.
--- THE HERO push the heroine away like three times because he had his reasons, and I'd sympathize the reasons... I understand why he did that. THE HEROINE ONLY PUSH THE HERO ONCE. So all the pushing away its not annoying at all tho.
--- NO DRAMA WITH OW. ONLY WITH OM but its not her boyfriend or something like that. Its about the enemy who wants to sell her... like that
--- THE HERO IS POSSESSIVE but not ott, he is very protective and alpha male.
--- not too many jealous scenes from the hero
--- THE HERO ALWAYS SAYS you are mine.
Mine. Mine. mine....
--- LOVE IN FIRST SIGHT
--- Both are very passionate and in love. Even though the hero have a lot of damage inside of his head and mind and even heart, he managed to make it right to the heroine. He changed and pursue her.
He changed to be better for her...
--- HOT SMUT SCENES
--- HAPPY ENDING...
So very in love and only few months epilogue and how they going to live together in a new house. The hero did say he wants a family with the heroine in the future so i think its a good epilogue...
April 3, 2025
I’m not sure if I’ll come back and read the other brothers books but I REALLY liked this one a lot definitely could be the best I read this month!
March 23, 2018
Reread. 3 1/2 stars. Several of the events and the ways things come together are completely implausible. Still, I found myself remembering this book and wanting to read it again because I do like the overall story and characters.
October 27, 2016
5 -- Save -- stars
It’s time for Carrick O’Harra’s story. He’s the fourth O’Harra brother who falls in love. This book is a standalone, so you don’t need to read the stories of other brothers. The brothers’ past wasn’t always pretty and that still affects their lives. They don’t live close each other and it has been very long since they last saw each other.
Carrick was lost until he became a member of a MC. He needed help and Annabelle saved him. Several years later, Annabelle needs help and Carrick saves her. Annabelle has never forgotten Carrick and wants him. She doesn’t care that he’s part of a MC nor about his past. Annabelle sees his pain and wants to save him. Carrick wants Annabelle, but he doesn’t want her to know about his past and to be part of the MC. He acts cold and distant, but Annabelle doesn’t let him push her away.
The prologue was short, but I was hooked. It is a vague mention of what will happen and I wanted to know everything. Carrick and Annabelle will save each other and they belong together. It will be difficult and emotional sometimes until they reach their happily ever after, but it will be worth it at the end.
This book is so good! All the author’s books are amazing, so I went in blind and I don’t regret it! There are always little things that makes them different from other books. The characters are always great and Carrick and Annabelle weren’t an exception. The men are damaged and bad boys, but they’re fighters and would do anything for their woman. The women love their man unconditionally. They’re not weak, but they fight.
I also love the writing, the setting and the title. The author’s books read so easily. The books are also suspenseful. There doesn’t happen one thing after the other, just the right amount of suspense. I’m always wondering what will happen next and how the book will end. I’m never bored. I recommend every book!
-- ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review. Thank you! --
It’s time for Carrick O’Harra’s story. He’s the fourth O’Harra brother who falls in love. This book is a standalone, so you don’t need to read the stories of other brothers. The brothers’ past wasn’t always pretty and that still affects their lives. They don’t live close each other and it has been very long since they last saw each other.
Carrick was lost until he became a member of a MC. He needed help and Annabelle saved him. Several years later, Annabelle needs help and Carrick saves her. Annabelle has never forgotten Carrick and wants him. She doesn’t care that he’s part of a MC nor about his past. Annabelle sees his pain and wants to save him. Carrick wants Annabelle, but he doesn’t want her to know about his past and to be part of the MC. He acts cold and distant, but Annabelle doesn’t let him push her away.
The prologue was short, but I was hooked. It is a vague mention of what will happen and I wanted to know everything. Carrick and Annabelle will save each other and they belong together. It will be difficult and emotional sometimes until they reach their happily ever after, but it will be worth it at the end.
This book is so good! All the author’s books are amazing, so I went in blind and I don’t regret it! There are always little things that makes them different from other books. The characters are always great and Carrick and Annabelle weren’t an exception. The men are damaged and bad boys, but they’re fighters and would do anything for their woman. The women love their man unconditionally. They’re not weak, but they fight.
I also love the writing, the setting and the title. The author’s books read so easily. The books are also suspenseful. There doesn’t happen one thing after the other, just the right amount of suspense. I’m always wondering what will happen next and how the book will end. I’m never bored. I recommend every book!
-- ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review. Thank you! --
October 27, 2016
Wow…NO…WAIT….WOOOW !!!
As probably Helena's number One Fan, I am naturally biased, but so what? Who cares? Duh!
I am addicted to every new book from Helena. I’ve read they all and that's why I'm a self-proclaimed Helena’s expert ;-)
She definitively writes the most romantic, exciting and emotional books I've ever read.
I love every one of them!
Outlaw's Promise is full of action and reaction from the start. One event follows the other.
No boredom or drag on the scenes. So much pure emotions that you sometimes forget to catch air. Sleep is not even a distant thought.
The book tells a story about the brutality of life and yet the love that can arise from it. The book draws you in and does not let go.
And Carrick, hmm ... (no there will be no spoiler :-)). But who would not like to be called Annabelle once in a lifetime ;-)
A rollercoaster of emotions with an extra portion romance and cruelty. Does not work, you think? Wrong, these are precisely the opposites that make Helena books so unique.
And if you think you've already read everything about MC's and all the books are the same, ha!
You must have underestimated Helena :-). Yes, she can do something else entirely!
Of course, I will not disclose what is going on in this book! You have to discover for yourself, so read this book and enjoy ;-). I definitely enjoyed it very much.
I recommend the book to all the romantics, action, heat, and a HEA fans
And last but not least, thank you Helena for that wonderful book.
It’s always a pleasure to have a day full of adventure with your characters
As probably Helena's number One Fan, I am naturally biased, but so what? Who cares? Duh!
I am addicted to every new book from Helena. I’ve read they all and that's why I'm a self-proclaimed Helena’s expert ;-)
She definitively writes the most romantic, exciting and emotional books I've ever read.
I love every one of them!
Outlaw's Promise is full of action and reaction from the start. One event follows the other.
No boredom or drag on the scenes. So much pure emotions that you sometimes forget to catch air. Sleep is not even a distant thought.
The book tells a story about the brutality of life and yet the love that can arise from it. The book draws you in and does not let go.
And Carrick, hmm ... (no there will be no spoiler :-)). But who would not like to be called Annabelle once in a lifetime ;-)
A rollercoaster of emotions with an extra portion romance and cruelty. Does not work, you think? Wrong, these are precisely the opposites that make Helena books so unique.
And if you think you've already read everything about MC's and all the books are the same, ha!
You must have underestimated Helena :-). Yes, she can do something else entirely!
Of course, I will not disclose what is going on in this book! You have to discover for yourself, so read this book and enjoy ;-). I definitely enjoyed it very much.
I recommend the book to all the romantics, action, heat, and a HEA fans
And last but not least, thank you Helena for that wonderful book.
It’s always a pleasure to have a day full of adventure with your characters
January 20, 2021
The best motorcycle romance I've ever read and I've read a fair few! It's a full length novel, with a lot of plot while not losing sight of the central love story. Our heroine bumps into the hero aged 8 and saves him from danger. Fast forward to adulthood and it's his turn to save her when her father sells her to an evil MC. Cue lots of fights, smooches, rescues, bike rides, and character development.
The heroine is into machines which is a nice feminist touch, the hero considers himself too damaged to deserve love due to the bad things he's done in the past. The way they heal each other is realistic and not rushed at all. The sex is steamy without being seedy and the HEA is well deserved. The secondary characters are well fleshed out and the twist involving the villain isn't too shocking but is very well written.
A couple of sex scenes, one at 50% and one toward the back end of the book, just the right amount for me! I also liked the set up to other books involving the same family. A wonderful read, good enough to make me join the author's mailing list.
The heroine is into machines which is a nice feminist touch, the hero considers himself too damaged to deserve love due to the bad things he's done in the past. The way they heal each other is realistic and not rushed at all. The sex is steamy without being seedy and the HEA is well deserved. The secondary characters are well fleshed out and the twist involving the villain isn't too shocking but is very well written.
A couple of sex scenes, one at 50% and one toward the back end of the book, just the right amount for me! I also liked the set up to other books involving the same family. A wonderful read, good enough to make me join the author's mailing list.
August 29, 2017
Great potential but fell short
I didn't read book summary before starting this book. The story in the book could have been a 5*, but it never reached it due to the fact I never felt vested in the characters. The male was strong but at times the author made him seem simple and one dimensional.
I didn't read book summary before starting this book. The story in the book could have been a 5*, but it never reached it due to the fact I never felt vested in the characters. The male was strong but at times the author made him seem simple and one dimensional.
February 13, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
Ohmygosh. This author is a freaking genius. She can create a story that I think I can predict, and then sideswipe me with the absolutely unexpected. Irish and Annabelle’s story was full of action and fast paced fights, interesting characters and super steamy scenes. I freakin loved it.
Ohmygosh. This author is a freaking genius. She can create a story that I think I can predict, and then sideswipe me with the absolutely unexpected. Irish and Annabelle’s story was full of action and fast paced fights, interesting characters and super steamy scenes. I freakin loved it.
August 21, 2022
After all of the bluster looking for Volos, I do not see any real effort. The Unicorn Winx Totally Princes MC club just asked the FBI to do their job and the MCs just sitting around and the story focus on Annabelle and Carrick dilemma:
C: I cannot f her I am tortured
A: I need him to f me coz I can save him
A: F me
C: No
A: Why
C: I did a bad thing
A: Tell me
C: No
A: Please tell me
C: No
A: Okay let us f
C: Yes
A: Okay we are done tell me
C: No but let's f again
A: Yes but tell me after
C: No
Lather, rinse, repeat in that order.
What an astounding effort. I hate MC that do not act like an MC. At least be badass like you guys supposed to be.
Next, I cannot believe Annabelle coming stayed with her step not real father as long as that. She should have bailed away long time ago or call Carrick and ask for favor to help her to start a new life. Is that kind of critical thinking is hard to do? Idk you tell me.
And yeahhhhh that scene where she overheard about her not real father selling her. God that was so stupid. For someone who works with machines and engines girl neurons are not functioning enough to connect the dots.
'Oh they said her. It must be a car. Sometime people called their car her'
Charming as f
Run for your life girllllll do not be a meek lamb that neigh and follow every order even if it lead to your demise. Do lamb neigh? I do not think so but apparently Annabelle did because she followed every order.
Even when the second time Volos / FBI guy got to her. She does not even fight and turn into a lamb again. Neighhhh.
Even after she heard the gunshot and she thought Carrick is dead, she stayed pliant and agreeable. Neighhhh.
And that surprise where Volos and that FBI guy is the same person. I am real shookt and trembling in my feathers. Feathers because I am currently aspiring to be a phoenix. Rising from every unpleasant mood inducing books I read.
Then these happened.
Follow us Annabelle coming home.
Yessir
You are a cattle and you must obey me Annabelle coming home
Double Yessir
Take off your clothes Annabelle coming home.
Triple Yessir
Someone paid full in advance and bought you Annabelle coming home. Go to Europe now.
Quadraple Yessir
Oh that dumb chickenshit mary sue named Annabelle.
I also hate the typical stereotype mary sue heroine in romance novel and this tick all my boxes.
Long lengs
Big boobs
Body as sin
Not 'typical' aka work with engines
Pretty but she does not know she's pretty
Got horny when in danger
Everyone attracted to her even the top dog but backed off after got warning from the MMC
What else
Haaa red hair
Freaking original
We also got typical tortured hero who does not know how to communicate but I won't comment on that because I dislike Annable more.
No offense to the author, but Annabelle is the most chickenshit annoying woe me heroine I've ever read. Go jump in a lake Annable.
P/s Don't bring disgrace to the Annabelle the doll name.
C: I cannot f her I am tortured
A: I need him to f me coz I can save him
A: F me
C: No
A: Why
C: I did a bad thing
A: Tell me
C: No
A: Please tell me
C: No
A: Okay let us f
C: Yes
A: Okay we are done tell me
C: No but let's f again
A: Yes but tell me after
C: No
Lather, rinse, repeat in that order.
What an astounding effort. I hate MC that do not act like an MC. At least be badass like you guys supposed to be.
Next, I cannot believe Annabelle coming stayed with her step not real father as long as that. She should have bailed away long time ago or call Carrick and ask for favor to help her to start a new life. Is that kind of critical thinking is hard to do? Idk you tell me.
And yeahhhhh that scene where she overheard about her not real father selling her. God that was so stupid. For someone who works with machines and engines girl neurons are not functioning enough to connect the dots.
'Oh they said her. It must be a car. Sometime people called their car her'
Charming as f
Run for your life girllllll do not be a meek lamb that neigh and follow every order even if it lead to your demise. Do lamb neigh? I do not think so but apparently Annabelle did because she followed every order.
Even when the second time Volos / FBI guy got to her. She does not even fight and turn into a lamb again. Neighhhh.
Even after she heard the gunshot and she thought Carrick is dead, she stayed pliant and agreeable. Neighhhh.
And that surprise where Volos and that FBI guy is the same person. I am real shookt and trembling in my feathers. Feathers because I am currently aspiring to be a phoenix. Rising from every unpleasant mood inducing books I read.
Then these happened.
Follow us Annabelle coming home.
Yessir
You are a cattle and you must obey me Annabelle coming home
Double Yessir
Take off your clothes Annabelle coming home.
Triple Yessir
Someone paid full in advance and bought you Annabelle coming home. Go to Europe now.
Quadraple Yessir
Oh that dumb chickenshit mary sue named Annabelle.
I also hate the typical stereotype mary sue heroine in romance novel and this tick all my boxes.
Long lengs
Big boobs
Body as sin
Not 'typical' aka work with engines
Pretty but she does not know she's pretty
Got horny when in danger
Everyone attracted to her even the top dog but backed off after got warning from the MMC
What else
Haaa red hair
Freaking original
We also got typical tortured hero who does not know how to communicate but I won't comment on that because I dislike Annable more.
No offense to the author, but Annabelle is the most chickenshit annoying woe me heroine I've ever read. Go jump in a lake Annable.
P/s Don't bring disgrace to the Annabelle the doll name.
March 28, 2019
I have never read an MC romance that I liked, but this is Helena Newbury, so I gave it a shot. Unfortunately, it was a miss. The engaging plot and well rounded characters that have been in Helena's other books were absent here. This was just a mediocre contemporary romance with nothing special or intriguing about it. It almost seemed like it was written by a totally different author than I'd read before. :/
July 22, 2021
Ok read
Decent chemistry
Sex scenes were a bit rushed to start
A lot of drama and push/pull from the hero
HFN
Not really dark...but some triggers
Decent chemistry
Sex scenes were a bit rushed to start
A lot of drama and push/pull from the hero
HFN
Not really dark...but some triggers
April 22, 2023
Intense
This book was intense dark and moody it wasn't what I had been expecting that was for sure but it was good and you don't pick out the bad guy till it finally happened which was good kept the suspense goin a good book
This book was intense dark and moody it wasn't what I had been expecting that was for sure but it was good and you don't pick out the bad guy till it finally happened which was good kept the suspense goin a good book
November 28, 2025
This was so freaking good! I can't wait to read the others
May 8, 2022
I didn't realise this was book #4 of a series and now have to go read books #1 to #3 to find out the stories of Carrick's brothers. Oh, what a hardship. ::grins:: This book works as a standalone, though, because the brothers are estranged and do not interact at all throughout the book, so their stories don't interact.
I read it because the blurb pulled me in. Annabelle saved Carrick when she was 8 and in return, he saves her when she's 20. Who wouldn't want to read that??
Written in dual first-person POV, a lot of the story hinges on Carrick's deep, dark secret that makes him feel guilty and unworthy and doesn't allow him to get close to anyone. I was thankful the author didn't draw out that secret-keeping for too long; it would have annoyed me. And when it was revealed, it was big enough to have had such an impact on him, which is good cos I've read books where the main character's secret was very anti-climactic.
I liked Annabelle, liked that she wasn't a helpless girl who would wring her hands and just wait to be rescued while bawling her eyes out. It's also great to have a female character who likes machines and engines.
But, the story doesn't win five stars from me for a few reasons:
1. It requires too much suspension of disbelief to accept that ONE guy can walk into a place full of bikers and take all of them down single-handedly when they all surround him and start kicking and pummelling him. Or that they would not whip out their guns and try to take some shots at him while he stalks towards their prez, even if he was holding a gun on their prez at the time. Made even less sense that hired gunmen with no affiliation to the prez (they were someone else's gunmen) would let Annabelle go just because he was threatening to end the prez's life.
2. Speaking of which, I thought that when Carrick rushed out of the clubhouse after hearing Annabelle's message, some of his brothers would have followed him, even though he hadn't asked for their help. Ox had also listened to that message, and he'd have realised that Carrick was off to help the girl and might need backup. Plus, Annabelle had mentioned that there were bikers from Blood Spiders there and Ox would've known that the situation could get messy because of that. I really don't understand why he didn't run after Carrick and follow him. I felt it was really weird, since an MC is always all about supporting each other.
3. It was damn annoying that in the middle of a life-threatening scene where enemies are surrounding them and they are in trouble or trying to get away, both Annabelle and Carrick are thinking about how turned on they are by each other and how good the other person smells, how well they fit against the other person's body, etc., etc. Carrick, especially, being the MC's enforcer, ought to know better and be laser-focused in the moment.
4. I did feel that Carrick was a tad too stubborn. I liked his growth throughout the story, but I would have liked to have seen and been there for his conversation with Mac (his prez) rather than have it summarised to us ("he told Mac all about ABC"). That was a pivotal moment because it signifies a change in Carrick and that's when he fully allows the MC to become his family.
I felt that he held the MC at arms' length for too long. I hate this lack of communication type of trope. Essentially he kept bringing trouble upon himself and blaming himself because he just wouldn't let them in. So it feels like such a waste because if he'd just TELL Mac what was going on, a lot of the stuff could've been avoided. I wanted to yell at Carrick and shake him till his teeth rattled.
5. The whole thing with Carrick and the agent was annoyingly predictable (yes, I'd already used 'annoying' in point #3, I know). I totally expected Carrick to do what he did. I hate it when writers do not disappoint me in this respect. I understand why Carrick made that decision, but I still thought he was an idiot. I'd have been more surprised (by both Carrick and the author) and also would have had greater respect for both of them if the whole thing had been less obvious.
6. Annabelle openly wears the gold chain with the shamrock that Carrick gave her, and never once is it mentioned that she tried to hide it. I found it hard to believe that her stepfather hadn't just snatched it off her to take it and pawn it or try to sell it off for money. He was mean and self-centred and only interested in booze, so it seemed like a thing he would do. I don't believe he'd have allowed her to keep the chain if he'd seen it.
7. I expected Annabelle to be a virgin because she lives in the middle of nowhere and said that guys aren't interested and she doesn't date. She tells one of the men at the auction that she isn't a virgin, but how did this happen? It's not that this is super important, but it bugged me the way an engine sounding a bit out of tune would have bugged Annabelle (she has some kind of ability to figure out how things work, and take mechanical things apart then put them back together).
Another thing that bugged me is that eight-year-old Annabelle didn't put on any shoes when she went out to rescue Carrick; why not? I'd have put on shoes automatically if I knew I was going outside. And, she also never talks about clearing up the mess in the tool shed and putting away the waterproof sheeting after Carrick leaves. Presumably she didn't want her parents to know about Carrick's "visit", so she must have done so, but it's not mentioned.
I also wondered how she'd have accounted for the missing banana loaf and two bottles of water that she gave to Carrick... because her stepfather sounded tight-fisted and mean enough to be the kind of person to notice if stuff were to disappear, considering he'd have to spend money to replace it. I also wondered why the family even had bottled water, as they aren't very well-to-do and it doesn't seem like something a family like that would keep in the house.
8. I didn't think that Annabelle's stepfather would in any way feel guilty about what he'd done, so while Annabelle is pleading with him and he flashes her guilty looks, I didn't believe that for one moment. A guy who has been beating her up on the regular and is lost in his world of booze is not going to feel guilty that by selling her, he can make a lot of money.
9. I also didn't understand why Annabelle continued to live under his roof. Sure, she said she doesn't make enough to move out, but she also said she had been paying most of the bills for years. So if she were to stop paying his bills, she'd probably have a little money? I mean, I just felt like she had a pretty bad sense of self-preservation, since she already felt uncomfortable at the way he looked at her. Every girl knows that feeling and would want to get as far away from it as soon as they possibly can.
* * * *
This book still got four stars from me despite these 9 things because of the interaction between Annabelle and Carrick, and the fact that there is character growth on Carrick's part. Carrick's "voice" was strong and distinct, and when I was reading his POV he didn't sound like a million other men I've read in other books. This is something many authors aren't able to pull off. I've read so many books where the men all sound the same and the authors seem to think that the main way to identify a male character is to have him use "f*ck" in his speech and his thoughts as much as possible. It was an entertaining book and the 9 things didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of it, so 4 stars it is.
I read it because the blurb pulled me in. Annabelle saved Carrick when she was 8 and in return, he saves her when she's 20. Who wouldn't want to read that??
Written in dual first-person POV, a lot of the story hinges on Carrick's deep, dark secret that makes him feel guilty and unworthy and doesn't allow him to get close to anyone. I was thankful the author didn't draw out that secret-keeping for too long; it would have annoyed me. And when it was revealed, it was big enough to have had such an impact on him, which is good cos I've read books where the main character's secret was very anti-climactic.
I liked Annabelle, liked that she wasn't a helpless girl who would wring her hands and just wait to be rescued while bawling her eyes out. It's also great to have a female character who likes machines and engines.
But, the story doesn't win five stars from me for a few reasons:
1. It requires too much suspension of disbelief to accept that ONE guy can walk into a place full of bikers and take all of them down single-handedly when they all surround him and start kicking and pummelling him. Or that they would not whip out their guns and try to take some shots at him while he stalks towards their prez, even if he was holding a gun on their prez at the time. Made even less sense that hired gunmen with no affiliation to the prez (they were someone else's gunmen) would let Annabelle go just because he was threatening to end the prez's life.
2. Speaking of which, I thought that when Carrick rushed out of the clubhouse after hearing Annabelle's message, some of his brothers would have followed him, even though he hadn't asked for their help. Ox had also listened to that message, and he'd have realised that Carrick was off to help the girl and might need backup. Plus, Annabelle had mentioned that there were bikers from Blood Spiders there and Ox would've known that the situation could get messy because of that. I really don't understand why he didn't run after Carrick and follow him. I felt it was really weird, since an MC is always all about supporting each other.
3. It was damn annoying that in the middle of a life-threatening scene where enemies are surrounding them and they are in trouble or trying to get away, both Annabelle and Carrick are thinking about how turned on they are by each other and how good the other person smells, how well they fit against the other person's body, etc., etc. Carrick, especially, being the MC's enforcer, ought to know better and be laser-focused in the moment.
4. I did feel that Carrick was a tad too stubborn. I liked his growth throughout the story, but I would have liked to have seen and been there for his conversation with Mac (his prez) rather than have it summarised to us ("he told Mac all about ABC"). That was a pivotal moment because it signifies a change in Carrick and that's when he fully allows the MC to become his family.
I felt that he held the MC at arms' length for too long. I hate this lack of communication type of trope. Essentially he kept bringing trouble upon himself and blaming himself because he just wouldn't let them in. So it feels like such a waste because if he'd just TELL Mac what was going on, a lot of the stuff could've been avoided. I wanted to yell at Carrick and shake him till his teeth rattled.
5. The whole thing with Carrick and the agent was annoyingly predictable (yes, I'd already used 'annoying' in point #3, I know). I totally expected Carrick to do what he did. I hate it when writers do not disappoint me in this respect. I understand why Carrick made that decision, but I still thought he was an idiot. I'd have been more surprised (by both Carrick and the author) and also would have had greater respect for both of them if the whole thing had been less obvious.
6. Annabelle openly wears the gold chain with the shamrock that Carrick gave her, and never once is it mentioned that she tried to hide it. I found it hard to believe that her stepfather hadn't just snatched it off her to take it and pawn it or try to sell it off for money. He was mean and self-centred and only interested in booze, so it seemed like a thing he would do. I don't believe he'd have allowed her to keep the chain if he'd seen it.
7. I expected Annabelle to be a virgin because she lives in the middle of nowhere and said that guys aren't interested and she doesn't date. She tells one of the men at the auction that she isn't a virgin, but how did this happen? It's not that this is super important, but it bugged me the way an engine sounding a bit out of tune would have bugged Annabelle (she has some kind of ability to figure out how things work, and take mechanical things apart then put them back together).
Another thing that bugged me is that eight-year-old Annabelle didn't put on any shoes when she went out to rescue Carrick; why not? I'd have put on shoes automatically if I knew I was going outside. And, she also never talks about clearing up the mess in the tool shed and putting away the waterproof sheeting after Carrick leaves. Presumably she didn't want her parents to know about Carrick's "visit", so she must have done so, but it's not mentioned.
I also wondered how she'd have accounted for the missing banana loaf and two bottles of water that she gave to Carrick... because her stepfather sounded tight-fisted and mean enough to be the kind of person to notice if stuff were to disappear, considering he'd have to spend money to replace it. I also wondered why the family even had bottled water, as they aren't very well-to-do and it doesn't seem like something a family like that would keep in the house.
8. I didn't think that Annabelle's stepfather would in any way feel guilty about what he'd done, so while Annabelle is pleading with him and he flashes her guilty looks, I didn't believe that for one moment. A guy who has been beating her up on the regular and is lost in his world of booze is not going to feel guilty that by selling her, he can make a lot of money.
9. I also didn't understand why Annabelle continued to live under his roof. Sure, she said she doesn't make enough to move out, but she also said she had been paying most of the bills for years. So if she were to stop paying his bills, she'd probably have a little money? I mean, I just felt like she had a pretty bad sense of self-preservation, since she already felt uncomfortable at the way he looked at her. Every girl knows that feeling and would want to get as far away from it as soon as they possibly can.
* * * *
This book still got four stars from me despite these 9 things because of the interaction between Annabelle and Carrick, and the fact that there is character growth on Carrick's part. Carrick's "voice" was strong and distinct, and when I was reading his POV he didn't sound like a million other men I've read in other books. This is something many authors aren't able to pull off. I've read so many books where the men all sound the same and the authors seem to think that the main way to identify a male character is to have him use "f*ck" in his speech and his thoughts as much as possible. It was an entertaining book and the 9 things didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of it, so 4 stars it is.
January 25, 2022
Holy moly. Loved this one.
The story starts when 8 year old Annabelle helps Carrick after he crashes his motorcycle. She sees he’s injured and also that he’s trying to outrun some other bikers. He thanks her fir her help and tells her if she ever needs him to call.
We then fast forward 12 years. Annabelle’s step-father is in debt and he decides to sell her. She calls the number she was given twelve years before.
Carrick keeps his promise and comes to help Annabelle. She’s no longer the child who helped him, instead a beautiful woman.
This was action packed and kept me guessing until the end.
The story starts when 8 year old Annabelle helps Carrick after he crashes his motorcycle. She sees he’s injured and also that he’s trying to outrun some other bikers. He thanks her fir her help and tells her if she ever needs him to call.
We then fast forward 12 years. Annabelle’s step-father is in debt and he decides to sell her. She calls the number she was given twelve years before.
Carrick keeps his promise and comes to help Annabelle. She’s no longer the child who helped him, instead a beautiful woman.
This was action packed and kept me guessing until the end.
June 19, 2023
Talk about a wild ride.
This story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Just when I thought I had things figured out a plot twist would hit and I left a bit shocked. Annabelle and Carrick meet under the craziest circumstances and she saves his life, only for years to pass and for him to save hers right back. He thinks he can walk away and that’ll be it. A life for a life. But life is never really that simple is it? Hidden pasts, the MC family, hidden danger, love and so much more.
This story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Just when I thought I had things figured out a plot twist would hit and I left a bit shocked. Annabelle and Carrick meet under the craziest circumstances and she saves his life, only for years to pass and for him to save hers right back. He thinks he can walk away and that’ll be it. A life for a life. But life is never really that simple is it? Hidden pasts, the MC family, hidden danger, love and so much more.
February 1, 2018
DNF @ 50%. Having mostly skimmed to the half way point due to all the internal monologues (which I loathe beyond reproach) and beyond cheesy dialogue (character dialogue consisted of maybe 2-3 sentences every other page *yawn*) I was hoping something would shift once the two mains hooked up. Nope. Zilch. Nada. L-A-M-E. 2*not even worth that*stars
December 11, 2016
Really liked this story from a new author for me. Now I need to read about the other brothers.
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