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The war was over.
The dust had settled.
The numbers were increasing.
Everything had finally started to calm down.
Until one night on a walk, I came across her…

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340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2017

331 people are currently reading
943 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Gadziala

163 books5,395 followers
Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.



You can find her on
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xx

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5 stars
1,438 (47%)
4 stars
1,090 (36%)
3 stars
414 (13%)
2 stars
64 (2%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,336 reviews2,396 followers
March 6, 2017
3.5 Stars


In Lazarus we see The Henchmen rise from the Ashes of their fallen brothers and start the rebuilding of their club. New to the brotherhood, Lazarus is an enigma in the group and someone most people would look at and turn the other way. He's big, tatted up, scared and scowls more than smiles. But under all of that he's a teddy bear, and for Bethany he's a guardian angel. When he finds her OD'ing in the back alley of a bar he refuses to turn his back on her and vows to help her turn her life around.
"An outlaw arms dealing biker and cage fighter who was literally the most giving, kind-hearted, strongest, sweetest, forgiving person I had ever met."

Being completely honest, this book was a hard one for me. The writing was fantastic and the story was one that was very intriguing but reading about addicts isn't my thing and I had some issues with that. In the beginning we see Bethany going through a very tough detox with the help of Lazarus and I found it a little difficult to get through. Again, for my own reasons that had nothing to do with the writing.

After the initial beginning though, I got really into the story and I loved seeing Lazarus with Bethany. He was so attentive and caring for her that I immediately fell for his character. I loved how he never questioned why he was so into her or why he felt so much for her, he just went with it and let it happen.

Bottom line, I will definitely recommend this book and I hope many people will give this series a go. Was this my favorite in the series? No. But yet again, this was for my own reasons and my own preference to not read about Main Characters who are addicts, even recovering ones.
Lazarus playlist:
Six Barrel Shotgun - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Ride - The Vines
Tick Tick Boom - The Hives
Killer - Band of Skulls
It's Getting Boring By The Sea - Blood Red Shoes
Bang Bang You're Dead - Dirty Pretty Things
Carnival Carnivore - Blakfish

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,564 reviews506 followers
March 29, 2017
This book packs an emotional punch. Lazarus has hit absolute rock bottom and crawled his way out. He's firmly on the other side of his issues with no intent on heading back to the dark places it brought when he comes across Bethany. She's a woman swallowed by the abyss he knows too well and he's compelled to help guide her back.

It's not an easy journey for either of them but their reward was not only freedom but love. The story exudes this deep awareness of some very critical issues and handles them with tact. The characters are vulnerable in a very compelling way. They were also straight shooters. I liked that drama was avoided where it could've been dragged out. The plot was distinct from any I've read and the pacing steady. A great addition to the series.

Safety: No others for either. No rape. Yes to abuse.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,169 followers
May 20, 2017
This was a great addition to the Henchmen series! I find the more books that are written in the series, the better they are becoming. The author has come a long way in her writing since I first started reading her work!!!
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,181 reviews357 followers
Read
August 27, 2018
Title: ➳ ❤- Lazarus

Series ➳ The Henchmen MC Series 7#
Author: ➳ Jessica Gadziala
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Publication:, March 6, 2017

ღ If you are fan of this series you mostly were like me…I was dying to know more about Lazarus.
Renny called them pups, they are the new Prospect .. Here we start a new chapter in the Henchmen
Lazarus over size giant with the heart of gold. This man been though a lot being an ex-addict was hard on him

Now we can find out more about Lazarus back story

💕 Bethany is breath of fresh air for Lazarus, & women who thinks she is unworthy of anyone's love & the secrets that will have your heart breaking in two
In between there are few twisted & turn, but if there weren’t it wouldn’t be one of Jessica Gadziala books

Omg we also get to see some of Pagan & Edison dark side

Honestly I don’t know who book I want read more Edison, Cyrus or Pagan… I guess Jessica Gadziala made that decision for us

On to the next book Pagan


📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕
💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕
Profile Image for Dusti Hanrahan.
298 reviews96 followers
March 3, 2017
I really loved this book but I freaking LOVE the Henchmen. These men, their brotherhood/loyalty/respect just gets me in all the right places.
There is something about a dangerous outlaw, filthy mouthed alpha that just makes me tingly.

Lazarus was such a breath of fresh air. This book is less drama and trouble than some of the others but it had depth nonetheless. The subject was real life and scared the shit out me early on. This hit home for me- I've lost so much to the issues focused on in this book. I actually enjoyed this being a different kind of trouble brought to the MC by the "new girl" and I absolutely adored the way Laz melted for her from the first interaction. Super, over the top insta love for sure but sweet and very "knight and shining armor'ish".

JG's books always flow easily for me- they are simple, fun, hot and -for me- the perfect quick read when I need a not too intense/heavy or dramatic story. I just love the way I can trust she will nt leave me lacking but always wanting more!

I can't wait for Pagan!!!!

Just got my ARC!!!! I need wine and no kids!
Profile Image for Bev .
2,241 reviews486 followers
May 15, 2017
4.5 stars

Loved it. Lazarus truly is everything I want to read in a Hero. He was bloody amazing, and had me swooning he was just that awesome. Lazarus, go on and get yourself right up on my perfect hero shelf.

Although this is kinda insta-love it totally worked, I was routing for them from the get go. Beth is niave and sweet and was just what Lazarus needed to feed his protective nature.

Loving the 2.0 bikers and especially love that we get to touch Base with "The Originals".
Profile Image for Kiri Fiona.
279 reviews14 followers
April 28, 2017
5 Stars…

I am one happy lady right now.

Synopsis:

The war was over.
The dust had settled.
The numbers were increasing.
Everything had finally started to calm down.
Until one night on a walk, I came across her…

description

What I loved:

Oh my God, where to start? So, I love me some Henchmen. If I could read all of them, all of the time, that would be a super sweet deal for me. My point is: I was probably always going to love another Henchmen MC story.

But.

I did not think I was going to love the junkie storyline. Drug addiction isn't a theme I really get into, and based on other recovering addict plots I've read, I was actually a little nervous going into this.

description

But fear not, bookfriends! Despite doubling down on the drug addicts, this was a fantastic story. Lazarus, our newest piece of hotness, is far enough into his recovery to not have me constantly on edge, and Bethany is a total sweetheart that just got caught up with assholes. Like, holy crap, these guys that suck her into the pill-popping are the worst.

Anywho, so all is good on the what if I don't like it? What if my love affair with The Henchmen is over?? front. Oh me of little faith, of course Ms Gadziala was going to deliver ♥♥

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Highest of fives to Ms Gadziala for working all of my faves in there. Always going to love a little cameo from the OG Henchmen and their wives, and their little sproglets.

Sigh.

Bethany is a funny girl. She's a naive sweetheart, and a good girl deep down, and she had me cracking up the whole time I was sitting in her head.

Quote… Are you... nervous?" I asked, not sure what would make anyone want to get into a fight on purpose. I once went at it with the boy who lived next door when I was seven and I was pretty sure I still wasn't over it.


description

Lazarus is hot shit. We didn't meet him very long ago, so I wasn't sure about how we'd bond, but the bondage is strong! We're tight. I love him. I love how Ms Gadziala led us through his backstory, let us take time to get to know him as a person, and showed us his character. One of my favourite things about a Gadziala story is how character driven they are - no matter what's going on in the book, the characters are first. They are important, and we get given the time to fall in love with them. It's awesome.

Plus y'know, he's a sexy muhfucka.

description

And ok - Pagan. I need to know many more things about this guy! All the things, Ms Gadziala, tell me all the things about Pagan! Is he getting a story? Oh, I'm dizzy from the potential of so many awesome stories to come.

What I didn’t love:

Quote… His eyes went all melty at that.


Ok, I laughed so hard when I pictured this:

description

And then I realised I didn't want to be picturing my beautiful Laz like that. So there ya go. That's my negative. How anal could I be?

Overall…
♥♥Still my favourite series of all time ♥♥

description
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,411 followers
December 18, 2018
Beautiful story despite dealing with drug addiction.
Loved the hero. I respect people who fight for their 2nd chance in life, who fight and don’t give up.
Likable heroine.
Zero OW drama.
One of my favourites in this series.

Since the fuck when did it become normal to judge someone by their low moments? We all have them. Those moments aren't what make us. What makes us is what we do after, how we raise ourselves up.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,633 reviews174 followers
March 4, 2017
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*

God I luvd Lazarus



I was dying to know more about Lazarus. I need there was something deep about him. He as been though a lot being an ex addict was hard on him. He had been through all the ways of detoxing goin to rehab and doing it his self. But he knew he needed to get his life on track and I actually liked this about him he knew he had more to do with his life and he was goin to do it. After years of fighting demons and people he was part of the Henchmen MC 2.0 he was a probate but new blood that the club needed after everything they had been through.



Bethany was dealing with her own stuff. Lazarus bumping into her on one of his walks was the best thing that could of happened to her. She was at the worst part of her life but Lazarus didn't care he needed to make this rite. He just didn't know how deep in crap she was.



I did like enjoy this book. But I felt I need more action. I felt like the end was a lil quick i needed more Henchman MC that we had back in Reign. Lazarus and Bethany had to go through so much in this book and i luvd the people they had turned into by the end. They made a great very hot couple and I couldn't get enough of them. Again it was great seeing the rest of the gang it's goin so big now. I still luv the main Henchmen Reign Cash Wolf and Repo. They were what started my luv for this series. They so alpha and that's what I luv about all the Henchmen once they have there sites set on a woman they will do anything for them.



It was great getting to know the new probates a lil more I m dying to know more Edison and Reeves have me dying to know more and I luv Cyrus he is so hilarious. I know his book will be great. I m looking forward to more xxx

Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews634 followers
March 6, 2017
…And again, Jessica Gadziala has helped another Henchman find redemption, a soul-deep connection to another human being and all while getting to be himself, the real him that lay deep beneath the tough guy exterior. LAZARUS is just one more MUST READ that will leave you a melting pile of goo, now I honestly can’t say it is just the story, because the passion is off the charts H-O-T, too!

Lazarus knows what hitting rock bottom is, not just because of the devastation of the club or the brothers lost, but his own rock bottom, his own personal Hell on Earth, the moment he decided his addiction was not going to beat him, ever. Who knows what put Bethany directly in his path. Who knows what made him go to this clearly overdosing and frail woman and decide to become her savior, but he did. He became her rock, her backbone and her greatest support. Lazarus was the one who cleaned her up, dealt with her withdrawal and didn’t sugar coat what she was going through, because he knew and finally, Bethany had someone she could believe in.

Would Lazarus be able to quell her guilt, her self-loathing, her feelings of failure as a human with worth? As Bethany pings back and forth between the amazing woman she truly is to the beaten shell she has become, it is Lazarus she leans on, and if that doesn’t melt your heart, nothing will.

The gut deep desperation and despair Bethany feels is tortuous, while Lazarus’ Knight in Black Leather is everything a hero should be, including his rough edges. This time out, Ms. Gadziala tones down the action in favor of interaction and it works, completely. More proof that this author is a master at her craft! Jessica Gadziala has poured on the emotion, the turmoil and the steam as she targets the tough topics and builds new lives and new love for the Henchmen “family.”

I received this copy from Jessica Gadziala in exchange for my honest review.

Series: the Henchman - Book 7
Publication Date: March 6, 2017
Publisher: Jessica Gadziala
Genre: Erotic MC Romance
Print Length: 340 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews727 followers
January 6, 2018
Hmmm...
I wanted to like this story more but it never really reached the potential it showed in the very beginning.

Considering it started with a pretty 'realistic' description of a drug problem in general...as the main character went through with that heavy issue, it seemed a bit 'trivial and inconsistent' in the same portrayal of the detoxication process the main characters put the female character through...and from there, it all went 'too fast, too soon' for me shoving it all under the rug of a sweetened romanca...blah
Profile Image for Christen.
275 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2017
Loved It!

Wish I had time to write a review but here's my favorite quote...

"Sorry that nail polish doesn't interest me. I'm only going to chip it off when I throw someone over my shoulder and beat the ever loving shit out of them anyway."

Gotta love our little JStorm!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,854 reviews499 followers
August 25, 2021

I absolutely love Lazarus. Talk about the perfect boyfriend.

But while I loved Laz a book about drug addicts and overdosing is always a difficult read. It’s a testament to how well written this is that I’m giving it 4*.
Profile Image for Eva (Romance2Review.com).
84 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2017
*ARC provided in return for an honest review*


Another slam dunk for the talented Jessica Gadziala. The Henchmen MC series is by far my favorite MC series, and Lazarus had a very unique foundation. Addiction under a microscope is an ugly thing. It’s a complex, life shattering and lonely disease for those who have encountered it. Lazarus really delved deep into what a real life struggle addiction and recovery is through the perspective of the addict in recovery, and one who started the book still in the throws of using. Yet, both had very different paths that led them to rock bottom, and then eventually on the course to sobriety.

Lazarus, was such an incredible hero. Always laid back and never really letting anything bother him, his character felt like someone anyone would be comfortable to be around. Yes, he was very hot (like all of them) with his scarred, muscled body, but a lot of his attractiveness came from his personality rather than his looks. Just an all around beautiful person. Inside and out.


“This wasn't some meet-cute. This wasn't some cheesy as fuck love at first sight. This was the familiar, ice cold sensation of dread filling my veins as my stomach plummeted. This wasn't pretty. This wasn't the stuff of fairy tales.” - Lazarus


In a nutshell this quote sums up the start of Lazarus and Bethany’s story. I don’t normally put a bunch of quotes in my reviews, but this one was just too perfect. This was a love story of a very different kind. This was a story of two people whose lives were irreparably altered by addiction. The journey, the highs, the lows and everything in between. They really were perfect for each other. And oh boy was the sex hot! Steamy and frequent there was no skimping on the goods.

Bethany was a very interesting character. Once a “normal girl” who due to some very unfortunate circumstances ended up a “junkie”, had a duality to her that was so intriguing. She was on one hand her old self, reliable, good, loyal, and not an addict. On the other she was ashamed and disgusted with herself for how she ended up. She also (due to addict shame) didn’t think she was ever deserving of anything good. Which was a little heartbreaking considering she really didn’t do anything wrong other than trust the wrong people.

Oh, and as per usual the epilogues are phenomenal! An outstanding book that I would most definitely recommend! It would appear that Cyrus is the next henchmen in line to lose his heart to some extremely lucky girl. I AM excited about this, but….GOD especially after reading this book I am going bat sh*t crazy for Edison and Ross Ward!!! I seriously need their stories in my head! Another thing about Jessica Gadziala’s books that makes the word binge seem somehow lacking, is the abundance of supporting characters that leaves you salivating for more, more, MORE. Edison. Ross Ward. I BEG YOU, lol!

HEA, duel POV, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, trigger would be drug addiction.

Check out more of my reviews on my blog romance2review.com
Profile Image for tito.
95 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2017
Lazarus saves Bethany and the rest is history. In between there are twists and turns with a HEA. I love when we get to visit with the henchmen and the girls club. I can't wait to see what all the other puppies get into with their future books especially with the hot new puppy Pagan. As always Jessica never disappoints and her writing just gets better with every book.
Profile Image for Maria....
429 reviews168 followers
Want to read
February 14, 2017
I can't wait for Lazarus!!!

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Jessica...

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What do you say girl..???
Profile Image for Eleanor.
1,206 reviews29 followers
March 6, 2017
5 Sobering Stars

Wow just wow what a start for the new Pups! So many secondary characters in this book that I just can't wait to hear about! Pagan especially, so intrigued by him.

Lazarus was a great start to this new era of Henchmen. What a sweetheart, so laid back and really just wanting the best for his club. He was like a gentle giant, with his tough outer demeanour and scarred hands, to his gentle way he handles Beth. I think I have a new favourite Henchmen ek!

“This wasn't some meet-cute. This wasn't some cheesy as fuck love at first sight. This was the familiar, ice cold sensation of dread filling my veins as my stomach plummeted. This wasn't pretty. This wasn't the stuff of fairy tales.”

Bethany thinks that she is not worthy of anyone's love and that life has kicked her in the ass one time to many. She doesn't set out to over dose but that’s what happens. She really didn't think she had that much of a problem. She's degusted with herself and feels she doesn't deserve anything better.

The way these two end up together is no met-cute but it is a page turner and I couldn't put it down! Love Jessica’s work and this book is no different. This story sucked me in from the beginning. It was raw, yet sweet and I completely loved reading Laz and Beth's story.

http://realtastypages.com
Profile Image for Christina Sweeney.
279 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2017
omg Lazarus is such a sweetheart I loved loved loved him I think he is up there with Wolf. I loved how the focus was on the couple. I was so glad that Lazarus found Bethany. and all the signs that proved that they were supposed to be together. keep them coming each one is better than the last.
Profile Image for Krystyn.
162 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2021
Addiction, setbacks and successes

Laz and Bethany's story really hits home for me and touches on a subject most people don't understand... addiction.

It shows the bad, the worse and the ugly but also the understanding and the small triumphs. Great love story, powerful with some steam and of course you have to have some drama.
Profile Image for Elaine Lucky.
1,138 reviews124 followers
October 12, 2025
Lazarus & Bethany. He's a Henchman that fights for Ross's underground fight club "Hex" & she's a woman he finds OD'ing outside of Chaz's one night. He rescues her and takes her to his apartment to detox since he's detoxed before from his addiction. A harrowing story about addiction, redemption, trust, friendships & love. She's keeping a few secrets that lets the inner beasts out of some of the Henchmen where we learn more about Edison and Pagan. Also the first mention of the "Fixer" business being created ("Professionals" series which I read first before knowing about the Navesink Universe). Love these enthralling characters that Gadziala weaves together with their past and present and future
Profile Image for Naz.
11 reviews
April 1, 2017
Just finished reading Lazarus and Jessica never lets you down. This book is great and I love Beth and Lazarus together. It amazes me how each couple in Navesbank are so perfect together and yet despite being many couples into this series (and in associated series) each and every one is different and refreshing.
Lazarus also introduces Pagan, and I have to say, I can not wait to read his book. I thought Ross was my top waitlist character but Pagan might have just topped it.
Profile Image for Sara.
92 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2017
Another great book by Jessica!

As always with Jessica's books I loved this one. This book wasn't all about the MC but more about Laz & Beth. I knew when we first met Laz that he had some dark history & you get his story right off the bat & it was heartbreaking. I loved how Laz was with Beth during her recovery & just the relationship they had together. As always when I finish one of Jessica's books I'm left with questions about who is going to be next! There's so many possibilities... Ross, Edison, Cyrus, Reeve, Pagan, Luce!! I can't wait to find out about them.
Profile Image for Iona.
79 reviews
March 7, 2017
Lazarus

Jessica Gadziala is now one of my go to authors. I would one-click without reading the blurb knowing I would love it!

Everytime I think I have chosen my favourite henchman......a new one is written...and a new favorite is created! Laz was sweet, kind and totally alpha. Loved him!
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,003 reviews45 followers
April 20, 2017
Yeah! I liked this one. The last few installments hadn't inspired me, but I really liked it. I guess I like a story of redemption. Hitting the lowest point you can and then taking control of your life and turning it into something good.

Lazarus and Bethany went through hell and rose above. I liked that Lazarus passed on what others did for him to Bethany. He was such a caring guy. I loved that Bethany remembered what her mom said about a guy who like fixer-uppers and how they will never stop loving and working with their woman and will not move on to something new.

Great read. I am really interested in Edison, but have a feeling Cyrus is next :(
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,402 reviews325 followers
June 14, 2018
4.5 stars

Lazarus is book 7 in The Henchmen MC. At this point of the series the Henchmen seem to be enjoying the quite life. So in Lazarus's book it is less to do with a danger surrounding the couple or the club, but the couple themselves. With that said I adored Lazarus and Bethany, they were perfect together. Since they were both addicts and had been through so much, I loved how honest they were to each other. I'm looking forward to Pagan's book.
Profile Image for  Joyce .
1,015 reviews29 followers
April 1, 2017
Another addition to the very well planned Henchmen series. I'm still loving it even at book 7.
It wasn't as dark as I was hoping it would be for Laz, but I love how he felt destiny was what brought them together.
Profile Image for Colleen.
952 reviews44 followers
March 7, 2017
Lazarus just beat out Wolf as my favorite Henchmen… yeah, it’s that serious.

Title: Lazarus
Author: Jessica Gadziala
Series: The Henchmen MC
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Plot Summary:

Lazarus is normally laid back, chill, live and let live. Except when he sees a beautiful young girl overdosing alone in an alley. It trips all his triggers, he sees his own struggles, and takes it as a sign to step in a fight for her. Even if she doesn’t want it. And especially if she thinks she doesn’t deserve it.

When Bethany wakes up in a strange guy’s apartment, she immediately thinks she hit a new low - blacking out and going home with some random stranger. Then she learns it’s even worse. She overdosed. Bethany Bates is not that person. She was raised right, had a loving mom. Nothing in her life says she was going to die of a narcotic overdose in an alley outside a bar… but nevertheless is happened. But then she realizes she is actually in the best place she could possibly be to fully detox the pills that have been ruling her life for the past six months. Lazarus Alexander has first hand experience with addiction, getting clean, staying clean - and he is taking it as a sign that he is supposed to help Bethany.

Getting clean wasn’t a cakewalk for Bethany - but forgiving herself for getting addicted, and acknowledging that it wasn’t totally her fault is even harder - there were other forces at work, and letting Lazarus in enough to see them could put him in danger, along with The Henchmen.

Comments:

I flat out loved this book. I loved the subject matter and the way it was handled. It was gritty, real, and very, very accurate - both in describing addiction as well as depression.

The problem with nothing getting easier was, some days you didn’t want to fight. Some days you just wanted to say fuck it, go out, get a bottle, get some pills and feel fucking better.


But what impressed me more were the characters. Lazarus was nothing short of amazing. His total acceptance of a girl he doesn’t know, with untold baggage, blew me away. Some might argue it was instalove - who takes on a relationship within 72 hours of hitting rock bottom of addiction? - but it was really in keeping with Lazarus’ character - his ability to see past faults, to love regardless of them. He is ‘the guy who can see potential and is willing to roll up his sleeves and get to work’. But Bethany doesn’t think she is worth it and watching her go through that is heartbreaking but of course totally rewarding to the reader.

Favorite Quote:
High wasn’t what I expected.
It wasn’t like the movies.
Not for me, at least.
It was just… wellbeing. I felt good when I took the pills.
When I didn’t, my life came back to me the sadness of it, the hopelessness.

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