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When a marriage of convenience turns into the passion of a lifetime…
Holden “Havoc” Thompson
My job as the leader of the Moonshine Task Force is my life. I eat, breathe, and sleep it. The men under my command mean the world to me. Knowing they count on my guidance has kept my demons at bay for longer than I care to admit.
The control I have over myself is an iron fist that sometimes threatens to squeeze the life out of me. What I want more than anything is to live again – let go of the hurt smothering every bit of light I have in this darkness.
I don’t expect it to come in the form of a Moonshiner’s daughter needing my protection.
Leighton Strather
My whole life has been defined by who my family is. In the state of Alabama, we’re number one with a target on our backs. The danger and prestige isn’t for me. I don’t care about the money, and I care too much about the families we’ve ruined.
My brother and my dad are proud of it. They wear their arrest records like a badge of honor. Me? I want as far away from the lifestyle as I can get.
It’s the only reason I ask Holden to marry me. At least that's what I tell myself.
I never expect his whispered yes to cause such upheaval in my life. Even though I resist, I learn some havoc is good – and this one? It’s a whirlwind of lust, hope, and love and all I can do is let it sweep me away.
Holden “Havoc” Thompson
My job as the leader of the Moonshine Task Force is my life. I eat, breathe, and sleep it. The men under my command mean the world to me. Knowing they count on my guidance has kept my demons at bay for longer than I care to admit.
The control I have over myself is an iron fist that sometimes threatens to squeeze the life out of me. What I want more than anything is to live again – let go of the hurt smothering every bit of light I have in this darkness.
I don’t expect it to come in the form of a Moonshiner’s daughter needing my protection.
Leighton Strather
My whole life has been defined by who my family is. In the state of Alabama, we’re number one with a target on our backs. The danger and prestige isn’t for me. I don’t care about the money, and I care too much about the families we’ve ruined.
My brother and my dad are proud of it. They wear their arrest records like a badge of honor. Me? I want as far away from the lifestyle as I can get.
It’s the only reason I ask Holden to marry me. At least that's what I tell myself.
I never expect his whispered yes to cause such upheaval in my life. Even though I resist, I learn some havoc is good – and this one? It’s a whirlwind of lust, hope, and love and all I can do is let it sweep me away.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2017
446 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Laramie Briscoe
165 books2,146 followersLaramie Briscoe is the USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books.
When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix.
Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband and an adorable dog named Gus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
August 2, 2017
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Havoc is the third book in Laramie Briscoe's Moonshine Task Force series and follows team leader, Holden aka Havoc. Holden's protective instincts were always on high alert when he was around Leighton Strather, the most notorious moonshiner's daughter, so he did what he needed to in order to protect her. He married her. A relationship between a cop and the daughter of a criminal may not sound like a good one, but this couple proves that it's actually the best one.
This book starts off after Leighton and Holden are married and living together. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that this story didn't start off at the beginning of these two characters, but it actually never really bothered me. There was still a ton of information of their relationship so I never had a moment where I thought I was missing something about them. Instead I felt a strong connection to both of them and thoroughly enjoyed getting to see them together.
I really liked that there were other things going on within the lives of these characters, and some secondary characters, that kept the pace of the book moving pretty steady. It was just the right amount of drama in this story that kept me captivated, yet did take away from the chemistry between Leighton and Holden. Once they got past their fears of commitment and hurting the other person, these two took their marriage of convenience and finally turned it into a marriage of passion.
Bottom line, this gets a big recommend from me. These characters will steam up your kindle with all of their sexual tension, and you'll love every second of it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble
Havoc is the third book in Laramie Briscoe's Moonshine Task Force series and follows team leader, Holden aka Havoc. Holden's protective instincts were always on high alert when he was around Leighton Strather, the most notorious moonshiner's daughter, so he did what he needed to in order to protect her. He married her. A relationship between a cop and the daughter of a criminal may not sound like a good one, but this couple proves that it's actually the best one.
This book starts off after Leighton and Holden are married and living together. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the fact that this story didn't start off at the beginning of these two characters, but it actually never really bothered me. There was still a ton of information of their relationship so I never had a moment where I thought I was missing something about them. Instead I felt a strong connection to both of them and thoroughly enjoyed getting to see them together.
I really liked that there were other things going on within the lives of these characters, and some secondary characters, that kept the pace of the book moving pretty steady. It was just the right amount of drama in this story that kept me captivated, yet did take away from the chemistry between Leighton and Holden. Once they got past their fears of commitment and hurting the other person, these two took their marriage of convenience and finally turned it into a marriage of passion.
Bottom line, this gets a big recommend from me. These characters will steam up your kindle with all of their sexual tension, and you'll love every second of it.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2017
I haven't read this series in order but I'm glad I decided to start with this one.. I liked it a lot.
Hero was amazing and surprisingly I liked the heroine too.
Now I'll go and read the first ones. 😀
I can't wait to read about Ace and Menace.. It was mentioned that Menace has been celibate for a long time since his kid was 4 years old and his kid is already 15 so here's hoping it's true.. 🙏🏼
🙌🏼👍🏻
Safety note:
Hero was amazing and surprisingly I liked the heroine too.
Now I'll go and read the first ones. 😀
I can't wait to read about Ace and Menace.. It was mentioned that Menace has been celibate for a long time since his kid was 4 years old and his kid is already 15 so here's hoping it's true.. 🙏🏼
🙌🏼👍🏻
Safety note:
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars
After Trick Laramie Briscoe became my must-read author.
I enjoy this series so far, but this one was unfortunately not my favorite.
Likable MCs. Honorable hero. Sweet heroine. But the waiting... They were 1 year together + 7 months married and didn't consume marriage; & the hero pushed her emotionally away? I guess I got the reason why, but it wasn't enough.
As if they lost the precious time 🙁
Looking forward to the next books!
After Trick Laramie Briscoe became my must-read author.
I enjoy this series so far, but this one was unfortunately not my favorite.
Likable MCs. Honorable hero. Sweet heroine. But the waiting... They were 1 year together + 7 months married and didn't consume marriage; & the hero pushed her emotionally away? I guess I got the reason why, but it wasn't enough.
As if they lost the precious time 🙁
Looking forward to the next books!
August 19, 2017
I like this a lot. Reminds me a bit of Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick Regret with a mix of Lady Luck.
August 23, 2017
3 - 3.5 stars??? (confuse me)
It all started as a marriage of convenience but does it have a real shot at love?
Honestly, it was good to see Havoc and Leighton fall in love. He married her to protect her from her own family. The gradual realization that they are falling for each other is believable. It took months for them to "do the deed". Along the way, Leighton also grew as a woman. She was accepted in the MTF circle of friends and became a close friend of Caleb (Menace's son). Havoc also learned to open his heart after being broken when he was in the military. The two of them together are great. So, why only 3 stars? I kinda expected something exciting will happen near the end. Some action, maybe but sadly, nothing. But well, we don't get always what we want.
Renegade is still my favorite so far. The rest of the books, we'll see.
It all started as a marriage of convenience but does it have a real shot at love?
Honestly, it was good to see Havoc and Leighton fall in love. He married her to protect her from her own family. The gradual realization that they are falling for each other is believable. It took months for them to "do the deed". Along the way, Leighton also grew as a woman. She was accepted in the MTF circle of friends and became a close friend of Caleb (Menace's son). Havoc also learned to open his heart after being broken when he was in the military. The two of them together are great. So, why only 3 stars? I kinda expected something exciting will happen near the end. Some action, maybe but sadly, nothing. But well, we don't get always what we want.
Renegade is still my favorite so far. The rest of the books, we'll see.
January 28, 2023
4.5 ✨✨✨✨
I was super excited to finally be able to read Havocs story. He's the perfect mix of alpha and loyal and even though his marriage to Leighton is a marriage of convenience to keep her safe it proves to be much harder then they both anticipated.
Havoc and Leighton both have had things in there past that they left them with major scars. I loved when they were finally able to move passed the past and see the future that they both fought it tooth and nail to try to avoid but, they couldn't deny there chemistry.
I can't wait for Aces story!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
I was super excited to finally be able to read Havocs story. He's the perfect mix of alpha and loyal and even though his marriage to Leighton is a marriage of convenience to keep her safe it proves to be much harder then they both anticipated.
Havoc and Leighton both have had things in there past that they left them with major scars. I loved when they were finally able to move passed the past and see the future that they both fought it tooth and nail to try to avoid but, they couldn't deny there chemistry.
I can't wait for Aces story!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
August 18, 2017
4.5 Stars
I have been waiting on this book! I was sucked in the moment the last book ended and I saw the interaction between Havoc and Leighton. I needed their story! This is the 3rd book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone.
Holden "Havoc" Thompson is the epitome of a good man. He leads his team on the Task Force with honesty and respect. He rescues Leighton from an impossible situation. Even marries her to keep her demons at bay. Had he has the will power of a saint while biding his time to build a relationship with Leighton before taking it further. He doesn't want to have a relationship at all given how his heart was broken in the past. But he is willing to try for Leighton.
Havoc makes the story for me. Leighton is ok. She just kind of floats through. I think she ultimately cares a great deal for Havoc. She is the source of the tension and the pivot on both sides of the law. I hope she grows to appreciate him beyond her physical attraction.
I am happy with the story arc so far. I hope to see more of Leighton's brother in the future as well. Great to catch up with the previous couples. Love the humor and friendship when the guys and ladies are together.
Great read once again by this author!
*Complimentary copy provided for an hones review.
I have been waiting on this book! I was sucked in the moment the last book ended and I saw the interaction between Havoc and Leighton. I needed their story! This is the 3rd book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone.
Holden "Havoc" Thompson is the epitome of a good man. He leads his team on the Task Force with honesty and respect. He rescues Leighton from an impossible situation. Even marries her to keep her demons at bay. Had he has the will power of a saint while biding his time to build a relationship with Leighton before taking it further. He doesn't want to have a relationship at all given how his heart was broken in the past. But he is willing to try for Leighton.
Havoc makes the story for me. Leighton is ok. She just kind of floats through. I think she ultimately cares a great deal for Havoc. She is the source of the tension and the pivot on both sides of the law. I hope she grows to appreciate him beyond her physical attraction.
I am happy with the story arc so far. I hope to see more of Leighton's brother in the future as well. Great to catch up with the previous couples. Love the humor and friendship when the guys and ladies are together.
Great read once again by this author!
*Complimentary copy provided for an hones review.
August 18, 2017
In Tank the second book in author Laramie Briscoe’s Moonshine Taskforce, she left us with a pretty good idea of what was going to happen in book three and Havoc was the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. A marriage of protection, I can’t call it convenience, has two people living like roommates and hiding their ever growing feelings for one another until the heat between them explodes. I loved the slow burn in this story, the bond between these two special people, and the love they finally allowed themselves to feel. The love and romance may have been done in reverse order in Havoc, but that just made this couple’s journey to their happily ever after that much more special.
Holden “Havoc” Thompson is the leader of the Moonshine Task force and a dedicated officer; not only does he protect the citizens he serves, he has made the men he works with his family, and he married Leighton Strather, daughter of one of the top Moonshine offenders in his area, to protect her after finding her bruised and bleeding. One year after he moved her in and six months after they were married, Holden and Leighton are still pretty much living like roommates despite the fact that they both want one another and the pesky feelings developing between them. Holden isn’t a saint, but he refuses to be someone Leighton feels beholden to, them coming together must be her idea no matter how badly he wants her and even then he’s worried he’ll never be able to give her everything she needs. With each passing day Leighton waits for her “husband” to take charge of her and give her everything she wants from him, tired of waiting Leighton decides she’s going to go after everything she wants and that includes her husband.
I really enjoyed watching these two figure out that they both wanted more from their relationship. It was easy to see the trust they had in one another, the attraction between them was palpable, and there was genuine affection, but making the leap from friends to lovers even though they had been married months meant putting their hearts on the line and they both had scars that made them wary. I loved the way they worked through everything and how with each passing day, they found it harder to not be intimate and when they do finally connect on a physical level it is explosive and sexy. Most of all I loved that the conflict in this story came from outside sources, Holden and Leigh were solid in their friendship and eventually their love, and while there were issues that could have easily torn them apart they didn’t let them. Their trust in one another made it impossible for others to penetrate their bubble and in truth only brought them closer together.
I loved seeing the characters from the previous books as well as the other members of the Moonshine Task Force, Ms. Brisoce has a knack for developing intriguing characters and I always look forward to what comes next.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
September 21, 2023
Havoc and Leighton have a love story that doesn’t start off on the best terms. When they finally come together it is an explosion. Similar to all the other “Moonshine Taskforce” our heroes have tragic past. Havoc is no exception and has seen so much battle he can’t really move on. But Leigh shows him another side that he didn’t know he could be. He could find love, he could build a family, he could be someone else’s hero and it wouldn’t take much but a quick marriage of “inconvenience” and a arrest to find that somethings in life are worth fighting for.
But as always I have to put a line in here that absolutely slays me !!
“I don’t want to scare you, because of how I feel about you.” “What do you feel?” she whispers, her voice soft, her small fingers digging into the material of my shirt. “Everything,” I crush her to me. “Everything you can ever imagine I feel for you, and if that scares you then f*** it, because I’m sick of pretending. I can’t do that anymore.”
Dang !! This book is good !!
But as always I have to put a line in here that absolutely slays me !!
“I don’t want to scare you, because of how I feel about you.” “What do you feel?” she whispers, her voice soft, her small fingers digging into the material of my shirt. “Everything,” I crush her to me. “Everything you can ever imagine I feel for you, and if that scares you then f*** it, because I’m sick of pretending. I can’t do that anymore.”
Dang !! This book is good !!
August 21, 2017
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#thedaughterandthecop
Havoc is now available in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon ➡ http://kindlel.ink/Havoc
Amazon AU ➡ http://kindlel.ink/HavocAU
Amazon CA ➡ http://kindlel.ink/HavocCA
Amazon UK ➡ http://kindlel.ink/HavocUK
#moonshinetaskforceseries #hellwillraindown #marriageofprotection
#thedaughterandthecop
September 8, 2017
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Wow! I wish I could rate this book more than 5 stars! Laramie out did herself with this one. Havoc is by far my favorite book she's ever written. I immediately fell in love with this story, and could not put it down. I love Holden and Leightons so much, both characters are perfect for each other. A lot of the books I've read I've felt a stronger connection to one character more than the other, but in this one I connected with them both.
Both Holden and Leighton are very strong characters who care deeply for each other and everyone else around them, I love that about them.Their marriage may have started out as one of convenience, but it has certainly turned into the real deal.
Watching these two open up and fall in love with each other was beautiful. The love and trust these two have for each other is unbreakable.
I can not stress enough how much I loved this one, and I can not wait to read Ace and Mason's books as well. Great job Laramie!
Wow! I wish I could rate this book more than 5 stars! Laramie out did herself with this one. Havoc is by far my favorite book she's ever written. I immediately fell in love with this story, and could not put it down. I love Holden and Leightons so much, both characters are perfect for each other. A lot of the books I've read I've felt a stronger connection to one character more than the other, but in this one I connected with them both.
Both Holden and Leighton are very strong characters who care deeply for each other and everyone else around them, I love that about them.Their marriage may have started out as one of convenience, but it has certainly turned into the real deal.
Watching these two open up and fall in love with each other was beautiful. The love and trust these two have for each other is unbreakable.
I can not stress enough how much I loved this one, and I can not wait to read Ace and Mason's books as well. Great job Laramie!
August 18, 2017
4 Stars
Havoc is the 3rd book of the Moonshine Task Force, and the best one yet! The relationship between Havoc & Leighton has been teased since the beginning, with the huge reveal in the last book that they were getting married seemingly out of the blue. In Havoc, we find out that their marriage is actually a "marriage of convenience" so that Holden can protect Leighton from her violent outlaw father.
The sexual tension between these two is great, and while their marriage looks normal from the outside, only these two know that behind closed doors they have been keeping a friendly, but platonic relationship. I really enjoyed watching Leighton and Havoc's relationship grow and evolve into something "more". I'm a sucker for protective, Alpha men, and Havoc delivers plus promises more with the next book, Ace.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
Havoc is the 3rd book of the Moonshine Task Force, and the best one yet! The relationship between Havoc & Leighton has been teased since the beginning, with the huge reveal in the last book that they were getting married seemingly out of the blue. In Havoc, we find out that their marriage is actually a "marriage of convenience" so that Holden can protect Leighton from her violent outlaw father.
The sexual tension between these two is great, and while their marriage looks normal from the outside, only these two know that behind closed doors they have been keeping a friendly, but platonic relationship. I really enjoyed watching Leighton and Havoc's relationship grow and evolve into something "more". I'm a sucker for protective, Alpha men, and Havoc delivers plus promises more with the next book, Ace.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
August 11, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author and Give Me Books***
3.5 Stars
I am back and forth on this one. Did I like it? Yes. Did I think the past books were, maybe, a little more of a focus in this one than they were in the others? A little, yes.
Havoc and Leighton are, and aren't, a marriage of convenience. there is an attraction between them, and they are both curious where the relationship will take them, but they both seem reluctant to move to the next step with their marriage. Leighton is worried that the leader of the Moonshine Task Force is able to forget that she is the daughter of the biggest moonshiner in the area. Havoc is worried about the age gap. Although it is not really addressed, the impression is that he is about 15 years older than Leighton.
I could just never totally figure out the reason that they were so reluctant to move past the marriage in name only portion of the relationship. It is clear they are both interested in seeing where things go, and that they are both interested in the other.
For me, this lack of understanding as to why they were waiting kept me from being able to fully engage with the book and the characters. I liked it overall, but I wanted to see more of them together, and less of them deciding how things would possibly progress.
I do recommend this book, overall.
3.5 Stars
I am back and forth on this one. Did I like it? Yes. Did I think the past books were, maybe, a little more of a focus in this one than they were in the others? A little, yes.
Havoc and Leighton are, and aren't, a marriage of convenience. there is an attraction between them, and they are both curious where the relationship will take them, but they both seem reluctant to move to the next step with their marriage. Leighton is worried that the leader of the Moonshine Task Force is able to forget that she is the daughter of the biggest moonshiner in the area. Havoc is worried about the age gap. Although it is not really addressed, the impression is that he is about 15 years older than Leighton.
I could just never totally figure out the reason that they were so reluctant to move past the marriage in name only portion of the relationship. It is clear they are both interested in seeing where things go, and that they are both interested in the other.
For me, this lack of understanding as to why they were waiting kept me from being able to fully engage with the book and the characters. I liked it overall, but I wanted to see more of them together, and less of them deciding how things would possibly progress.
I do recommend this book, overall.
January 13, 2018
*This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads*
Title: Havoc (Moonshine Task Force series #3)
Author: Laramie Briscoe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4/5
This is the third book in the Moonshine Task Force series and it's another thoroughly enjoyable read by Laramie Briscoe.
An ardent love story filled with sexual tension and full of drama but written in a believable way no over the top nonsense. The two main protagonists Holden and Leighton are in a marriage of convenience but there's so much more going on between them with regards to their feelings towards each other that they both need to address, this is the story of how their relationship progresses.
I felt that the story started out rather slowly but for me it was exactly what was needed, it felt like I was present during the build up of the protagonists relationship and what may have started as a marriage of convenience turned into something deep and profound.
I can't wait to see what's in-store for us next....
Title: Havoc (Moonshine Task Force series #3)
Author: Laramie Briscoe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4/5
This is the third book in the Moonshine Task Force series and it's another thoroughly enjoyable read by Laramie Briscoe.
An ardent love story filled with sexual tension and full of drama but written in a believable way no over the top nonsense. The two main protagonists Holden and Leighton are in a marriage of convenience but there's so much more going on between them with regards to their feelings towards each other that they both need to address, this is the story of how their relationship progresses.
I felt that the story started out rather slowly but for me it was exactly what was needed, it felt like I was present during the build up of the protagonists relationship and what may have started as a marriage of convenience turned into something deep and profound.
I can't wait to see what's in-store for us next....
July 22, 2017
Havoc is one territorial man, "there are men watching her from every corner of this bar - some from the sidelines, some looking like they're about to make their move. "Eff this," I grab my beer and drain it, as I stand up and walk over to what's effing mine." Holden just can't hold his feelings in at times, “you’ve got me there, baby. I’m losing complete effing control when it comes to you,” I growl out between gritted teeth." Sometimes a woman just needs to hear that she did right by her man, “no, you did the right thing calling me. Me. You always call me. No matter what it is. You have a good day, a bad day, blow a tire, need a hug, need a roll in the hay. You need someone? You call me, I’ll take care of it. You feel me?” I really liked this book, Hqvoc was my dream man, I fell hard for him.
December 22, 2022
Omg !!! Havoc and Leigh’s story was a toxic rollercoaster and I can’t say I will get over this book anytime soon !! Woah this knocked my freaking socks off !!
August 16, 2017
I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book
I loved it. This book was about Leighton and Holden 'Havoc'. We met Leighton's family in the previous books, they are moonshiners and Leighton is their daughter. But she never really felt part of their family. She was the one who did the family's books and she met Havoc when he came to speak to her father and grandfather. Leighton was in the process of trying to get away from her family when her father found out she was stealing from his money, and was not very impressed was an understatement. Leighton got away from them and for her protection Havoc decided to be her protector. So he married her and they have been together ever since.
But for most of the time their marriage was a marriage of convenience. But what they didn't know was that they both had feelings for each other. And it was becoming more and more difficult to be sleeping in the same bed, living in the same house, being married but not being a married couple.
This story is about the leader of the moonshine team and even though both of these characters come into this relationship with issues and both have a fear of rejection, they find that they can't get away from their feelings and that maybe they both want this marriage to be more than just a marriage of convenience.
Loved this book, love these characters.
Man I want Mason's book. And then there is Ace who is going to be a handful I think. Can't wait.
Reviewed on behalf of
I loved it. This book was about Leighton and Holden 'Havoc'. We met Leighton's family in the previous books, they are moonshiners and Leighton is their daughter. But she never really felt part of their family. She was the one who did the family's books and she met Havoc when he came to speak to her father and grandfather. Leighton was in the process of trying to get away from her family when her father found out she was stealing from his money, and was not very impressed was an understatement. Leighton got away from them and for her protection Havoc decided to be her protector. So he married her and they have been together ever since.
But for most of the time their marriage was a marriage of convenience. But what they didn't know was that they both had feelings for each other. And it was becoming more and more difficult to be sleeping in the same bed, living in the same house, being married but not being a married couple.
This story is about the leader of the moonshine team and even though both of these characters come into this relationship with issues and both have a fear of rejection, they find that they can't get away from their feelings and that maybe they both want this marriage to be more than just a marriage of convenience.
Loved this book, love these characters.
Man I want Mason's book. And then there is Ace who is going to be a handful I think. Can't wait.
Reviewed on behalf of
August 18, 2017
Title: Havoc
Author: Laramie Briscoe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Moonshine Task Force #3)
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
I really need this series, these guys and their ladies loves, to go on forever.
I seriously can’t get enough.
First, we had Renegade and he just, God, he made me swoon in every wonderful way imaginable. Then came Tank and while I had issues with that story that kept it from being quite like it was with Renegade (little reader things), I still absolutely loved Tank. And now, now we have Havoc, and good lord, I got those happy shiny, swoony feelings all over again.
I’m not always on the alpha male bus. At least not the guys that are inherently that way, without some sort of wiggle room. Laramie Briscoe gives me that wiggle room I need, the tenderness to the protectiveness. The romance going hand in hand with the passionate dirty talking nature. She makes me love these guys. Love their hearts and minds, alongside their bodies and it’s definitely most apparent as it pertains to Havoc. He’s the boss man on top of being what I suppose some would figure the most alpha of them all. Yet, the way he cared about this woman, how long he cared about her and no one had a clue, even the heroine, and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to be with this woman, it was a beautiful thing.
Talk about seeing the woman of your dreams and never looking elsewhere. This guy was loyal and loving straight to the end.
Another thing I absolutely love about this series of books is, the drama when it does appear, is never anything insane. It’s never drawn out for the sake of drawing it out and filling pages and it always ends in such a way where no one has torn apart or having done something they can never come back from. It’s there but it’s there for a reason and it works every single time.
This author has a gift and as long as she has this gift, she’s also going to have this fan. A wonderful read and I can’t wait for more from this wonderful series. The only question is, who do I want more? Ace or Menace lol.
My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read this before the official release. Havoc’s journey was one I was thrilled to be a part of.
July 22, 2017
When a marriage of convenience turns into the passion of a lifetime…..
Havoc by Laramie Briscoe is the third installment in the Moonshine Task Force Series. Every book can easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend to read the books in order. The other books in the series are Renegade and Tank.
Havoc picks up where Tank ends.Tank was severely injured by a member of the Strather family. Leighton Strather is the daughter of the Moonshine Task Force´s enemy number one. She´s in danger and to protect her, the by 16 years older Holden Thompson- Havoc- marries her. Leighton is torn between loyality to her old family and her new husband and her friends fromthe Moonshine Task Force.
I love the series so much, and Havoc is no exception. Laramie Briscoe did it again. She wrote a great book with brilliant characters and a great story.
Tank is my favorite read in the series with Havoc a close second. I recommend the book and give 5 breathless stars. Thank you Laramie Briscoe!
Havoc by Laramie Briscoe is the third installment in the Moonshine Task Force Series. Every book can easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend to read the books in order. The other books in the series are Renegade and Tank.
Havoc picks up where Tank ends.Tank was severely injured by a member of the Strather family. Leighton Strather is the daughter of the Moonshine Task Force´s enemy number one. She´s in danger and to protect her, the by 16 years older Holden Thompson- Havoc- marries her. Leighton is torn between loyality to her old family and her new husband and her friends fromthe Moonshine Task Force.
I love the series so much, and Havoc is no exception. Laramie Briscoe did it again. She wrote a great book with brilliant characters and a great story.
Tank is my favorite read in the series with Havoc a close second. I recommend the book and give 5 breathless stars. Thank you Laramie Briscoe!
August 18, 2017
Havoc is the third book in the Moonshine Task Force Series and every bit as exciting and enthralling
as the previous two. An easy flow, deep and endearing characters, action, and some serious steam, all made this one impossible to put down.
Pushed together through unlikely and difficult circumstances, Leighton and Holden just seem to fit. Holden's immediate need to protect her was so sweet and selfless. Their connection was strong and something even they didn't fully understand. I was so caught up in these two.
In addition to the romance we are given such an engaging storyline. The action and suspense tied to the case was incredibly intriguing. While each of the books in the series connect and have similar aspects, they are all so different. Each couple with their own story to tell and I have loved all of them.
I'm eager to see what we get next!
July 23, 2017
WOW !! I loved Renegade and Whitney's story. I loved Trevor and Blaze's story. I have to say Holden and Leighton's story just took this series to a whole new level. I am having a hard time finding the right words to describe what an incredible book this was. There was so much heat, so much passion but it was also sweet and such an amazing love story. Holden loved Leighton but was so afraid to let that love show. He hid it behind his walls. Leighton was so in love with Holden but so afraid that once he did not need to protect her anymore he would let her go. This book was the ultimate love story of a man and woman who love each other so desperately that they would do anything to protect the other. From the very first page you know they love each other. You get to watch this love grow and develop into something special. I loved this book and I cannot wait until the next one. The Moonshine Task Force series is a MUST read.
I voluntarily received a copy for my honest review.
I voluntarily received a copy for my honest review.
April 4, 2023
Out of the 3 in this series, so far this one is the best. I liked how Havoc was with Leighton. Sure things were a bit odd at the start, but he supported her in the way that he knew how. I liked that as things changed they started to be bold an talk about how their feelings were. It seemed like once they crossed that line, things really looked up for them as they were finally all in. I also liked that by marrying Havoc, Leighton got the family and friends she had always longed for.
August 18, 2017
Havoc is the third book in the Moonshine Task Force (MTF) series and it just keeps getting better. This book has the older man younger woman trope with a little hint of forbidden love written in, as Holden is the leader of MTF and Leighton is the daughter of the most wanted moonshiner in the state.
Leighton grew up the only daughter in a family with a moonshine legacy. Their family of all males are abusive, cold, ruthless and only have one thing that’s important to them and that’s the moonshine and what they can profit out of it. Leighton was very close to her younger brother growing up, but that bond is tested when he goes to jail for causing the accident that almost killed Tank in book two. Their father drilled into their heads that their mother ran off when they were young because they were terrible kids and she didn’t want to be a mother. Leighton longed to have a caring mother to take care of her and her brother and always wondered where she was. Will she ever find out what really happened?
Holden met Leighton when he came to their home to talk with their father when Leighton was just a teenager. Leighton was smitten with the handsome and rugged law man. Years later their paths cross again in a bar when Leighton’s friends give her a dare to kiss the first man that walks through the door. Leighton took the bet and fate would have it that Holden was the first one through that door. She walked up to him and laid an amazing kiss on him that neither one could forget.
Leighton hated being a part of their family’s moonshine business and wanted to escape and make something of her life. She worked on the family’s books because she was good with numbers and was able to squirrel away money hiding it in the ledgers until one day her father caught on. He beat her up and she was able to escape and vowed never to return. Blaze saw her and treated her for her injuries, but Blaze also called Holden so he was aware of the situation. Holden arrived and after they discussed what happened he offered Leighton to take her home and live with him, under his protection until they figured something out. That turned out to be a marriage of convenience, that really wasn’t so convenient, if you get my drift. The attraction was already there.
I won’t give away any more of the story. This is my favorite so far in the MTF. I loved Holden and Leighton’s characters and their development throughout the story. There was a lot of sexual tension and slow build to their relationship. Their chemistry was off the charts! The secondary characters were strong and provided great support for the couple. There was a terrific mystery going on with the moonshine and with new characters that were introduced. The pace and flow of the book was on point. This book can be read as a standalone, but to really enjoy the richness of the characters, start from the beginning! I can’t wait for the next book!
ARC kindly provided by Give Me Books for an honest review.
Leighton grew up the only daughter in a family with a moonshine legacy. Their family of all males are abusive, cold, ruthless and only have one thing that’s important to them and that’s the moonshine and what they can profit out of it. Leighton was very close to her younger brother growing up, but that bond is tested when he goes to jail for causing the accident that almost killed Tank in book two. Their father drilled into their heads that their mother ran off when they were young because they were terrible kids and she didn’t want to be a mother. Leighton longed to have a caring mother to take care of her and her brother and always wondered where she was. Will she ever find out what really happened?
Holden met Leighton when he came to their home to talk with their father when Leighton was just a teenager. Leighton was smitten with the handsome and rugged law man. Years later their paths cross again in a bar when Leighton’s friends give her a dare to kiss the first man that walks through the door. Leighton took the bet and fate would have it that Holden was the first one through that door. She walked up to him and laid an amazing kiss on him that neither one could forget.
Leighton hated being a part of their family’s moonshine business and wanted to escape and make something of her life. She worked on the family’s books because she was good with numbers and was able to squirrel away money hiding it in the ledgers until one day her father caught on. He beat her up and she was able to escape and vowed never to return. Blaze saw her and treated her for her injuries, but Blaze also called Holden so he was aware of the situation. Holden arrived and after they discussed what happened he offered Leighton to take her home and live with him, under his protection until they figured something out. That turned out to be a marriage of convenience, that really wasn’t so convenient, if you get my drift. The attraction was already there.
I won’t give away any more of the story. This is my favorite so far in the MTF. I loved Holden and Leighton’s characters and their development throughout the story. There was a lot of sexual tension and slow build to their relationship. Their chemistry was off the charts! The secondary characters were strong and provided great support for the couple. There was a terrific mystery going on with the moonshine and with new characters that were introduced. The pace and flow of the book was on point. This book can be read as a standalone, but to really enjoy the richness of the characters, start from the beginning! I can’t wait for the next book!
ARC kindly provided by Give Me Books for an honest review.
August 17, 2017
Laramie Briscoe just keeps writing winners in this series.
Holden, aka Havoc, is the leader of the Moonshine Task Force and is married to Leighton Strather, aka Princess of Moonshine. What starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into the real thing for both of them. However, they are both so jaded that they take FOREVER to truly admit their feelings for each other. I get Leighton's reasons; she was abandoned by her mother when she was young and her dad was manipulative and emotionally, if not sometimes physically, abusive. Holden's reason for holding back his feelings? The girl he dated when he enrolled in the military, straight out of high school, dumped him while he was overseas. He's 36 now. How much did his 18 year old self love this girl that she had THAT kind of hold on him for all those years? I call bullsh*t ;)
It was great seeing the friendship between Blaze, Whitney and Leighton. And of course I love the camaraderie between the guys. We got to get to know Menace and Ace a little more and now I can't wait for their stories. I don't know which I'm looking forward too more...Ace and what is happening (or not happening) with Violet or Menace who is a single dad. I bet that teacher conference he's scheduled will be interesting ;)
*thanks to Give Me Books Promotions for sharing a copy of this with me*
Holden, aka Havoc, is the leader of the Moonshine Task Force and is married to Leighton Strather, aka Princess of Moonshine. What starts out as a marriage of convenience, turns into the real thing for both of them. However, they are both so jaded that they take FOREVER to truly admit their feelings for each other. I get Leighton's reasons; she was abandoned by her mother when she was young and her dad was manipulative and emotionally, if not sometimes physically, abusive. Holden's reason for holding back his feelings? The girl he dated when he enrolled in the military, straight out of high school, dumped him while he was overseas. He's 36 now. How much did his 18 year old self love this girl that she had THAT kind of hold on him for all those years? I call bullsh*t ;)
It was great seeing the friendship between Blaze, Whitney and Leighton. And of course I love the camaraderie between the guys. We got to get to know Menace and Ace a little more and now I can't wait for their stories. I don't know which I'm looking forward too more...Ace and what is happening (or not happening) with Violet or Menace who is a single dad. I bet that teacher conference he's scheduled will be interesting ;)
*thanks to Give Me Books Promotions for sharing a copy of this with me*
July 22, 2017
I began the slow slide into love with Holden "Havoc" Thompson in Tank, but that slow fall turned into a fast tumble from page one of this book. Watching as he helped Leighton to blossom, gently helping her to find herself and her own identity away from the shadow of her family's name, brought me so much happiness.
"Love is love, and you can try to cut it every other way, but it is what it is."
I absolutely adored the slow burn between the two, but my goodness was I ecstatic when they finally gave in to the fire that built between them. Everyone deserves their own happy ending, but sometimes, you want that happy ending to come so much faster for some and these two were definitely at the top of the list!
"Best dare I ever took."
Another brilliant story, Miss Laramie Briscoe! I can't wait to see what you bring your readers next with Ace and Menace!
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
"Love is love, and you can try to cut it every other way, but it is what it is."
I absolutely adored the slow burn between the two, but my goodness was I ecstatic when they finally gave in to the fire that built between them. Everyone deserves their own happy ending, but sometimes, you want that happy ending to come so much faster for some and these two were definitely at the top of the list!
"Best dare I ever took."
Another brilliant story, Miss Laramie Briscoe! I can't wait to see what you bring your readers next with Ace and Menace!
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
August 31, 2017
I've wanted havoc aka Holden since the beginning. He was the older wiser boss man and I couldn't wait for this story. He was still all those things, but also a loving tattooed HUSBAND! That isn't a spoiler as anyone reading this should've read book one then two then this and you'll know. I hope the wait for ace isn't too long... I really want menace too!!
August 18, 2017
This is the third book in the Moonshine Task Force series and although each can be read as a standalone, I would advise to read the series in order.
Holden Thompson aka Havoc is the task force leader and a cop. His life up to now has been centred on his work and his friends, with little time for any relationships with women. That is until Leighton Strather comes into his life and he feels an overwhelming need to protect her. Especially from the threat from her father, the biggest moonshiner in the county.
Leighton has always felt guilt. Guilt for her mother leaving her at a young age and guilt for what her family are doing to make money. Living in a crime family pushes her to seek a new life away from it all and she finds this when she meets Holden. When a marriage of convenience is thrown into the mix both Leighton and Holden grab it with both hands. They know there is an attraction between them that after an explosive kiss, they try to fight back from. However being in a marriage and living together, the close proximity to each other can only lead to one thing and that thing is fighting back their own insecurities and hoping that this marriage can become real.
The story picks up a year after they have been married and I would have preferred to have been involved from the very start. It was made known in the previous book what had happened but not through the POV of Leighton or Holden which was a shame. It didn’t detract my enjoyment of the story but would have just given that little more depth. Holden is twelve years older than Leighton and is one of his insecurities whereas Leighton doesn’t feel she is good enough for him.
I loved the chemistry between the two but there was a lot of soul searching and holding back. I just wanted to bash both their heads together and shout ‘Just get on with it!’ at times. Eventually though they can no longer ignore the passion igniting between them and wow when they went for it they definitely WENT FOR IT! It was HOT!
It was great to catch up with the other couples from the previous books and good to see who could be next for their story. I’m thinking maybe Ace?
Overall another great addition to the series and for me Holden is the one I was most waiting for to read about. He is my favourite to date. Leighton was also likeable and I liked this pairing. A good match. I can’t wait to read more in the series. Four stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Holden Thompson aka Havoc is the task force leader and a cop. His life up to now has been centred on his work and his friends, with little time for any relationships with women. That is until Leighton Strather comes into his life and he feels an overwhelming need to protect her. Especially from the threat from her father, the biggest moonshiner in the county.
Leighton has always felt guilt. Guilt for her mother leaving her at a young age and guilt for what her family are doing to make money. Living in a crime family pushes her to seek a new life away from it all and she finds this when she meets Holden. When a marriage of convenience is thrown into the mix both Leighton and Holden grab it with both hands. They know there is an attraction between them that after an explosive kiss, they try to fight back from. However being in a marriage and living together, the close proximity to each other can only lead to one thing and that thing is fighting back their own insecurities and hoping that this marriage can become real.
The story picks up a year after they have been married and I would have preferred to have been involved from the very start. It was made known in the previous book what had happened but not through the POV of Leighton or Holden which was a shame. It didn’t detract my enjoyment of the story but would have just given that little more depth. Holden is twelve years older than Leighton and is one of his insecurities whereas Leighton doesn’t feel she is good enough for him.
I loved the chemistry between the two but there was a lot of soul searching and holding back. I just wanted to bash both their heads together and shout ‘Just get on with it!’ at times. Eventually though they can no longer ignore the passion igniting between them and wow when they went for it they definitely WENT FOR IT! It was HOT!
It was great to catch up with the other couples from the previous books and good to see who could be next for their story. I’m thinking maybe Ace?
Overall another great addition to the series and for me Holden is the one I was most waiting for to read about. He is my favourite to date. Leighton was also likeable and I liked this pairing. A good match. I can’t wait to read more in the series. Four stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2017
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Havoc was a great 5 star read.
Leighton is out with friends and she takes a date that she has to kiss the first man that walks through the door. Holden is pleasantly surprised when Leighton plants a heck of a kiss on him.
She catches him by surprise but he thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I can’t do this,” I whisper. “You already did,” he reminds me. “But if you have to run, know at some point I’ll chase you. Kisses like this don’t happen every day.
We than jump ahead a six months to Leighton and Havoc getting married. He is trying to protect her from her family and marrying her is the only solution that he can think of. The more they are together the more their sexual tension grows. We watch them struggle with admitting their feelings. When Leighton finally makes her move I was so happy, it was like blue balls for both of them.
Their connection is great. Havoc was very protective of her and really watched out for her. What a handsome and caring man. There are some big scary twists that had me in tears. Leighton also started to get braver. The secondary characters were great and added a good element to the story. I was very happy with the ending but I would love to see more from this couple. I have a couple of unanswered questions that I believe will be covered in the next book in the series. Laramie Briscoe does a great job of pulling you right in with her writing. You won’t put it down until your done.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Havoc was a great 5 star read.
Leighton is out with friends and she takes a date that she has to kiss the first man that walks through the door. Holden is pleasantly surprised when Leighton plants a heck of a kiss on him.
She catches him by surprise but he thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I can’t do this,” I whisper. “You already did,” he reminds me. “But if you have to run, know at some point I’ll chase you. Kisses like this don’t happen every day.
We than jump ahead a six months to Leighton and Havoc getting married. He is trying to protect her from her family and marrying her is the only solution that he can think of. The more they are together the more their sexual tension grows. We watch them struggle with admitting their feelings. When Leighton finally makes her move I was so happy, it was like blue balls for both of them.
Their connection is great. Havoc was very protective of her and really watched out for her. What a handsome and caring man. There are some big scary twists that had me in tears. Leighton also started to get braver. The secondary characters were great and added a good element to the story. I was very happy with the ending but I would love to see more from this couple. I have a couple of unanswered questions that I believe will be covered in the next book in the series. Laramie Briscoe does a great job of pulling you right in with her writing. You won’t put it down until your done.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
August 18, 2017
This is the third book in the series and they should be read in order. Havoc is the leader of the moonshine task force and he lives and breathes his work. His past has lead him to lead a life of work and nothing else really. What he wants is to live again. Leighton is the moonshine princess. She wants nothing more than to leave the kind of life her family leads. She hates the things they do and she doesn’t want the money. That’s why she asks Havoc to marry her. I love this series and this book was no different. Havoc is great. He lets a relationship from his past and well as other things dictate his life. Leighton wants a different life for herself than the other people in her family have. Together they live what looks like from the outside a happy marriage. But not everything is as it seems. They are happy but it isn’t a conventional marriage. Leighton is a great caring girl. She is attracted to Havoc and has feelings for him but worries he only agreed to marry her to protect her and doesn’t feel anything for her. Havoc protects what is his and make no mistake Leighton is his and he will protect her even if it’s from his self. Havoc thinks Leighton could be the person to help him live again but he also worries that she doesn’t have those kinds of feelings for him. This book was great and I loved reading how Leighton and Havoc come together to have a real marriage. I love this series and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Laramie you are a fantastic author and I love your books so much.
I was given this book in exchange to an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange to an honest review.
August 18, 2017
Sexual tension and passion…
This is an engaging marriage of convenience romance …..…I loved the premise of this story, although perhaps a little unlikely….Holden AKA Havoc is the boss of the Moonshine Taskforce he is a man who hides his inner demons by keeping totally in control until Leighton enters his world in need of protection ….
Holden and Leighton narrate the story…They are both strong characters and well matched but frustratingly at times there is a lot of reluctance on both sides to acknowledge their feelings because of their doubts regarding the appropriateness of their relationship..he is a fair bit older than her and she is the daughter of a Taskforce target criminal …I do love series where key icharacters from earlier installments have a part to play in future books and this is one such series… I hate to say goodbye to characters so this is a way of checking up on how they are progressing…all the characters are well developed and believable and in particular the interactions of the individuals, who comprise the Moonshine Taskforce, and their significant others are full of love , fun and loyalty……
This is another great addition to the Moonshine Taskforce series full of drama, but not too much, sexual tension, but not too much and a wonderful passionate love story…. I look forward to the next book….This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads
This is an engaging marriage of convenience romance …..…I loved the premise of this story, although perhaps a little unlikely….Holden AKA Havoc is the boss of the Moonshine Taskforce he is a man who hides his inner demons by keeping totally in control until Leighton enters his world in need of protection ….
Holden and Leighton narrate the story…They are both strong characters and well matched but frustratingly at times there is a lot of reluctance on both sides to acknowledge their feelings because of their doubts regarding the appropriateness of their relationship..he is a fair bit older than her and she is the daughter of a Taskforce target criminal …I do love series where key icharacters from earlier installments have a part to play in future books and this is one such series… I hate to say goodbye to characters so this is a way of checking up on how they are progressing…all the characters are well developed and believable and in particular the interactions of the individuals, who comprise the Moonshine Taskforce, and their significant others are full of love , fun and loyalty……
This is another great addition to the Moonshine Taskforce series full of drama, but not too much, sexual tension, but not too much and a wonderful passionate love story…. I look forward to the next book….This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads
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