USA Today and International bestselling author J.C. Valentine is back with the latest in her electrifying, dangerous, and provocative world of the Spartan Riders MC...
After escaping an abusive marriage, Spartan Riders bartender Ginger "Red" Mercury is determined to live life on her own terms. When the club's VP declares her untouchable and stakes his own claim on her, she finds herself ready to wage war.
A year after inoculating the threat from notorious cartel leader Ricky Cruiz, Garrick "Repo" Stone, the last-standing original member of the Spartan Riders MC, has his focus on something else: monogamy. Having decided to settle down and take an ol’ lady, he has his sights set on Red...and he has his work cut out for him if he hopes to win her.
When a new threat makes itself known, threatening everything the brothers stand for and care about, they’re left scrambling to find out who’s behind it before it’s too late. With the high-stakes game of war looming over them, will Red be able to open her heart to love before outside forces pull her and Repo apart?
USA Today bestselling romance author J.C. Valentine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their amazing children and fun-loving dogs. When she's not writing stories of love, laughter, and steamy scenes, you can find her editing for fellow authors or spending time with her family. J.C. has been penning stories since childhood, though thankfully her writing has improved since then. She loves bringing heart, humor, and happiness to readers through her vivid imagination and love of words.
Vigor is the third book in the Spartan Riders series and it’s a great addition to this series. Each book is about another Spartan Riders member who falls madly in love with an unlikely woman. This book is about Garrick “Repo” and Ginger “Red”. I had hoped that there would be a book about them, since there has been some tension between them in the previous books.
Repo has been a member of the MC for many years. He’s very loyal to the club and he does whatever he needs to do for the club. He’s close to all the members. Repo is cold, distant, protective and possessive, but he also has a sweet and gentle side that Red knows. He can be a little too much sometimes, but he’s a man who knows what he wants.
Red is a bartender at the MC bar and all the members see her as the mother of the club. She likes her job and the members. She owns the club a lot. Red loves her independence and she needs it. She is caring, sassy, feisty and strong.
Repo has always had a crush on Red and he’s determined to make Red his now. He tells everybody that she’s off limit. But Repo has one problem, Red doesn’t want a relationship with a MC member after a failed marriage. She only does one night stands with them. Repo doesn’t give up on Red and their paths cross multiple times. Red does eventually give Repo one chance and everything goes very good between them. I liked Repo and Red together. They belong together.
I’m not completely sure if Vigor can be read as a standalone. There is no information from the previous book you need about Red and Repo to read this book. But someone wants to destroy the Spartan Riders club and there are some links to the previous books. There are also spoilers about those books and I loved finding out everything then. I liked the suspense and the mystery a lot. After what happened at the end, I can’t wait for Brash!
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
Motorcycle club romances are their own animals. They give me a peek into a world far removed from my own and tend to stretch my boundaries as a reader, since the level of misogyny and general WTFery can make me twitchy, but I need to shake things up from the fluffy and funny on occasion.
I like my MCs more on the lighter side of the WTFery scale. For those who don’t know my scale, it’s 1 to 5, with 1 like Kristen Ashley’s Chaos series (they just ride, yo) all the way up to a 5 like Madeline Sheehan’s Undeniable series, aka “oh dear Lord what the Holy Hell just happened, I need an adult.”
So, when I saw this series by JC Valentine, I snagged it, thinking it’s in the 1-2 range and cool. Then I realized it was three books into the series. *facepalm*
Kindle Unlimited. Now, I’m an OCD kinda gal when it comes to reading series in order. I have tried to just go with the flow, but it does bug me and leaves me with a case of FOMO that I’d rather not deal with. Since the earlier books were on Kindle Unlimited, I decided to read them all, in order, so this is more of a series review, rather than a single book. Yay, a three-fer!
So here’s the sitch. The Spartan Riders are an MC that used to be on the wrong side of the law until MC President Blake “Quick” Mahone turned things around and now they ride but they stay clean...ish. He’s a single father who meets Gabby, his son Ash’s schoolteacher and sparks fly in GRIT. The men in his club, like Tucker “Country” Abrams (who romances Talia McKinnon in METTLE) and Garrick “Repo” Stone (the hero of VIGOR), are the usual manly men, can be a-holes but when it comes to their women, they’re ...well, the domineering and stubborn but they love them.
Since the beginning of the series, it’s been crystal clear that Repo LOVES Ginger “Red” Mercury, an older bunny with a complicated history with him and his brothers. Yes, there’s been sex had with many of the brothers - definite a push on my boundaries, but not a dealbreaker, at least the way it’s handled here. Anyway, Repo has staked his claim on Ginger with his brothers (hands off or I’ll break them off, kind of claim). Ginger is NOT having it.
From there, eventually romance happens.
The characters are interesting to me. Ms. Valentine hooked me from Grit and while I had issues with the writing (more on that later), I like the tone of this MC series - the chemistry between the characters (sexual and non-sexual) works and there’s an edge of danger that keeps the action flowing.
The overarching storyline dominates this narrative. In VIGOR more than the earlier books, the tensions between the Spartans and the main villain family Cruiz takes over and sidelines the romance. I think that’s because Ginger and Repo don’t have alot of conflict between them. They butt heads but their internal obstacle isn’t strong, it’s resolved quickly, undone, then resolved again. It felt more drama for drama’s sake. The first third of the book, when it’s more focused on them, is a bit rough around the edges then turns towards the more tender and man, I needed that turn.
Diversity and stereotypes. I wasn’t a fan of the fact that the villains were the stereotypical Latino cartel folk and other than that, there is maybe one more ethnic character, also a stereotype. This needs work.
Attention to detail is an issue. There are continuity discrepancies (locations, ages, things that happened in one book that are changed in the next) that stood out to me, especially since I read the first three books back to back. The stories all have the same rhythm and while the individual romances give the books a sense of completion,the endings are all abrupt with that “to be continued….” feel to them. Ginger and Repo’s ending was the same - I think because it was clear they should be together that the ending felt rushed and just left open for more Spartan adventures.
Ultimately I am enjoying this series, though it’s hard to rate, so I gave all three books the same rating. I would say there’s potential here that would keep me coming back for more and I think Ms. Valentine can create chemistry between her characters, a skill that should be appreciated. I am hoping that the issues I had with the series so far get resolved and that it gets stronger because this is a cast of characters I wouldn’t mind visiting again.
Once again the incomparable writing of Ms. Valentine has me reading an MC story, and yes this is out of my normal wheelhouse, however ; though MC books are not my norm I am quite captured by the Spartans and their women! The Spartans are also a little different than other MC's ; these men can be domineering, possessive , bossy and keep secrets from their women, the one thing they are not doing is running drugs or breaking the law. Those days went when Blake their club president took over and took them in a new direction . However if you have been reading the previous stories you know full well that does not mean other clubs they associate with are as clean, nor does that keep them out of the eyesight of the Ruiz Cartel or the FBI. Though the club has turned over , their is still a long time member or two from before that change. Repo the club VP was freinds with the current presidents father back when most members spent some amount of time in prison and then of course their is Ginger" RED" was a bunnie back when Blake and her where just teenagers, now Ginger the club bartender has turned into an almost Mother figure to the bikers, always willing to listen , offer up advice and some personal comfort to the members. Ginger ; divorced herself after an abusive marriage to a previous member is determined after that marriage to stand n her own two feet and to never be someone's property again. Repo is a formidable man,,stone faced white haired and piercing eyes , marriage was not for him , divorced and enjoying the bunnies for years he has finally come to the realization that since the very first time he was with Ginger years ago he has loved her; but convincing Ginger to accept his patch and marry him is going to be an effort all on it's own. One thing I can guarantee you is telling the whole club that she is off limits without talking to Red first is not the way to try and get her to accept your patch, what ensues between these two runs from comical , to romantic to just plain sad at times and trying to woo the women you love is even harder when the Cartel you thought you put an end to turns out to be active an more lethal than before. When you have a spy amongst your own and he are having a hard time culling him from the heard , just taking care of the ones you love harder when your not sure which brother you can trust. Ms Valentine has given us another fantastic suspense filled romance and has me looking foward to the next. Though you can get away with reading this as a stand alone I recommend you read the series in order. Arc copy graciously supplied by the author in exchange of for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
A silver fox biker relentlessly pursuing a feisty redheaded bartender? Sign me up! I was excited to read Vigor and to jump into the Spartan Riders world (I read this as a standalone even though it's the third book in the series), but very early on in the book I was like, "meh." I didn't particularly like Ginger/Red, though I could sympathize with her situation of surviving an abusive relationship. It was just really hard to bond with her - maybe because I hadn't read the previous books and she is featured in them as well. I felt the same sort of disconnect with Garrick/Repo - the troubles in his last marriage are hinted at but not fully explained and I think more background on him would've done a lot to help develop his character and the story. The plot was interesting; it too drew on points from the previous installments, so I felt a little out of the loop at times, but was able to follow along okay. There was a big bit of drama towards the end and I remember thinking, "how are they going to resolve this is such a short amount of time?" I was mildly disappointed by the abrupt and largely unexplained resolution and am hoping we get more information on it and the new big baddie in the series in the next installment, though to be honest I'm not sure if I'm willing to commit to more of the series. The first book of the series, Grit, is free so I think I'll read it and see if it persuades me to continue on with book two, Mettle, and pick up book four, Brash, when it comes out. I give Vigor 3 out of 5 wine glasses.
A Zealous MC Romance between two headstrong people who are perfect together. Who said you can't enjoy a book where you don't like the heroine at the start of the book. If you are a fan like me of the Spartan Riders series then you know all about Ginger. Ginger always irritated me, I hate that she has a past with Blake because I adore Gabby and didn't like the way Ginger treated her. Repo/Garrick is the VP of the club and has always had an infatuation with her. He's determined to make her his but Red/Ginger is insistent on how she will live her life and reading about Repo trying to claim her was uneasy because it's two determined people who somehow have to overcome their own ways to find true love and give us a HAE. Vigor changed my mind about Red, Ginger is a tough cookie who has a big heart to all and Garrick Loves hard especially his Red! Vigor also gives us more of our favorite bikers and couples (Blake&Gabby, Tucker&Talia) plus we learn that the turmoil for this MC is just starting. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series to find out exactly what's next for the Spartan Riders with the impending threat of the Cartel and just because I need more of this series.
I've said this before .... I am a huge fan of this author's words and combine my love for all things MC Romance and you have yourself a winner. And #winning it did!
If you've read this series from the beginning, you know that the Spartan Riders men are typical alpha mc men, but the club does not do business in the typical 2%er way ... that basically means they don't run their club illegally lol or at least they try. That's one of the reason's I've liked this series so much from the beginning. The drama that comes from an MC Club itself can often times overshadow the romantic journey the author is trying to unfold and let's face it, we read romance fiction for the romance, not the drama ... or at least I do. There are still outside forces that aren't on the right side of the law, of course, but not the Spartans.
What I loved most about Red and Repo is that they were kismet, meant to be. They took this second chance and made something of it. For both of them. AND they were ridiculously hot together. Sparks flew from every direction with these two. Red is a force to be reckoned with and so is Repo and they made for a heck of a read! It went by way too fast for me!
He's the oldest member of the MC at age 42. She's the club girl who services all of the guys and the "club mama". They hooked up years ago and have pined for each other but never pursued their feelings. Then Repo decides he's going to claim her and puts the word out to all the MC that she's not to be touched. She decides to fight it and the standoff begins. There were quite a few things I didn't like about the book but overall it was an ok read. Some of the things tht detracted from the rating... I really didn't care for the h and it tired to me out to read the continual arguing between the two. It was constant from the beginning to more than half way through the book. There were some inconsistencies that kept niggling in my mind. Did she grow up in the club and if so, what was her relation to the club? Or did she just show up for a club party as indicated in the prologue and then decide to stay. There were so many remarks about Repo being an "old man". It made the other characters seem very, very young. The comments would make you think the guy was in his 60's. No cheating and a HEA.
Here we are back with the Spartan Riders MC and you better hang on tight because Garrick "Repo" Stone and Ginger "Red" Mercury is going to set your kindle on fire. And someone is out to take out everyone in the MC and take over their territory. Repo has finally decided that Red is the woman he want to wear his patch. But he knows that she is headstone and will fight him but he doesn't know just how hard she will fight to keep her freedom. Red cares for Repo but after her marriage from hell to Hawke, she is not giving her independence over to another brother ever again. She will not give up her freedom, no matter who the man may be. What will Repo do to win her over? Will Red give in or lose the best thing to ever happen to her? What will happen when a brother gets attacked from the unknown threat? Will the MC find out who the mole is before it's too late? If you are looking for a damn good MC story, then you need to start this series now. It is worth the read and I can't wait for more. **Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
So I'm just going to say it... Repo is a bit of an @$$! He just expects Ginger aka Red to just jump up and down because he chooses her for his old lady?! He's got another thing coming if he thinks the fiesty red head is just going to bow to him! It's quite comical because she doesn't let me in easy. Going so far as to jump out a window! Ha! I kid you not! Garrick, which is Repo's real name, expects her to give into him without putting in any work. She finally points out to him that it doesn't work that way, that he has to work for it. When he start letting her in it actually turns out to be a pretty perfect match made. He can be a good guy at times under that hard exterior. The best thing about this series is how all of their lives are intertwined so much together. The author uses multiple points of view from all of the previous couples plus more to come. I wasn't happy Bambi was back by the way! She should stay gone! It's a excellent novel added to the series and I'm very excited for more!
Given their pasts and stubborn personalities, you just know Ginger and Repo are going to clash, there'd be lots of sparks and their relationship would be anything but dull! Ginger is one very tough, very independent woman, but Repo is up for the challenge, up for rectifying the one mistake he'd made many years ago, and that was not claiming her back then. It takes a life altering event for Ginger to get on board, but that doesn't mean things for these two is blissful! There's some heart pounding action, twists and turns, hot sex scenes, heartfelt drama and a sprinkling of comedic relief throughout. Once again, J.C. Valentine has written another book in this series that was impossible to put down! She asks at the end of the book..."Excited for the next chapter in the Spartan Riders?" The answer from me is "Hell Yeah!"
I won't be rating this as I couldn't possibly finish it. I'm actually quite upset as I love this author's work with all my being but this book, the story, the main male character, angered me to the point of wanting to throw my kindle across the room.
There's being macho and hot, then there's being completely psycho and forceful which I don't agree with. It's upsetting and I apologise for not being able to finish this book but it genuinely upset me.
I'm trying to recall if i've read any of the Spartan novels from J.C. Valentine.... if i did, it musn't have stuck to my brain as much as i would have liked because i sure as heck will remember Vigor. Another MC novel (it's, i believe, my 6th in the past week), this book about Ginger and Repo that started over a decade ago until the two finally succumb to their mutual feelings. Now, the first chapter, i was fully into the story and then went off track for about 2 chapters as i tried to catch up on what happened between these two, then i was hooked with Repo's claiming of Ginger.
4 breathtaking dreams
If there's one thing i can say about J.C. Valentine, it's that she can write a scene so very well that you'll either cringe or sigh in happiness. The mix of these two feelings made Vigor captivating and a book that i wanted to finish as fast as possible just so i could find out what would happen between Repo and Ginger during their claiming, as well as the Spartan's unexpected enemy after they got rid of the one that wanted to get into their territory!
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.
If you are a fan of MC books you are going to love this one. In this book we get Red and Repo’s story. There are ups and downs like any good MC book but there is so much that happens I am hoping that I don’t give anything away. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend you read the entire series. One because they are amazing, two because there are some statements that will make more sense if you know the first two stories.
In this book Repo has decided he has waited long enough to claim his woman and his is making Red his. The only thing is Red isn’t quite on board with that. Repo knows he can convince his little devil it is just a matter of time. However he wonders if outside forces will stand in his way or if his woman will come willingly back to him?
Red has a past and it isn’t a pretty one. The first time she met Repo he saved her from something horrible. However even she couldn’t have known how that night would change her. Not only did Repo save her that night he opened something up in her that when he slammed the door on her she knew she wouldn’t be the same. She wonders can she ever truly trust Repo with her heart or is she doomed to be broken forever?
This book will grab you from the first word and not let go. There are so many things I want to tell you but like I said in the beginning of this review. I don’t want to give anything away. I will say this is an amazing book that I think everyone should read. I would highly recommend it.
I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars, so I'll just say 3.5
Once again I'm jumping in the middle of a series lol But have no fear, I easily caught on to who was who and what's happened so far. I'm sure I'll go back and see what exactly lead us to this point because I liked the characters that I met who were featured previously. And I'm sure I'll keep up now because there were a lot of things left up in the air.
Now, as for Ginger and Repo. I liked them ok. Repo isn't by any means someone I'd be with. I mean, he was gruff and inflexible and I didn't see enough of his sweet side for me to fall for him. And Ginger...She was sassy yet vulnerable. I liked that. However, I'm confused about her past. It was stated several times that she grew up around the MC. She even dated the president when they were young. But in the beginning of the book, she's college age and says she was at first MC party and didn't know anyone. That doesn't jive with her growing up around them.
All in all, this was an entertaining story and I'm glad I read it.
*thanks to IndieSage PR for sharing a copy of this with me*
Given their pasts and stubborn personalities, you just know Ginger and Repo are going to clash, there'd be lots of sparks and their relationship would be anything but dull! Ginger is one very tough, very independent woman, but Repo is up for the challenge, up for rectifying the one mistake he'd made many years ago, and that was not claiming her back then. It takes a life altering event for Ginger to get on board, but that doesn't mean things for these two is blissful! There's some heart pounding action, twists and turns, hot sex scenes, heartfelt drama and a sprinkling of comedic relief throughout. Once again, J.C. Valentine has written another book in this series that was impossible to put down! She asks at the end of the book..."Excited for the next chapter in the Spartan Riders?" The answer from me is "Hell Yeah!"
This book! It was so amazing to read Repo and Ginger's story. With each book the plot just thickens and let me tell you the build up this book has done has me anxiously awaiting the next book so much! I love this series so much and I hope everyone else does too.
Repo and Red travel a long hard and bumpy road to get their HEA.
The chemistry was great between Red and Repo, the story line was an intense one as well, all great things to keep readers interested and to be honest this book had me in its grasp from the prologue and never let go. I enjoyed this book so much I added all of the other books in the series to my Goodreads TBR shelf. I will say that there is an ongoing story line that starts in the first book so if you are the type of person that doesn't want any spoilers I say start with the first book Grit, which is free on Amazon.
After escaping an abusive marriage, Spartan Riders bartender Ginger "Red" Mercury is determined to live life on her own terms. When the club's VP declares her untouchable and stakes his own claim on her, she finds herself ready to wage war.
A year after inoculating the threat from notorious cartel leader Ricky Cruiz, Garrick "Repo" Stone, the last-standing original member of the Spartan Riders MC, has his focus on something else: monogamy. Having decided to settle down and take an ol’ lady, he has his sights set on Red...and he has his work cut out for him if he hopes to win her.
When a new threat makes itself known, threatening everything the brothers stand for and care about, they’re left scrambling to find out who’s behind it before it’s too late. With the high-stakes game of war looming over them, will Red be able to open her heart to love before outside forces pull her and Repo apart?
••••••••••
REVIEW: VIGOR is the third installment in JC Valentine’s contemporary, adult SPARTAN RIDERS erotic, MC, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Spartan Riders MC. This is club VP Garrick ‘Repo’ Stone, and club bartender/bunny Ginger ‘Red’ Mercury’s story line. VIGOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous installments is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: VIGOR contains graphic scenes of violence, questionable behavior, and sexual scenarios that may not be suitable for all readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Garrick and Ginger, VIGOR focuses on the acrimonious relationship between the Spartan Riders’ VP and last-standing original club member Garrick ‘Repo’ Stone, and the Club’s bartender, mother hen and bunny Ginger ‘Red’ Mercury. Years earlier, college freshman Ginger Mercury had a one night stand with the sexy but married biker Garrick Stone, and neither one would ever forget their first time together. Years would pass, marriages would dissolve, and a long trail of men and women, including one another, both in and out of their lives would find the now forty two year old Spartan Riders’ VP looking to settle down. Declaring Ginger off-limits and claiming our heroine as his own, Garrick sets about staking a claim for the woman that has called to heart for far too long. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Garrick and Ginger, and the hunt for a spy inside of the Club. The ongoing war between the Spartan Riders and the Cruiz cartel threatens not only the MC but the women they love.
VIGOR is another dark and gritty MC story line that focuses on the lives, loves and threats against the Spartan Riders’ members and anyone who potentially crosses their path. We get up close and personal with Garrick and Ginger, as well as revisiting two couples from the past: Blake and Gabby (Grit #1) ; Tucker and Talia (Mettle #2). There is trouble brewing for Curtis ‘Taco’ Nash; and someone in the club is ratting out their secrets to the Cruiz cartel.
The relationship between Ginger and Garrick is a frenemies to lovers; a second chance for both in the hopes of settling down and ending the roller coaster and emotional upheaval of nameless one-night stands. Throughout the years Garrick and Ginger continued to ‘hook up’ but Ginger had her share of abuse in a previous relationship that ended in divorce, and she wasn’t willing to let go of her independence for any man including Garrick Stone. Ginger is a strong willed, alpha female who gives as good as she gets but Ginger has a past with the Club President, and it is that past that clouds her judgment about her relationship with Garrick Stone. The $ex scenes are aggressive, rough, intense and provocative.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Spartan Riders MC, as well as the newly crowned ‘queen’ of the Cruiz drug cartel-Luciana Cruiz-who is plotting revenge and the take over of the Spartan Riders clubhouse and territory.
Like many MC stories and series, the biker lifestyle is dangerous and dark. There are no hearts and flowers: the men are rough, misogynistic, and somewhat abusive-woman are used; rarely respected, and nothing more than an object for sexual release and aggression. Monogamy is rare; respect is limited. Finding the woman that calls to their heart is uncommon but the Club members are each slowly succumbing to love and a happily ever after-for now. The premise is edgy; the characters are rough, brash and independent; the romance is spirited and intense.
The sexy and rugged men of the Spartan Riders MC return in this rousing and suspenseful tale that takes the Club through many highs and lows before leaving readers wondering what comes next in an ending that has me excitedly counting down the days until the next installment. Alongside the dangerous machinations of a drug cartel is a battle of the sexes romance between a long-time member of the Club and the sassy redhead who's tempted him for years. As they wage a sensual war of words readers will find themselves quickly consumed by this tale and furiously turning the pages to reach the immensely satisfying conclusion.
Garrick "Repo" Stone's been with the Club since the days of drugs and criminal activities reigned, but with a new president the Club's gone clean. Repo's seen a lot in that time, done a lot of things he's not proud of, but he's not one to apologize. The only regrets he has concern bartender Ginger, the woman who came to their Club years ago and has consumed his thoughts everyday since that moment. Theirs is a combustible connection of him wanting to claim her and her afraid of losing herself in a relationship once again. As he fights to win her over, outside forces conspire to bring down the Club from within as well as from the outside in acts that were shocking and gasp-inducing. Repo's a sexy beast with exotic looks who wears his bad boy persona like a comfortable leather jacket. He's a bit rough around the edges with a hardened personality and a talent for dirty talk and naughty deeds that had me blushing. When he's around Ginger though a softer side emerges that has him willing to compromise to claim her. Through all the personal highs and lows his dedication to the Club never wavers and with this latest threat friends and lovers need to stick together now more than ever.
Ginger "Red" Montgomery came to the Club when she was young looking for excitement. What she ultimately found was an unrequited love for a man hardened by life, a marriage that left her bruised and leery of belonging to another, along with an unconventional family. Red's become the mother hen of the Club, a sounding board to all the men who come through the door. She's respected with a strong will, a sassy woman who likes her independent life and doesn't want to settle for any one man. She's unapologetic when it comes to going after what she wants which made her all the more likable as she was no shrinking violet. Though her heart's always belonged to Garrick she doesn't want to be controlled and fears that his old fashioned ideals will smother her which has her leading him on a merry chase. When her life is threatened though she realizes what's truly important in a satisfying and cheer-inducing denouement. Red's an immensely likable heroine who readers will be rooting for in her romantic tug-of-war with Garrick. She gives as good as she gets and her interactions with the other old ladies of the Club were entertaining and reminiscent of a rebellious Nancy Drew as they dug deep into the actions of a revitalized drug cartel bent on destroying the Club.
This was a true thrill ride that nicely juggled a few different storylines. From the combustible sensual war between Repo and Red along with another unrequited romance, to the threats of traitors and an insane new leader in the drug world, readers will be constantly on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. As the romance heats up the actions of the drug cartel get even more desperate as they wage an all-out war on the Club. With a dramatic opening salvo directed towards the Club, loyalties are put in doubt as traitors can be found everywhere. With its jaw-dropping conclusion leaving readers clamoring for more, Ms. Valentine has once again crafted an exhilarating tale that had my heart racing from the very first page to the last.
I devoured this book! It captured me right from the start and wouldn't let go. It starts out on the first meeting of Ginger "Red" Mercury and club VP, Garrick "Repo" Stone. Repo saved Ginger from being assaulted and their chemistry is instant and explosive. They had a night of fiery passion, but Repo was married and couldn't offer her more. Now years later, they are both single, and recovering from tragic marriages. They have a history, and Repo is tired of running from his feelings for Ginger and is letting it be known. Ginger is strong and independant and wants a partnership. She doesn't want to be in a one-sided, loveless relationship like before. She trusts Repo with her body but not her heart. Repo and Ginger are both strong willed and stubborn and have been free and independant for a long time. But the more time they spend together, they realize how well they fit. But when someone is out to take down the club and claim their turf, everyone is on high alert and no one is safe. I really love Ginger and Repo and was cheering for them all the way. Ginger is so kind, attentive, and makes everyone feel special. But she came from such abuse that she is unwilling to make herself vulnerable again. When she realizes that Repo sees what she needs and takes care with her, she can't deny he is the man for her. Repo was honest, loyal, and had a strong moral compass that she loved. They are perfect for each other but struggled to find that right balance to work together. When they did, they were an effective force! I loved their banter, it is their foreplay, leading to a passion that is fiery and explosive. We also see more from Blake & Gabby, and Tucker & Talia. They are all struggling for balance and life in this war with the cartel. This story is so multifaceted, funny, exhilarating, and sexy. It is fast paced and the twists and turns kept me guessing throughout and is a nail biter! It ended way too soon for me, leaving me wanting more of the Spartan Riders, and the women who love them! I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series!
So first and foremost, this is not a standalone! The first two books lead up to what happens in this one. Now, we have watched Repo and Ginger since book one, and we have seen the dancing around they are doing. Repo has already told everyone that Ginger was now off limits and to be left alone as he was claiming her. The only tiny, itty bitty, problem is that Ginger doesn't want to be claimed. After she ended her marriage to what sounds like a real douche bag, she has promised herself that she will never go back into that type of relationship again, she deserves better. Repo has to prove that he actually loves her and wants her; not just that he wants to "own" her. But will he get the chance?
So, I am a bit on the fence with this one. This was an amazing MC read. I.E. lots of action. As for the romance aspect of this... they sort of got on my nerves at one point. For someone that only had eyes for Repo, she pushed him away more often than not. The background on Ginger was a bit confusing. There is one scene that I don't want to spoil but if you have to resort to those measures than maybe she's just not that into you. I was so excited about this one, but in the end I was left feeling that it was just ok. I was more interested in Taco than I was Ginger and Repo and as they were supposed to be the main focus that was just a bit sad. So I give this 3.5 stars.
What an awesome book! Vigor by J.C. Valentine delivers an action packed, full body adventure. The story is intense and very hot. I absolutely adore the characters of the Spartan Riders. Repo and Reds story left me emotional at times. I also enjoy see bits of the other characters we have come to love. Ginger, Red, is one tough, smart and amazing woman. She is strong, fierce, and independent, with a heart of gold. You see her compassion and love . She is a rare find. Which is why Repo, aka Garrett, wants her for his own. What to say about Repo? MMM... hot, sexy, strong, and loyal. He is also set in his ways and change is hard for him. I saw him struggle and learn to change. It was fabulous. He is an awesome character. Reading their story will inspire you. Give you hope and hold out for forever. It is a fun adventure with the Spartan Riders. You do not want to miss it.
We've met Ginger and Garrick in the first two Spartan books. There is a continuation of a backgrounds story so it is helpful to read the first two books, although not necessary. Ginger, AKA Red, runs the bar and is like a mom to everyone at the MC. She is like the "head" bunny and loves a good tumble in the sack with many from the Spartans. However, once Garrick, AKA Repo, decides she's all his, no one is going to touch her. Red is beyond furious as she is her own woman and no man will ever own her again (her marriage to Hawke wasn't a good one and left a bitter taste in her mouth). Repo, however, is just as stubborn as she is. Despite a slow start, I loved the banter between these two strong characters. I can't wait for the next book (maybe it's Taco's turn?) and to see what happens with the Cartel and The Mantis!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
While I really like the story and the characters, I was not a fan of this book just leaving my hanging! Yes, while I know that it is serial and the storyline flows from one book to the next, I do not like to be left hanging with such a big event happening at the end of the book.
Yes, it addresses (kind of) the ending of a big event in this book relating to the girls Gabby & Ginger but I felt that this book just stopped in the middle. It was kind of, "Hi, how you doing? THE END."
Frankly, if this had not been an ARC and I knew this beforehand, I would have waited to read this until the next book came out.
One of my favorite genre's is MC Romance. Vigor is not the typical MC Romance but I really enjoyed it. The members of the Spartans MC are pretty much like all the of the MC books I have read. They are domineering, possessive , bossy and keep secrets from their old ladies, however, they do not run drugs or weapons, and they are on the right side of the law. The women are strong and intelligent and seem to keep the men on their toes. The relationship between Repo (Garrick) and Red (Ginger) was a little unusual with Repo being the one who wants to settle down which made this a fun read. I can't wait to read more of this series.
Vigor was a good book. While at times I was ready to kill Repo, I did end up liking him more than I thought I would. The back and forth between the two will definitely keep you on your toes just waiting to see what will happen. I am so glad she stood her ground and didn't let him run all over her. I did enjoy this one and look forward to the next.
I received a free copy on exchange for an honest review. I love this book I loved these characters and enjoyed hearing more from them. JC always keeps you engaged in the story. I look forward to reading more from her.
After her disastrous marriage finally comes to an end Ginger Mercury is more than ready to be on her own for a while, do things on her terms and not have to answer to anyone. But before she can fully start to enjoy being free she learns that someone in the club has plans for her now that she is single and not tied down to another man... and he doesn't plan on letting her stay single for long! Ginger isn't ready for what he wants, and she plans to fight him every step of the way... no matter how tempting he may be!
Repo has been biding his time, watching Ginger from afar, and waiting for the chance to make her his ol' lady, and now that she isn't tied to her ex he's ready to move in and stake his claim. Problem is the feisty little redhead has no intentions of falling for him or his games, she is just fine being his occasional piece, but anything more than that and she is out! But he is in it for the long haul, so he will be patient and wait until she finally starts to see things his way... then he'll finally get his girl!!
This dirty little fairy tale turned my world upside down, from the moment my eyes landed on the first page, the words took a hold of me and held me captive until the last... it was SO DAMN GOOD! It was a erotic, gritty, and passionate read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it, Ms. Valentine totally knocked this one out of the park!! I have been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to get back to the men of the Spartan Riders series, and I have to say Repo was definitely worth the wait, he was everything I thought he'd be and so much more... that man had my toes curling more than a few times!! I highly recommend you can your hands on this book, Repo is sure to rock your world!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.