Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
She thinks I’m her Guardian Angel. I know I’m her worst nightmare.
I thought I had everything under control. Until the day I saved Maggie’s life.
Most men would melt if a girl like her looked at them the way she looks at me, as if I was her savior, her protector.
She sees the muscles, the tats, the hero the media makes me out to be.
I’d give anything to be that man, to hear her screaming my name as I showed her exactly what a Marine can do in bed, but I can’t let her in.
What I had to do in Afghanistan made me a monster.
If I let her in… I might let it out.
I belong over there, in hell.
I don’t know how to live in the heaven that is Maggie.
She doesn't realize how hard I'm fighting to keep her away.
She doesn't know who I really am.
I'm irredeemable.
She should run.
Before she unleashes a monster that can’t be controlled.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2017

401 people are currently reading
216 people want to read

About the author

Dez Burke

40 books376 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Dez Burke writes hot, steamy books featuring bad boy alpha males.

Go here if you would like to sign up for my newsletter : http://eepurl.com/wxERT

Website: http://www.authordezburke.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
248 (50%)
4 stars
136 (27%)
3 stars
71 (14%)
2 stars
28 (5%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
November 8, 2019
Take Down was the fourth book in the Steel Infidels MC series by Dez Burke. I read it as part of a boxed set but have reviewed each individual story as well.

Take Down was Toby’s story. Toby was former military, Sam’s childhood best friend (book three, Thunderclap) and also a loyal patched member of the MC.

Maggie was a reporter for a large Atlanta news station. She was everything that Toby wasn’t. He was casual, she was formal; He was small town, she was big city. They could not have been more opposite. But when Toby saved Maggie from a near death experience they were linked together forever.

I enjoyed Toby. He was a true alpha hero. I also enjoyed the suspenseful storyline. It kept me intrigued. I wasn’t completely sold on Toby and Maggie as a couple. I desired more development. With that in mind, I rated it a 3.5, which rounds up to a 4 on this review site.

And true to the series, all MC members and their significant others were focal to the storyline. I enjoyed watching the continued development of past favorites. And OMG - Sam and Lila’s Twins! Hilarious - please have a legacy spinoff!

All in all, it was a quick and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
461 reviews40 followers
June 27, 2017
Toby is dreading going to the mall the day before Valentines Day but he was roped into it by his best friend and his best friend's brother. The unthinkable happens when there is gunfire at the mall and it all comes back to Toby in a rush. He knows he has to do something fast and the one person he saves is a news reporter. Maggie knows that she is thankful for everything Toby did but she knows that this story could hep her. Toby wants nothing to do with her or her story.

I really enjoyed this story and this series. Toby wanted to get in and out of the mall quickly as possible but the unthinkable happens and does what needs to be done. Maggie and Toby's chemistry is immediate even if they deny it from the very beginning especially Toby. I loved seeing the other couples and seeing hoe everything played out with Toby and Maggie.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
June 24, 2017
WOW…I just love this series. To say which Steel Infidel biker I liked the most would be hard. They all hold a special place in my heart. This is a standalone so don’t worry if you have not read any of the other books. But let me say this, the previous books are amazing and I would highly recommend you read at sometime.

Though the book was about Maggie and Toby we did get to see some of the other previous characters; like Flint, Jesse, Sam, and their wives. We also got to see more of Aunt Leona which I was happy see. That woman is a hoot.

Toby who was a member of the Steel Infidel was sexy as hell. He had the built women craved, was good-looking, and had some sexy tats. My heart truly broke for Toby. He was broken in a million pieces, damaged beyond repair and least that is what he thought. After he came back from Afghanistan he felt like he as a monster and more of a monster after he met Maggie. The suffering that he endured from his PTSD was heart wrenching. You will want to reach in and give him a hug.

The thing about PTSD is it has triggers, anything could trigger it and for Toby it was being at a mall shooting that made it worse. The thing though is if he had not been at the mall at that time then he might not of ever met Maggie.

Maggie who was a reporter was Toby’s fantasy. Maggie probably did not know how much her life was going to change that day. Her life will never be the same. Her and Toby were totally opposites. Where she was a city girl and from money Toby was a country boy that did not care about money. He was a simple man and just needed the basics of life to make him happy.

There is so many good parts in this story and I have so many favorites. I loved Maggie and Toby’s first kiss. The story behind it all was funny. I also loved the cookie story. I have to tell you Aunt Leona is a mess. I need and aunt like her. There was several times Sam cracked me up in the story as well. Oh and lets not forget Sadie. I loved when Maggie first heard about Sadie. Oh, and my list can go on and on.

I think the author did such a wonderful job with this story and loved how she truly captured the symptoms, pain, and struggles of PTSD. Though you got this wonderful story you also got the message of how there are people that suffer every day.

Toby in this story was in a dark place. He felt like the monster inside him was pulling him down into the darkness fast. He did not like the man he was becoming. Maggie is his light in the darkness and might just be his strength that he needs to get the help needed.

I have to say I am so happy I got a chance to read this story. It truly is a story I would recommend. FYI, there is a little treat in this book that you will not be expecting.
Profile Image for Mary Edwards.
128 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2017
Fantastic book! This is a really great series. The Steel Infidels are a motorcycle club not a gang and as such they may do some illegal things but they are the good guys. Toby has been an Infidel in spirit since before he was old enough to join. Being an Infidel gives him a family and a sense of belonging now that he's out of the Marines and trying to adjust to civilian life. When he, Sam and Flint stop at a mall in Atlanta so Sam and Flint can shop for their wives for Valentine's Day, they are caught off guard by a TV reporter who wants to interview them. As they are trying to refuse, suddenly shots are fired and the cameraman is down, bleeding from a wound in his shoulder. Toby grabs Maggie, the reporter, and covers her and gets her under a table. Looking around he spots one man shooting from the floor above and two more approaching on the same level. He and Sam are ready to take them out but Sam's shots aren't doing anything. Toby takes down two of the terrorists but the third gets away. The three bikers escape before the first responders get there to protect their identities. When Maggie tracks Toby down he is worried about the MC being exposed. You have to get this book to find out what happens with the media storm, home-grown terrorists, blossoming love and recovering military with PTSD. This is a terrific book that held me with every page. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review because it is that great of a book and wanted to let others know.
1,292 reviews15 followers
June 27, 2017
WOW!!!!!
Take Down was definitely worth the wait and I completely devoured it in one sitting as I had to find out what was happening with Toby and Maggie.
I absolutely love this series and the Steel Infidels MC holds a special little piece of my heart.
I love all their stories but Toby had a special story to tell.
His and Maggie story was a beautiful tale wrapped up in heartbreaking situations.
Their off the charts chemistry and banter was hilarious at times.
They definitely were the perfect mix of sweet,arrogant and sexy.
This book has so much action packed into its pages it will keep you turning those kindle pages right up to the last page and you were that engrossed most of your day has flown by without you realising it.
I really enjoyed reading this book as it's a fantastic story that's extremely well written and will have you feeling a world of emotions whilst reading it.
It will completely hook you in from the first chapter and not let you go until you read the last word.
I just loved every little detail of this book and I highly recommend you one click it straight away.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
June 28, 2017
This book starts with what appears to be a typical romance novel meet-cute, but then explodes with so much action and danger that you're sucked right into the story with no hope of surfacing until you make it, gasping and panting but oh-so-satisfied, all the way to the HEA.

Toby isn't just an alpha biker, he's a war veteran dealing with PTSD and boy, does he know how to flirt. He's intense, hotter than hot, driven, protective, and would make a perfect book boyfriend if he weren't too bad-ass for the word "boyfriend."

Maggie is all sorts of sexy and cute as a TV reporter who quickly learns more than she bargained for about life outside her usual puff pieces. She's smart and sassy and at times almost too much for Toby to handle.

The story is told in alternating POVs so we get to experience all the feels right along with them as they navigate a romance that neither ever expected. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,090 reviews60 followers
July 2, 2017
4.5 Stars!
I usually don't read military type books but this one intrigued me and I'm glad I gave it a try because I really enjoyed it. There was a good combination between military and MC themes that kept me very interested.

When Toby, a retired marine, comes home from Afghanistan the only place he fits in is with the Steel Infidels MC. Growing up with the men of the MC it finally feels like he's found his place with a family, but one thing is still missing. After a chance encounter under very unorthodox conditions, Toby realizes the thing he's missing is companionship. Not the Sweet Butts that hang around the club but a woman he can call his own.

Maggie isn't looking for a hero when she crosses paths with Toby and he's the first one to admit he's no good for her. But during their time together Maggie realizes that Toby is the one that needs saving and she's just the woman to do it.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,144 reviews
June 28, 2017
I am not a big fan of MC books, but for some reason, I love the Steel Infidels. You don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. You can just read The previous books for the sheer enjoyment of them.

The circumstances under which Toby and Maggie meet are fraught with action and suspense. Toby was somewhat broken by his overseas deployments, and surprisingly, Maggie was strong enough to stand by her man. They also had really intense chemistry.

The guys are not angels by any stretch 0f the imagination, but they have good hearts and love their wives, families, and each other.

Another fast paced, full of steamy scenes, and entertaining look at the Steel Infidel MC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy, but, I bought the book anyway to add to my Steel Infidel collection.
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,198 reviews
July 6, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this awesome book by Dez Burke. Take Down is a full-length stand alone romance novel with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating or cliffhangers!
This is the story of Maggie and Toby, also we got a little bit of previous characters like Flint, Jesse, Sam, and their wives. This two have a lot of sizzling chemistry!!! Toby is an ex-Marine dealing with PTSD and sexy as hell alpha biker, he has returned from the war in Afghanistan and joined the Steel Infidels MC with his childhood friend, Sam. Maggie Turner is a smart and sassy reporter with an agenda. The plot is amazing and fast pace, full of drama, banter, hot sex, sexy bikers, sassy women, action and suspense. This is a standalone but let me say that I would highly recommend you read the previous books at sometime, they are worth it.
Profile Image for Misty.
285 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2017
Another great book in the Steel Infidels Series. Toby and Maggie are complete opposites but when he sees her across the mall he knows he wants her. The upbeat news reporter looking for the next story never imagined what would happen next or being trapped under sexy solid muscle.
He is a ex Marine with PTSD he thought he had under control but clearly doesn't. Maggie is out for the story to push her career over the top but instead saves Toby and gives him a reason to live again. The Author does a great job handling PTSD and the the struggles our servicemen and women go through. Great writing. I loved revisiting all the Mason brothers, families and crew. Can't wait to see what she has in store next.
I received a advanced copy for a voluntary honest review.
181 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2017
AMAZING!!!

Once again Dez has hit us with another hit in the Steel Infidels series, it was worth the wait for Toby's book. In this book we finally get to read about Toby and what he's been through, we also get a viewpoint of reading how individuals deals with certain traumas and how they try to work through them. This book was funny, eventful, intriguing and it will have you reading from beginning to end. Those twins of Sam's and Sam himself still have me cracking up. I really appreciated the visuals Dez treated us to as well, I really appreciated it. Highly recommend this book, if you haven't yet please make sure you go back and read from book 1 till Toby's, you'll definitely feel more connected to the characters and get their stories as well.
Profile Image for Tabitha Pickett.
15 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2017
Oh my, this book pulled me out of my book funk. Toby is a retired marine in the steel infidels motorcycle group with some issues from the war. Maggie is a news reporter looking for her big break. Soon enough she finds it with Toby who HATES the spotlight. The group moves though the motions of a news reporter being around and eventuality give her a chance, staying with Toby of course. Just when you think everything is going to end up good with them there's a twist. The group is leary of Maggie, her family is leary of Toby and things just keep getting in the way. Making it through is going to be hard, but definitely worth it. This book really makes you feel warm n fuzzy.
Profile Image for Deana.
398 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2017
I loved this book it was the fifth book in the Steel Infidels series, "Take Down!" Dez Burke wrote a great story, you truly get to know her characters when you read her books. Dez tells you exactly whats going on like your right there in the story... I wanted to be the female in this story! ;-)

Toby is a ex-marine finally retired and living his life running with his MC brothers. Till him and two other brothers go to a mall and there are terrorists and he has to take control and save lives. He meets a woman reporter Maggie and thats when everything starts action, romance anything you could asked for... Read the series but start with Safe House (Steel Infidels).
Profile Image for Diana Reeves.
782 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2017
I think it would be hard for anyone not to fall for Teddy's character given the image and what history we all love about him. Teddy is like many who return from the military, he has PTSD and struggles daily with keeping it under control, that's one reason he joined the Steel Infidels. The motorcycle club and it's members have become his family, other than his dog Sadie.

Teddy meets Maggie, a news reporter for the local news. They meet under abnormal circumstances but one look at Maggie and Teddy's heart beats faster and she quickly becomes one woman he can't get out of his head.

A roller coaster ride of a story with dangerous circumstances, passion and understanding those with PTSD.
Profile Image for Christie.
80 reviews
July 23, 2017
I love this author and I live the growth that I have seen from her first book. I love the fact that her stories move quickly without all the "woes is me" and "shoulda, woulda, coulda" that you see in other books. It will take roughly 2 hours straight through. It has been a while since I've read the other parts of the series so it maybe worth it to go back and read those two stories before you read this one as there are characters from the other stories referenced in this book.

Toby: is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He suffers from PTSD. As a member of Dez's FB group I know that she struggled with addressing this topic. I think she did a pretty good job of addressing the issue from Toby's standpoint but I am not so sure about the way Maggie handled it.

Maggie: is a reporter from Atlanta from a very privileged family. Toby saves her during a shootout at the mall. She quickly goes from being aloof to riding on the back of Toby's motorcycle. She also "accepts" the issues that Toby is facing with his PTSD which is strange for someone from her background. Not that she is snobbish like her family but the fact that it is just not in her frame of reference.

The book wraps up quickly.

Nice, good ready. Medium spice on the sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lin ( Nerdy Bookworm).
1,049 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2017
>>>>>>I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book<<<<<<
Toby is an ex-Marine with several deportment to Afghanistan, he return to his hometown and joined the Steel Infidels MC with his childhood friend, Sam. Toby is suffering with PTSD and he hates to admit or talk to anyone about his condition. Toby, Flint and Sam had just returned from a run but stopped off at an Atlanta mall food court for lunch. Toby sensitive alarm was activated his fight or flight mode and pique his military experience with surveillance alert. Maggie Turner, a news reporter with an agenda to obtain news coverage regarding men's gift for their significant others on Valentine's Day. In the middle of the food court disruption begin from unknown men on a mission. The men of Steel Infidels were caught in the middle. The story was well written with two opposite people experiencing insta-lust. I especially loved reading about the old crew again such as Aunt Leona antics behavior with the cookies. It was filled with sensitive moments, a tad of humor,action and the love of brotherhood. Will Maggie family accept Toby? Can Toby open up his heart for love? What will the Steel Infidels do to protect their families?
51 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2017
I love a soldier

Oh. My. Goodness! I just love a soldier, even one that is having problems coming back to civilian life. My heart just aches for Toby. I know some soldiers have problems coming back from the hell that is war. That doesn't make them less of a man. It makes them human. Maggie proves to be a woman with that special strength needed to love such a soldier. I loved the entire series...the way the alpha males love their women. This one just hits a soft spot with me. I want to help hurting soldiers because they deserve it. I could really relate to Maggie's character. Love it! Can't wait for a reunion or something. 😉
12 reviews
July 28, 2017
Well written

I am not a MC fan, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. It caught my eye as ex military with PTSD; I didn't realize MC until I started reading it. It was not the crude nor disrespectful book that I have found in some MC books. PTSD is a common problem with our vets and some do get control of it without treatment while others need intervention. You may have converted me! I do wish they were numbered in sequence. I would have liked to have read in order of his "brothers" weddings as won't go back to read the others as know they did marry their love. Looking forward to reading more of your books!
Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,953 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2019
Need reporter Maggie is stuck on a valentine segment when she meets some of the members of the steel infidels. Eventually talking Sam in to an interview when all hell breaks loose in the mall with shots being fired! Toby doesn’t think twice and jumps into protect her as his training in the marines taught him.

The only thing is that they don’t need media coverage but soon that’s all they have, trying to get the scoop on the hero Toby.

He doesn’t feel like a hero though and even though the chemistry is there between him and Maggie, his past is forefront and how will he cope with the PTSD whilst trying to figure out who did this.

Best book in the series

Xx
Profile Image for Melody Green.
338 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2017
Seriously amazing!

So five stars are not enough for this power house series! I loved Toby and Maggie's just as much as the others. How can you not fall in the with the Mason boys and Toby?! As for the women they fall for well damn they are just as powerful as the men they love. Not gonna spoil a thing but seriously read this series and you will fall hard for each of these bad ass bikers with hearts of gold and bodies you want to lick for days - yes the steamy moments are every woman's fantasy! Way to go Dez Burke!!
466 reviews
July 13, 2017
Love the Story!

A fantastic story, lots of heat and steam. The storyline touched on current issues, that were very believable and very detailed. Strong family dynamics of brotherhood, friendship and loyalty depicted well within the MC. The entire series followed 3 brothers, a close friend and the women they love. We see the beginning of their relationships and how they fall in love. How they deal with enemies and extremists that threaten their existence and their town. A very enjoyable book and series!
3,926 reviews31 followers
July 17, 2017
I love the Steel Infidels! This is the final book in the series. Toby is being hailed as a hero after saving Maggie. Too bad he doesn't see himself the same way. He feels anguish and battles his self-loathing over things that were out of his control. He and the Steel Infidels are a rough MC family, but they are loyal to each other. Maggie couldn't stay away from Toby. I loved that she was strong willed and had a backbone. Great action and suspense, with a steamy romance! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
901 reviews11 followers
June 26, 2017
Toby and Maggie's story is told in Down. I have enjoyed each book that I have read of this series, but this one has got to be my favorite so far. The story is gripping and the pages fly by.

In a life and death situation, Toby steps up and takes action to save countless lives, but there is a price to pay for his heroism. Toby needs to stay out of the spotlight, but a relationship with a reporter could open up all kinds of trouble.
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews24 followers
June 28, 2017
Take Down

I missed these boys. Glad to see Dez Burke bring them back to life. I am a reader. It is so good to get your hands on a book that is not only good to read but also fun. The storyline coincides with previous books but also takes it's own spin and taking it into a new direction away from the brothers.

Although this is a stand alone book, it doesn't have to be. Read the others. You won't be disappointed. 5+stars most definitely.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews257 followers
July 2, 2017
This is the first time I have read any of this authors work, OMG; it will certainly not be the last! This is the story of Maggie who is rescued by Toby, and these two have explosive chemistry together. No spoilers do yourself a favour, and read this one, you will not be disappointed!
This story is emotional, gritty, raw, humorous, heartfelt, and absolutely beautifully written and flows seamlessly. I love MC reads, so this one was right up my street. Loved this!!
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
762 reviews8 followers
February 9, 2023
Take Down is my favorite story within Steel Infidels! Pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the end. This book has everything you need/want in a story – twists and turns, laughter and tears, ups and downs (also those between the sheets), highs and lows – and some scenes just left me heart broken. PTSD – is no laughing matter and I am glad that Toby had Maggie by his side, fighting for him and with him!
Profile Image for Maxine Jefferson.
21 reviews
June 24, 2017
totally recommend this book to anyone. I love Toby to death and for him and any member of the military to go though what they have, I give them my total respect and loyalty. It's hard for them when they come home and to find that special person like Toby did, that will stand by you through the good times and bad, is what true love is all about.
Profile Image for Jill.
32 reviews
June 30, 2017
Never a disappointment with the Steel Infidels!!!

This is one biker club, I would love to be a part of......Dez Burke's Steel Infidels MC club is one of the best story lines I have read. From Jesse, Flint, Sam and now Toby.....you gotta love their passion and fierce love for their women and families. You will love Toby and Maggie's story!!!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
July 1, 2017
Take Down by Dez Burke is a hot and sexy MC romance. Fast paced, exciting and with a good dose of heart. Maggie and Toby are a great couple that have scorching chemistry. This book is part of the Steel Infidels series but is a total standalone story. A wonderful book that I highly recommend. I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC copy of this book.
368 reviews
July 2, 2017
OMG I didn't think this series could get any better but Dez Burke has done exactly that. I loved Toby and Maggie's story so much. It was hot and sexy and so well written. It really made me feel for Toby and made me think of all the other service men and women who serve and then have to suffer. God bless them all. And God Bless Fez for another amazing read. Can't wait for the next one xx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.