“Judge me all you want. I apologize for nothing. She may have been my father’s wife, but I saw her first.”
Levi
Twenty years of pure torture. Twenty years of watching the only woman that I’ve ever come close to loving married to someone else. Twenty years of pleading with her to change her mind. Of being jerked around, frustrated, and confused. Now he’s gone, and the question is, was it ever real? Or was it just the thrill of the chase?
Natalie
Twenty years of pain. Of watching the choices of my youth destroy everyone I love. Of being so near to what I crave, but fighting temptation with everything I have. One act of selfish weakness tore apart so many lives, and I won’t ever allow that to happen again. No matter how many sacrifices I've had to make, I have only one regret . . . Him.
Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
I love how this author brings something new to the table every time. When I think of her writing , I think of a chameleon because she changes and flows with different tropes and she’s pretty much fearless at tackling taboo .... and there’s not much more taboo than a man being in love with his Father’s wife.
We have met Levi and Natalie previously and their outward acrimony to each other is clear but bubbling just under is a love for each other that is anything but familial and it’s been smouldering for 20 years.
I don’t tend to read books where there are love interests in the family - I usually avoid things like step brother romance etc , but I love this author’s work and I trust her to write characters that I will engage with. I liked Levi from the outset. There is chaos around him but he is a survivor and somehow he gets through but no one shreds (and holds) his heart but Natalie.
Oh Natalie! I think Mitch (Levi’s dad) broke her - he was predatory and he exploited a vulnerable 19 year old girl. Once he hooked her in he manipulated her for 20 years and all that time her heart longed for the one boy she could never have. Levi saw her first. In essence she was his but to the outside world she belonged to his asshole father.
The pace of the book is good. It is angsty and heart wrenching. The flashbacks were done really well and the whole story line flowed.
HEA? Yes. Gorgeous for Levi & Nat and OMG I need to know the upcoming stories for one Adamson & one Monroe......
I was kindly given an ARC which I was delighted to receive. This is my honest review. Thank you Nicole.
This is my first read by Nicole Dykes and I can say I love the Adamson family! I will have to go read the Monroe Series now! I will be honest, I was a little hesitant to read this one with the plot...woman married to the man's dad...that's not usually my cup of tea. I will say though that Nicole handled the sensitive nature of this very well! She drew you in to where you fell in love with Natalie and Levi as a couple and although I didn't necessarily agree with everything Natalie did, I was able to understand why she made those choices. The two of them fought hard for each other, overcoming obstacles that just kept getting in their way and by the end of the book, you realize that they needed to be together. I love how it ended, leaving me wanting more but also satisfying me with the story between Natalie and Levi!
She does it again - I love the Adamson's nearly as much as the Monroe's. I wasn't sure going in to this how I would feel, as readers of the previous books would know Nat and who she was married to. However, the story of Nat's and Levi's past glimpsed through chapters going back to what happened explained everything and you really felt for these characters. If only Nat had been upfront with Levi and let him know what was happening then things could have been so different....
I am so glad they got their HEA, however, the way I see it there were two sorta CH's in the book. Philip - hmm what? what happened 11 years ago? Michael - he has been through so much, what is going on - we need his book ASAP!
Mischief is another great book by Nicole Dykes. Focusing on Levi, the oldest Adamson brother, it follows his history with Natalie. My heart hurt for both characters who ended up avoiding happiness because of their fear of being honest. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
This was a lot. There was so much going on in this book. I loved these two characters. Nicole Dykes is really good at redeeming characters you think you'll hate. I thought I'd hate Natalie, but I ended up rooting for her completely. She's lived such a horrible life.
This story is sad and the ending was rushed, we didn't get to see too much of the resolution. It also ended with a bit of a cliff hanger, but for the upcoming books, not for Levi and Natalie. Still, with all of that, it is definitely worth reading.
I just finished it so the emotions over this book are still all over the place. There was soooo much happening. It's hard to go into detail without giving much away, but it was just wow. I don't think this is my favorite book, but it was still amazing
Mischief is exactly why Nicole Dykes has become my one click author! I didn't like Natalie and didn't want to. But she made it very hard not to, after reading Levi and Natalie's story your heart just breaks for her! The anst is so good and keeps you wanting more. I read Mischief is one sitting!! You'll fall in love with Levi, he broke my heart! OMG!!! what an emotional roller coaster ride of FEELS!! I actually cried several times while reading. Young love stays with you through everything. You understand the choices that were made and having to live with. You understand Natalie and can sympathize with her. Natalie was broken and an emotional wreck, Levi was her comfort and joy. I FLOVED Mischief!! It was that good!!
"There's nothing to know." "Bullshit. You've definitely got a story." "I'm not telling you my story." I shrug and take a seat on the bench. "We'll see."
Levi Adamson & Natalie Adamson/Bowen...if you've read the previous book then you already know there is some tension between these two characters...But why what happened between these two? You also know that Natalie was married to Levi father Mitch and how strained their marriage seemed to the on the outside. Was it all for show? Is to more to the trophy, gold digger Natalie...something behind the mask of the 'perfect' obedience wife?
And yet, I can't decide, maybe he's not really the prince in my fairytale. There's this nagging feeling that he's actually my villain, disguising himself in order to extend my torture.
We know Levi but do we know everything about him? Why does he keep women at arms length- at least when he's not getting his leg over with them in his trailer after the races? But with every lay he only sees her face...the woman that he hates-yet can't stop thinking about. The past should stay in the past...right?
This is my sanctuary. I love the roar of the crowd and flying around that track, but the same track, totally silent and dim, fuck, that's heaven on earth.
I loved the back story for these two characters, was so heartwarmingly beautiful and emotional. There was real depth to Natalie, coming from a tough family background and having the world of responsibilities/pressure on her shoulders/ hidden secrets. Natalie is working in the VIP area of the race track and one night afterwork she bumps into a guy who instantly puts her on edge. Although she does lets her defences fall slightly. Natalie can't help but admire his dreamy mischievous blue eyes that are making her swoon for the first time.
"And I've never felt like this. You have to admit, there's something strange here. A fucking crazy connection." My heart is thundering in my chest. I feel it too and it's terrifying."It's lust"
They both want to escape, find solace in each other, just live in the moment and forget that they have soo much pressure to perform. So, under the cover of stars, on the empty racetrack and they shed more than then their clothing becoming Roxy & Mac. Just a guy and a girl falling hopeless into each other arms...
"I'll be your escape." "My sanctuary." "Yes."
The world turns on its axis and for Natalie to survive she must lock away her heart and push away Mac. An unlikely foe comes forward, taking charge and promising make everything better. Natalie believes that she has fallen on her feet, but the rug is about to be pulled right from under her, when she comes face to face with her boyfriend son Levi or has she knows him Mac!
"Yes, I see you. I feel you. I hear you. Every touch, every kiss, everything. I'm completely wrapped up in you like a fucking curse. But none of that matters. I am fucking married. And I am staying that way."
20 years also later, the legend Mitch Adamson has passed away and left one hell of a mess behind. Guilt riddle Natalie is a shell of her former shelf and with no but the only family she's ever known to turn to, she must face the boy or rather the man who's just as messed up inside as she is- not that either will admit this of course... sparks will fly and one foolish moment will leave them burning for each other once again. But after all is said and done will these two be able to move past all the secrets?
This isn't the end of our turmoil and the beginning of our happy ending
Levi & Nat wow! I fell hook line and sinker for this book. I loved their history, Nat’s backstory and everything that she went through, it all made sense with her character and flowed beautifully. Levi, I liked him anyway in last book, his cocky attitude and boyish charm, now I've read his story, his just become one of those characters that you need in a series.
Amy is standing there, still in her pajamas. "Breakfast is ready." I laugh. "You made breakfast too?" "Yup. I'm totally nailing this domestic housewife shit."
Also, nice seeing the rest of the Adamson family too, the banter that they have together and other elements that come into this story will leave you hanging, asking where is the next book and quick!
My words frantic, "Please tell me you still keep a condom in your wallet even through it's pretty fucking juvenile." His fingers stop moving, making me groan with need. "Yes, but it you want any chance of coming, I'd refrain from the insults."
received copy for honest review I went into this story with my eyes wide open. It is a story of complicated relationships with characters with many layers. I knew Levi was and his family from the previous books. So when you read about Natalie you kind of think you will not like her. After meeting Levi(Mac) as Roxy you kind of like her. Her story is tragic. When she unknowingly got involved with his dad you kind of get a little disappointed; especially when she continued the relationship. I understand her situation. She was a very naive and really desperate. She was looking for a white knight. But the 20 years was too much. She never really tried to do anything to make herself more independent. She got stuck in her situation and just stayed there. Levi and Natalie pretty much tortured each other over the years with a love/hate relationship. Neither was strong enough to completely walk away. Loved the book. The Adamson family is right up there with the Monroes on my love scale.
ARC received in return for honest review. This is a new-to-me author but I was hooked when I read "She may have been my father's wife, but I saw her first." I read this as a stand alone, not having the background of the Adamsons or Munroes so there were a lot of characters to get my head around. Levi is the oldest son in a dysfunctional family and a brief encounter with Natalie as a teenager comes back to haunt him when Natalie marries his father. Natalie has had a troubled life, made a lot of decisions for the wrong reasons but did what she had to do at the expense of her own happiness. I liked both these characters, but I would've liked more about Levi, his relationship with his father and how he and Nat endured those twenty years apart. The book is told in dual POV and travels between past and present so it was like the layers were being peeled away and we were getting a gradual reveal which makes for addictive reading.
I jumped into this book without having read the first book in the series, and I’ve never read anything by this author, so I had no idea what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised!
I in the worst way wanted to hate Natalie, but I found myself eager to know more of her past and see how things turned out for her in the end. I disagreed with many choices she made, but at the same time totally understand why she did some of what she did. Family love and responsibility is a hard thing to ignore, and more so for her because of their unfortunate circumstances and trauma and the guilt that she felt.
Levi. I loved him. So much. So, so much. He is strong, sarcastic, sexy, I could go on. It gutted me that seemingly every time he opened himself up to vulnerability, it came back to bite him in the face. Ahh! I just wanted him to be happy after so many years of frustration and misery.
This was a great, quick read. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.
This is book 2 in the Adamson family series, but like book 1 as well as Nicole Dykes ' Monroe series, these books can be read individually. But to understand all the reoccurring characters it is more enjoyable to read all the stories. You will not be disappointed by Nicole Dykes.
In book 2, we are reconnected with Levi and his "stepmother" Natalie. And from the prologue on, you will be shocked and surprised until the very last page.
Like in book 1, each chapter goes back and forth between the two MCs as well as going back and forth through the years as well.
The author does a wonderful job in her portrayal of her characters that makes you feel as if you are part of their disfunction al family. I highly recommend this book to NA romance lovers as well as those who are part adrenaline junkies following the racing circuit of the Adamson family.
Holy S**t this book has blown my mind!! This is by far the best book Nicole has ever written and that's saying something because I have loved them all!! Natalie's story was absolutely heartbreaking, that woman is a fighter for sure. Only a woman with incredible strengths would come out of all that the way she did. I think she may have even taken the top stop of my favourite female character. Levi was amazing too. I just wanted to grab him out of the book and hug him. My heart just broke for him over and over again. Let's not forget the ending of this book. It was definitely another holy s**t moment lol. I can't wait to read the next book, I have a feeling it's going to be another incredible read! ❤️
Nicole Dykes is a new author to me. This book is an amazing read. I was hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. Although this is book 2, it can be read as a stand alone. The relationship between Levi and Natalie is a rollercoaster ride that is so deep and will hook you in all the way to the last page. This family is certainly not a stranger to some pretty twisted ways. I now understand the meaning behind "She may have been my father's wife, but I saw her first". I will most definitely read the first book so that I can see exactly what this family is call about! To say this book is amazing is an understatement, it's a MUST read. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to see what else happens with this family.
I always enjoy Nicole’s books and was pleased to receive this ARC. My review is voluntary. I was a little unsure how this one would unfold but I enjoyed it. The characters are fabulous and easy to love. I got a little frustrated with the going back in time as I would have liked to see more build up between the characters in the present. They seemed to go from 20 yrs of hate to everything is fine with one conversation. It did fit well but more sweet moments between them might have been nice too. All in all another brilliant read. I love the cliffhanger too! Can’t wait for Michaels book!!
A-mazing!! we've all made disisons in our past that we thought were right, but youth clouded our judgment. Levi and Natalie's story is one of past regrets. Both have harbored a love for many years, but can time and growth right those past mistakes? I was drawn in from the get go. page turning angst.
This book will tear you to pieces. You will be on an emotional roller coaster throughout the entire book. This is a story about doing what you think you have to do to get through life.
I’m not sure how I missed this book... I’ve read everything of this author’s that I can get my hands on. I Love this story with a capital L!
Natalie is the oldest of three girls. She’s the protector, the strong one, the one that always makes sure they are okay. She’s in love with the boy from the track, but he can never know what her life is really like. Then something happens that will change everything.
Levi is the boy from the track. He’s the oldest of five. He’s following in his dad’s footsteps. He becomes one of the best racers in the industry. Everything on the outside looks like he’s living the life. He should be happy.. but the one thing he wants most he can’t have. He fell in love with the girl at track but fate plays a dirty game and now he has to watch from the sidelines.
This is a must read! I can’t wait for Phillips story.. who’s gonna throw him for a loop?!?!
Levi and Natalie’s story is not an easy one. The love these two shared at such a young age was beautiful to only be ripped away. Natalie did not have an easy life and the trauma and manipulation she survived through was gut wrenching. For 20yrs Levi didn’t know what really happened but when secrets are revealed you realize what’s really worth fighting for.
whoa! Mind..BLOWN! That was one hell of a story!So many surprises around every corner.May i also say Mitch is a complete douchturd!Loving the Adamson family!5+ stars!
Levi and Natalies story made me sad. To think they could have been together from the start but instead she chose money in order to provide for her sisters because she felt like it her fault for what happened to them. Yet in the end her one sister died and the other was not very caring about it all. Levi’s fathr mitch her husband was not a very caring man to her and knew all along that she loved his son. It broke my heart that they had to wait so long to get HEA together. But i feel deep down inside that right from the start they were meant to be together.
I’m back with my review on the Adamson Family series, this time with Book Two.
Book Two focuses on Levi and Natalie, and man, their story is a doozy! This book tore me apart in ways I didn’t even think could be possible. The backstory between the two is captivating, the present between them is heartbreaking.
Levi is the oldest Adamson and follows closely in his father’s footsteps of being a racer. He meets Natalie at the track when they are younger, both giving each other “fake” names while they embark on a short romance with each other… until they ‘meet’ again at Levi’s family home, where Natalie is now his fathers girlfriend. LEGIT SHOCKER!
Natalie, oh my sweet sweet Natalie. Her backstory seriously gave me all the feels. When Levi’s dad steps in to help out with her situation, she gives in because her situation NEEDS his help. Mitch is an evil evil man. He was a horrible father to his kids, and now Natalie has found herself in the center of it all… and doesn’t even know Levi is Mitch’s son until he comes to his fathers house. Guys, them seeing each other TORE ME APART!
Levi doesn’t know about Natalie’s situation so he automatically assumes the worst, especially when Natalie ends up marrying Mitch. It’s a whole mess of a situation that is beyond the norm and will tear you apart. When Mitch dies, Natalie reaches out to let Levi know that their family home is being repossessed due to the gambling debt his father was in. She is ready to just move on with her life – sans Adamson family.
When the truth finally comes out and Levi learns just what happened and why Natalie turned to Mitch the way she did, it’s like all the pieces fall into place. Yes, it’s kinda weird that Natalie was his step-mom and they are now together, but in reality – Natalie and Levi were falling in love long before Mitch stepped into the picture and Mitch being the evil man he is, knew and kept them apart.
Levi and Natalie will bring you to your knees. Their backstory is awe-inspiring and heartbreakingly tragic, but their happily ever after will have you jumping for joy when it finally happens for them.
My mental stability is hindered because of Nicole Dykes!!!! Her books are EVERYTHING! From forbidden love to 2nd chances and more she just gives us the best stories!!! Just read her books, you will not regret it!
Mischief is the second book in The Adamson Family Series by Nicole Dykes.
"I'll be her sanctuary, and she'll be my destruction."
We first met Levi Adams and Natalie Bowen in the previous book in the series and their animosity against each other was crystal clear. This was a taboo relationship yet this was so moving. There is a lot of angst, secrets, and misunderstandings; however, there was a lot of built up love and tension.
"There's no way I'm running away from this."
The character build up for Levi and Natalie was so beautiful and raw. Natalie comes from a world where family is broken and survival is a real struggle. She has never indulged in anything else except for when she meets Levi.
"This isn't the end of our turmoil and the beginning of our happy ending."
Together, they find solace and sanctuary in each other. The pressure from their situations goes in the background when they are together. After a huge twist, 20 years have past and there is anger and angst between the two. There is only turmoil and longing.
"I'll be your escape."
Levi and Natalie was absolutely beautiful together. The character development for the two was admiring. The flow was fantastic. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Adamson family. Nicole, you nailed it! I devoured this book.
Mischief is the second book in the Adamson Family Series by Nicole Dykes. I expected more of the same great writing I’ve come to know from this author, but what I got was SO MUCH BETTER that anything I could have imagined.
This book is so beyond fantastic. It’s an emotional and beautifully written novel. The characters and story are complex, moving, and each word draws you in more and more into their world. Levi and Natalie’s relationship is heartbreaking and completely unexpected. Nicole Dykes tackles a sensitive subject like cheating with such beautiful honesty, compassion, and rawness showing us how the world doesn’t always fall into right and wrong. There are so many shades of gray in between and that’s where Natalie, Levi, and their love reside. The storyline was so well executed that even during the most difficult moments I rooted for this couple. I cried for them, I felt their pain, and I genuinely shared in their happiness. Regardless of which point of their relationship I was reading, wether it was angst—and there’s plenty of it—or stolen moments of joy, I felt it all. And that’s what makes both this book and this author complete must reads. 5 stars aren’t enough.
Levi Adamson has chased love for twenty years in pure torture. Yes he has fun with the ladies often but nothing compares to the girl he met at the track all those years ago.
Natalie worked as a waitress at the dirt track when she was younger. Being in an abusive household she knew she had to save all the money she could to get her and her sister’s out of there. Meeting a young man one night gave her the safe haven she needed. Too bad it couldn’t last.
Levi has always been in love with Natalie. Even while she has been married to his dad for twenty years. Now that his dad is gone he has no idea if it was all an illusion or the real deal.
My heart strings were being pulled in so many directions. Levi and Natalie know that they love each other but a twenty year secret could destroy the family.
This book was fun to read. I felt so much love and hurt for Levi and Natalie. I know why she made the choices that she did but I hurt so much for Levi because I know his relationship with his dad was not very solid. One thing about it, The Adamson family is really growing on me. Keep them coming!!! I cant wait to read more.
Wow! What a ride! The Adamson family sure know how to suck you in and make you want to sit there and binge read this book! It was great that the series still involves all siblings as this family makes me feel like I’m apart of them and I love reading about all the characters! The Story of Levi was epic! It was emotional, it sucked you in and spat you out leaving you wanting so much more!! His journey over the last 20 years is raw and heartbreaking! Natalie’s story is also one of heartbreak and loyalty to siblings that makes her lose herself to Mitch. It’s the story of 2 lovers who desperately want to be together but of course life (and husbands) get in the way! What a sensational ending.... well actually after nearly throwing my phone I wouldn’t cal it sensational, more like it will blow your mind with like an earthquake and rattle you with aftershocks!!
Absolutely loved this and cannot wait for the next Adamson book!!!!!!!!!
ARC gifted for an honest review. From the beginning I was bound and determined to dislike Natalie but as the saying goes “you never know what someone is going through until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes”. My heart broke for Natalie after learning her true story. While I was frustrated with some of Natalie’s decisions I do not fault her. She is unbelievably strong, even though it doesn’t appear so on the outside.
Levi on the other hand I knew I was going to like from his other appearances and I was happy to get to know him better. My heart broke for him through this journey as well. So many times I yelled at him for not speaking up and voicing what was on his mind, while simultaneously understanding why he didn’t.
Overall this read was everything I hope for in a book...it gave me ALL THE FEELS!!
If you’ve read the other Monroe and Adamson Family books (heck even if you haven’t) I encourage you to take a chance on Mischief!!
Such a great book! Honest to goodness I fell in love with Levi from the start. Loved his attitude. In comes Natalie and I was rooting for the awesomeness of an epic love story. Those two were made for each other! And then, my world fell!!! HOLY CRAP! But love is love and YES!!! Natvi was finally born! oh and that ending, what!?!?!?!?!
" He spent most of your marriage trying to tear you down. I'll spend the rest of our lives building you up." ~Levi
Merged review:
Mischief
Such a great book! Honest to goodness I fell in love with Levi from the start. Loved his attitude. In comes Natalie and I was rooting for the awesomeness of an epic love story. Those two were made for each other! And then, my world fell!!! HOLY CRAP! But love is love and YES!!! Natvi was finally born! oh and that ending, what!?!?!?!?!
" He spent most of your marriage trying to tear you down. I'll spend the rest of our lives building you up." ~Levi