She didn't find any when she was a child, and nothing she's seen since has changed her mind. She makes her home as far away from her dark past as she could find, spending her days restoring motorcycles and her nights handing out her own brand of justice to abused women, using her powers on the people who aren't big enough villains for the Legion of the Guards to worry about.
When a team from the Legion interrupts her take down of an abusive creep masquerading as a hero and arrests her, she's thrust into the world she's long avoided. A world of heroes and villains.
Ridley has no interest in being a hero or joining the Legion.
But the villain the team is after is just the sort of scumbag she loves to take down and the four guys after him want her help.
She has to decide if she's ready to step out of her shadows and nightmares or remain trapped by her past.
An expert in parkour, Helene Gadot moonlights as a Nail Polish Namer and occasional ghostwriter. She lives with her husband and trio of rugrats in the South. Helene has a serious coffee mug and throw pillow addiction, and when she isn't reading or writing, she's probably shopping online.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Book one in the new The Woman Who Can series and what a great start it is too. We meet Ridley who has some really awesome powers as she partners with a friend to save essentially battered women in their area that the authorities let fall through the cracks. She herself is hiding from bad guys so this suits her perfectly until she gets caught by a group of guys that just may be her downfall. They agree to work together temporarily which makes for some fascinating adventures as they get to know one another. Just as things are really getting good we hit the end which left me speechless. I so have to get my hands on the next book with an ending like that. If you like magic, suspense, drama, and more with a reverse harem theme then you so have to read this book. I really loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
One the one hand it's very hero Vs villain, on the other hand the characters seem to realise the world is not such a dichotomy. I feel this theme could have been established a bit better. I don't like how controlling the guys were towards the FMC (because they are the supposed good guys and the goal validates the means??!!) And often that she sort of accepted (because they are hot??!!). Dude, what happened to you being a badass bitch who need no man? A lot of books suffer from this unfortunately. Good looks do not excuse pisspoor behaviour. It's becoming a pet peeve of me.
I can say I am officially over my month+ long book hangover/slump this was so good, I loved all the characters! my only complaint is I wish it was longer!! if you like RH deff check this one out its kinda a slow burn but such good feels and the characters are actually really good.
Crime fighting vigilante justice with some superpowers thrown in. That's this book in a nutshell. Ridley's spent her life on the run, hiding from her past. She happened to pick up a few tricks along the way, and uses them to help other women in similar positions to escape bad relationships and abusive situations where law enforcement can't help. Admittedly, the world building is a little sparse in here, and I did find the start annoying, but past those little hiccups this was a seriously addictive book. I immediately borrowed the next book on ku when I finished. Ridley is a stubborn pain in the butt and didn't compromise, even when she really should have. But she stayed true to herself, despite the men around her, and I loved that. Everything builds very organically, and the focus is on beating bad guys, not forming a romance. It's forced proximity and found family and everything you could possibly love in a reverse harem, without there actually being a reverse harem. It's coming, no doubt, but they aren't there yet.
Most non-contemporary Reverse Harem Romances land strictly in the Paranormal or Urban Fantasy side of life, yet Helene Gadot plays a bit different - offering up a Super Hero centered tale shadowed thickly by multiple romances. It's unique, albeit sans lycra.
Ridley is a bas@ss Female Main Character with just enough talent to back up her sass, though at times her mouth plays fast and loose with her intentions. She is running from a past that could see her killed, along with everyone around her. So what better way to live life on the down low than by being blackmailed into helping the very organization determined to end her? Oi Vey, it's a set up that promises drama, intrigue and potential - and even pulls it off, for the most part.
There were moments that the main players annoyed me, or offered explanations that road the edge between pointless and useless - and the level of emotion went from non-existent to intense far too fast for my liking. Aside from those peeves, Crash is a decent offering that lays the foundation of what promises to be a softly satisfying series - a finished series, btw.
Perspective: Third Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type: Episodic, Almost To Be Continued
Rating: R
Romantic Dynamic: MMFMM (M/M present)
Character Age Range: Adult
My Final Verdict on Crash Overall, this was an entertaining addition to the Reverse Harem Sub-Genre. It has a few issues, but nothing that hinders the enjoyment of the narrative
I waited until I read all of the released books in the series to write my review. This book has a truly unique magic system that involves Superhero like powers. There are no shifters, vampires or witches. The characters are well thought out, damaged people. The storyline is both interesting and we'll written. While the book is a reverse harem, the book is about the story and characters and not about how much sex the characters can have.
Surprised me by how much I enjoyed both the story and the characters. Ridley is a complicated individual who does not take to being blackmailed by the awesome foursome. The guys do their best to uncover her secrets, and unfortunately they do. Sh!t hits the fan in other ways as well, and well, it worked. Just wish it was longer and more fleshed out - but that’s a personal preference.
Fell a bit flat. This story just didn't engage me.
Pros The characters: MFC with an illusion ability so strong she can make her targets believe it's real, with a personal mission to help abused women. She comes across as strong and independant. Strong supportive best friend (a non bitchy female!) with power and opinions of her own, not just a sidekick. Banter between the guys showing strong relationships.
Cons Needs more world building and more depth to the characters. Superheroes with catsuits and masks; the terms aces, marvels and knaves. As our heroine points out, it's cartoonish. Relationship development is glossed over. Transitions are abrupt and jarring. The characters tell about their dark pasts rather than it being revealed/shown as part of the narrative. Seems forced and awkward somehow. Differerent POVs don't really add depth or understanding except to establish that the guys are attracted to the girl. The ending is completely unsatisfactory. Nothing more happens romantically than a bit of attraction and dancing, an off-the-page one-night-stand before the story starts, a bit of kissing and some drunken admissions.
This isn't purely RH, (not that we get any further than considering the possibilty of her having a relationship with all four guys). There's a little MM content, nothing too explicit, but it is described as non-exclusive, mutual pleasure between friends rather than a relationship. I have no real emotional investment in these characters or interest in following their story.
I have to say I was not impressed with this book. Which was a surprise for me because I loved her Kindred Souls Series. But this series was BORING. There is no romance and the plot was nothing special. At the end the big bad in the story goes down so easily it was ridiculous! It was extremely anticlimactic! I mean it was all over in the snap of a finger, no issues or drama what so ever. And It is suppose to be a reverse harem so you exspect some heat right? Wrong! Not in this 1st book anyway. There was ZERO heat in this book. I mean a few kisses and some light flirting. And not only is there no sexy times in this installment but by the end of the book the FMC is not even in a relationship with any of the guys...Wtf? She is so wishy washy it's beyound aggravating. She wants to be with the guys but just can't supposedly to keep them safe from a danger their all already pretty much in! So her reasons make no sense. I've decided to give the second book a shot "because" I really do like the charaters(other than that foolishness anyway!..lol) And I want to see them finally get together. But be warned if your looking for the same type of fun sexy hot read that her Kindred Souls Series was your going to want to keep looking cause this isn't it! It reads almost as though a completely different author wrote it. I was seriously disappointed. But I hate to start a series and not finish it. So since I do have KU I am trudging along into the 2nd in the series. Here's seriously hoping the next installment shows some serious improvement! If not it will be my last. Either way I'll let you all know.
Ok so the MFC's secret was easy to figure out and there weren't any major twists etc. But the character development was good and the MFC and her friend are really funny strong characters. Will continue the series
I think Alice Winters ruined this for me because her 'A villain for Christmas' was so good. And I can't not compare. Even if hers was MM, and this is RH.
2.5 stars rounded up I just could not get into this book. I had no connection to the MC whatsoever. I really don’t understand the world they live in. I am confused about the MCs past. I don’t really have a connection with the four guys. I don’t really understand what the best friends brings to this book. Finally I’m not really a huge fan of the plot. It’s kind of a stereo typical damsel in distress running from a big bad monster and her harem saving her. That being said nothing in this book was that terrible that it deserves one star but that does not mean I liked it.
While the introduction of the bad-ass FMC Ridley and the rough explanation of the superhero/marvel/ace vs knave society was interesting, the story and plot quickly fell apart after the harem was introduced, and I got very bored around 60% into the book.
The reasoning to make them all live in the same house was very contrived, and it was a bit dramatic to have every character have a huge sob story that made them bonded tortured souls together. Relationship developments were pretty flat, and the good vs evil subplots were a bit over the top. Lastly, I found the writing to be full of telling instead of showing and letting the reader draw their own conclusions, and the dialogue and narration was pretty stilted and choppy with short sentences.
I skimmed the latter half of the book pretty heavily just to see what happened and will be passing on the rest of the series.
I read this through an ARC opportunity and am so glad I did
So many interesting things here
It was based in Hawaii which was interesting all by itself The world built was different-characters have unique abilities (creating fog, controlling the weather) The main female characters has a personal mission of helping abused women escape from their situations The guys are all different (no same guy/different name situation like so many other books in this type of genre
The mfc is hardheaded and scared (though she would never admit it) so she keeps herself bottled up. As much as she wants to pursue a relationship with all the guys she really found herself liking and enjoying being apart of their family, she just couldn’t allow herself to let go. Hopefully book two will step up and she will finally accept she can be even more with them.
The book is basically about a woman with the ability to create illusions that is hiding out from her abusive father that is I needed a very high position in the marvel world (marvel being what they can the people with abilities). The guys find her one night while she is helping a woman escape a stalker. They want her help capturing a very bad guy in return for not turning her rogue self in. Not a good start to a healthy relationship. But during their investigation they all get to know each other and form bonds of a sort. Unfortunately it’s not enough to make her stay after they defeat the bad guy. It ends with them going their separate ways at her behest. I look forward to book two.
It was well written, fast paced and enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was my second book by Gadot and there’s just something addictive about her writing. Right from the first page I was drawn into this dark gritty world of motorcycles, macho men and villains.
Ridley is gifted in illusion magic and spends her spare time taking down abusive men. With a chip on her shoulder a mile long and secrets that threaten everything, Ridley was never going to be a compliant member of any team let alone a reverse harem. However, the tension and attraction between Ridley and the guys is well written and realistic. The guys themselves are broody and macho, their hesitation in regards to Ridley at the beginning only deepens their appeal. I have to say, I also loved Malia. Her character is a great addition to the novel and the friendship between her and Ridley really gives the story more depth.
With the plot having a theme of victims and abusive men, I believe a trigger warning is a bit unnecessary; if you don’t like reading about darker themes then this book might not be for you. But, I love the darker grittier Urban Fantasy stories and this one fits in with the best of them. Crash is a slow burn RH but there is plenty of adult themes and talk, the conversations and tension do tend to make it a bit more of a heated read. No cliffhanger but, while the main plot of the novel is nicely tied up, there isn’t a HEA as such. That’s okay though as I’m definitely planning on reading the second book in the series.
I saw a looot of reviews complaining of the fact that it has m/m in the harem, but I don't get that since a giant portion of RH has it and usually it's a sexual relationship while with the MC they find their " love of their lives" thing so I never thought of it as bothering me, but to each, their own I think.
I usually like the m/m aspect in a RH or even the rare f/f content ( I love that actually, since you know, bi people exist, really we do! )since it's all just more flavour for the story imo but I could get that it might be not for you.
There is also a side character that's lesbian so you might get mentions of that as well, if that's something that bothers people..
This, being about super heroes was right up my alley and the writing was great, making it a very enjoyable story.
Our mc comes from a hard background and is suitably careful and wary about who she lets in her inner circle and about who she trusts. I can understand a lot more yes, okay no behaviour from an mc when there's a background with information about why the mc is the way she is.
Ridley's power is pretty cool, especially how she uses it to help others in similar situations like hers. The ending was expected but a little annoying.
The guys are interesting and I look forward to learn more about what makes each of them tick in the coming books.
“Crash" yeah crashed into my life and left a bleeding hole!!
My God where to start!! Ridley♡ a girl after my own heart. Fierce, brutally honest, sarcastic, strong and takes no crap!! Then you add Ridley and Malia together and it’s the dream team. They are hilarious and brutal and makes me long for banter like that!! This book was fresh and new for me. I had yet to read a reverse harem like this. I went in with out reading the blurb and I’m so glad I did it took me by surprise and on a fantastic ride!! There was so much action, drama, hot moments and just laugh out loud moments. The men in this story were perfect except I really wanted to run cormac over with my car at a lot of points but he really does grow on you!! Maddox was my everything and the way he felt for Ridley from the beginning was just perfect and I wanted him to have a chance!! I loved loved this book and and it’s going to kill me to wait for the next one. Least for the next one I won’t have to hide in the bathroom at work just to keep reading.😂
Ive got to be honest and admit I'd never come across this recommendation much in the rh world of Facebook groups, and the blurb got me interested enough to give it a go!
Its a slow burn on the sauciness front, not any sexual scenes - just mentions of her previous deeds and doings....that provably the only negative i can think of in the whole book!
It was very well written with a really interesting story line, and whilst I'm not really overly fond of the paranormal rh genre, this book was really hard to put down. Its got very natural character developments, the right amount of drama, humour, tension and action. Its paranormal aspect also is not too "in your face over the top" with too much weird shiz that just puts you off.
Its got enough detail in that to keep you comfortably content whilst working out where it will go next!
I'm off to try book 2 and hope theres more sex on the table (finally) and for me that one of the biggest compliments i can pass on, the fact that it's made me want to read on! I'd definitely give it a go!
This is actually my second time reading this book. The first time I read it, I hadn’t read anything by this author. Now that the second book has come out, I wanted to give it a reread before I read Boom. I originally picked it because of the cover (I know, I know). That, combined with the blurb, made the protagonist seem a bit like a dark Wonder Woman.
This book is a brilliant book. The female main character is definitely a different kind of Wonder Woman - a vigilante who cares about justice (tinged with a bit of retribution), whether that justice is legal or not. She’s badass, snarky, sarcastic, sassy, and a bit dark and broken. It’s no wonder the guys in the book are drawn to her, because she’s so unapologetic about who she is and how she carries herself. The story was exciting and fast paced, and there was an unexpected twist at the end. Really glad I picked this book up a few months ago, and looking forward to see what’s in store for Boom.
I love a superhero/ vigilante type book and when it's rh it's even better. Ridley was hiding in Hawaii for the last ten years. (If I had to go into hiding I think I would choose Hawaii too) She runs a motorcycle repair shop with her best friend and on the side she helps rescue women dealing with abusive or stalkerish men. People in this book have powers and are called marvels. The ones who make and uphold the law are aces and the ones on he other side of the law are knives. While trying to help a women Ridley is caught by a group of aceswho take her in and want her to help them with a case. I dont want to give any more away so imwill just say that I really enjoyed this book. There were some mysteries and a little romance and a tough independent mc. I will be waiting anxiously for the next book.
Crash is a fantastically written, at times cleverly witty, and severely kick-ass slow burn reverse harem book. Helene Gadot is an amazing writer who is able to pull the reader in with fantastic various POVs and realistic reactions to moments that occur in the story.
While I loved the story (I was able to read it all in only 5 hours because I got so sucked in), I absolutely hated the ending because of the ginormous cliff it left me on! I cannot wait for Boom and hope I don't have to wait too long to receive it!
**I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.**
Wow...just wow!! What a fantastic book! This is the first book I have read by this very talented author but as soon as I started I was immediately hooked and very invested in Ridley, the guys and Malia. Ridley is a bloody fantastic badass, strong, independent and emotionally cut off and put her together with her bestie Malia and what a dynamic duo. I could not get enough of these two. But then of course in comes the hot, powerful, slightly broken guys and you can just feel the connection. As soon as I started this book I inhaled it and it was impossible to put down! I cannot believe the ending though!! Cannot wait for book two of the highly recommended exciting, captivating action-packed new series!!!
This RH book so far doesn't have much on the way of sex scenes, but I still wouldn't recommend it for anyone less than 18 years of age. The main character does have a complex emotional makeup, which is good. Not all RH books have that, and frankly most are little more than literary porn. Nothing particularly wrong with that, but it's good to have some extra variety. There were quite a few typos/ continuity errors in different places, and times that the dialogue didn't flow well or was just confusing to keep track of who was speaking at what time. Those are the only reasons I wouldn't give it a full 5 star review. Other than those points, if you are a fan of RH and superhero style action, this would be an excellent read.
Ohh yay! Another series I will certainly be addicted to. Another strong heroine that I love. Interesting story and plot. Slow-ish burn but that's okay.
Good things: Strong, no nonsense heroine. Yummy, delicious guys. World building. Powers. Everything I need for a great read!
Bad things: This is the first of the series and it's not complete. For some reason, I thought this was a completed series. It isn't but that's okay because I'm willing to wait.
It's kind of weird that it takes place in Hawaii and the author actually incorporates that. Usually, they don't. They'll put like, the local diner instead of actually naming a diner.
I love a tough, strong heroine who can take care of herself! And Helene Gadot excels at putting together a super hot, perfect harem. The guys are strong and clearly into Ridley, but respectful of her strength and boundaries (mostly). The progression of the relationships between the characters is believable and makes sense. Also, I usually have issues with the female best friend in stories being over the top or kind of bitchy, but Malia is AMAZING and I want her to be my bff too. I'd totally brunch with her. The story is action packed with some great moments of suspenseful tension. There is always great potential in stories involving corruption in government/law enforcement, but adding the superhero/power element takes it up a notch.
I really liked this! It was a fun, simple read with simple world building and a fast-paced plot line. Everyone was a little flawed but coming from the right direction.
Two things that made me dock the star:
1) There is an existing M/M relationship that I was initially thrilled about, because I love Why Choose books where there are relationships outside the FMC. Then at 80% I'm hit with this: "It was even more powerful than what he felt for Cormac. They weren't in love or exclusive in any way." That was....ouch. The two characters are so sweet with each other and I don't buy it that they're just "a mouth is a mouth" vibes, so I'm not understanding the author's motivation to just completely dismiss them like that.
2) This is SLOW burn. Like we've only had a couple kisses.