Featuring cover model BT Urruela, with a character based on bestselling author Scott Hildreth, “True North” is a standalone novel in the Wordsmith Universe that can be read with the others (Knight, Colton & Grayson) or read completely as a standalone.
Synopsis:
Delilah—
There’s no other man like James North. There never has been. There may never be again.
At first I only saw what was on the surface—the quiet confidence, his rugged good looks, the badass tattooed biker who didn’t care what the world thought of him. But beneath all of that there are layers to him that only I know about. He’s a man who’ll fight for what’s right, no matter the consequences—someone who won’t be confined by the rules society tries to place on him. He’s my man, and now, as a danger threatens to tear us apart, I need him more than ever.
North—
I’m never at a loss for words, but that’s exactly what happened when I first met Delilah. I never let myself fall that hard for a woman, but I had no choice in the matter. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, a woman I’d sacrifice everything for, a woman I’d die for. Now, as I’m trying to leave behind my old life to start a new one with Delilah, a man I once knew threatens to tear apart everything we may have. I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen.
I’ve told you other people’s stories before, but you’ve never heard mine until now.
James North has a past and, with True North, Christopher Harlan tells you what has made the Wordsmiths' friend and mentor the way he is. You first meet North in Knight, and see him throughout Colton and Grayson, but you don't get his back story until now.
True North takes you on a ride through the past, mixed with events as they unfold after Knight's wedding. With this book, you meet North's wife Delilah and learn how a writing assignment was the turning point in their relationship.
This story is filled with trials and tests, both in the past and as the current events unfold. A sense of de ja vu will have you on the edge of your seat as you turn page after page in anticipation of this story's conclusion.
The emotional rollercoaster Christopher takes you on with his books is not lacking in this one. I can't wait to see what comes next.
*Author Review* *Minor spoiler alert from the end of Grayson
It’s about time to meet James North. If you’ve read the other Wordsmith Chronicles (Knight, Colton, or Grayson), then you already know him (pretty) well. If you don’t, then there’s no elegant way to put this—he’s a bad motherfucker. The baddest, actually.
When we were first introduced to the character of North in “Knight”, he was a mentor of sorts—an established romance author with a huge following, some badass tattoos, and a general middle finger stuck up to the entire world. As the books proceeded we saw more and more of him, and in each one he becomes more of a mentor to Knight, Colton, and Grayson. But those other books are their journey, not his.
It’s time to learn where James North comes from, who he is, and how he became True North.
When last we left him, North was kidnapped by a gang of bikers at Knight’s wedding. We don’t know where he went or who took him, until now. As the story begins we learn about the arch enemy who vowed to get revenge on North and his family for what happened between them in the past. Battered, beaten, and bruised, North finds himself at the headquarters of The Leviathans—the rival MC to his own. As the book proceeds, North must find a way out of there, to save the woman he loves from the grip of a monster.
We also get to see the origins of North, from his time growing up to his formation of The Mescaleros, his own MC, founded by him and his best friend since high school, Joaquin. As he’s trying to get out of the life and start his career as an author, he meets a woman who’ll change everything in his life.
Enter Delilah.
They meet in the most unlikely of places—a creative writing workshop at a local community college. When Delilah walks in North’s heart almost stops, and he may or may not get himself thrown out of class for insulting the professor! But when he goes Delilah follows him, and that’s when the real story begins...
True North is a HEA, MC standalone in the Wordsmith universe, but can be read completely independently of the other books (though I would recommend them!). I can’t wait until you get to read his story!
Wow! Christopher Harlan wrote a very exciting story about North- James North. Biker gang member and aspiring writer. North wants out of the Gang scene when he tries to take a writing class and gets thrown out on the 1st day defending another student ( Delilah) That’s where the story takes off! I Loved how the story goes back and forth the here and now and the way back( present & past) . Not only does it give you a break from the stressful now, but it gives you the perspective of North and Delilah’s past. I recommend this story! Mr. Harlan you have a gift!
This was my first read of 2019 which I loved reading North story. I think you will love North as much as I did. It is a heart pounding read and I think it more then 5 star review if they let us give it more then 5 stars. I really hope there be more to North and the others Wordsmith because I love this series🖤🖤🖤
Things happen for a reason. People come and go in and out of your life. Sometimes the past will haunt you. But the future is yours to do whatever you want to do and again, things happen for a reason. This love story of North and Delilah proved the good, the bad and the ugly will happed but if your relationship is built on trust and honesty, anything is possible. For now this is my favorite writing by Christopher Harlan and I hope to read more like this...
True North by Christopher Harlan is the 4th book in the Wordsmith Chronicles series. This book can be read as a stand- alone as it is not as interconnected as the previous novels. If you've read his previous work, this one is sure to surprise you... he brings on the heat and embraces the qualities we all enjoy in a motorcycle club novel. This author's ability to evolve is amazing and I can't wait to read what he comes up with next.
"Here's something you need to know about me. For better or worse, I protect my own. If you threaten someone I love, or hurt them, or threaten the handful of people in this world who I call family, I'll do everything I can to make sure that you don't exist anymore. No one screws with my loved ones. If they do then they die, simple as that. I'm not a violent man, Delilah, but I'll visit unspeakable violence upon anyone who crosses the line with me." "I think that's the sexiest thing I've ever heard in my entire life."
I cannot tell you enough how much I loved this story! A true testament that Fate can put you in the right place at the right time and lead you to your other half - your missing piece. And North and Delilah fit together perfectly!
James North is almost out. He's had enough of the MC life and the other clubs are dabbling in areas on the wrong side of the law. The call of money has drawn a good percentage of his club members, the Mescalaros, to the worst club of them all - the Leviathans. His heart isn't in the club life anymore - not that he'll ever stop riding, mind you. Meeting Delilah has just reinforced how ready he is to be done with the lifestyle. But, the Leviathan's have taken something from him that he can never get back and they need to pay. But will that payback come back to haunt North and cause him to lose everything he has with Delilah? With Delilah in the Leviathan's cross-hairs, can North get to her in time to save her?
Delilah is finally out. Out of that marriage to a man who led a double life with a double wife. Ready to start anew, she signs up for an Adult Education class at the local community college, where she meets the last person she expected to be drawn to- James North. He's the opposite of every man she would be attracted to, but somehow he completes her. She'll stand by him no matter what, even when life turns deadly. But now, she's in danger and North is missing. Can she find him in time to save him, or will she be the one needing to be saved? No matter what, they're hearts are one and no one, not even Travis and his Leviathans, can destroy them.
I swear, Mr. Harlan's stories get better and better with each release! I loved how we had North's and Delilah's story running concurrently between the past and the present. Interspersed with the danger and suspense unfolding in their present, we learn the heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking story of how they came to be. What a great way to tell the story! I've read other stories where the author uses flashbacks to link the past to the present, and they've been ok, but at times could be confusing. The way this story is told, you are riveted by what is currently going on, but you are also chomping at the bit for more of the backstory. It was seamless and brilliant.
I would highly recommend this one to everyone. While the book is linked to the Wordsmith Chronicles Series, it is a standalone, and you don't need to read the Chronicles to enjoy this one! Go grab it as soon as humanly possible! Trust me, you won't regret it!
I have to say that I have never been one much for MC books...Not my cup of tea. But with Christopher Harlan's style of writing, he takes you into unknown territories of an unexplored realm that makes it appear to be his life!
James North is the kind of man that I imagine, may look a bit harsh and intimidating (in a handsome way), but has an intelligent way with words. When he meets Delilah, she had to have more to her than just to be easy on the eyes, and that reached a little deeper into who North was about.
They both realize they had an indelible impression on each other that takes her to want to understand his life, and he wanted to protect her by all means necessary. They set out to end one chapter of their tormented world....to begin a new chapter of a lifetime!
I believe Christopher Harlan has change my mind on MC stories...it's not always a brutal one...
Does anyone really know what direction their life will take or who they will encounter on the way? North and Delilah are two halves of one heart who need each other to be complete. They are at a crossroads in their lives; North leaving the MC and Delilah getting a divorce. They both have a desire to write, which stems from their shared love of reading. They are looking for a different kind of future, on their own terms, with no one telling them what to do. North and Delilah fill up the empty spaces in each other’s lives and they were destined to be together.
Delilah thought her life was perfect with her husband until she found out the truth about his double life. Betrayal and disgust coursed through her veins as she took the first steps toward having the life she deserved. North was leaving the MC world behind him because he did not like the direction the new clubs were going. His love of reading along with a life full of adventures, led him to take a Creative Writing course where he first saw Delilah. She was beautiful, sassy and full of life and he knew she was the woman for him. But he couldn’t get on with his future until he let go of the demons from his past. But sometimes, the demons come back to haunt you.
When Christopher Harlan comes out with a new book, I can’t wait to start reading because I know his words will be with me forever. He is an intelligent, meticulous and passionate writer who weaves a story we all wish we could tell. “True North” made me feel hopeful about love and second chances, and happy that North and Delilah found each other when they really weren’t looking.
True North by Christopheer Harlan Everything happens for a reason. Every person that we meet has an impact on the person that we become and True North by Christopher Harlan is a beautiful story that is a testament to that. I LOVED this story because it was not your typical book because you get a great picture of who James North is and it is not what you expect. At first glance, he is tattooed, bad ass biker, who ran an MC with his highschool friend but he is so much more than your first perception. He wants to become an aspiring writer and wants to find that special someone to spend his life with. James North is at a crossroads when he meets his match in Dallilah and this is is a beautiful story of how they both helped eachother overcome their pasts and create a future that they can be proud of. This book is a series of flashbacks from past to present that I think are essential is the story and the character development. Reading a Christopher Harlan book you can't help but want them to find their happy ever after and you become so invested in their story that the characters become part of you. Here's to another great read and finding your true north- the person you are meant to be despite your past experiences; they are a part of you but they don't define who you become.
This was a great addition to the Wordsmith Chronicles family. I was waiting for the book about North and this did not disappoint. I liked the back and forth time frame that the story was told in, and I liked the POV from both North and Delilah. North is a strong man, who started an MC together with his friend. When he felt that he had wanted to move on to something else in life, he left it behind, but never out of his mind. He will always be a biker, even when he settles down, gets married, and starts his life with Delilah. It is in his blood. The story starts out telling you what happened to him the night of Knight's wedding and it is a roller coaster for the rest of the book!
This story shows you how being in the right place and time can change your life forever. This is how North and Delilah met and started their life together. They met at a place you would not have expected them to meet, and it showed a different side of North.
I can't say enough about Christopher Harlan. If you have not read his books, you should start today! He has this way with telling a story that completely engulfs you in it and doesn't let you go until the book ends, and even then, you are still hooked!
I don't usually like books that move from the past to the present each chapter, but this story doesnt feel like you're going backwards or rushing forward. It weaves a thread through the story that fits and works to show the reader who the characters are. I loved every word. It was worth the loss of sleep and lack of interaction with friends and family so I could read this story...twice!They say you can't judge a book by its cover...true with books and true with people. Christopher Harlans newest book, True North proves that again and again. Sure James North is a tatted up badass biker, takes no sh*t from anyone, and will prove to anyone who wrongs him why they should fear him...but he is more than that. Delilah sees beyond the cover, after a misread or two, but still she sees James for the man he is under all that rough exterior. Their story runs at a sprint, an adventure and a thrill that makes this reader wish she could jump in the book and go along for the ride. They experience so much in such a short time, but neither turns away or leaves the others side. They feel it in those first moments, they are the half that makes both of them whole. They just have to get through this one more thing...nah! They are ready for their next ride. If you haven't read Christopher Harlan yet...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!! His books take you places you can imagine being, you feel like he is telling your story, or the one you wish was yours. His skill with words and the tapestry of life lived leave me wanting more...every. single. time.
True North—husband, wordsmith, mentor and an all around honest, intelligent, intriguing bad ass. There are not enough adjectives to describe him. This story picks up where we left him in Grayson’s book. We learn some insight as to who is was and how he and Delilah get to where they are. The story goes back and forth between now and a decade ago. And is written so well as to not confuse the reader. It is engaging and paced just right that you cannot put this book down.
You remember that old MTV show with the tag line, “You think you know but you have no idea.”? I feel like that kind perfectly describes North. We’ve seen glimpses of him in the previous Wordsmith Chronicles. We’ve even been told how different he is from the vibe his outer appearance gives off but, trust me, until you read this, you have no idea. North has LIVED.... and I mean that with all the hidden undertone of a member of your church’s Mother Board. I admit, I’m a sucker for the Phoenix rising from the ashes, lost boy found thing (heck, I married him) but, I really loved how our protagonist took all of those experiences that could have made him understandably vile, and allowed them to make him that much more decent instead. As always, Harlan’s character development is on point. The unique subject matter and settings for each of the Wordsmith books speaks to his talent and range as an author and the complete switch up for this installment is probably his most impressive turn thus far. The frequent timehops act like spoonfuls of sugar to help the tough parts go down - and keep this read from getting too heavy. All and all, True North is another great read in a phenomenal series. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
It is clear why James North is a role model and mentor to the wordsmiths. His history and traumas he’s faced has put him in a position to fear nothing. I loved the back and forth between the past and present, but felt his past had a stronger meaning to the story rather than the present (which may have been Christopher’s purpose) I fell in love with his relationship with Joaquin and how he honored him by writing his story as his first book.
Delilah’s past however, gives her every reason not to trust men, yet she trusts North enough to withhold MC info at the start of their relationship. That’s right there is blind love or unconditional love. Luckily in their situation, it became beautiful, passionate, unconditional love!
Another great book in the Wordsmith series. Loved the story of the relationship between North and Delilah. It also helps you get to know the characters better also. Great characters and great storyline. I would definitly recommend this book!
True North is book 4 in the Wordsmith Chronicles and an amazing read. I have been waiting for his story since North was first mentioned in Knight. I had a soft spot for him from the beginning. North is also a constant character in Colton and Grayson and a strong mentor to his fellow authors. I love the way this book is written in the past and present. It really gives you a closer look into who James North is from his tough biker persona to the man that is head over heels when he first meets his future wife Delilah. I love the bluntness of his character, how he confronts trials and turbulences head on and protects the people he cares about. With this book you will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Christopher Harlan is one of those authors where you get sucked into a book and you won't stop reading until you finished the last page. Every book is filled with true emotions that make you laugh one minute and cry the next. Once again another incredible read by Christopher Harlan.
After being introduced to North in the Wordsmith series, he now gets his own book to tell his story. And what a story it is. North is a complex character with a past. When that past comes back to haunt him, he does the only thing he can do - fight back. Fight for justice and those he loves. Delilah is one tough lady. She accepts North as he is and doesn't feel the need to meddle in club business. They truly are stronger together. Their story is amazing and you won't want to miss it.
Once again Mr. Harlan has written a compelling story that is a page turner. The characters are dynamic and if the real people they are modeled after are even half as cool, it would be an honor to meet them. This story had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and rooting so hard for the good guy I was cheering. If you aren't reading this book then I just don't know what you're doing with your life.
Christopher Harlan delivers another stellar read in the Wordsmith Chronicles world. True North is a standalone story.
James North is a man of principles and strength of character. Once you are part of his world you are protected and revered. His no nonsense approach to life has gotten him in and out of trouble his whole life. Riding the open road and a general fu to the universe is how this motorcycle bad boy gets through.
North has met his match in sexy, outgoing and no fear Delilah. She has had her fair share of hardship but she is not intimidated by North and all his bluster.
Together they share an incredible love story. However, past and present collide when demons come back around. Lives are at stake and so is their future.
Christopher Harlan has a way of making the characters speak to the reader. Smoothly crafted this is a great addition to the Wordsmith world.
Some people come into your life at the perfect time, that is what happened to North when Delilah walked into that class. The universe must have know that he would need her strength and love. She accepted him for who he was and never judged him and in turn he gave her his whole heart. She was the support he needed to start his new life.
I loved the flow of this book, the way Christopher seamlessly took us from the present to the past. This is definitely a book that is worth your time.
This was a non stop reading story. I have been waiting to read about True North. And having met Scott Hildreth, Christopher Harlan and BT Urruela at a book signing, makes this extra special. Delilah and James story is amazing. It takes you through flashbacks that make sense. You get to see their story from the beginning and I just love the smart way to portray a real person in a story. I could almost hear Jess and Scott in this story. I have not met Jess in person but this is what I imagine their beginning would have been, minus the kiddos. And that ending was priceless. You had me reading at ungodly hours so I could finish up because I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen. Thank you for a beautiful vivid story. Is not always perfect but it us perfect for them.
The person that makes such an impact, you just know your life has irrevocably changed…
While we finished the Wordsmith Chronicle series, there was always a character inside the Wordsmith’s book world that was slowly being introduced to readers. He was friend and mentor to our Wordsmith trio. An author in his own right, willing to help our trio hone and further their writing and author plans. This time Christopher Harlan left readers on a cliff hanger in GRAYSON - Bk 3, not only did we want to know what happened, readers wanted to know what made North who he was, what his background involved.
TRUE NORTH is that story. It’s James North’s journey… one that he will fight to hold on to and protect those he loves, especially his beautiful Delilah, with his very being. Nothing is going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth every moment you fight for what’s yours.
A wonderful blend of past and present. We all have a past that has shaped us, disappointed us. Then there are the moments when we meet people in unexpected places that have such an impact on us, that you just know your life has changed irrevocably.
Christopher Harlan drops you into the edgy, gritty often times violent MC world - it’s that very past that you want to move away from when a certain lady makes such an impact on your life that you want to evolve and focus your attentions not only on her but on your book world. Moving from the past isn’t always easy, especially when there are elements that catch up to you, with a thirst for revenge.
Christopher Harlan gives you a gripping and dramatic suspense amidst the touching, sexy and loving moments, a page turning book that will have you engrossed, make your heart race.
While this is a stand alone story, I feel to best understand the Wordsmith characters and just how James North relates, you will want to go back to the beginning of the Wordsmith Chronicles, read the entire series, to fully appreciate the characters and how each book’s journey has got you to TRUE NORTH. Unless you’re impatient, there is definitely nothing wrong with jumping in and starting with TRUE NORTH.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Wow! This book is simply phenomenal. True North is book 4 in the Wordsmith Chronicles that positively sizzles. “Darkness…. Far as I’m concerned, any man who doesn’t acquaint himself with the solitude that only darkness can afford him is in some trouble when things go south.” I thoroughly enjoyed reading this MC gang book with murder, mystery, drama, suspense, kidnapping, and passion continue to keep you glued to the pages of this fascinating story. This story is captivating, entertaining, and intriguing which also makes it very interesting and compelling to find out what happened next. Christopher Harlan manages to weave dark, suspense and twisted plots with artfully developed main characters. The book features characters from the earlier novels, and it works perfectly well as a standalone as the focus is very much on the hero and heroine—James North and Delilah. This is my first time reading these books (Wordsmith Chronicles), which I will need to read the other books. When North meets Delilah, he is enamored with her. One encounter is not enough—the heart wants what the heart wants, and without giving away any spoilers, emotions get very complicated. I love the banter between North and Delilah. The chemistry between North and Delilah grows more potent the more time they spend together—the sex if off-the-chart hot! There are so many intense elements to this story that you cannot highlight on just one. Wait until you read what happens and why someone was kidnapped—you will be flabbergasted and appalled. The storyline is fluid, and the characters are extremely well developed. You won’t regret reading True North!
This book is so well written with such interesting characters that I was engaged the whole way through. I couldn’t stop reading this story and need more! Mr. Harlan is an amazing wordsmith. He strung an awful lot of words together in a way that made you keep a death grip on your e-reader and I only reluctantly let it go to charge. I would recommend reading the 3 books in the Wordsmith Chronicles that this book is from first, though it’s not necessary. This is the story of James North, the mentor of the authors that the books the Wordsmith Chronicles are about and a former MC biker. He’s kidnapped from Knights wedding by an old enemy the head of the Leviathans, an MC that took over the club that North and his best friend had started after high school, the man North thought died years ago. This time, he’s determined that North will suffer before he dies and sets out to find North’s wife Delilah to bring her back to the club’s base. As North works to get himself free from the MC base and find Delilah before the Leviathans do, we are given glimpses into their past. What went down when the Leviathans took over, the death of Norths best friend, and the meeting of North and Delilah. We get to see love and heartbreak from the past all while North does what he can to protect his present and future. This is a thrilling page turner of a read and I recommend this book to everyone that’s a fan of romance, MC books, and tales full of intrigue and adrenaline
OMG! I just loved this story. I have read all the Wordsmiths books and loved them all but this one is without a doubt my favorite. I absolutely loved this character in the other Wordsmiths stories and was so intrigued by his badassery and his overall presence.
I couldn’t put the book down. It’s written in alternating time sequences (Now and Way Back When) which, for me, worked very well in the telling of this story. It made me very anxious to get to the next chapter.
North and Delilah are so perfect for each other. Since the moment they met there was a chemistry that was undeniable between them. He’s a bad-ass biker who is way smarter than people give him credit for. Delilah is a beautiful, sassy woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. North is faced with a deadly nemesis who not only threatens his life but Delilah’s as well. The story is full of angst and drama and moments that tore my heart out. I loved the characters and the plot and it was very well written.
True North was a great read. I have enjoyed reading the Wordsmith Chronicles and this one was no different. It can be read as a standalone as stated in other reviews.
Jame North brings the old saying that you can't judge a book by its cover. Delilah knew that he was different than her ex but she was in for a treat with him. She was not use to being treated like she should have been in her first marriage. But she took a leap and learned to love again.
North thought he was the luckiest man in the world when he met Delilah all those years ago in a class that they were both taking to do something they love. Sometimes things things have a way of working out when you least expect it.
If a book goes from Past to Present it sometimes can be hard to keep things going smoothly and this one did it well. I was never confused and never lost track of what was happening.
This author was new to me last year and I have loved all of the books I have read so far.
This is one book I have been looking forward to reading. The story behind the character of North. He has been in all the Wordsmiths books. This book was well worth the wait. North and Delilah’s story is absolutely amazing. The transition between current and past is flawless not to mention the way the Author provides the unique perspective from both their views (North and Delilah on how things went down in their lives together/and apart). I love this style of writing. But enough of this This book is nonstop excitement! Page turning, in a what will happen next kind of way. I am not the give all the juicy parts as you will need to read this amazing book to get those bits but North is fighting his most important fight;the one of saving the love of his life. And Delilah is left wondering what has happened to the man she loves. The Wordsmiths and their wives they are scared for their friend. This is a must read if you ask me.
OMG, What did I just read!!! I have loved all of The Wordsmith Chronicles books each in their own way, but holy hell this just put the icing on the cake and then some! James North , otherwise known as True North to The Wordsmiths, and Delilah’s story is full of excitement, getting to know you kinds of conversations, a final bit of well-deserved justice that took a long time coming, and heat so hot it might melt your kindle. This book is a standalone within the series and it stands on its own merits, but the entire series is fantastic so why not start at the beginning. I loved the back and forth from this couple and they are both badass survivors on their own, but together they are magic. I couldn’t put it down once I started and truly believe you will fall in love as I have. Christopher Harlan has another hit on his hand for sure and I definitely recommend checking it out!!