The Sinner Within

L.A. Sinners MC #1

by J.L. Leslie

They call me a demon. The revenant. I was thought to be dead for over three years so the names are fitting. I lost everything important to me. My club. My old lady. I resurfaced to find the things I cherished the most had been taken from me. The man I called a brother had stolen it all. He stole my chance at happiness. Freedom. He set me up.

But I’m back.

I’ve been given a second chance. An opportunity to make amends. To right the wrongs I have been accused of. I reclaimed my club. I’ve set out to clear my name. There’s only one thing standing in my way. One person.

Me.

*The Sinner Within is a spin-off series from the Ravens MC Series. It is a stand-alone series and it is not necessary to read the Ravens MC Series. This book contains adult language, violence, sexual content, and is intended for mature readers only.*

Genres: Dark, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2019

About the author

I am a happily married mother of three (two boys and one girl). I live in a very small town in Alabama. Never lived anywhere else. I’ve been writing since my early twenties, but I couldn’t seem to finish a book. I’ve started self-publishing with the encouragement from my mom. Without her encouragement, I don’t think I would’ve done it. She always supported me and writing is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll continue to do it. I’ve learned already that I can’t please everyone. Not all reviews will be good, not all reviews will be bad. I’m the one that has to be happy with my work.

I get my inspiration from life experiences, movies, television, other authors, and music. Music is definitely a big influence on my writing. I can hear a song and it can inspire an entire book for me. I listen to it while I’m driving or before I start writing and it keeps me inspired. I like to put music in my books, even if it’s just one song the characters listen to or hear at some point. Sometimes music has gotten me through the really tough times in my life and that’s why it inspires me.

I like to write fast-paced, steamy romance reads. I like for my males to be alpha-males and my heroines to be strong, but both need to have one weakness- each other. I am an avid reader. I absolutely love romance books!

Reviews

[Melanie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!
It takes us into the dark, dramatic underworld of murder, crime, betrayal but most of all, love and loyalty. The plot twists and characters are perfect, strong. The chemistry between Lucien and Harper, wow! Emotional, steamy hot and a great read.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my yes! J.L Leslie nails it once again!

The Sinner Within is everything a good MC novel needs to be. It’s sexy and sultry, and dirty, dark and gruesome... and I loved every single second of it.

This book follows Lucien, (who you may know from The Ravens MC books! Definitely suggest those first) and Harper.

Back from the dead, and hot as hell.

This book gives you a strange glimpse at love, life, and loyalty. It makes you question what you would do for love. While I’m never going to be the type to be involved in these activities (MC stuff) I have to admit J.L makes it quite enticing... and if I was gonna get a man like Lucien? Yes.Freaking.Please!

I loved this book so much, and I hope you take a chance on it when it releases on the 15th!

[elanur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sinner Within is the first book in J.L. Leslie’s new MC serie L.A. Sinners.
If you know me well, you know that I am a sucker for well-written MC Romances. I mean what’s not to like? Badass Characters left and right, no bullshiting and everyone being crude and violent as hell. Oh and a generous sprinkle of sexy rexy time, of course.
The Sinner Withinwas that book for me.
Also, a great bonus, no doormat heroine.

Lucien ‘The Revenant’ McNamara he fascinated me through the whole book. He calls Harper ‘an enigma’ but I find Lucien is the real enigma here. His past still haunts him and he’s trying to make-up for wrongdoings he’s not to blame. I love Lucien for being constant, he’s standing 100% behind his decision and isn’t sorry for them. His loyalty for his MC and Harper is astonishing. His inner conflict took me out tbh, like someone please wrap this guy in bubble wrap.

Violence runs through my blood

Harper Ryland This girl is NO damsel in distress. If you’re looking for any, you won’t find them in this book. Harper is badass and resilient. I don’t want to give away anything, but you are in for a nice surprise.

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"You can’t just go and do whatever the fuck you want.”

“Oh really? I thought that’s what adults did. Did you miss where I just told you I’m a grown ass fucking woman?”

This was my first J.L. Leslie read and I enjoyed it very much. The Sinner Within is a spin-off series from the Ravens MC Series. I didn’t read the Raven MC series beforehand and don’t think that it is essential for this Story.
I’m looking so forward to all the stories to come, especially Reid’s. Oh my God I already know, if we get a Story for Reid I will lose it.

*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Dark Syde Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! The Sinner Within is the first in the new L.A. Sinners MC series and it was so good! Lucian is the bad boy leader of an MC with a scary reputation and Harper is the (not so) innocent girl looking for vengeance. The buildup of the relationship between these two is at times frustrating but also tantalizing. The more gritty secondary and background characters made for a more realistic feel and trying to keep track of the main players and who was stabbing who in the back definitely kept me on my toes. Lots of little plot twists which made for a great read! And the writing was absolutely superb. I love when writers do their dialogues with more natural language. Overall, this was a solid 5-star read and I am chomping at the bit for the next installment!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla's Five Star Review

Wow! What an awesome introduction to a new author/series! Gripping story line that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! And the characters? Well, they are equally as great! Harper is as strong as she is loyal, and Lucien is one bad ass alpha male! When these two come together, it is magic!

Love, love, love this book! I need the next book ASAP!

[CeeJay Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️🌼🔥LUCKILY FOR US, LUCIEN’S DEATH WAS GREATLY EXAGGERATED❤️🌼🔥
THE SINNER WITHIN is the beginning of a new series, but the L. A. Sinners MC is a spinoff of The Ravens MC Series...And because of my memory, I realized after reading the first chapter, I needed to go back and re-read GRIFFIN’S CHOICE (of the Ravens MC Series)....Not everyone will need to do this, but I know I enjoyed THE SINNER WITHIN so much more, because I did....The L. A. Sinners MC Series has crossover characters from the Ravens MC Series, and while, you don’t have to, if you haven’t read the Ravens MC Series at all, read it first.......you will understand the references made about people and circumstances of the past....❤️🌼🔥
Lucien McNamara And Harper Ryland belong to two different MCs, and one MC is trying to kill the other MC for justice for their slain relatives, believed to be killed by the MC in GRIFFIN’S CHOICE.....But what you believe and what is true, are, sometimes, two entirely different things.....Hopefully Harper and Lucien find the truth before it is too late....❤️🌼🔥

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book... idk what i felt.. at first I wasn't feeling it.. Lucien was abit of a manwhore and so hung up on his ex.. couple times he kinda compared her to Harper (our girl) until he was finally falling for Harper he kinda stop thinking about his ex i don't get why he kept bring her up in his pov.. yesh he loved her but beside the mentions she never made a appearance... as for Harper.. she had some demons.. i honestly thought Gavin was her bf.. then turns out he was never her bf.. but her half brother.. and she was being a single mom to Gavin's daughter.. also she thought Lucien killed her brother.. and the rest of his crew.. but the old prez did but the bikers in sinner did off..members of that club.. so that's drama already.. once i pushed past that.. it was a meh book...Revenge... and fights and drama..

Angst, no cheating, sexxy, drama, secondary chara.. idk if i wanna read the next book since Mackenzie betrayed her friend and ratted her out to her own club.. and well warren is sleeping with club whores.. so yeah no..

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Quick synopsis: Lucien has become the president of the Sinners MC after incarceration and the previous president making bad decisions resulting in that president's death. Lucien meets a sassy waitress with secrets. These two people are so wrong for each other but also so right.
It was a slow start. Not sure if it was the writers voice or just how the story started that was the cause of the slow start. Yet, after the first few chapters it really felt as if the story flowed. I admit there were a few little twists I didn't see coming. So, not just a boring MC book. It had a few twists that really kept it interesting. I really would like to see HF explored more. And I love that the locust of Harper's identity is not Lucien even after becoming his Old Lady.
May actually get book 2. Not bad at all.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by J.L.Leslie and it will not be my last. I love MC stories. I love the action and the loyalty the club and it's men have. They are loyal to the end and if the betray they are put to ground no questions asked.

Lucien was handed a raw deal and he lost the club and his old lady. For three years he was away and he was obsessed with getting revenge and teaching those who took from him a lesson on messing with him and his family. This story has you asking why things happened the way they did and why they took everything from Lucien. He was loyal to the club and his old lady so why did things have to happen the way they did.

This is a story about love, healing, and redemption, and most of all revenge. Give this story a go because you will not be disappointed. I can't wait for book two I am curious to see who it is about and how things are going in the MC.

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a must read. If you liked the Raven's MC series by J.L. Leslie then you are going to love The Sinners.
It's not necessary to read the Raven's first but I think it would be a more enjoyable read.
This book is filled with just about everything I love in a book. Action, violence, steam, love.
I highly recommend this book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucian is the leader of the L.A. Sinners MC. He's such a bad ass alpha. Harper is a strong determined woman who is his match. This story has everything in it such as betrayal, love, lies and murder. I loved the way the couple came together after all the lies and people trying to keep them apart. A perfect MC read.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.

[Vikki Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and look forward to more in the series.

[Fawn Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! It was amazing! Lucien and Harper were a force to be reckoned with! Separately they are strong, but together they were indestructible! I loved every second of this story and just couldn't get enough. I can't wait to read more! I mean all the crap they did and went through. Holy great balls of fire it was crazy! Can't wait until the next book is available! Fantastic job J.L. Leslie!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read! Takes you into the life of a struggling motorcycle club and what risks they take to get ahead. A romance between two people in warring clubs to show the struggles of love vs loyalty.

[brenda Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinners

I loved this book keep you hooked. I didn't want to put it down. Very On Point keeps you wanting more. Would love more of this one hope there is more to come

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newly released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Lucien “The Revenant” McNamara takes over as President of the LA Sinners MC. A once flourishing MC, the Sinners coffers are almost depleted and it has been run into the ground. In what seems an insurmountable task, his aim is to pull them out of the mess that the previous, and now deceased President, Ford Taylor, has left them in, whilst also attempting to clear his own name. Lucien may be innocent of the crime for which he was convicted but he’s no saint. A dangerous man, he has an inner beast he needs to control. He is everything a President should be. Fearless and determined, one who adheres to a certain code of conduct which in turn brings him respect from the members of the Club.

They say the truth will set you free but in this case, it could ruin everything for Harper and Lucien and has the potential to get one or both of them killed. Built on lies, the progression of their relationship was frustrating at times as Harper’s increasing feelings for Lucien caused her to doubt herself, plans to deviate and waters to become muddied. I loved the twists and turns this story took and there are several revelations I didn’t see coming.

The Sinner Within is a gritty tale of love and vengeance, and whilst there’s still plenty of ruthless people here, I did feel that the violence was more told than shown and the madness and mayhem we’ve seen in this author’s previous MC series takes something of a back seat to the growing relationship between Lucien and Harper. Nevertheless, it is well written, with strong female characters and bikers you love to hate. It’s extremely sexy and raw, just as a good MC book should be. A great start to this new series, it can be read as a stand-alone. However, some of the characters here also appear in this author’s Raven’s MC series which I enjoyed very much and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've gone back & forth and back & forth numerous times trying to decide how to rate this book, and finally I decided because of how I couldn't move until every last page was finished, I would go with 5 stars. J.L. Leslie is a new to me author, and I found her writing style to be both original & highly addictive, but I'm going to be honest, I still have a couple of questions left, and that's where I became conflicted in my rating, because it didn't feel finished to me. So I decided I would wait for the next book to see if those questions are answered since they surround those people, and no, I can't say anymore without spoilers. Now, Lucien is called The Revenant, and he doesn't do anything to change that. He's let people believe he's been dead the past 3 years, but he hasn't been, he's been in prison for a crime he didn't commit. He lost everything, his club, old lady, basically his happiness, and now that he's back, he plans to right those wrongs. He meets Harper, a woman he believes is innocence, but she's not, nope, she can hold her own. He can't stay away, and is determined to claim her. Harper has her own demons, but she's no damsel in distress by any means. They shouldn't work out, and yet, somehow they do, but it's no walk in the park. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT, which leads to serious sexy times that lights the sky up! There's twists everywhere, which had me dropping colorful metaphors like a biker myself, while the action totally had my heart racing. A crazy cast of secondaries round this story out perfectly, as I didn't know who was the good, bad, or the very ugly until the end. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, because like I said, I still have some questions, but in the meantime, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Jamie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so freaking good. Loving the characters. I really loved Harper's character, she's strong, loyal and beautiful individual. She's out for revenge....she will go to any length's to get it, even if it means sleeping with the devil to get it.
He's known as a demon, devil and the "Revenant"! Lucian is feared by most. He walks into a room and the atmosphere changes and not for the better. He knows betrayal of the worst kind and he's fighting to get his life back and his club and brothers back to where it should be and that's prospering and respect he deserves.
This book has everything you want from an MC read. It has hot AF sex scenes, twists, badass alpha men, and some tough as nails females, I even cried. Lot's of different MC clubs you have to keep track of, so my suggestion and recommendation is that you read J.L. Leslie's past MC books first to get the full effect and better enjoyment of this read. That series would be Ravens MC Series and four books leading into this one. Don't get me wrong this can be read on it's own. It explains everything and the connections, just more enjoyment if you know all the players and how the ghost "Revenant" came to be.
This quote I loved and explains a little about Lucian so here it is....
"This thing...this sinner within me, he's a fucking beast that I can't always control".
Just know that the "Revenant" is a badass and one of my favorites to date.
Highly recommend this book.
thanks jamie nibarger ellis

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different MC. Oh, we have the hot, vicious 1%ers. The women are strong (much stronger than the guys can even imagine) and the steam is way up there. They have rival clubs and wars with bad guys--not that they aren't bad, too.

One of the clubs will surprise you--it sure did me. This one is out for revenge and they are well on their way to success at the expense of the Sinners.

Sometimes even when you know you shouldn't you can't resist. The prez has lost before. Is he asking for more pain? There are plenty of reasons why this couple won't work. Reading to find out if they will you'll meet some great characters including a little mini-club member who will steal your heart. The couple seems destined to fail, even die. You will find yourself unable to put down the story until you find out for sure.

This is a stand-alone with lots of characters that could make for great future stories.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know how the author was going to follow up after The Ravens MC and connect it but this book was an amazing read. The twists along the way kept you reading and the characters were believable and appealing even at their worst. Trust is a big issue through out the book and how to overcome obstacles in their lives and loves. Two people so opposed yet so right, they take you on a wild ride. Can’t wait for more in this series as if this runs like her other series it will only get better and I’m going along for the ride.

[Mackenzie Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been waiting for Lucien’s book for so long. Little did I know who he’d fall for after the love he once had for the woman he let believe he was dead. This book had me confused; yet wanting to yearn for more of it with each turn of the page. What can I say about Harper? Everything wrong for Lucien and everything right at the same time. There is just enough mystery about the happenings and who knows what to cause things to happen. Several times I gasped while reading because I couldn’t believe what was going on. A must read. I love Harper and Lucien!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and Lucien. What a perfect partner for him, Harper is all sass and able to take care of herself. These two together are explosive, Harper takes no bull and Lucien handles her exactly the way she needs. So much happens in this book, Lucien now president of the sinners mc, needs to let go of the past and look to the future, put the club back on the map. Can not wait to read more of the sinners boys.

[ci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first J.L. Leslie book, but it won't be my last!

While the book is a standalone, first book of a new series I really think I'm going to pick up the Raven's MC series.

This book has great characters, but there are a few I loved to hate!!! If you love books with HOT bikers, strong-willed old ladies, lots of bloodshed, revenge, and page turning action than you will love this book.

Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on one hell of a dark, twisted ride!! I love a great MC book and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

Lucien has been with the Sinners for years, he took the fall for something he didn’t do and with some help he is finally free to go claim what is his and make things right but the last thing he ever expected was a beautiful, sassy waitress to get his attention. 🖤🖤

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me, but my word, I will certainly be 1-clicking the rest of her work. Harper and Lucian “Devil” are from rival MC.s. This is a well written flawless story, which is a dark, raw, and gritty story and filled with action, twists, betrayal, revenge, and love. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all MC lovers.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the new L.A. Sinners MC series and it was absolutely amazing! It captured my attention and kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to the end. This story had twists and turns, revenge, betrayal and love. What can I say about Lucien and Harper other than they are perfect for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's a must read.

I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Susan Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters in this book. Harper is a sensible woman, but throughout the book I realized she https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... is a real badass. Harper did not back down from anything. Lucien is a club president who has no heart until he meets Harper.
This is one of the best MC stories I’ve read

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read really brought the intensity and drama. Dark, raw and full of turbulent emotions, this is a book that will capture and hold your attention. I enjoyed this book and it kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat all throughout my reading of it. An excellent start to this new series and I can't wait for more. I'm posting a forthright review by my own choice.

[Lori Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series. It's about the L.A. Sinners and taking back what they lost. At any cost!! Their President Lucian is a bad boy, with a soft spot for Harper and her "daughter". Harper is one tough lady, only problem is that she's a member of a rival club. Together, they are combustible and I was routing for them. This is a must read, get your copy January 15th.

[Bethany McNease · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.L. Leslie does it again! This book has everything you expect in a mc book with a twist. It is dark, full of betrayal, and steamy! Lucien has a seemingly perfect balance being the man for Harper and a ruthless Club President. Harper has difficult decisions to make. She is likeable and I could see how hard it was to be stuck in the middle. I am looking forward to the next story!