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Torpedo Ink #4
Desolation Road
Take the ride of your life with the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club in this thrilling romance novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.
Torpedo Ink is Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life. They’re his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn't stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That’s why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush.
For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he's dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can’t afford any distractions.
Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece….
Torpedo Ink is Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov’s whole life. They’re his brothers, his family—his everything. But that doesn't stop him from wanting something that only belongs to him. That’s why the tough biker has spent the last six weeks at the library, reading every book he can get his hands on and watching the prim and proper librarian who makes his blood rush.
For the past six weeks, Scarlet Foley has been fantasizing about the handsome, tattooed man whose eyes follow her every move. She senses he's dangerous. She wants him to get close enough to touch. She wishes she could let him know the real woman, not the one she pretends to be. But Scarlet has a plan to carry out, and she can’t afford any distractions.
Absinthe is well aware that Scarlet is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he intends to solve, piece by intoxicating piece….
442 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
1961 people are currently reading
2151 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
156 books52.9k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 619 reviews
July 28, 2020
Ewwww. Grosss. Yuck.So disappointing. Usually a good story mixed in with the hot sex. Story barely there. After awhile I skimmed the repetitive and very unappealing- voyeuristic, total submissive, kitten play, -who knew? sex . So I think I skimmed about three quarters of the book. I wonder if I could get three quarters of my money back? Not too fond of the repetitive references to torture and severe child abuse. Two or three references and long explanations suffices. So actually even less time for story. Did I mention Ewww gross yuck? Too bad, I was really looking forward to Absinthe's book. I wonder when they will get to Savage's story. Will there be lots of whipping? Yay, I received refund!
December 8, 2025
Scarlet is a local librarian that Aleksei “Absinthe” can’t get out of his head. No woman has ever affected him the way Scarlet does. He has his demons and Scarlet quiets them. When he finally asks Scarlet out the connection is immediate and they both see it, but Scarlet has secrets too and now the Torpedo Ink will do whatever it takes to give Absinthe the woman of his dreams and make Scarlet’s troubles disappear.
I appreciate the imagination used in the creation of this story. I liked that Scarlet was doing whatever it took to get revenge on the persons who caused her pain. There is an uncomfortable element of abuse, lots of cringy moments and I must admit I skimmed over their “kink” as much as possible because I didn’t care… There were a lot of kink moments, entire chapters, and it still kept going and going. For me, Desolation Road needed more balance, I was good with the overall story, it just got bogged down by the highly descriptive kink, that I really cared less about, which disconnected me from the characters.
I received this ARC copy of Desolation Road from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I appreciate the imagination used in the creation of this story. I liked that Scarlet was doing whatever it took to get revenge on the persons who caused her pain. There is an uncomfortable element of abuse, lots of cringy moments and I must admit I skimmed over their “kink” as much as possible because I didn’t care… There were a lot of kink moments, entire chapters, and it still kept going and going. For me, Desolation Road needed more balance, I was good with the overall story, it just got bogged down by the highly descriptive kink, that I really cared less about, which disconnected me from the characters.
I received this ARC copy of Desolation Road from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 19, 2020
I love Christine Feehan and have read dozens of her books but I had a hard time with Vendetta Road and I'm having an even harder time with this one. Feehan has always had a very repetitive and formulaic writing style, which is fine but you have to trust your reader to remember simple facts. This one just smacked me over the head with the same information over and over again.
I just could not get past being told every other paragraph that Scarlet is smart, taught herself to be an incredibly fast reader, and how she retains facts and information from everything she reads. HOWEVER, she can NOT remember which princesses go to which fairy tale?!?!?! And why does this little fact bug me so much, you may be wondering? It bugs me because it is said CONSTANTLY. If she retains information so well how can she not remember Snow White lives with 7 dwarfs, when that is literarily the title of the fairy tale. It just drove me nuts.
Information is constantly retold like we can't remember the basic information about the characters. I get refreshing the reader on side characters but the reader does not need to be told over and over again about the main traits of the MAIN characters. It made this book drag for me.
Yes, I love Feehan and I appreciated the book for what it was and yes, of course, the sex is spectacular, but the repetitiveness and the small plot holes just ruined this one for me. If you were annoyed about how I repeatedly talked about the repetitiveness in this review, you will be annoyed by it in the book.
I'm sorry, Christine! If you ever see this- I still love you!
I just could not get past being told every other paragraph that Scarlet is smart, taught herself to be an incredibly fast reader, and how she retains facts and information from everything she reads. HOWEVER, she can NOT remember which princesses go to which fairy tale?!?!?! And why does this little fact bug me so much, you may be wondering? It bugs me because it is said CONSTANTLY. If she retains information so well how can she not remember Snow White lives with 7 dwarfs, when that is literarily the title of the fairy tale. It just drove me nuts.
Information is constantly retold like we can't remember the basic information about the characters. I get refreshing the reader on side characters but the reader does not need to be told over and over again about the main traits of the MAIN characters. It made this book drag for me.
Yes, I love Feehan and I appreciated the book for what it was and yes, of course, the sex is spectacular, but the repetitiveness and the small plot holes just ruined this one for me. If you were annoyed about how I repeatedly talked about the repetitiveness in this review, you will be annoyed by it in the book.
I'm sorry, Christine! If you ever see this- I still love you!
July 9, 2020
DEGRADING TO WOMEN
LEAVE THE BDSM WRITING TO EL JAMES
These men have been sexual abused all their lives, why would you think they should continue to degrade their women in almost the same way sans whipping??
WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A WOMAN CRAWL ON HANDS AND KNEES, PUT AN ....ANAL. ...PLUG....WITH A TAIL AND A HARNESS, AND A COLLAR AND THINK IT'S ALRIGHT?
Czar and his brothers don't treat their women that way. Rough sex, nighmares, ptsd, yeah all understanable........BUT.......YOU REACHED A NEW LOW!!!!!!!
This club was something to look forward to, men ( and women) abused horrifically, trying to cope in life, not knowing how, but learning to blend with society. Instead to took it to
DIGUSTING, DEGRADING, HORRIBLE LEVEL OF ABUSE TOWARD WOMEN. Even Reaper didn't treat his woman in such a digesting manner.
RETHINK THE WAY YOU WRITE THIS CLUB. ( I've read many BDSM books, you lady have taken this book to its lowest level!!!! And to think I friggen buy paperbacks and own every book you ever wrote. Well Torpedo ink Desolation road just got thrown into the fire pit!!!!!!! STOP WRITING ABUSIVE DEGRADING SEX WITH WOMEN, THESE MEN DESERVE BETTER!!!!!!!!
LEAVE THE BDSM WRITING TO EL JAMES
These men have been sexual abused all their lives, why would you think they should continue to degrade their women in almost the same way sans whipping??
WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A WOMAN CRAWL ON HANDS AND KNEES, PUT AN ....ANAL. ...PLUG....WITH A TAIL AND A HARNESS, AND A COLLAR AND THINK IT'S ALRIGHT?
Czar and his brothers don't treat their women that way. Rough sex, nighmares, ptsd, yeah all understanable........BUT.......YOU REACHED A NEW LOW!!!!!!!
This club was something to look forward to, men ( and women) abused horrifically, trying to cope in life, not knowing how, but learning to blend with society. Instead to took it to
DIGUSTING, DEGRADING, HORRIBLE LEVEL OF ABUSE TOWARD WOMEN. Even Reaper didn't treat his woman in such a digesting manner.
RETHINK THE WAY YOU WRITE THIS CLUB. ( I've read many BDSM books, you lady have taken this book to its lowest level!!!! And to think I friggen buy paperbacks and own every book you ever wrote. Well Torpedo ink Desolation road just got thrown into the fire pit!!!!!!! STOP WRITING ABUSIVE DEGRADING SEX WITH WOMEN, THESE MEN DESERVE BETTER!!!!!!!!
August 6, 2020
Desolation Road by Christine feehan is book 4 in the Torpedo ink series and I must admit it's not the best 😬 I really enjoyed the last 3 books with their kinky naughtiness and the dark underlining story lines that made this group of character's who they are and also leaving you with the feeling of excitement for the next book, but this one I felt was missing something and at some point I wasn't really interested.
It's still a book that needs reading with this series so I'm still going to recommend it,as I've said before what doesn't work for one may work for others, l'm glad I stuck with it BUT I'm definitely praying hard the next is back to being at it's best 🤞
It's still a book that needs reading with this series so I'm still going to recommend it,as I've said before what doesn't work for one may work for others, l'm glad I stuck with it BUT I'm definitely praying hard the next is back to being at it's best 🤞
April 13, 2020
3.5 stars
Although I was really looking forward to Absinthe’s story, and I really loved Scarlet and what a badass she was, I found it super hard to connect to them as a couple. They just didn’t have much chemistry, it seemed. The kitten play aside (which is really not my thing), I didn’t find myself enjoying this book as much as the ones before it, and I think it was just because I didn’t believe these two as a couple.
All that being said, I’m super intrigued for both Savage’s and Destroyer’s books. I can’t wait and, despite this one not doing much for me, I’m highly anticipating the release of their stories and definitely plan to read them.
Although I was really looking forward to Absinthe’s story, and I really loved Scarlet and what a badass she was, I found it super hard to connect to them as a couple. They just didn’t have much chemistry, it seemed. The kitten play aside (which is really not my thing), I didn’t find myself enjoying this book as much as the ones before it, and I think it was just because I didn’t believe these two as a couple.
All that being said, I’m super intrigued for both Savage’s and Destroyer’s books. I can’t wait and, despite this one not doing much for me, I’m highly anticipating the release of their stories and definitely plan to read them.
August 9, 2020
Desolation Road is the fourth book in the Torpedo Ink series and this book explores the new beginning of another member in a poignant, dark, and heartbreaking story. The cast of broken people coming together to resurrect a life of meaning
Torpedo Ink member, Aleksei "Absinthe" Solokov is one of the nine survivors who were subjected to horrific torture and brutality while children, trapped in a Russian pedophile cult. Along with his fellow motorcycle club members, Absinthe has fought to carve out a new life in an idyllic California coastal town. The club is thriving building the community, while also secretly taking down child trafficking gangs.
Despite outwardly successful in carving out new lives, Absinthe is still dealing with old wounds that hound his soul and his dark gift of being able to read people's minds, is another demon that haunts him. The last thing Absinthe is looking for is a woman and to his astonishment, he has become enthralled by most intriguing woman whom he recently "met" at the library, a place that has become a sort of sanctuary for Absinthe.
The heroine Scarlet Foley, is a local librarian who has caught the attention of Absinthe. Outwardly, Scarlet is a beautiful, prim, and quiet woman dedicated to her job. She is nonplussed at her immediate attraction to our hero. Yet Scarlet is a woman of many layers. Due to a past tragedy, she is as resilient and determined as steel, driven to patiently seek justice for her lost family and innocence. She has no room in her life for a man and is stunned at her magnetic attraction to the tattooed, muscled, sexy Absinthe.
Neither Absinthe or Scarlet are looking for a relationship, each are wrestling with their own agendas of justice and revenge. This magnetic attraction between them is more of an unwanted distraction. But, as fate converged the paths of these two people with troubled and tragic pasts, Absinthe and Scarlet's journey is intense, dark, and relentless. Absinthe senses that Scarlet is carrying a dark secret and his mission is to find out the secret she protects as well as to make this fascinating woman his own. It was fascinating to watch their slow burn connection, neither looking for love but compelled to
Desolation Road is an emotional story of two people who each bring their brokenness into the relationship and find solace and connection in each other and within the familial arms of Torpedo Ink members. Scarlet fits perfectly in the Torpedo Ink world, she brings complimentary gifts that enhances the community of wounded, resilient people as they choose hope and healing through opening their hearts, minds, and souls to love.
Torpedo Ink member, Aleksei "Absinthe" Solokov is one of the nine survivors who were subjected to horrific torture and brutality while children, trapped in a Russian pedophile cult. Along with his fellow motorcycle club members, Absinthe has fought to carve out a new life in an idyllic California coastal town. The club is thriving building the community, while also secretly taking down child trafficking gangs.
Despite outwardly successful in carving out new lives, Absinthe is still dealing with old wounds that hound his soul and his dark gift of being able to read people's minds, is another demon that haunts him. The last thing Absinthe is looking for is a woman and to his astonishment, he has become enthralled by most intriguing woman whom he recently "met" at the library, a place that has become a sort of sanctuary for Absinthe.
The heroine Scarlet Foley, is a local librarian who has caught the attention of Absinthe. Outwardly, Scarlet is a beautiful, prim, and quiet woman dedicated to her job. She is nonplussed at her immediate attraction to our hero. Yet Scarlet is a woman of many layers. Due to a past tragedy, she is as resilient and determined as steel, driven to patiently seek justice for her lost family and innocence. She has no room in her life for a man and is stunned at her magnetic attraction to the tattooed, muscled, sexy Absinthe.
Neither Absinthe or Scarlet are looking for a relationship, each are wrestling with their own agendas of justice and revenge. This magnetic attraction between them is more of an unwanted distraction. But, as fate converged the paths of these two people with troubled and tragic pasts, Absinthe and Scarlet's journey is intense, dark, and relentless. Absinthe senses that Scarlet is carrying a dark secret and his mission is to find out the secret she protects as well as to make this fascinating woman his own. It was fascinating to watch their slow burn connection, neither looking for love but compelled to
Desolation Road is an emotional story of two people who each bring their brokenness into the relationship and find solace and connection in each other and within the familial arms of Torpedo Ink members. Scarlet fits perfectly in the Torpedo Ink world, she brings complimentary gifts that enhances the community of wounded, resilient people as they choose hope and healing through opening their hearts, minds, and souls to love.
July 8, 2020
I loved this story.
Absinthe finds love where else? The library! Scarlet is a librarian with a secret as powerful and surprising as his.
Together they fight for justice, reveal their secrets and kick a$$. Their love story is beautiful. He is such a strong hero and she rocks his world.
As fair warning this book has explicit sex. If reading about child abuse (not graphic) bothers you then this may not be for you. But if you like stories where someone is able to triumph in the end you will live this. And that’s not a spoiler. You’ll understand when you read it.
Absinthe finds love where else? The library! Scarlet is a librarian with a secret as powerful and surprising as his.
Together they fight for justice, reveal their secrets and kick a$$. Their love story is beautiful. He is such a strong hero and she rocks his world.
As fair warning this book has explicit sex. If reading about child abuse (not graphic) bothers you then this may not be for you. But if you like stories where someone is able to triumph in the end you will live this. And that’s not a spoiler. You’ll understand when you read it.
June 27, 2020
Imagine meeting a gorgeous biker who loves to read, is great in the sack, and is super protective. Nice. Oh, did I forget to mention he can control you with his voice, likes to have sex openly around his MC brothers, really digs pet play, and wants you to be a literal sex kitten for him? Imagine that Tinder profile for a minute, and you've got another really out there WTF installment of life in the Torpedo Ink club.
3.5 WTF did I just read stars. See the full review on my blog Lucky Reads Romance
3.5 WTF did I just read stars. See the full review on my blog Lucky Reads Romance
July 11, 2020
The worst thing that I’ve ever read
I quite honestly don’t know where to begin, this is the worst piece of drivel written, and I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey. I wonder about the woman who could write this and to be honest it’s probably the nail in the coffin for me with this author. It’s similar to how I felt about Laurell K Hamilton, I think she’s run out of things to write, so her heroine likes to be a kitten and her hero is so messed up he “needs” it. Awful, appallingly written trash, avoid like the plague
I quite honestly don’t know where to begin, this is the worst piece of drivel written, and I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey. I wonder about the woman who could write this and to be honest it’s probably the nail in the coffin for me with this author. It’s similar to how I felt about Laurell K Hamilton, I think she’s run out of things to write, so her heroine likes to be a kitten and her hero is so messed up he “needs” it. Awful, appallingly written trash, avoid like the plague
Read
November 11, 2020No rating for this book.
I like the storyline, I like the heroine and the hero and if Ms. Feehan taken off around 50-100 pages from this book, I would give this book four stars.
However, within those pages as I mentioned above, we got too much child extremely sexual abused, and bizarre kinky sex. No, seriously it’s bizarre at least for me 😳😬.
I wish Ms. Feehan restrained herself more, in writing those children sexual abused, we got what you wanted to tell us, this is books #4 for god sake! And we understand what do you want to tell us but pages upon pages of details about it? It made me sick the first time I read it, and is really pissed me off when I got more details about it, hence the pages skimmed! Those kittens kinky sex, wth is that? I know he got those abused when he was a child but hello? 🤦♀️.
It make me wanted to give this book one star! 😐
Let me tell you, I’m not too crazy about this series, because of its week heroines and silly alphole heroes 🙄, but I found from its review in this one, that wasn’t a case, we have a fabulous heroine and she does and the hero is a wonderful guy too, so to put these two in those weird sex, is really ruining and disservice for these characters. That’s why no ratings, I couldn’t make up my mind how to rate this one.
Also, this is typical Ms. Feehan’s writing her series, in others series too 😬
She gave us these many interesting characters, like Savage, Destroyer, Alena and many others, then I found the next book about Player! Who the hell is he? I didn’t read a thing about him before, if he did appear, it must be a very minor one.
Oh well 🤨 😐
Will avoid this series until characters I mentioned above and hopefully without too much childhood sexual abused details, however I doubt it in Savage’s book, if he would get one. 🤷♀️
I like the storyline, I like the heroine and the hero and if Ms. Feehan taken off around 50-100 pages from this book, I would give this book four stars.
However, within those pages as I mentioned above, we got too much child extremely sexual abused, and bizarre kinky sex. No, seriously it’s bizarre at least for me 😳😬.
I wish Ms. Feehan restrained herself more, in writing those children sexual abused, we got what you wanted to tell us, this is books #4 for god sake! And we understand what do you want to tell us but pages upon pages of details about it? It made me sick the first time I read it, and is really pissed me off when I got more details about it, hence the pages skimmed! Those kittens kinky sex, wth is that? I know he got those abused when he was a child but hello? 🤦♀️.
It make me wanted to give this book one star! 😐
Let me tell you, I’m not too crazy about this series, because of its week heroines and silly alphole heroes 🙄, but I found from its review in this one, that wasn’t a case, we have a fabulous heroine and she does and the hero is a wonderful guy too, so to put these two in those weird sex, is really ruining and disservice for these characters. That’s why no ratings, I couldn’t make up my mind how to rate this one.
Also, this is typical Ms. Feehan’s writing her series, in others series too 😬
She gave us these many interesting characters, like Savage, Destroyer, Alena and many others, then I found the next book about Player! Who the hell is he? I didn’t read a thing about him before, if he did appear, it must be a very minor one.
Oh well 🤨 😐
Will avoid this series until characters I mentioned above and hopefully without too much childhood sexual abused details, however I doubt it in Savage’s book, if he would get one. 🤷♀️
October 28, 2020
""I'm with you because I love you. I want to be with you. You have to believe in me, but even more than that, you have to believe in yourself. I really can't save you if you're not willing to save yourself."
This was like the first book in the series that has amazing plotline.
We have actions, plotline that make sense other than sex.
I enjoyed Scarlet plotline
She is honestly a badass. Like her storyline is so interesting and such an adrenaline rush.
I can't say the same with Absinthe's kink though.
I mean to each of their own, I guess.
I thought we have read weird kinks with the other members but Absinte's kink defnitely wasn't my favourite.
Savage's storyline was a bit revealed in this book. I can't wait to read more about him, I need to give him a hug.
Lana and Alena too deserve a book!
Everyone in the story deserve a book so I don't care if this series is 25 books.
"If you betrayed me, Absinthe, I would kill you."
This was like the first book in the series that has amazing plotline.
We have actions, plotline that make sense other than sex.
I enjoyed Scarlet plotline
She is honestly a badass. Like her storyline is so interesting and such an adrenaline rush.
I can't say the same with Absinthe's kink though.
I mean to each of their own, I guess.
I thought we have read weird kinks with the other members but Absinte's kink defnitely wasn't my favourite.
Savage's storyline was a bit revealed in this book. I can't wait to read more about him, I need to give him a hug.
Lana and Alena too deserve a book!
Everyone in the story deserve a book so I don't care if this series is 25 books.
"If you betrayed me, Absinthe, I would kill you."
July 7, 2020
I had a really hard time with this book. I also had a hard time with the previous book in this series, but this took it to a new level. There was no real connection between the two lead characters. I never really got how they would even get together. Scarlet had more chemistry with Savage than she did with Absinthe.
Also, Scarlet was supposed to be this kick-ass woman, and then she lets herself be totally subjugated. I don't get it. I understand that this is a MC. But the kitten play was too much. I really wanted to read a romance, not a porn. I really would give this a 2.5 star. After this book I am done with this series, it keeps getting further away from romance, and I am out.
Received as an ARC from Netgalley.
Also, Scarlet was supposed to be this kick-ass woman, and then she lets herself be totally subjugated. I don't get it. I understand that this is a MC. But the kitten play was too much. I really wanted to read a romance, not a porn. I really would give this a 2.5 star. After this book I am done with this series, it keeps getting further away from romance, and I am out.
Received as an ARC from Netgalley.
June 22, 2020
This series continues to be edgy and dark. I adore it! In the latest installment, the focus is on Aleksei "Absinthe" and the one woman for him. Absinthe is a kind of empath. He helps lessen the emotions and pain of those around him. His ability seems more like a curse, especially in the horrible pedophile school he was forced to grow up in. Each backstory into the bikers is more heartbreaking. They are truly survivors, getting away from their tormentors. It does shape how they are, specifically their sexual preferences.
This story blurs the lines again with torture and BDSM kink. It is clear that Ms. Feehan is not a practitioner, nor is she trying to make this a BDSM story. However, there are dark erotic kinks in here which make it iffy. Specifically, the puppy play in this story is an oft misunderstood and ridiculed kink. Ms. Feehan does a good job at explaining the kink through actions and a strong storyline. Absinthe's preference for puppy play is changed from trauma to something sexy. Ms. Feehan does an admirable job in showing the wrongs, rights of this kink. She also shows how easily something sexy can be turned into something degrading. Nicely done.
Erotica aside, the romance between Absinthe and Scarlet is an intense courtship. There are elements of erotic power exchange which makes it so good. Scarlet is a survivor who will fight back. This works well in Absinthe's world as they have enemies who are brutal. The constant struggle to keep Scarlet safe also helps build a stronger bond between the two.
I am enjoying the continued arc to bring down the head of the pedophile human trafficking ring. It ties back to the history of the Torpedo Ink members. I am eager to learn more about the single brothers and sisters in this biker club. It will be good to see them find their "one" to help them quiet the demons. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who like dark erotica and motorcycle clubs.
*provided by Edelweiss
This story blurs the lines again with torture and BDSM kink. It is clear that Ms. Feehan is not a practitioner, nor is she trying to make this a BDSM story. However, there are dark erotic kinks in here which make it iffy. Specifically, the puppy play in this story is an oft misunderstood and ridiculed kink. Ms. Feehan does a good job at explaining the kink through actions and a strong storyline. Absinthe's preference for puppy play is changed from trauma to something sexy. Ms. Feehan does an admirable job in showing the wrongs, rights of this kink. She also shows how easily something sexy can be turned into something degrading. Nicely done.
Erotica aside, the romance between Absinthe and Scarlet is an intense courtship. There are elements of erotic power exchange which makes it so good. Scarlet is a survivor who will fight back. This works well in Absinthe's world as they have enemies who are brutal. The constant struggle to keep Scarlet safe also helps build a stronger bond between the two.
I am enjoying the continued arc to bring down the head of the pedophile human trafficking ring. It ties back to the history of the Torpedo Ink members. I am eager to learn more about the single brothers and sisters in this biker club. It will be good to see them find their "one" to help them quiet the demons. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who like dark erotica and motorcycle clubs.
*provided by Edelweiss
December 28, 2020
So up to about page 221 this book was running a high 3 for me. I loved Scarlett she was confident, sexy and she took out the trash beautifully(men who do bad things). Then we get to the sex and all her brains fall out and she becomes a cat. UGH...so with all the 47 trigger warnings that CFs books have to carry now, we have to add one more...animal play (not with real animals...please god don't let that be in the erotic play book that CF seems determined to take us through.) I skimmed the sex scenes after that and just focused on the story. Sad thing is, it was a quality, strong storyline if one stays above the usual voyeurisms and constant sex "kitten" scenes. (and yes, that other chick is still given head under the table while breakfast or chat happens above.) *eye-roll* back in my head and not for good reasons either. On a serious note though, truly if scenes of child abuse, abuse and rape of women and children are triggers, then skip this book or any of her books in this series really.
I am trying to hang in there for the women's stories, I think we met Alena's HEA, but Lana, I don't think so yet. Once CF gets down to the erotic playbook section where men want a woman to change his diaper, feed him a bottle and burp him, that is it for me, I will be done. She sure makes it hard though...so....so very hard. (and not in a good way.)
I am trying to hang in there for the women's stories, I think we met Alena's HEA, but Lana, I don't think so yet. Once CF gets down to the erotic playbook section where men want a woman to change his diaper, feed him a bottle and burp him, that is it for me, I will be done. She sure makes it hard though...so....so very hard. (and not in a good way.)
February 5, 2021
Desolation Road is the 4th book in the Torpedo Ink Series by Christine Feehan. The series follows the lives of 18 survivors of an assassin training school in Russia which was run by political enemies of their families and pedophiles. Tortured and abused most of their lives they banded together. They developed the skills of their training and special psychic gifts. They sought revenge on those who made their lives hell. Out in the world they know the best way to survive is to stay the solid family they became living the code they created, as a motorcycle club. Keeping their skills sharp they aid other clubs resolve threats and hunting and delivering their type of justice to anyone that abuses children and women as they had been.
Like all in the series, this book blew me away Absinthe tries to cope with his guilt and cost from his psychic abilities to influence minds and how he used them to spare his brothers and sisters, to help them survive. He does his best to bury the guilt he carries and the losses he suffered. His skills have, not only his demons, but the demons of his family screaming at him. His past made him feel he would never find a future, his life was meant to be desolate. His respite was found in books. In the quiet isolation of libraries.
It is in one such library he finds Scarlet, the one who awakens his body and his mind. She is as intelligent and as gifted as him. Maybe just as lethal. The trauma of her past has her seeking justice of her own, and is all her life is about, there is no future, only desolation, as long as her past hangs over her. But he makes her want one. Her secrets give him a puzzle to solve.
Their relationship grows over conversation and exchange of ideas. Time spent together is romantically and erotically balanced. A strong woman who knows what she wants and what she needs from him. What’s even more thrilling and confounding to him, because of her psychic gifts, all they share is of their own free will. His intelligent mind and the way he was used by the pedophiles has him craving a very creative sexual outlet. Scarlet’s needs for sexual satisfaction fits perfectly with him, allows her to choose to follow his desire to meet her own.
They offer each other Redemption, Acceptance and Belonging they never thought they would have. All they have to do is face their demons, share their hell with each other. All though due to the traumas and guilt they carry its not an easy task. And tests their relationship before it really gets going...(heart breaks for Savage who still is sacrificing for his family.)
Absinthe’s revelations, what he carries from his childhood, are horrifying and heart breaking, and it’s a relief to see him find some closure and possibilities thanks to Scarlet and he returns that trust and support helping her defeat her own.
Of course helping them believe they deserve a future together are the fellow members of Torpedo Ink. With heart breaking revelations, action and karma delivered as only their talents can, and tension broken with teasing humor, the plot moves forward and additions to their club whispering of things to come and threats to come.
Like all in the series, this book blew me away Absinthe tries to cope with his guilt and cost from his psychic abilities to influence minds and how he used them to spare his brothers and sisters, to help them survive. He does his best to bury the guilt he carries and the losses he suffered. His skills have, not only his demons, but the demons of his family screaming at him. His past made him feel he would never find a future, his life was meant to be desolate. His respite was found in books. In the quiet isolation of libraries.
It is in one such library he finds Scarlet, the one who awakens his body and his mind. She is as intelligent and as gifted as him. Maybe just as lethal. The trauma of her past has her seeking justice of her own, and is all her life is about, there is no future, only desolation, as long as her past hangs over her. But he makes her want one. Her secrets give him a puzzle to solve.
Their relationship grows over conversation and exchange of ideas. Time spent together is romantically and erotically balanced. A strong woman who knows what she wants and what she needs from him. What’s even more thrilling and confounding to him, because of her psychic gifts, all they share is of their own free will. His intelligent mind and the way he was used by the pedophiles has him craving a very creative sexual outlet. Scarlet’s needs for sexual satisfaction fits perfectly with him, allows her to choose to follow his desire to meet her own.
They offer each other Redemption, Acceptance and Belonging they never thought they would have. All they have to do is face their demons, share their hell with each other. All though due to the traumas and guilt they carry its not an easy task. And tests their relationship before it really gets going...(heart breaks for Savage who still is sacrificing for his family.)
Absinthe’s revelations, what he carries from his childhood, are horrifying and heart breaking, and it’s a relief to see him find some closure and possibilities thanks to Scarlet and he returns that trust and support helping her defeat her own.
Of course helping them believe they deserve a future together are the fellow members of Torpedo Ink. With heart breaking revelations, action and karma delivered as only their talents can, and tension broken with teasing humor, the plot moves forward and additions to their club whispering of things to come and threats to come.
July 7, 2020
Revenge like no other…
Another wild ride with Torpedo Ink! I liked Absinthe and Scarlet’s characters. Individually, they were strong and capable, with Scarlet even more so, being incredibly smart. Both could be single-minded in their focus, but didn’t hesitate to go off track if someone or something needed them. While the horrors that they suffered were completely opposite, the impact on them both was profound and drove their actions every day…
If this story didn’t hit all the marks for me, it’s more a reflection of my tastes than anything else. The story’s premise was intriguing and of course all the members of the entire Torpedo Ink family were back – which is always a treat. It was a fast pace, with huge questions answered along the way. Good triumphing over evil, in such inventive ways, always strikes the chord and that certainly did here… ~Diane, 3.5 stars
Another wild ride with Torpedo Ink! I liked Absinthe and Scarlet’s characters. Individually, they were strong and capable, with Scarlet even more so, being incredibly smart. Both could be single-minded in their focus, but didn’t hesitate to go off track if someone or something needed them. While the horrors that they suffered were completely opposite, the impact on them both was profound and drove their actions every day…
If this story didn’t hit all the marks for me, it’s more a reflection of my tastes than anything else. The story’s premise was intriguing and of course all the members of the entire Torpedo Ink family were back – which is always a treat. It was a fast pace, with huge questions answered along the way. Good triumphing over evil, in such inventive ways, always strikes the chord and that certainly did here… ~Diane, 3.5 stars
May 22, 2021
I don't think I'll be able to finish this series for the simple reason that each book is just way too draggy. It can easily be cut down by 100 pages. They're amazing books but just there's too much information and no true plotline till later
May 22, 2020
3 Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Berkley via NetGalley
Genre: MC Romance with Supernatural elements
Part 4 of a on going series
My Desolation Road Review . . .
I do quite like this series but I also feel while I'm reading it that I'm missing either a back story or a subplot the whole time. Especially where it comes to Czar and his brothers whom are now part of this MC.
This time around we finally get Absinthe's story. His back story and his demons were very interesting. I liked the fact of how much respect these men have for woman and realize their importance and strength that is needed to be with them and to love them.
His woman was a super strong kick ass heroine named Scarlet. She was strong yet still had softness to her. Her heart was huge and her back story was also very sad and painful. I loved that these two balanced each other and helped strengthen their natural abilities while being together.
What did throw me off was Absinthe's kink. I have no problem with any kink but his felt out of no where when it was mentioned. It was all of a sudden with something like 'oh , here is a tail." Then all of a sudden that particular kink was a HUGE part of the story. I felt like there could have been a bit more build up to that part of him and for Scarlet as well.
The other thing that confused me as the fact that Scarlett was such an independent working woman then I get why she had to quit her job but I was surprised she never worked again. Maybe that will get mentioned in the series later. But since the store being part of their new business I thought maybe she would run that or that they'd build her a library or something.
Besides those parts I did like the story and I can't wait for more and to have all of these troubled souls find love.
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Berkley via NetGalley
Genre: MC Romance with Supernatural elements
Part 4 of a on going series
My Desolation Road Review . . .
I do quite like this series but I also feel while I'm reading it that I'm missing either a back story or a subplot the whole time. Especially where it comes to Czar and his brothers whom are now part of this MC.
This time around we finally get Absinthe's story. His back story and his demons were very interesting. I liked the fact of how much respect these men have for woman and realize their importance and strength that is needed to be with them and to love them.
His woman was a super strong kick ass heroine named Scarlet. She was strong yet still had softness to her. Her heart was huge and her back story was also very sad and painful. I loved that these two balanced each other and helped strengthen their natural abilities while being together.
What did throw me off was Absinthe's kink. I have no problem with any kink but his felt out of no where when it was mentioned. It was all of a sudden with something like 'oh , here is a tail." Then all of a sudden that particular kink was a HUGE part of the story. I felt like there could have been a bit more build up to that part of him and for Scarlet as well.
The other thing that confused me as the fact that Scarlett was such an independent working woman then I get why she had to quit her job but I was surprised she never worked again. Maybe that will get mentioned in the series later. But since the store being part of their new business I thought maybe she would run that or that they'd build her a library or something.
Besides those parts I did like the story and I can't wait for more and to have all of these troubled souls find love.
October 22, 2025
I will never buy another Christine Feehan book. Ever. This was the last. No character development, no believable relationship between the characters, and I had to force myself to finish. Never, ever again.
January 9, 2021
Wow. Finally I got to read Absinthe and Scarlet's story. Hopefully there's going to be a book for Savage. And I can't wait for Player and Zyah's book coming Feb 9, 2021
August 11, 2020
I want so badly to love this series...... but I just can't. I hate the characters back stories. I hate that they have psychic powers. I love MC romance though so I will keep trying.
July 5, 2020
3.75 stars--DESOLATION ROAD is the fourth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult TORPEDO INK erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the men and women of the Torpedo Ink MC. This is Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov, and librarian Scarlet Foley’s story line. DESOLATION ROAD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. The TORPEDO INK series is a spin off from the author’s SEA HAVEN SERIES but you do not have to have read the original series to follow Torpedo Ink.
NOTE: Most of the characters including Torpedo Ink club president Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski, and his wife Blythe Daniels were introduced in the final instalment of the author’s Sea Haven Series BOUND TOGETHER.
WARNING: DESOLATION ROAD contains scenes, and makes reference to voyeurism, graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men. There are also scenes of animal role play, food play, anal play and the use of other items during sexual activities and therefore, Desolation Road may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The eighteen original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children and women in similar situations.
Told from several third person perspectives including Absinthe and Scarlet DESOLATION ROAD follows Torpedo Ink’s Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov as his need for librarian Scarlet Foley helps calm the demons that continually run through his head. For six weeks Absinthe has ‘stalked’ our storyline heroine in an effort to get to ‘know’ the woman that calms the beast but Scarlet Foley is so much more than a sexy librarian, Scarlet is not without some supernatural abilities of her own. Years earlier, a horrific attack against Scarlet, and ultimately her sister Priscilla, led to the loss of Scarlet’s entire family, and in the ensuing years, Scarlet swore vengeance against everyone involved but meeting Aleksei Solokov meant Scarlet was about to place the Torpedo Ink family in danger, a danger the family was certain did not apply. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Absinthe and Scarlet, and the potential fall-out as Scarlet’s past is determined to finish the job.
At seventeen years of age, Scarlet Foley lost everything including her innocence, her family and the life she once knew. Years would pass wherein our heroine made preparations to enact revenge against the men who destroyed our heroine’s life, preparations that will now involve the men and women of Torpedo Ink.
Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov struggles with demons, the memories, and the PTSD of a time long ago. With the ability to ‘see’ into the mind of the people he loves, Absinthe is empathic about the pain, the suffering, and the horrendous acts that no child should have ever been exposed but it is the guilt of so many losses that continue to pull Absinthe into the abyss.
The relationship between Absinthe and Scarlet is one of immediate attraction; a highly sexual, demanding, intense role playing relationship in which the independent, strong willed and determined Scarlet Avery quickly bends to the will of the man that she loves. As per my warning, Desolation Road contains scenes of animal role play, food play, anal play, and the use of items not necessarily designed for sexual activity.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, broken and determined secondary and supporting characters including most of the Torpedo Ink family of survivors, who endured but barely survived years of torture, abuse and rape of the body, mind and soul.
As per my previous reviews, I have remarked on the author’s increasing violent story lines and abuse against men, women and children but in the case of the Torpedo Ink series, the violence is part of their history and lives-ingrained and imbedded –into their very existence, but their need for vengeance is as equally violent and abusive towards their intended victim-eye for an eye and so on. Like the previous instalments, DESOLATION ROAD focuses on the graphically detailed violence, abuse and rape, the sexual torture of children, and in this, I believe the author is going for shock value as opposed to dramatic affect. There is plenty of redundancy and repetition, leading to more fluff (albeit graphic) than substance. At times, the writing style flips as though there is more than one ‘person’ writing the book.
DESOLATION ROAD is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge; of survival and loss; of heart break and love. The premise is dark, haunting and gritty; the romance is tragic and intense.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Most of the characters including Torpedo Ink club president Victor ‘Czar’ Prakenski, and his wife Blythe Daniels were introduced in the final instalment of the author’s Sea Haven Series BOUND TOGETHER.
WARNING: DESOLATION ROAD contains scenes, and makes reference to voyeurism, graphic violence, rape, murder, torture, child prostitution, and abuse against children, women and men. There are also scenes of animal role play, food play, anal play and the use of other items during sexual activities and therefore, Desolation Road may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. The eighteen original Torpedo Ink members are the sole survivors of a Russian pedophile ring, and as such work towards rescuing children and women in similar situations.
Told from several third person perspectives including Absinthe and Scarlet DESOLATION ROAD follows Torpedo Ink’s Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov as his need for librarian Scarlet Foley helps calm the demons that continually run through his head. For six weeks Absinthe has ‘stalked’ our storyline heroine in an effort to get to ‘know’ the woman that calms the beast but Scarlet Foley is so much more than a sexy librarian, Scarlet is not without some supernatural abilities of her own. Years earlier, a horrific attack against Scarlet, and ultimately her sister Priscilla, led to the loss of Scarlet’s entire family, and in the ensuing years, Scarlet swore vengeance against everyone involved but meeting Aleksei Solokov meant Scarlet was about to place the Torpedo Ink family in danger, a danger the family was certain did not apply. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Absinthe and Scarlet, and the potential fall-out as Scarlet’s past is determined to finish the job.
At seventeen years of age, Scarlet Foley lost everything including her innocence, her family and the life she once knew. Years would pass wherein our heroine made preparations to enact revenge against the men who destroyed our heroine’s life, preparations that will now involve the men and women of Torpedo Ink.
Aleksei ‘Absinthe’ Solokov struggles with demons, the memories, and the PTSD of a time long ago. With the ability to ‘see’ into the mind of the people he loves, Absinthe is empathic about the pain, the suffering, and the horrendous acts that no child should have ever been exposed but it is the guilt of so many losses that continue to pull Absinthe into the abyss.
The relationship between Absinthe and Scarlet is one of immediate attraction; a highly sexual, demanding, intense role playing relationship in which the independent, strong willed and determined Scarlet Avery quickly bends to the will of the man that she loves. As per my warning, Desolation Road contains scenes of animal role play, food play, anal play, and the use of items not necessarily designed for sexual activity.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, broken and determined secondary and supporting characters including most of the Torpedo Ink family of survivors, who endured but barely survived years of torture, abuse and rape of the body, mind and soul.
As per my previous reviews, I have remarked on the author’s increasing violent story lines and abuse against men, women and children but in the case of the Torpedo Ink series, the violence is part of their history and lives-ingrained and imbedded –into their very existence, but their need for vengeance is as equally violent and abusive towards their intended victim-eye for an eye and so on. Like the previous instalments, DESOLATION ROAD focuses on the graphically detailed violence, abuse and rape, the sexual torture of children, and in this, I believe the author is going for shock value as opposed to dramatic affect. There is plenty of redundancy and repetition, leading to more fluff (albeit graphic) than substance. At times, the writing style flips as though there is more than one ‘person’ writing the book.
DESOLATION ROAD is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge; of survival and loss; of heart break and love. The premise is dark, haunting and gritty; the romance is tragic and intense.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 8, 2020
Torpedo Ink's being attacked from all sides.
Torpedo Ink's being attacked from all sides.
Aleksei "Absinthe" Solkov finds all he needs emotionally, and physically, from Scarlet Foley. They're kindred spirits. But, there's more to Scarlet than the facade of the mild manner, easy going Librarian. She's actually been trained as an assassin, and has psych abilities. Scarlet's out to avenge the deaths of her family. She's being hunted, and a bounty's been placed on her head. Eventually Torpedo Ink finds out that they have mutual enemies. The GHOST club remains in the background inciting, and financing the Venomous MCC to move into the Diamondback territory. The Diamondback Prez, Plank fears the Torpedo Ink MCC, and decides to set them up to take a fall, by having them destroy a Strip Club own by the Venomous Club. As more, and more information is revealed the Torpedo Ink club realize "The Russian" may be financing everything to continue the human, and sex trafficking business. Could "The Russian" be an instructor from Sorbacov's school or possibly a older student that escaped? We're also introduced to another club member that escaped the school. He's Rurik "Destroyer" Volkov. I'm really looking forward to seeing his continued character development in future books. Alena has issued, and is very anger with him. We get an update on Savage, and info's revealed about why he has sadist tendencies. I have high hopes for him, and that eventually he'll find peace, and a HEA.
We get an update on Viktor, and Blythe's growing family, and visits from some of the SOTH women. As usual our Torpedo Ink boys always mess up getting to know their women, and Absinthe's no exception. Scarlet's on board with Absinthe's "kink", but he falls short in other areas. I have to say there are several very funny moments with the brothers, and their nonchalant, and intrusive ways. Don't bother with a "Do Not Disturb" sign, because it means nothing to them. The Torpedo Ink saga continues in RECKLESS ROAD (Player). The release date is February 9, 2021.
Torpedo Ink's being attacked from all sides.
Aleksei "Absinthe" Solkov finds all he needs emotionally, and physically, from Scarlet Foley. They're kindred spirits. But, there's more to Scarlet than the facade of the mild manner, easy going Librarian. She's actually been trained as an assassin, and has psych abilities. Scarlet's out to avenge the deaths of her family. She's being hunted, and a bounty's been placed on her head. Eventually Torpedo Ink finds out that they have mutual enemies. The GHOST club remains in the background inciting, and financing the Venomous MCC to move into the Diamondback territory. The Diamondback Prez, Plank fears the Torpedo Ink MCC, and decides to set them up to take a fall, by having them destroy a Strip Club own by the Venomous Club. As more, and more information is revealed the Torpedo Ink club realize "The Russian" may be financing everything to continue the human, and sex trafficking business. Could "The Russian" be an instructor from Sorbacov's school or possibly a older student that escaped? We're also introduced to another club member that escaped the school. He's Rurik "Destroyer" Volkov. I'm really looking forward to seeing his continued character development in future books. Alena has issued, and is very anger with him. We get an update on Savage, and info's revealed about why he has sadist tendencies. I have high hopes for him, and that eventually he'll find peace, and a HEA.
We get an update on Viktor, and Blythe's growing family, and visits from some of the SOTH women. As usual our Torpedo Ink boys always mess up getting to know their women, and Absinthe's no exception. Scarlet's on board with Absinthe's "kink", but he falls short in other areas. I have to say there are several very funny moments with the brothers, and their nonchalant, and intrusive ways. Don't bother with a "Do Not Disturb" sign, because it means nothing to them. The Torpedo Ink saga continues in RECKLESS ROAD (Player). The release date is February 9, 2021.
July 10, 2020
Desolation Road is the 4th book in the Torpedo Ink series and it was a provocative, thought-provoking story. The story was sensual yet I felt uncomfortable while I read it. From book 1 I knew that this MC series was going to have diverse sexual tastes, a bit gritty and raunchy, and that were going to stretch my personal feelings, but I never knew how much until this story.
Absinthe has a gift of helping his brothers and sisters with their pain but it haunts and tortures him all the time. For the past six weeks he’s been finding solace at a library and from the librarian herself. His mind calms and his body has awakened for librarian Scarlet Foley. It’s almost been foreplay for these two how they both look for the other and fantasize about each other. The slow burn was building and it paced well. Scarlet is a cautious individual and has secrets of her own.
He sees this and wants to figure her out. What he didn’t expect is how much she would mean to him and how he needs to make her his own. I really like the beginning, you can feel the raw chemistry that Scarlet and Absinthe have for one another and how they want to explore but he needs to do it slowly without spooking her. He has a need to dominate in the bedroom and she fortunately, likes to submit and be told what to do. She fills his need but I found his role-playing scenes demeaning to the heroine. Scarlet is a badass in her own right and has taken care of herself since her release from prison, and it just didn’t seem to fit her character. It also pushed my own boundaries wondering why it icked me out so much. Once it was explained how his this all came to be, it still wasn’t enough to overcome and I just had to skim over the last sex scenes in order to finish the story. That’s unusual for me but it all boils down to my own personal preference. I thought the author wrote the sex scenes well and you get to known Absinthe and his pain.
With such a big cast of characters I look forward to certain characters stories because I wonder who will be their match and how they will make it work. Absinthe is one of those characters. He found a heroine that understands him and wants to take care of him and visa versa. Fortunately, the confrontation that Scarlet had to face with a bounty on her head, did somewhat redeem her character a bit in my eyes. There is more of Savage in this story and introduces a new character, Destroyer, to spark my interest in where the author might be headed next. The author really made me think about sexual proclivities and how we develop and change these tastes over time. It may not have been my favorite but the writing was good and the characters definitely draw me back to see the saga continue for everyone in Torpedo Ink.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Absinthe has a gift of helping his brothers and sisters with their pain but it haunts and tortures him all the time. For the past six weeks he’s been finding solace at a library and from the librarian herself. His mind calms and his body has awakened for librarian Scarlet Foley. It’s almost been foreplay for these two how they both look for the other and fantasize about each other. The slow burn was building and it paced well. Scarlet is a cautious individual and has secrets of her own.
He sees this and wants to figure her out. What he didn’t expect is how much she would mean to him and how he needs to make her his own. I really like the beginning, you can feel the raw chemistry that Scarlet and Absinthe have for one another and how they want to explore but he needs to do it slowly without spooking her. He has a need to dominate in the bedroom and she fortunately, likes to submit and be told what to do. She fills his need but I found his role-playing scenes demeaning to the heroine. Scarlet is a badass in her own right and has taken care of herself since her release from prison, and it just didn’t seem to fit her character. It also pushed my own boundaries wondering why it icked me out so much. Once it was explained how his this all came to be, it still wasn’t enough to overcome and I just had to skim over the last sex scenes in order to finish the story. That’s unusual for me but it all boils down to my own personal preference. I thought the author wrote the sex scenes well and you get to known Absinthe and his pain.
With such a big cast of characters I look forward to certain characters stories because I wonder who will be their match and how they will make it work. Absinthe is one of those characters. He found a heroine that understands him and wants to take care of him and visa versa. Fortunately, the confrontation that Scarlet had to face with a bounty on her head, did somewhat redeem her character a bit in my eyes. There is more of Savage in this story and introduces a new character, Destroyer, to spark my interest in where the author might be headed next. The author really made me think about sexual proclivities and how we develop and change these tastes over time. It may not have been my favorite but the writing was good and the characters definitely draw me back to see the saga continue for everyone in Torpedo Ink.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 5, 2020
Spoilers!!!
Full disclosure: I had to wait a few days to stop laughing before I could write this review. This book is in no way meant to be funny, but it was so over the top that after a while I just couldn't stop laughing at it. There is no way a book with this much sexual assault in it should make me laugh, but obviously the repeated WTF!!! demented my brain so much that after a while I just broke. Sort of like the Joker but with less villainy. I'm still trying to process this.
So, this 4th book in the Torpedo Ink series features Absinthe, the MC member who can feel emotion, control minds, and is also the club attorney, who falls for hot librarian, Scarlet, who is on the run from a dark past but also has a side gig of rescuing and revenging human traffic victims. Just so you don't think I'm exaggerating on the WTF - In one scene, Absinthe is triggered into a PTSD panic attack induced fugue state. The only way to get him out of it is to have Scarlet give him a blow job while dressed like a kitten (complete with collar, leash, and tail) while another of his MC brothers tries to make her afraid for her life by threatening and choking her. The combo of scared kitten and blow job brings him out of it. Then, later she's all fine with it since the guy choking her put the belt around the collar not her actual throat. Seriously - W.T.F. That's not even the most over the top scene.
I read these books because I just can't believe the crazy, and sometimes I just want something crazy. I would rate this higher, but I have a hard time with how little agency the women in these books have. As soon as the heroine meets the "hero", it becomes all about his wants, needs, kink, his relationships. I'm sure all the orgasms are nice, but I would be able to enjoy the crazy better if even just once the heroines got to have a say in absolutely anything -- maybe she has friends she wants to keep in contact with, maybe plan their own weddings, maybe they have their own kinks, maybe they'd like to have sex without other people watching, maybe they just want more than 2 dates before they have to move in??? The complete lack of choices, even with all the wealth, protection, and orgasms from hot guys, keeps me from ever recommending this series to anyone. As there are 2 female members of the MC, I am curious to see what Feehan does with their books. Guess I'll have to keep reading to find out.
Full disclosure: I had to wait a few days to stop laughing before I could write this review. This book is in no way meant to be funny, but it was so over the top that after a while I just couldn't stop laughing at it. There is no way a book with this much sexual assault in it should make me laugh, but obviously the repeated WTF!!! demented my brain so much that after a while I just broke. Sort of like the Joker but with less villainy. I'm still trying to process this.
So, this 4th book in the Torpedo Ink series features Absinthe, the MC member who can feel emotion, control minds, and is also the club attorney, who falls for hot librarian, Scarlet, who is on the run from a dark past but also has a side gig of rescuing and revenging human traffic victims. Just so you don't think I'm exaggerating on the WTF - In one scene, Absinthe is triggered into a PTSD panic attack induced fugue state. The only way to get him out of it is to have Scarlet give him a blow job while dressed like a kitten (complete with collar, leash, and tail) while another of his MC brothers tries to make her afraid for her life by threatening and choking her. The combo of scared kitten and blow job brings him out of it. Then, later she's all fine with it since the guy choking her put the belt around the collar not her actual throat. Seriously - W.T.F. That's not even the most over the top scene.
I read these books because I just can't believe the crazy, and sometimes I just want something crazy. I would rate this higher, but I have a hard time with how little agency the women in these books have. As soon as the heroine meets the "hero", it becomes all about his wants, needs, kink, his relationships. I'm sure all the orgasms are nice, but I would be able to enjoy the crazy better if even just once the heroines got to have a say in absolutely anything -- maybe she has friends she wants to keep in contact with, maybe plan their own weddings, maybe they have their own kinks, maybe they'd like to have sex without other people watching, maybe they just want more than 2 dates before they have to move in??? The complete lack of choices, even with all the wealth, protection, and orgasms from hot guys, keeps me from ever recommending this series to anyone. As there are 2 female members of the MC, I am curious to see what Feehan does with their books. Guess I'll have to keep reading to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2020
In our fourth journey in the world of Torpedo Ink, we ride along with Aleksei “Absinthe” Solokov and the mystery woman Scarlett Foley. When Absinthe first sees Scarlett, he is fascinated with the beautiful prim and proper librarian and spends hours watching her for six weeks. Scarlett is a mystery, a puzzle, but one that makes all of Absinthe fantasies come alive, while at the same time warning bells are going off as he knows there is more to Scarlett than the persona that she allows people to see. For six weeks Scarlett has watched and fantasized about the handsome tattooed man who comes into the library, she knows he is a dangerous man, only she doesn’t know just how dangerous he will be to her heart. She truly wants to believe that this man will be the one to bring her back to life and out of the darkness that she lived in for years.
Desolation - a state of complete emptiness or destruction, anguished misery or loneliness. The state of a place that is empty or where everything has been destroyed
Both Absinthe and Scarlett are survivors of their pasts. Victims of the rich and powerful, they not only survived but learned to fight back against those that victimized them. When truths come out and faces thought long dead are resurrected will they be able to overcome their demons and move forward together or will the truths tear them apart.
Absinthe knows that this woman is dangerous to not only his heart but his mind as well, she is the one who could truly break him. Scarlett wants so much to be able to love again but is she strong enough not only to overcome the demons in Absinthe but to become the very thing that he needs the most to be whole.
Their book will keep you on the edge from beginning to end, take to places that you might find uncomfortable and I do mean uncomfortable, but in the end, love will prevail and you will find your self enthralled right up to the end. I definitely recommend this book.
Excerpt: Absinthe opened the door to the restaurant for her, scanning the room quickly for potential trouble before allowing her to do the same thing while he turned back toward the street and gave that another quick once-over. Certain no one was paying attention to either of them, he closed the door and followed his librarian’s amazing ass. She was in a black skirt with small white polka dots scattered over it. The material clung to her curves. He appreciated that particular skirt very much.
Absinthe held the back of her chair for her, ignoring the waiter who looked as if he might conk him on the head and abscond with the girl. She looked regal as she took the seat, smiling up at Absinthe, nearly taking his breath away. Whatever it was that she had affected him like some kind of aphrodisiac. Her small teeth. That mouth with her full, pouty lips that were made for a man’s dirtiest fantasies. He hadn’t had them until she came along. Not like this. Mostly he’d had nightmares. The erotic, very graphic dreams were a welcome change.
“Are you a wine drinker?” Absinthe didn’t know the first thing about wine. He could make her any kind of drink she wanted, or talk beer, but wine eluded him. If she loved wine, he was going to be taking a crash course. It wouldn’t take him long to catch up.
She shook her head. “I actually don’t drink very much. Once in a while, if it’s really hot out, I’ll have an ice-cold beer. But other than that, it’s a very occasional drink and usually I go for something girly like a cosmopolitan.”
“I don’t drink wine,” Absinthe admitted. “Like you I’m not a big drinker, but mostly that stems from wanting to be alert all the time.”
“You don’t put your feet up, relax and have tons to drink?” There was the merest hint of amusement in her voice. Mostly she was serious.
He loved the look on her face when she gave him her full attention. He focused completely on her once he was certain the few couples already eating or waiting to be served weren’t interested in them in the least.
“No, that wouldn’t work for me. I do like to put my feet up though,” he admitted. “I’m going to be very up-front with you.” It was confession time. If he didn’t say it straight up, she’d find out anyway. “I’m not good at this. I never know what to say and I come off stilted and awkward, but I don’t want to be that way with you.”
Her green eyes were hard to stay still under. She seemed to see right through his skull into his mind where chaos reigned—thanks to her.
“I’m not so great at this either,” she declared. “I guess we’re going to have to learn. I’m very competitive and I have a fast learning curve. Very fast. Wait.” She frowned at him. “You weren’t reading a help book on dating, were you?”
“Do they have those in the library?”
Her lashes swept down and then back up. A small smile teased the curve of her mouth, causing his heart to accelerate. He found himself staring. Shit. He was going to lose before he got started because he couldn’t stop staring at her.
She laughed. “I’m not telling you. I’ll read them and turn into a scintillating conversationalist in minutes, leaving you in the dust.”
He instantly learned three things. There were multiple self-help books on dating, she read extremely fast, and she really was competitive. He flashed a small grin, looking at her with hawk-like eyes, giving her the predator look just for a moment. Just to see the shiver that crept down her spine.
“I’ll have to be there first thing in the morning before your shift.”
“You know my shifts?” The smile faded, and she sounded uneasy.
He shrugged. “How was I going to ask you out? I went multiple times without seeing you, so clearly you had a shift and only came into the library during those times. I kept having to trade work with friends, and drive here from the coast, so, I found out when you worked. I came as often as I could, and just waited until we’d established a very tentative woman can charm the socks right off a shy man any day of the week.”
“Is that what we established?”
Her laughter got him every time. He found himself actually relaxing. The waiter hovered, and both guiltily studied the menu. She ordered a pasta dish and he ordered a steak. Fresh-baked bread was put on the table, and he suddenly realized he was very hungry.”
Desolation Road
Desolation - a state of complete emptiness or destruction, anguished misery or loneliness. The state of a place that is empty or where everything has been destroyed
Both Absinthe and Scarlett are survivors of their pasts. Victims of the rich and powerful, they not only survived but learned to fight back against those that victimized them. When truths come out and faces thought long dead are resurrected will they be able to overcome their demons and move forward together or will the truths tear them apart.
Absinthe knows that this woman is dangerous to not only his heart but his mind as well, she is the one who could truly break him. Scarlett wants so much to be able to love again but is she strong enough not only to overcome the demons in Absinthe but to become the very thing that he needs the most to be whole.
Their book will keep you on the edge from beginning to end, take to places that you might find uncomfortable and I do mean uncomfortable, but in the end, love will prevail and you will find your self enthralled right up to the end. I definitely recommend this book.
Excerpt: Absinthe opened the door to the restaurant for her, scanning the room quickly for potential trouble before allowing her to do the same thing while he turned back toward the street and gave that another quick once-over. Certain no one was paying attention to either of them, he closed the door and followed his librarian’s amazing ass. She was in a black skirt with small white polka dots scattered over it. The material clung to her curves. He appreciated that particular skirt very much.
Absinthe held the back of her chair for her, ignoring the waiter who looked as if he might conk him on the head and abscond with the girl. She looked regal as she took the seat, smiling up at Absinthe, nearly taking his breath away. Whatever it was that she had affected him like some kind of aphrodisiac. Her small teeth. That mouth with her full, pouty lips that were made for a man’s dirtiest fantasies. He hadn’t had them until she came along. Not like this. Mostly he’d had nightmares. The erotic, very graphic dreams were a welcome change.
“Are you a wine drinker?” Absinthe didn’t know the first thing about wine. He could make her any kind of drink she wanted, or talk beer, but wine eluded him. If she loved wine, he was going to be taking a crash course. It wouldn’t take him long to catch up.
She shook her head. “I actually don’t drink very much. Once in a while, if it’s really hot out, I’ll have an ice-cold beer. But other than that, it’s a very occasional drink and usually I go for something girly like a cosmopolitan.”
“I don’t drink wine,” Absinthe admitted. “Like you I’m not a big drinker, but mostly that stems from wanting to be alert all the time.”
“You don’t put your feet up, relax and have tons to drink?” There was the merest hint of amusement in her voice. Mostly she was serious.
He loved the look on her face when she gave him her full attention. He focused completely on her once he was certain the few couples already eating or waiting to be served weren’t interested in them in the least.
“No, that wouldn’t work for me. I do like to put my feet up though,” he admitted. “I’m going to be very up-front with you.” It was confession time. If he didn’t say it straight up, she’d find out anyway. “I’m not good at this. I never know what to say and I come off stilted and awkward, but I don’t want to be that way with you.”
Her green eyes were hard to stay still under. She seemed to see right through his skull into his mind where chaos reigned—thanks to her.
“I’m not so great at this either,” she declared. “I guess we’re going to have to learn. I’m very competitive and I have a fast learning curve. Very fast. Wait.” She frowned at him. “You weren’t reading a help book on dating, were you?”
“Do they have those in the library?”
Her lashes swept down and then back up. A small smile teased the curve of her mouth, causing his heart to accelerate. He found himself staring. Shit. He was going to lose before he got started because he couldn’t stop staring at her.
She laughed. “I’m not telling you. I’ll read them and turn into a scintillating conversationalist in minutes, leaving you in the dust.”
He instantly learned three things. There were multiple self-help books on dating, she read extremely fast, and she really was competitive. He flashed a small grin, looking at her with hawk-like eyes, giving her the predator look just for a moment. Just to see the shiver that crept down her spine.
“I’ll have to be there first thing in the morning before your shift.”
“You know my shifts?” The smile faded, and she sounded uneasy.
He shrugged. “How was I going to ask you out? I went multiple times without seeing you, so clearly you had a shift and only came into the library during those times. I kept having to trade work with friends, and drive here from the coast, so, I found out when you worked. I came as often as I could, and just waited until we’d established a very tentative woman can charm the socks right off a shy man any day of the week.”
“Is that what we established?”
Her laughter got him every time. He found himself actually relaxing. The waiter hovered, and both guiltily studied the menu. She ordered a pasta dish and he ordered a steak. Fresh-baked bread was put on the table, and he suddenly realized he was very hungry.”
Desolation Road
May 21, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley.
The series is far enough in that readers know the characters. Feehan continues to intertwine their stories while focusing on one couple at a time. Absinthe and Scarlet are the latest to connect.
The plot moves quickly but more time devoted to plot and not the kinky sex scenes would have raised the rating for me. She is a master at what she writes but there is a distinct formula to these books. Extremely broken and abused "hero" meets his soulmate who is able to match or adjust to his needs. She is in danger from some source - in this case from a past attempted rape and subsequent mess with a rich family and corrupt members of the justice system. He steps in to protect her, though, in this book, she has definite skills of her own. However, readers continue to come back as she crafts her stories well to draw them in.
Feehan presents the darker sides of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit. This comes through in every series she writes.
The series is far enough in that readers know the characters. Feehan continues to intertwine their stories while focusing on one couple at a time. Absinthe and Scarlet are the latest to connect.
The plot moves quickly but more time devoted to plot and not the kinky sex scenes would have raised the rating for me. She is a master at what she writes but there is a distinct formula to these books. Extremely broken and abused "hero" meets his soulmate who is able to match or adjust to his needs. She is in danger from some source - in this case from a past attempted rape and subsequent mess with a rich family and corrupt members of the justice system. He steps in to protect her, though, in this book, she has definite skills of her own. However, readers continue to come back as she crafts her stories well to draw them in.
Feehan presents the darker sides of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit. This comes through in every series she writes.
September 22, 2020
I’m very relieved that I enjoyed Desolation Road, especially after reading Vendetta Road.
Trigger Warnings: Mention of rape, torture, sexual assault/abuse, trauma, ptsd, and kink.
I loved Absinthe and wished the focus had been more on his romancing Scarlet. With Scarlet’s past catching up to her their relationship jumped right in. The kitten play surprised me, I didn’t think I would enjoy reading that kind of thing but once I kept going, I found it didn’t put me off. After reading Ice’s book I realized I’d have to keep an open mind. I don’t know much about the whole pet/master play but I thought Ms. Feehan did a good job.
The Torpedo Ink series seems to be more dark Erotica/maybe BDSM than the traditional paranormal romance she writes. It’ll be interesting to see how Ms. Feehan handles such a genre but I’m not worried. I see a lot of people don’t agree with the direction she’s taking with her books but whatever; don’t let the door hit you on your way out.
Trigger Warnings: Mention of rape, torture, sexual assault/abuse, trauma, ptsd, and kink.
I loved Absinthe and wished the focus had been more on his romancing Scarlet. With Scarlet’s past catching up to her their relationship jumped right in. The kitten play surprised me, I didn’t think I would enjoy reading that kind of thing but once I kept going, I found it didn’t put me off. After reading Ice’s book I realized I’d have to keep an open mind. I don’t know much about the whole pet/master play but I thought Ms. Feehan did a good job.
The Torpedo Ink series seems to be more dark Erotica/maybe BDSM than the traditional paranormal romance she writes. It’ll be interesting to see how Ms. Feehan handles such a genre but I’m not worried. I see a lot of people don’t agree with the direction she’s taking with her books but whatever; don’t let the door hit you on your way out.
July 14, 2020
Absinthe and Scarlet
Loved it! For me this book really shows how the TI members struggle every day not only by what was done to them but also by the guilt they feel over the things they were made to do by their abusers and the things they had to do in order to survive. I think we always see the PTSD they struggle with while not necessarily realizing how much guilt they carry and how that affects them as well. I thought it was awesome how Scarlet was willing to help Absinthe overcome some of his trauma (not just put it to the side) and that she also wants to help the others Savage especially. She's going to be a great addition to the club.
Loved it! For me this book really shows how the TI members struggle every day not only by what was done to them but also by the guilt they feel over the things they were made to do by their abusers and the things they had to do in order to survive. I think we always see the PTSD they struggle with while not necessarily realizing how much guilt they carry and how that affects them as well. I thought it was awesome how Scarlet was willing to help Absinthe overcome some of his trauma (not just put it to the side) and that she also wants to help the others Savage especially. She's going to be a great addition to the club.
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