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He went searching for Passion...
...and learned to love again.

Atsa Jacy “AJ” Basillie felt like at thirty-five, he woke up each morning to face the same day, over and over again. The proof that something had to change, came in the form of his beautiful fiancée naked and in bed with another man, and a chance meeting in a bar with an old Navajo biker who poses a simple question;
“What's your passion?”

For AJ that question will become a quest for self-discovery that will take him on his new Harley Davidson to Phoenix, Arizona. There, in the clubhouse of the Phoenix Skulls, and on the edge of the Navajo Nation, his journey will become a timeless experience of family, forgiveness, loyalty and love. He'll discover ways to open his mind and heart that he never knew existed, and he'll meet Jolene, a passionate young woman who will teach him that the true key to happiness is learning to love yourself first.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Skulls will have to come together with their brethren in California and Boston to save the life of a young woman. Their goal will be to get Madison to the Southside Skulls ranch in Boston, out of the clutches of the men who want to kill her, and into the arms of her “loving” father. One little problem is that Madison just happens to be the daughter of one of the most infamous bikers to ever sully the Skull's doorstep.

Another problem, the man who Dax Marshall entrusts with her care, loathes her father more than any of them.

“Lion” has been a nomad for the Skulls long enough to know that family comes first...no matter how despicable that family might be. The quiet, reclusive biker will follow his president's orders without question, but that doesn't mean the next seventy-two hours on the road won't be his most difficult assignment yet.

Saddled with protecting a reluctant flight risk with three inexperienced bikers as help would be bad enough...but the inexplicable desire for the woman sired by the one person on earth he hates the most, might just be his undoing.

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252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2019

169 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

Jessie Cooke

260 books306 followers

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5 stars
147 (63%)
4 stars
62 (26%)
3 stars
18 (7%)
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4 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Angels.
2,050 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2019
We enjoyed Aj's story and we really liked his character.I enjoyed being on his journey about self discovery and getting in touch with and learning more about his family culture and his roots.We loved that Rock graced the pages in this current story and how Rock's advice set him on a path of finding his passion has well of his soulmate.

I have a say that I loved that he found Jolene because she brought out the free spirit that he kept lock up tight but, always wanted to be free.We loved them together as the were perfect for each other in every way as Jolene's passion was for life itself and she loved her career that took her to the most amazing places and collected and electric group of lasting relationships with the people she met along her journey.


Madison and Lion though were a bit more interesting.I loved the intense attraction between them the heated looks and lustful thoughts and how those thoughts brought out the green monster in each of them without them really never understanding why and what to do about it.Madison's story was intriguing and intense at times as you were always waiting for the other show to drop.We would love to see Lion and Madison get there own story as the chemistry was smokin hot between them and although they are complete opposites they would make a interesting couple.

We love seeing the other members like Wolf and Dax and Finn and the others Skulls grace this current story as we loved seeing them again and the interactions with Jace and his club and what he has done with it.Let's not forget Beck as she makes us laugh but, most of all we just love her as she is almost a Den mother to them all but, most of all just her and Jace together is just super hot.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews49 followers
September 8, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Another great addition to this hot MC series though I can say they can all be read as stand-alones but are so much better if you have read them all. This one goes back and forth between AJ himself and Jace so we can keep up with all of them as the two worlds collide. AJ is at a rough point in his life trying to find what will make him happy when he runs across the new Arizona MC as well as the love of his life. The story evolves from there taking us all the way to one fantastic epilogue that will leave you wanting more of this group. A great read for fans of MC romance even if Aj never officially joins.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
September 4, 2019
I'm going to give this one a 3.75.

I like AJ and Jolene. I like Lion and Madison. I don't even have any problems with two different stories being told in one book with dual POVs for each of the stories. But on this one, I think that both stories would've been better off for being in their own separate books. I know that it would've made them short, but I just think that they would've been happier.

I like how AJ decides that he wants to be called Atsa and to become more knowledgeable about his heritage. I love how he's willing to accept Jolene's passion because he's working on finding his own.

I'm looking forward to finding out more about Lion and Madison.
Profile Image for Fran Zoch, LSoR.
2,142 reviews13 followers
September 3, 2019
Wow I just do not know how Jesse Cooke does it, she keeps making each of these books even more interesting and makes me want to learn even more.
AJ well his story is what pulled at my heart and then all of the action and the storyline will keep you pulled in and not let you get one second of sleep until you read the last word.
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews45 followers
June 17, 2020
Two different stories in this book. First we have AJ and Jolene. AJ is Indian but his fiance was embarrassed by that and told people he was Italian. He is rich and she was only with him because of his money. She changed him into someone he didn't like. Thankfully he figured it out and went back to his roots.
Jolene is a photographer and is hired to go to reservations to take pictures and they end up meeting. Nothing much to do with the club except doing a favor for Jace and doing some work on the clubhouse.
Second part that happens along side with the other story is about Madison and Lion and Hawk. Turns out old Hawk has a daughter. He spends time with her here and there but she is in trouble. Her and two other girls witness something and end up in hiding. This part of the story is mainly about getting her and getting her to a safe place and the journey of it. It's the best part to me... probably because it's club related. We don't get the whole story but I think we will in the next two books. I'm going to find out now.
893 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2024
Mixed up

So Jessie Cooke has sort of mixed up this story. First AJ isn't really in the Skulls, I guess he could be a hang around. His story is mostly about the Navajo heritage and reconnecting to his roots and family. He buys a motorcycle but much like TSE or Rock they are not members of the Phoenix Skulls... Sorta just neighbors. AJ story does mix in a little with the Skulls but he decides not to become a prospect. There is as with all the Skulls stories another story which is for me the more exciting and action packed part that's Mandison, she is Hawks daughter. She is hiding from a mobster, sorta seems to start to fall for Lion who has his own hang ups, gets kidnapped then well Hawks story is next which I guess makes sense since the end of AJ hints at a past love of Hawks that maybe was Lion's mom. I am not sure I liked this one as much as some of the others but I think its just that AJ seems to nice and sweet all the time...
Profile Image for Debbie Earley.
2,920 reviews18 followers
September 28, 2022
AJ catches his soon to be wife in a compromising position and realizing the mistakes he's made. He's goes from someone that eschewed his heritage to a man embracing where he came from and all that means. Jolene is a perfect complement to AJ and he loves her thirst for life! I loved going on this journey with them.
Hawk is back. Madison has had a time of it would be an understatement but she's fierce and fiesty, just like her old man. He may not be well liked by many but he's still family to the Skulls, which makes her family too. Lion is a nomad for the club and when he's called upon to protect the girl, he does so no questions asked. It's unlike him to be so drawn to a woman but he's got a job to do and hooking up with her isn't in the cards. I personally would love to see them hook up and maybe somewhere down the line they will.
857 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2024
AJ #26 04/12/2024

There are two stories here. First the one about AJ he comes home early to find his fiancé with her lips wrapped around some guy. So now AJ is out to find himself but while doing that he finds Jolene his sole mate. Then the second story is about Madison Hawks daughter she was working in Vegas when she witnessed a murder but having to flee before the dad of the mob family could kill her. The Phoenix skulls find her and grab her to help her to hind out but then they want her in Boston but before they can get her there the bad guys nab her. So enjoy another good read a fine out what happens to them !!
2,428 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2024
What was the point of this book? It added nothing to the Skulls story. Aj just happened to run into Rock, who isn't a Skull either, in a bar and the next thing you know he is working on their building. He isn't a part of the MC. He gives them some information to get to someone but that's as far as his being a part of them goes.
Jolene is the woman he falls for but like AJ neither is relevant to this story.
Profile Image for Andrea  Floyd.
906 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2022
Great book

A tale of two young women. One running for her life, the daughter of an MC biker; the other running straight ahead into life, and in turn finds the love of her life. One of these young ladies gets her HEA, the other is still looking for her prince. Come along, enjoy their travels, tales, and tribulations, and discover for yourself the story as it u folds.
512 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2024
AJ SouthSide Skulls bk26

AJ a building contractor lost in his world when he catches his fiancee with some else in their home when he finishes work early one day.
That sets him on a brand new journey to find his 'passion' what he wants & needs to make him happy.

Great book, bk26 won't let you down wen u want more gen on the guys at SouthSide, WestSide & Phoenix Skulls
108 reviews
March 26, 2020
Such a sweet story

Same steamy sex. Same MCs. But a totally different kind of story. Ms. Cooke knows how to mix it up to avoid burn out. Looking forward to Hawk!
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,833 reviews45 followers
September 5, 2019
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
description


AJ: Phoenix Skulls was a great 5 star read.
I continue to get pulled into this series with every book that Jessie writes.

We get AJ and Jolene’s story and Lion and Madison's story.

AJ walks in on his fiancee in bed with another man and he decides to take off. He ends up meeting a retired MC member who gives him some great advice. I decided to go looking for what sets my soul on fire, at last.

When he meets Joelene everything changes for him. Has he found the one?
Jolene was great, she was exactly what AJ needed to change his life for the better. Their connection came right off of the pages.

Lion a nomad has to help protect Madison. When he finds out who her father is, he is shocked. He has a strong hatred for the man and being attracted to his daughter doesn't make things any easier. Will he be able to keep her safe and keep his hands to himself?

Be ready for a great story told in multiple POV’s. We get some steamy and emotional moments. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. I feel like it’s possible these could have been told separately but overall they blended well. Each of the books in this series can be read as stand alones. I can’t wait to see what's coming next in the series. 1-click and get started today.

Alpha Book Club
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
September 7, 2019
Atsa Jacy, aka AJ, Basillie thought he had a good life until he started feeling like he was stuck in a rut. He thought he would spend the rest of his life with his fiance, but he caught her in bed with someone else, and that was just the straw that broke the camels back, as he had to look at himself and decide what's going to change. At a bar, he ran into an older Navajo biker, who asked him, "What's your passion?" So AJ got a new Harley, and took off to Phoenix, Arizona to find himself again. When he found himself in the clubhouse of the Phoenix Skulls, his journey of self discovery had him finding himself with a new family, forgiveness for himself, loyalty, and finally love at the end of the day. He also met Jolene, a passionate woman who taught him to love himself. I could go on all day long about this, but it's also the Skulls MC, so there comes some big twists to have the f-bombs dropping, along with action when they have to rescue a young girl, with a side of serious angst. That young girl Madison's situation is upping the ante on drama & big issues for the MC. That's not to say it was her particularly, but just who her people were. So once again, Jessie Cooke brought it with AJ, who I couldn't get enough of, not to mention the Skulls MC itself, no matter what chapter. So if you want to know what happens, and trust me you do, then get to one clicking this EPIC tale of AJ the awesome. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,179 reviews35 followers
September 6, 2019
AJ is another great addition to the Skulls family! This book is another story in the spin off series, the Phoenix Skulls MC. While the characters from previous books overlap, it can be read as a standalone.

AJ's going through a reawakening and realizing the mistakes he's made. He doesn't like the person he's become and he's decided on some changes for his next chapter. He's going from someone that eschewed his heritage to a man embracing where he came from and all that means. Jolene is a perfect complement to AJ and he loves her thirst for life! They are a dear couple and I loved the journey they're on.

The second part of this story belongs to Lion and Madison and it's a mere introduction to their story, as I understand they'll have a book of their own soon. To say Madison has had a time of it would be an understatement but she's fierce and fiesty, just like her old man, the infamous Hawk. He may not be well liked by many but he's still family to the Skulls, which makes her family too. Lion is a nomad for the club and when he's called upon to protect the girl, he does so, despite her unenviable parentage. It's unlike him to be so drawn to a woman but he's got a job to do and hooking up with her isn't in the job description.

Great book with so much to like. Very much looking forward to more about Lion and Madison!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,684 reviews98 followers
September 6, 2019
4 stars

AJ is another great addition to the Skulls family! This book is another story in the spin off series, the Phoenix Skulls MC. While the characters from previous books overlap, it can be read as a standalone.

AJ's going through a reawakening and realizing the mistakes he's made. He doesn't like the person he's become and he's decided on some changes for his next chapter. He's going from someone that eschewed his heritage to a man embracing where he came from and all that means. Jolene is a perfect complement to AJ and he loves her thirst for life! They are a dear couple and I loved the journey they're on.

The second part of this story belongs to Lion and Madison and it's a mere introduction to their story, as I understand they'll have a book of their own soon. To say Madison has had a time of it would be an understatement but she's fierce and fiesty, just like her old man, the infamous Hawk. He may not be well liked by many but he's still family to the Skulls, which makes her family too. Lion is a nomad for the club and when he's called upon to protect the girl, he does so, despite her unenviable parentage. It's unlike him to be so drawn to a woman but he's got a job to do and hooking up with her isn't in the job description.

Great book with so much to like. Very much looking forward to more about Lion and Madison!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,399 reviews119 followers
September 4, 2019
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book will make you rethink what makes you happy. AJ is lucky when he runs into the old man. His advice and wisdom push AJ in the direction he needs to go. Jolene is awesome. I love her character and what she brings to this book and to AJ. Excellent writing.

~~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This is actually two stories that intertwine together. AJ is a man who is scorned and out looking to find what his passion is when he meets Jolene but she is only around briefly and he has some big decisions to make before he can be the man she needs. Madison is running from a past that will hurt her if it ever catches up with her, Lion seems to be the only one who can protect her from the danger but who will save her from him. Amazing book and I can't wait for more of this series and author. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Janet Gambino.
466 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2022
AJ and Jolene
This was 2 stories in one, first Aj and Jolene, AJ overtook his fathers business when his father passed away. after coming home to find his fiancee in bed with another, he wondered into a bar and met an old man who's words set AJ and a journey to find his passion, which led him to Jolene, a photographer.
loved AJ and Jolene's story.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Skulls are trying to save the life of a young woman from men who want to kill her for witnessing a murder. they are trying to keep her safe and get her to her father, Hawk, a one time "brother" who was outed. The man that is assigned to watch her during transport, hates Hawk with a passion.
wish there was more to Lion and Madison's story. Hopefully in the future.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,392 reviews33 followers
September 16, 2019
A great story

I really enjoyed most of this book, but unfortunately I wasn't too impressed with part of the ending. AJ & Jolene's story was great, but I felt like there was a lot missing from the other situation going on, especially any type of real closure. (Sorry, don't want to give away spoilers about that part of the story!) I would've liked to had seen more regarding the ending of the situation, especially about the characters themselves.
Overall, it was a great book that I enjoyed. I really liked the glimpse of Hawk's story, the next to come out in this series. I have a feeling that it's going to be absolutely fantastic, even for those who don't really care for him. Lol!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.
102 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2019
Reviewed For Angel Babe's Blog!!

I absolutely loved this book!! I don't know how Jessie Cooke does it, each book just keeps getting better and better!! AJ is her 26th book in her Skulls MC series!!
This is AJ and Jolene's story and what a story it is, I was hooked right from the beginning all the way to the end, I couldn't put it down till I was done!! It is fast paced and full of action and adventure!! It also pulls on your heartstrings and had me tearing up a few times!! You can read it as a standalone but I really think you should read the series right from the beginning you will not be disappointed!! Another 5 star read by this amazing author!!
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,789 reviews26 followers
September 7, 2019
Another good read in the world of the Skulls. It was interesting to visit other characters and find new ones. Both AJ and Jolene were trying to figure out their lives when they encountered each other. They became part of the Skulls family who helped the two of them realize what was important. I loved how AJ helped with construction for the Skulls while deciding if he wanted to continue owning his company. He was willing to work hard and get back to his Native roots. Whenever Jolene decided to let go and just do, she was a fun-loving person. The two fit well together.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for EducatedBookFreak.
642 reviews
September 8, 2019
This author just continues to grip your attention and keep you begging for more! She has created this world of alphas that makes your panties wet and your world steamy and hot. It is a book that makes you feel so many emotions. You will be floored and elated after you e read this book and be asking when will the next one be out.

AJ gets dealt a bad hand. He has to recover from betrayal and in walks joelene. Their story is one that follows the lines of Mc stories, but includes so many parts of a romance that you love that you will devour AJ/Joelene and Lion/Madison!
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,997 reviews62 followers
September 3, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better!! I don’t know how this author accomplishes this but she does. This story pulls at your heart strings and you really feel for the plight AJ goes through. This book is fast-paced with nonstop action and adventure the kept me glued to my kindle. When AJ meets Jolene that is all she wrote. She shows him true happiness and the key to a long lasting love. I can’t wait for this series to continue!! Bring on the next book.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews258 followers
September 5, 2019
This gifted author continues to amaze me as each book just gets better and better and her talent knows no bounds, especially considering that this is the #26th book in this phenomenal series! This is AJ and Jolene story, as well as Lion and Madison’s. AJ is on a journey to learn more about his heritage, and Jolene’s passion teaches him to open his heart to love. This is a beautifully written intriguing story, which pulls at the heartstrings, and is filled with action, drama, and love.

149 reviews
September 16, 2019
?????

I'm really not sure how to rate this book. AJ is not a part of the MC. It could have been listed as a spinoff or in the same world as the skills but separate. So I'm not sure how I feel about it. Why go in this direction? And why do Lion and Madison have so much space in this story? Please don't repeat all this in Lion's book. I hate that. A recap will suffice. This was still an excellent story. But disappointing because AJ wasn't a member. 😕
36 reviews
September 5, 2019
Love my Skulls😍

Wow that was a really good read for a non-member of the Skulls. I was happy to see Dax, Wolf and a few others in the story. AJ and Jolene were a fresh of breath air. Loved their chemistry together but also the need the find their own passion apart from one another.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,312 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2019
Reviewed for SNS

This book will make you rethink what makes you happy. AJ is lucky when he runs into the old man. His advice and wisdom push AJ in the direction he needs to go. Jolene is awesome. I love her character and what she brings to this book and to AJ. Excellent writing.
Profile Image for Gail.
696 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2019
This book was so amazing!!! I devoured it within a couple of days. Jessie your words captured me and had me on the edge of my seat and wanting to yell at my kindle and swoon!!!

This book is truly wonderful to read and get lost in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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