To some, I’m a savior. To others, I’m a faithful friend. To yet more, I’m a man that shouldn’t be crossed. … To one person, I am all of those things and more. It’s honestly strange, being so close to someone, yet we’ve never said more than two words to each other. For four years, I’ve paid to see her- to get a massage and a little bit extra at the end. I didn’t know who she was, but she did her job well. Twice a week, never missing an appointment, she eased my tired body and gave me some peace. I’d do anything to protect that peace… even letting her into my heart.
Cassandra:
People take advantage of everyone around them- sometimes, in worse or more profound ways than others. My parents pushed me to excel, taking advantage of my genius brain. That didn’t work out. Katherin took advantage of me in an opportune situation, and I joined countless girls she’d victimized in these rooms. But I never could’ve expected, with all my smarts, that I’d meet a man that would redefine my notion of ‘taking advantage’ of someone. He made his advantage my security. He took my faults and morphed them into strengths. He wasn’t easy, and he wasn’t kind. … But he was mine, and no man can resist taking something broken and rebuilding it with his own, two, hands.
I am a fan of anything from the outlaw MC world, so when I saw this one and read the blurb I knew it would be right up my alley. This was my first from this author, and I did see that it was the 5th installment in the Black Angels MC series. However, no where in the blurb did it state that it was an installment that must be read AFTER the first 4.....I assumed that like so many other series (where each installment features a new couple) that it would be an interconnected standalone---same world, same characters, but different story that could be read alone or as part of the series. Thats where this book failed for me (among other things) and here is why....
Because I had not read any of the other books before, I felt lost from the very start. Having NO idea who was who or what they did. There are events that ars brought up that made zero sense to me and I imagine that had I read the others it would have connected. Simply re-introducing the main players when they show up would have done a huge justice to the story and works wonders for hundreds of other authors. Even including a little background section in the beginning (Rachel Van Dyken did this) or labelling this as not a standalone would have helped me enjoy the story being told. I wouldn't have even known it was an MC book had it not been in the title.....I don't think the club actually comes up until way too far into the story.
The other issues I had were the grammar, the incorrect spelling used for the region (a few British spellings that are foreign to the U.S. in convo), the overuse of certain words or phrases (ex. Pickle dick is used every chance it could be by the male lead and the female lead rolls her lip between her teeth constantly).......I received an ARC copy so maybe corrections have been made.
However, what almost put this on my DNF shelf was the event that occurs in Chapter 11....*SPOILER*...
I read A LOT of dark romance/erotica....trust me when I say I can handle the darkest it can get. Violence against women is a sad norm in a lot of those books. But its usually done at the hands of the "bad guy" or at the very least, not done by the guy we are supposed to like or root for. .....and it isn't the only time he uses his fists to get his point across to a woman in this book.
So you are probably wondering what I liked? Well honestly, the overall plot would have been more interesting had I read books 1-4 for sure. It did have promise, it doesn't have a huge plot twist or some dangerous bad guy BUT it was able to create an interesting story solely based around our two leads developing relationship. They were exactly what the other needed....he was controlling and needed that control over his partner, she was weak minded and couldn't make her own decisions so she needed someone to tell her how to live her life. She was okay with being told that she might only be good for a massage and oral sex and he was okay with having a partner that was more child-like than the adult she was (with good reason).
The book doesn't end with a HEA, but it does have a HFN ending that is a mix between a cliffhanger and an opening to make up your own future for these two.
Overall, I would read this ONLY if you have read the 4 before it.....it cannot possibly be fully enjoyed as a standalone. If you have read her other 4 books chances are you will likely love this one. But as a new reader of her work, I felt like it lacked some of the main things I look for in any romance (no matter the catagory). Its a shame, because I REALLYwanted to love this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really loved this dark MC read. Anthony had been coming to get a massage and a bit more from Cass for years. Cass is a genius and graduated college at 16, but the people who should have been there for her, used her, so she ran away. Slowly Cass works her way into his heart and when that happens, he won’t let go. Fast-paced read with loads of drama and suspense. The characters have great chemistry and lots of depth. I loved it.
ARC review For honest review doctor Anthony is one of the black angels but when he's not work or at the club he finds that for 4 years he has been seeing Cassandra who works for Kathlerin at opulent girl's solution till one day he just knew things have changed with them now she will be his for good. Awesome story
The author did well creating characters that you can understand. Anthony feels the need to protect Cass, but he's going to do it in his own way. Some of the scenes are a bit darker than I'm used to, but they need to be in order to understand Anthony and Cass.
ONE SCREAMING ADVENTURE!!! Holy hell! Rayman hit the motherload with this explosive installment. You have one spine tinglingly, nail-biting, nerve racking, emotional rollercoaster ride that blasts this bad boy wide open. The tension is thick, the danger plentiful, mystery palpable and the determination is staggering. Perilous drama, a slew of uncertainty and thrilling suspense thrust this bad boy together piece by piece fluidly. An blazing storyline with a gripping plot that rocks this little jewel from start to finish. Hurdling through all the trials and tribulations, along with a few twists and turns fuses this little jewel together sleek, shiny and tight. A churning vortex of inadvertent activities and vexing surprising events keep you flipping page after page. Throw in all the perplexing situations that keep your full attention on this page turning dynamo and you have one amazing experience. Twixt and twined and put through the wringer, rocking this little gem to the core. The characters are realistic with personalities and depth that draw you in. The scenes are so graphically descriptive and detailed it bursts with every color on the spectrum. Amazing job Rayman, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Rayman has done it again! She has hit this one out of the solar system! Not only is it another great addition to this series but it is so well written that these characters come off the pages at you wishing you were them throughout the story! It is Beautifully written with a depth that you don't see in many stories. The character development is phenomenal and the story itself will keep you engaged from page to page making you wish that it never ends! What a AMAZING story and it can only get better from her. If you haven't checked out this story or this series you are missing out on one of the best authors out there writing spectacular stories that will sweep you up and will NOT let you go!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 5th book in this awesome series, and is Cassandra and Anthony’s story. This is a beautifully written story which is a fast paced story, and is filled with action, drama, danger, suspense, twists, mystery, secrets, humor and love. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and recommend this for all MC lovers. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
EXCELLENT!!!! This series is getting better and better with each new book. I truelly enjoy how the storyline is building up with this backstory ever consistently. The characters are so dramatic and the smexy times are getting better too. Keep up with your writing style, you are so freaking talented.
The author did well creating characters that you can understand. Anthony feels the need to protect Cass, but he's going to do it in his own way. Some of the scenes are a bit darker than I'm used to, but they need to be in order to understand Anthony and Cass.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked this book. The story was good and the characters were different than the normal MC romance. I loved the chemistry between Cass and Anthony. I liked the ending and I am now waiting to read the next book.
Sooo many mistakes. Typos, misused words, sentences starting with "he" then switching to "she," it was hard to make out who was speaking sometimes and the endings? It's as though the writer got bored and just gave up.
I really enjoyed Anthony & Cass's story. Good characters. Best read after book 4 in the series. Intriguing book. I received a free copy of the book. And I'm voluntarily leaving my review.