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The Virtues #4
Stoker's Serenity
Serenity's life has been anything but serene...
Nothing about that looks like its going to improve when her best friend drags her to a local metal show. She reluctantly goes along, but once again proves to be a magnet for trouble. Then he steps out of the crowd.
Usually the shows Stoker plays are pretty chill, despite the amped up energy of the crowd. When he spots the little brunette in distress, he has no trouble stepping up and stepping in. Turns out it might be the best decision he's ever made.
Neither Stoker nor Serenity can believe their luck in finding the other. Still, between club life and dark secrets of a hidden past, their budding romance may be clipped before it ever has a chance to flower.
Nothing about that looks like its going to improve when her best friend drags her to a local metal show. She reluctantly goes along, but once again proves to be a magnet for trouble. Then he steps out of the crowd.
Usually the shows Stoker plays are pretty chill, despite the amped up energy of the crowd. When he spots the little brunette in distress, he has no trouble stepping up and stepping in. Turns out it might be the best decision he's ever made.
Neither Stoker nor Serenity can believe their luck in finding the other. Still, between club life and dark secrets of a hidden past, their budding romance may be clipped before it ever has a chance to flower.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2019
76 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Downey
93 books1,138 followersA.J. Downey is a Pacific Northwest girl living in an East Tennessee world who finds inspiration from her surroundings, through the people she meets, and likely as a byproduct of way too much caffeine. She specializes in real and relatable romance stories featuring that real-life kind of love that everyone craves.
You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorajdowney
You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorajdowney
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 18, 2023
I was bullied when I was in middle and high school about my weight. It was horrible, and I graduated with no self esteem whatsoever.....I’m one of the lucky ones...after being raped I survived and I built myself back up stronger than I was. Serenity and I have a lot in common. PTSD is real, it’s horrible, but with the right people and lots of care, love, and patience, one can heal. Add in for her a high school shooting spree thanks to her high school boyfriend and she is tortured by small, narrow minded fuckwits.....enter Stoker!! The kind of man that I hope to meet one day. Strong, alpha, a member of the Kraken MC, and also caring, loving, and calm full of patience. This book kept me reading and reading and falling more in love with both of them!!! The inner strength and beauty that Stomer sees in Serenity makes you pulling for them as a couple!! One of the best books I’ve ever read!
May 27, 2023
Fragile Victim Trope
I generally really like this author, and her portrayal of beautifully forged relationships that are very intimate and powerful soul connections. However, when the female lead character has experienced trauma, as in this book, I do get frustrated with the fragile victim trope. I can relate to trauma and subsequent anxiety and depression associated with trauma, but inner strength, and the desire to be a survivor, not a victim is what leads to true healing. Although positive relationships provide support, and validation, a traumatized woman should not depend on another person to make them whole again…that is codependency. You become a beacon for men with savior complexes and that is not a good foundation for an equal partnership. The female characters in this series are damsels in distress, and just turn me off in their weakness. So, just not my cup of tea. If this is your type of romance, you’ll likely love it, but I find it a very frustrating trope.
I generally really like this author, and her portrayal of beautifully forged relationships that are very intimate and powerful soul connections. However, when the female lead character has experienced trauma, as in this book, I do get frustrated with the fragile victim trope. I can relate to trauma and subsequent anxiety and depression associated with trauma, but inner strength, and the desire to be a survivor, not a victim is what leads to true healing. Although positive relationships provide support, and validation, a traumatized woman should not depend on another person to make them whole again…that is codependency. You become a beacon for men with savior complexes and that is not a good foundation for an equal partnership. The female characters in this series are damsels in distress, and just turn me off in their weakness. So, just not my cup of tea. If this is your type of romance, you’ll likely love it, but I find it a very frustrating trope.
November 19, 2021
This story is about healing, no matter how damaged or how hopeless it looks, kindness, understanding and love can heal, or at least start the journey to healing. I like that Stoker didn’t have a magic wand and bam Serinity was healed, no instead his love, kindness and devotion showed her that with time, and professional help she can start the journey. He helped her see the road to take. It’s not a magic book it’s a real love story.
June 21, 2020
Beautiful and Caring
The way Stoked takes care of Serenity is good for the soul. Their chemistry is scorching and their love visceral. I hope to read more books about The Kraken men in the future.
The way Stoked takes care of Serenity is good for the soul. Their chemistry is scorching and their love visceral. I hope to read more books about The Kraken men in the future.
October 29, 2021
LOVED IT!
I'm hooked!! I love the simplicity, yet deep lessons Or chicken soup for the soul as I like to call that this author incorporates in her writing😘 I've been a fan of hers and I will continue to be as long as she's writing !
I'm hooked!! I love the simplicity, yet deep lessons Or chicken soup for the soul as I like to call that this author incorporates in her writing😘 I've been a fan of hers and I will continue to be as long as she's writing !
June 4, 2020
I tried to like those book
I’m sorry but I found Serenity boring. Yes, she has been through a lot but you can still make her interesting. I found myself skimming over Serenity’s chapters towards the end.
I’m sorry but I found Serenity boring. Yes, she has been through a lot but you can still make her interesting. I found myself skimming over Serenity’s chapters towards the end.
November 24, 2020
Orchid
Stocker finds his one a timid orchid in a field of hurt. She's a damaged women but with Stowers and club she will bloom again.
Stocker finds his one a timid orchid in a field of hurt. She's a damaged women but with Stowers and club she will bloom again.
December 26, 2021
Love this series
Love this mc
Stoker and Orchids intense emotional broken heartstopping emotional love story grabbed my heart
All the feels
Ready for Radar
Love this mc
Stoker and Orchids intense emotional broken heartstopping emotional love story grabbed my heart
All the feels
Ready for Radar
April 18, 2022
Great read
This was a great story in this series. I loved Stoked and Ren. I love the fact that we get to visit with the Sacred hearts . looking forward to Radars book.
This was a great story in this series. I loved Stoked and Ren. I love the fact that we get to visit with the Sacred hearts . looking forward to Radars book.
May 2, 2020
EXCELLENT!!
September 12, 2019
This was a great book. First I want to find a Stoker for myself. To be a biker he knew just what Serenity needed. I wanted to jump through my reader and beat up on everyone who hurt her but it was not needed thanks to Stoker and friends. I loved getting to see the Kraken and SHMC again. It felt like a family reunion!!!! It never fails to make me smile, laugh and want to cry at the same time the way Reaver makes friends and in his own crazy/twisted is looking out for the ladies he takes under his protective wing!! I can not wait for the next book!! This author never fails to write the best books!!! Always a one click buy for me!!
October 29, 2019
loved every book I have read by this author. absolutely love the cameos between series.
there was never a thought that this books wouldn't grab my attention from word one and keep me going at a fast pace to the very end and it was indeed everything i wanted to read.
this is a very fave series and i am thinking it is definitely time to go back to where it all began
29.10.19 - only read it a couple of weeks back but just went back to the start of the series and it is a no brainer to hit this book again. loved every word and really hope that more of the kraken boys get their own stories
there was never a thought that this books wouldn't grab my attention from word one and keep me going at a fast pace to the very end and it was indeed everything i wanted to read.
this is a very fave series and i am thinking it is definitely time to go back to where it all began
29.10.19 - only read it a couple of weeks back but just went back to the start of the series and it is a no brainer to hit this book again. loved every word and really hope that more of the kraken boys get their own stories
September 6, 2019
Serenity was named perfectly. She has a terrible past. Torn down and destroyed by almost everyone in her past. Blamed for something beyond her control.
Stoker fell hard and fast for this beautiful quiet lady. He taught her to cope with her history. Brought her into the fold. Gave her a family.
Loved having the Kracken crew at hand, and characters from the sacred hearts in part of the story.
Cant wait to see whose next....
Stoker fell hard and fast for this beautiful quiet lady. He taught her to cope with her history. Brought her into the fold. Gave her a family.
Loved having the Kracken crew at hand, and characters from the sacred hearts in part of the story.
Cant wait to see whose next....
September 7, 2019
Fantastic
Seems like ages since the last book!
I loved this one,I think stoker maybe up there with my love for reaver!
Serenity meets stoker at a concert and he helps when she gets into trouble,slowly they get to know each other and stoker sees that she has lots of trauma in her past,helping her to overcome some of it and bringing her into his world and mc family.
Loved seeing the kraken crew and also the sacred hearts!
Seems like ages since the last book!
I loved this one,I think stoker maybe up there with my love for reaver!
Serenity meets stoker at a concert and he helps when she gets into trouble,slowly they get to know each other and stoker sees that she has lots of trauma in her past,helping her to overcome some of it and bringing her into his world and mc family.
Loved seeing the kraken crew and also the sacred hearts!
September 8, 2019
A woman trying to survive
I loved this book. It is the story of a woman who has been struggling to just survive her whole life and is just coping the only way she knows how. This is the kind of writing that draws you, makes you care, makes you feel and at the end you want more because you are now invested in the characters.
I am not going to go back and start Shattered & Scarred all over again.
I loved this book. It is the story of a woman who has been struggling to just survive her whole life and is just coping the only way she knows how. This is the kind of writing that draws you, makes you care, makes you feel and at the end you want more because you are now invested in the characters.
I am not going to go back and start Shattered & Scarred all over again.
September 16, 2019
Sweet Romance
A sweet romance that first in with The Virtues Series well. This is not your typical MC series, and this book continues that trend. The Kraken are there to help others while still going by MC law. Stoker just wants to help his woman. Falling fast, he just wants to make her his. Serenity has had a rough life, but Stoker is slowly making it all better and breaking down those barriers erected to protect her heart. He will do anything to protect her and save her.
A sweet romance that first in with The Virtues Series well. This is not your typical MC series, and this book continues that trend. The Kraken are there to help others while still going by MC law. Stoker just wants to help his woman. Falling fast, he just wants to make her his. Serenity has had a rough life, but Stoker is slowly making it all better and breaking down those barriers erected to protect her heart. He will do anything to protect her and save her.
September 5, 2019
Another fabulous love story filled with emotion and hotness!
Simply great from start to finish. The story is one to make you think. Serenity has her issues and the warmth Stoker gives her breaks her out of her shell. Very original story and loved to see the other club members as well as the sacred hearts. Can’t wait for another
Simply great from start to finish. The story is one to make you think. Serenity has her issues and the warmth Stoker gives her breaks her out of her shell. Very original story and loved to see the other club members as well as the sacred hearts. Can’t wait for another
September 9, 2019
SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN! ONE OF HER BEST BOOKS EVER IT WAS A TOTAL EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER. LOVED STOKER AND SERENITY. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN BUT THEN I HATED THAT I READ IT SO FAST.
SERENITY HAD A AWFUL PAST AND STOKER AND THE KRACKEN HELPED HER TO OVERCOME AND FIND A REAL FAMILY.
SERENITY HAD A AWFUL PAST AND STOKER AND THE KRACKEN HELPED HER TO OVERCOME AND FIND A REAL FAMILY.
November 3, 2019
Ok
I've read all of the other MC books by this author and just loved them. This book was really just ok. It started out good but went down from there. Just didn't grab my attention much. I was really disappointed.
I've read all of the other MC books by this author and just loved them. This book was really just ok. It started out good but went down from there. Just didn't grab my attention much. I was really disappointed.
September 8, 2019
Great Book!
I love A.J. Downey and this book was awesome! In society today maybe everyone should look in themselves for kindness.
I love A.J. Downey and this book was awesome! In society today maybe everyone should look in themselves for kindness.
September 12, 2019
Another great book from AJ that finished way too soon again!! I could read and reread these books all day! Highly recommend!
November 12, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked the story and it fit in well with the rest of the series I just got a little bored for a bit. I liked both of the main characters and it was great to see some favorites again.
I liked the story and it fit in well with the rest of the series I just got a little bored for a bit. I liked both of the main characters and it was great to see some favorites again.
books-mine-get-to
November 3, 2025~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stoker
Serenity
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Stoker
Serenity
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews