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Steel Demons MC #4
Painless
Love is never painless.
Especially when you love dangerous men.
My heart wants the most dangerous one of all--the golden man with the beautiful smile. Gunner strikes enemies as ruthlessly as his falcon, but when it comes to us, he keeps me tortured and begging for a swift end.
He crushed me once, then kissed hope back into me. His indecision will be the slow, painful death of me. I’m done waiting. I’ll make him put me out of my misery, or pull the trigger myself.
If dealing with him wasn’t enough pain, I’m also getting my Steel Demons tattoo from Shadow.
The scarred, quiet man has been coming around to me slowly. My new cat companion is obsessed with him. If my time with the Steel Demons has taught me anything, it’s to trust the instincts of our animal guardians.
They’re intelligent. Sometimes, they even talk to us.
I don’t expect my first tattoo to be painless. But can I heal my artist from the pain he keeps locked inside?
Sons of Anarchy meets The Handmaid's Tale in this dystopian reverse harem adventure! Painless is the fourth book in the Steel Demons MC saga. This series is full of kindle-melting steam and dangerous men who take what they want. Proceed with caution if easily offended.
Reading order:
1. Lawless
2. Powerless
3. Fearless
4. Painless
Especially when you love dangerous men.
My heart wants the most dangerous one of all--the golden man with the beautiful smile. Gunner strikes enemies as ruthlessly as his falcon, but when it comes to us, he keeps me tortured and begging for a swift end.
He crushed me once, then kissed hope back into me. His indecision will be the slow, painful death of me. I’m done waiting. I’ll make him put me out of my misery, or pull the trigger myself.
If dealing with him wasn’t enough pain, I’m also getting my Steel Demons tattoo from Shadow.
The scarred, quiet man has been coming around to me slowly. My new cat companion is obsessed with him. If my time with the Steel Demons has taught me anything, it’s to trust the instincts of our animal guardians.
They’re intelligent. Sometimes, they even talk to us.
I don’t expect my first tattoo to be painless. But can I heal my artist from the pain he keeps locked inside?
Sons of Anarchy meets The Handmaid's Tale in this dystopian reverse harem adventure! Painless is the fourth book in the Steel Demons MC saga. This series is full of kindle-melting steam and dangerous men who take what they want. Proceed with caution if easily offended.
Reading order:
1. Lawless
2. Powerless
3. Fearless
4. Painless
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2020
1592 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
August 19, 2020
Dystopian RH
This latest installment of the Steel Demons MC by Crystal Ash is a whirlwind of emotion... from the butterflies we feel in our stomachs when a relationship is new and blossoming to the grief felt when we lose someone we care about. This book is chock full of all the feelings and more. Every single one of the main characters has stolen my heart.
I loved learning more about Shadow. Something about him is so compelling. He's so much more complex than he first seems and it's always such a treat to have his POV.
Gunnar has really come around too. I just love him too. These guys are all so perfect.
Now, the animals... slowly we learn more about their story too! It was so fun to find out more and see them interact. Plus still there's got to be more relating to how they fit into this dystopian world. I can't wait to find out everything else. I adore Freya especially.
I'm so impressed with this genre bending series and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes RH. This is an honest review for an ARC of the book.
This latest installment of the Steel Demons MC by Crystal Ash is a whirlwind of emotion... from the butterflies we feel in our stomachs when a relationship is new and blossoming to the grief felt when we lose someone we care about. This book is chock full of all the feelings and more. Every single one of the main characters has stolen my heart.
I loved learning more about Shadow. Something about him is so compelling. He's so much more complex than he first seems and it's always such a treat to have his POV.
Gunnar has really come around too. I just love him too. These guys are all so perfect.
Now, the animals... slowly we learn more about their story too! It was so fun to find out more and see them interact. Plus still there's got to be more relating to how they fit into this dystopian world. I can't wait to find out everything else. I adore Freya especially.
I'm so impressed with this genre bending series and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes RH. This is an honest review for an ARC of the book.
May 30, 2020
First things first, I have to give major kudos here. The Steel Demons series lives in this beautiful middle ground where I honestly think it could satisfy such a range of readers- contemporary fans, paranormal-obsessed, MC lovers, mythology buffs, fast/medium/slow burn readers. It plays in a bunch of different worlds, but it all mixes together in such a pleasant way that it's this versatile series that I really think anyone could love. Each of the relationships progresses at its own natural pace, and it's really so very good because we're not denied the romance, not denied any steam, and we also get all those awkward "first feeling" butterflies all at the same time.
Painless is a great addition to the series full of action to move us forward in basically all the arcs we've been tracking- the conflict with Tash, Mari's relationships with each of the guys, and the question of who their animals really are and how they factor into the world our girl lives in now.
As far as the Tash conflict goes, well...things have to get worse before they get better. We're seeing Mari & the Demons going through some tough times in Painless, and there are some big decisions made that are sure to make the next book an interesting read. There may also be some unexpected allies bringing another layer to what the Demons can do to combat Tash, and this component of the plot definitely remains very urgent and interesting.
With Mari's relationships, there are some really great moments that'll make the reader go all squishable happy (you know, that blissful bookworm place where you feel like your heart is all full and smiling), and each of the guys- whether they're a romantic partner yet or not- gets to shine. I'm definitely biased because he's my absolute favorite, but there are some YES moments for Shadow in Painless, and I'm super excited for the next book.
We get to see more dimensions of his character- of his intellect (oh, I love a smart man), his confusion/curiosity with the world, particularly about social interaction, and we also get to see some growing humor and confidence. Not that the other guys aren't special, but I just particularly feel like Ash is doing really well on sort of tip-toeing Shadow out of his darkness and into a world where it'll make sense to us that he's ready to try taking on a relationship. So, every little moment- awkward or adorable or whatever else- is really useful, and I'm very much enjoying the nice storytelling and character growth aspect here. On the other side of that, Mari's just so great in how she gets to know him and the subtleties of how she's starting to notice him and look at him in a different way, and it makes it totally believable that she's in the process of falling for a guy that has no idea how to really even reciprocate a hug. Each of the characters are being written very well in this relationship dynamic that's by far the most tricky of her Demons. Granted, there are probably a ton of surprises in store for us, so I might eat those words, but that's where my brain's at right now!
There's some growing nervousness, most definitely, because I want to know what the heck is going on with what Daren told Noelle about Mari & her men, but I am having faith here that it'll all be resolved in a way that won't make me throw my book/kindle. Overall, I really enjoyed Painless. It flew by for me, and while that makes me groan in typical spoiled reader fashion, it also makes me so happy because it means that I was so sucked into the book, I lost track of the passing time.
Painless is a great addition to the series full of action to move us forward in basically all the arcs we've been tracking- the conflict with Tash, Mari's relationships with each of the guys, and the question of who their animals really are and how they factor into the world our girl lives in now.
As far as the Tash conflict goes, well...things have to get worse before they get better. We're seeing Mari & the Demons going through some tough times in Painless, and there are some big decisions made that are sure to make the next book an interesting read. There may also be some unexpected allies bringing another layer to what the Demons can do to combat Tash, and this component of the plot definitely remains very urgent and interesting.
With Mari's relationships, there are some really great moments that'll make the reader go all squishable happy (you know, that blissful bookworm place where you feel like your heart is all full and smiling), and each of the guys- whether they're a romantic partner yet or not- gets to shine. I'm definitely biased because he's my absolute favorite, but there are some YES moments for Shadow in Painless, and I'm super excited for the next book.
We get to see more dimensions of his character- of his intellect (oh, I love a smart man), his confusion/curiosity with the world, particularly about social interaction, and we also get to see some growing humor and confidence. Not that the other guys aren't special, but I just particularly feel like Ash is doing really well on sort of tip-toeing Shadow out of his darkness and into a world where it'll make sense to us that he's ready to try taking on a relationship. So, every little moment- awkward or adorable or whatever else- is really useful, and I'm very much enjoying the nice storytelling and character growth aspect here. On the other side of that, Mari's just so great in how she gets to know him and the subtleties of how she's starting to notice him and look at him in a different way, and it makes it totally believable that she's in the process of falling for a guy that has no idea how to really even reciprocate a hug. Each of the characters are being written very well in this relationship dynamic that's by far the most tricky of her Demons. Granted, there are probably a ton of surprises in store for us, so I might eat those words, but that's where my brain's at right now!
There's some growing nervousness, most definitely, because I want to know what the heck is going on with what Daren told Noelle about Mari & her men, but I am having faith here that it'll all be resolved in a way that won't make me throw my book/kindle. Overall, I really enjoyed Painless. It flew by for me, and while that makes me groan in typical spoiled reader fashion, it also makes me so happy because it means that I was so sucked into the book, I lost track of the passing time.
September 2, 2020
I need the next book..... ASAP!
June 5, 2022
4.7 stars.
Things are getting heated up.
I’m getting worried honestly.
The foreshadowing is dark and dreary and I just know I won’t be prepared for the angst even with all the warnings.
I’m still excited to see how things go, though, so I’d call that a big win after 4 books.
Things are getting heated up.
I’m getting worried honestly.
The foreshadowing is dark and dreary and I just know I won’t be prepared for the angst even with all the warnings.
I’m still excited to see how things go, though, so I’d call that a big win after 4 books.
November 29, 2025
Ok, so this is book 4, and I'm starting to lose some interest. Mainly because the whole thing with the talking animals just isn't working for me. I was hoping the author would have good reasons for how it came to be, but the reasons that were finally revealed just don't work for me personally. It probably won't be an issue for most readers, I'm just not big on fantasy stuff---and probably wouldn't have even picked up this series if I knew it was headed this way, TBH. I mainly stuck around this long because I want to see how things would work with Shadow---and why I'm still reading #5 🙂
July 6, 2023
I am absolutely blowing through these books. Very easy reads, things are getting a little darker, a little more nerve-wracking because you just KNOW shits about to hit the fan. So, onward to book 5. Again, Shadow is my main interest in these books. He (to me) is so much more complex than most the other characters. That and I am a sucker for tortured souls!
June 29, 2020
I need to start off by saying the blurb really doesn't do this book justice. It gives the illusion this is all about the last 2 pieces of our harem.. and while the story does go down that road.. there is just way more going on here. And.. side note.. I'm totally freaking Team Shadow.. Idk what it is about the strong silent types.. but my heart just beats for that guy. Love him despite all his issues.
I really wish I knew where this supernatural plot line was heading. To be honest the story doesn't even need it.. its like a freebie or something, I'm hoping we really get into the nitty gritty in the next book with all that.. especially with the new additions to our group of riders and the war that is just seeming to really get started here.
Yea.. so i'mma need book 5 like asap!
I really wish I knew where this supernatural plot line was heading. To be honest the story doesn't even need it.. its like a freebie or something, I'm hoping we really get into the nitty gritty in the next book with all that.. especially with the new additions to our group of riders and the war that is just seeming to really get started here.
Yea.. so i'mma need book 5 like asap!
August 29, 2021
Gunner finally makes a decision on whether he can share the woman in his life with other men or not.
“But having Reaper and Jandro‘s support made a world of difference in strengthening in my spine.
“I can’t keep waiting and hoping for you to say that you want this. All of this.”
“So after tonight you’re either telling me yes or,”
I pulled in a shaky breath,
“or any other answer is no.”
To be honest I’ve continue the series because of the character Shadow. He absolutely deserves to have an HEA.
I’m not really connected to Mariposa, so while I’m sure he is the next man to be part of her harem, I just want him to be happy.
There is a mysterious attack on the motorcycle club. And we do end up losing a character. But we also bring a new life into this series as well.
This is a very unique series. Post apocalyptic. Has a little bit of paranormal aspects to it with gods and goddesses connecting to animals or pets of the characters. And it’s a reverse harem.
There’s a disconnect for me with some of the descriptions of certain parts of the book. Which makes it a little difficult for me to continue the series. I’m not sure if I will.
These are quick and fast paced books for when I need a filler book in between other things I’m reading. I had Siri read me this book and I was done in just a few hours while I was painting my living room.
3/5 stars
“But having Reaper and Jandro‘s support made a world of difference in strengthening in my spine.
“I can’t keep waiting and hoping for you to say that you want this. All of this.”
“So after tonight you’re either telling me yes or,”
I pulled in a shaky breath,
“or any other answer is no.”
To be honest I’ve continue the series because of the character Shadow. He absolutely deserves to have an HEA.
I’m not really connected to Mariposa, so while I’m sure he is the next man to be part of her harem, I just want him to be happy.
There is a mysterious attack on the motorcycle club. And we do end up losing a character. But we also bring a new life into this series as well.
This is a very unique series. Post apocalyptic. Has a little bit of paranormal aspects to it with gods and goddesses connecting to animals or pets of the characters. And it’s a reverse harem.
There’s a disconnect for me with some of the descriptions of certain parts of the book. Which makes it a little difficult for me to continue the series. I’m not sure if I will.
These are quick and fast paced books for when I need a filler book in between other things I’m reading. I had Siri read me this book and I was done in just a few hours while I was painting my living room.
3/5 stars
November 26, 2024
Re read 2024
I like this series. Yah don’t get me wrong it is a bit cringy and badly plotted at times but there’s just something about it. I like the MC element and the dystopian elements which you can see stem from the political climate at the time
I like the kind of fantasy element coming in more with the gods and animals.
I just love the shadow plot. Give us more shadow!
I like this series. Yah don’t get me wrong it is a bit cringy and badly plotted at times but there’s just something about it. I like the MC element and the dystopian elements which you can see stem from the political climate at the time
I like the kind of fantasy element coming in more with the gods and animals.
I just love the shadow plot. Give us more shadow!
February 25, 2021
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
This was pretty much the same as the previous installment. The only guy I care about in these books is Shadow and that's why I've continued the series. These are entertaining enough but not the best books I've ever read.
January 27, 2021
Still Good!
Yes, I'm still enjoying this series... I can say that this book has made me laugh, made me hot and bothered, and most definitely made me ugly cry, but damn it was a good read!
Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
Yes, I'm still enjoying this series... I can say that this book has made me laugh, made me hot and bothered, and most definitely made me ugly cry, but damn it was a good read!
Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
April 27, 2021
Cant wait for the next book, June 5th cant come soon enough.
June 10, 2020
Cliffhanger
This book felt less like a complete story &
More like a bridge between books 3 & 5.
This book felt less like a complete story &
More like a bridge between books 3 & 5.
August 10, 2021
This book was supposed to talk about Gunner's relationship and integration into Mariposa's polyamorous trio with Jandro and Reaper, however, we see how something starts to emerge between her and my dear Shadow.
At first I feared that it would be very difficult for Gunner to agree to enter into this relationship, but the truth is that it took nothing more than participating in a fiery encounter and deciding that she wants it all.
Meanwhile, little by little, we see Shadow becoming more comfortable with our girl and opening up. He initiates conversations, interacts a lot with her, making us forget the taciturn, tortured and dark man of the beginning.
He even dares to be more talkative with his MC friends.
I would have really liked for the tragedy we experience to never happen, or for it to have been someone else. It's something I'm still struggling to get over.
At first I feared that it would be very difficult for Gunner to agree to enter into this relationship, but the truth is that it took nothing more than participating in a fiery encounter and deciding that she wants it all.
Meanwhile, little by little, we see Shadow becoming more comfortable with our girl and opening up. He initiates conversations, interacts a lot with her, making us forget the taciturn, tortured and dark man of the beginning.
He even dares to be more talkative with his MC friends.
I would have really liked for the tragedy we experience to never happen, or for it to have been someone else. It's something I'm still struggling to get over.
June 9, 2020
I am a huge fan of this series and I have beeb following this since Lawless. Through each part of the series we get more invested in these characters and how this world is.
In Painless, something that I have been waiting forever for is finally happening. In the love department we have three down and one more to go for Mariposa and her guys. They all have such chemistry, but if you follow this series then you know a couple of them were dragging a bit to be with her. Or should I say biding their time. But honestly it is well worth the wait. The longer it takes the sweeter the reward will be. If you are a fan of this series then you know what I am talking about.
You get the feeling that something bad is coming, like it is just around the corner. Good thing there is love, laughter, new allies, and as always there is hot sexy scenes.
Painless is a great addition to this series, one that I would highly recommend if you like dystopian RH MC romances.
In Painless, something that I have been waiting forever for is finally happening. In the love department we have three down and one more to go for Mariposa and her guys. They all have such chemistry, but if you follow this series then you know a couple of them were dragging a bit to be with her. Or should I say biding their time. But honestly it is well worth the wait. The longer it takes the sweeter the reward will be. If you are a fan of this series then you know what I am talking about.
You get the feeling that something bad is coming, like it is just around the corner. Good thing there is love, laughter, new allies, and as always there is hot sexy scenes.
Painless is a great addition to this series, one that I would highly recommend if you like dystopian RH MC romances.
January 17, 2022
Mari now has 3 of her 4, Reaper, Jandro, and Gunner, and life is good. Although, heartbreak is coming. or at least that is what she has been told. It's clear now there are gods masquerading as animal companions in their lives. Hades, Horus, and now Freyja. With General Tash making a move to destroy the MC, they will need all of the help they can get.
Even though they are not lengthy, I'm beginning to think these books should be shortened to become novellas. The pacing has slowed, the repetition continues, the sex scenes are so-so, and the action doesn't occur until the final chapters. They are becoming stagnant. Just shorten them and make a serial. They seem to have a loyal following but the quality has lessened.
Even though they are not lengthy, I'm beginning to think these books should be shortened to become novellas. The pacing has slowed, the repetition continues, the sex scenes are so-so, and the action doesn't occur until the final chapters. They are becoming stagnant. Just shorten them and make a serial. They seem to have a loyal following but the quality has lessened.
June 10, 2020
Gripping Whirlwind if a story
I cant get enough of this series! We are r books in and still feel like there is so much of a story left we could go on for so many books more! Crystal has thrown us into a world where we truly get tangled into the pages, never too sure what will happen to who or when that may happen either, you find yourself constantly reading so that nothing happens to our main characters especially after Noelles bombshell premonition. I cannot wait for book 5 where we may get some answers and some more shadow.
I cant get enough of this series! We are r books in and still feel like there is so much of a story left we could go on for so many books more! Crystal has thrown us into a world where we truly get tangled into the pages, never too sure what will happen to who or when that may happen either, you find yourself constantly reading so that nothing happens to our main characters especially after Noelles bombshell premonition. I cannot wait for book 5 where we may get some answers and some more shadow.
June 5, 2020
Best book in the series so far. Crystal Ash is such an amazing writer and she really brings these amazing characters to life.
I love how Shadow really came out of his shell in this book, while Gunner came out of his ass and finally joined in on the fun. There were certain scenes that had my heart breaking (Jandro).
And I'm so intrigued by how she's weaved the gods into this world. Can't wait to see more of them and see what Reaper's brother has to say about all this.
I love how Shadow really came out of his shell in this book, while Gunner came out of his ass and finally joined in on the fun. There were certain scenes that had my heart breaking (Jandro).
And I'm so intrigued by how she's weaved the gods into this world. Can't wait to see more of them and see what Reaper's brother has to say about all this.
June 7, 2020
Bloody brilliant author
As with all the others this book tricked me into a false sense of security with happiness and sexy times until booom everything bad happens. I freaking love Shadow and his growth is amazing
As with all the others this book tricked me into a false sense of security with happiness and sexy times until booom everything bad happens. I freaking love Shadow and his growth is amazing
September 21, 2025
3.5 stars. Another good instalment, with the introduction of some new characters stirring things up, some suspenseful action resulting in tears, and a bit of light shed on the magical/mystical elements.
June 10, 2020
God... Shadow... I can't wait for the next book.
4.5 stars!
4.5 stars!
August 17, 2020
So, I'm in withdrawal until the end of the month when the next book comes out. Loving the plot line build up as well as the character development.
December 11, 2020
Loved !!
September 29, 2021
3.5 stars
August 19, 2024
This series is just getting better and better.
I’m absolutely loving it.
- MC
- Paranormal Element with Gods interfering
- Post apocalyptic setting
- spicy
- Reverse Harem
I’m absolutely loving it.
- MC
- Paranormal Element with Gods interfering
- Post apocalyptic setting
- spicy
- Reverse Harem
June 2, 2020
OMG, This book I could not put down. We have so many emotions going on, I even cried in a few. I can't wait for the next book. Mari now has a kitten named Freyja. The guys are still there for her. Mari has gotten Shadow to open up. He is becoming another person, but will he be able to stay that way? Gunner is still holding back, will he ever accept her with two other guys? They are still fighting the General, but will it ever stop? Can Reaper protect his MC? Mari is the medic will she help every thing? I received a free copy for my honest review.
June 10, 2020
I love this series. Each book the continue to grow and the story advances. Can’t wait for the next book!
August 27, 2022
Representation: Latina and Latino main characters, mlm side characters
Overall: 5-stars
Safety: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
Overall: 5-stars
Safety: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
June 15, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars because ...
1. I flipping LOVE Shadow and seeing his development. The moment with Mari after finishing her first tattoo *awwww* All of the feels!
2. Shadow and Freyja - soooo adorable *melts*
3. Freyja and Hades - super adorable
1. I flipping LOVE Shadow and seeing his development. The moment with Mari after finishing her first tattoo *awwww* All of the feels!
2. Shadow and Freyja - soooo adorable *melts*
3. Freyja and Hades - super adorable
June 8, 2020
I really enjoyed the other books in this series but I didn't find this one enjoyable. I skimmed most of it and found it a bit repetitive if the other ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews