AVERY: Maybe making the call to the cops was a dumb move on my part, but I had to do it. Callan’s life was at stake. Yes, I know we exist in different worlds—his far darker and more dangerous than mine—but I’ve been stupid for him since high school all the same. And now, with that one phone call, my life becomes irrevocably tied to his.
…In that it’s in jeopardy just like his is.
CALLAN: If ever there were an angel here in my hell on earth, it’d be shy, sweet Avery Watkins. She’s always been too good to belong to a biker with a past as ugly as mine. Still, I’ve had a soft spot for her since high school all the same. For years, I’ve kept my distance to keep her safe. But all that changes the moment she risks her life for me.
Because now, she’s mine—mine to watch over, mine to keep.
Previously published as Callan (c) 2014, edited with revised and added content throughout.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Christa Wick has been hybrid publishing since 2012 (yep, she's one of the O.G. indie authors). She's written 50+ romances starring curvalicious heroines and alphalicious heroes whose stories span the spectrum of: steamy & sweet, steamy & emotional, steamy & suspenseful, steamy & paranormal, steamy & dark, and...well, you get the idea. Her darker, dirtier books are under C.M. Wick, and she also writes general fiction sci-fi thrillers and suspense novels under other pen names.
Christa Wicks is a go to author for me. I always enjoy her quickie reads and will forever one-click her work. So I thought that I should at least write a proper review for one of her books, seeing as I am such a fan. Being the lazy bugger that I am though, this one will be quite short.
Callan is the first installment in what potentially could be a three part series. (I know there is a second book, just not sure how many more there will be). Avery Watkins is the hardworking daughter of a drunken SOB, who calls the police after hearing what she suspects is a hit on an old acquaintance, Callan Tilley. After evading the police and his fellow gypsies, Callan figures out the identity of his unlikely saviour and comes to the stark realisation that the only way to save her life is to claim her as his.
I really enjoyed this book. I don't want to get into it too much because its a short read, so anything I reveal apart from the synopsis would be pretty spoilery. But just know that I really enjoyed the heroine in this one. Lately, the heroines I've been reading have been working on my last nerve, so I was over the moon when this one did not disappoint.
So, why not five stars? Because I wanted mooooore! /criesinconsolably I know I should be used to the fact that Christa Wicks' books are oh so short, but I'm not. And I always want to chuck a tantrum when I get to the end of them.
Short read that packed a punch! The length of this book is deceiving! There is a tremendous amount of story in these pages. It is action filled and twisty and very well plotted out! Callan and Avery were fantastically paired! #JesusSaveMeFromTheirChemistry WOW
so so good. I am a huge fan of this author already but this book was simply amazing. In this book we meet Avery and Callan. Avery has had a crush on Callan for years but always thought he saw through her not to her. Callan is part of the Gypsy MC, one night while working at the bar Avery hears the VP of the MC tell his guys that they are going to kill Callan. Avery knows that even if Callan never sees her she can't imagine a world where he isn't at least in it. So she tries to find his phone number when that doesn't work she does the only other thing she can think of she calls the cops. Callan realizes pretty quickly who called the cops that night and what kind of danger that Avery is in. Though she doesn't know it he as seen and thought about her too. What happens next is a world wind of romance, passion, danger and a chance at something neither thought they would ever have someone who will love them no matter what. This book has many ups and downs in it but it is a ride I will take with this author again and again. Can not wait to see where she takes the next book in this series. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Sometimes you have to read a lot of crap books before you find a little gem. After a string of awful books or books that were just okay, I needed a decent read and Rage fit the bill nicely. Callan is in the MC his father started, but his Dads in jail along with one of his brothers, and his other brother is dead. The MC has been taken over by evil guys even going by biker standards. Callan is staying until he can find the proof to clear his Dad and brother. Unfortunately the MC VP decides it's time to take Callan out. Avery, a waitress at the local biker bar, has been in love with Callan forever. She overhears the VP's plans for Callan and calls 911, even though it means certain retribution from the club. Call on flees, but having feelings for Avery, takes her with him. As they run, they have outlaw bikers, dirty DEA agents, and the ATF all looking for them.
I lived Callan. He's alpha make through and through. Even though he wanted Avery, he stayed away to keep her safe. When that wasn't an option, he claimed his woman in every way he could. I liked Avery but she was a bit too timid at times. This is a cliffhanger, but ended in a happy for now spot that didn't make me want to throw my iPad across the room.
First, I don't know why the author change the name and the cover, I believe, no I'm certain this cover and the name tags was way better...the new one is too common, and the name is just a name, from s marketing perspective...RAGE is more solid and have more meaning, it represents something that catches my attention. I spent around 15 min looking more info in regards to this book and since I didn't know about the change at the moment, I thought I was being scammed, until I have to read the whole synopsis, where they explained the change of heart.
Second, why not continue with Callan and Avery' s story in book 2!? I don't need or want or desire to know about Lincoln YET? I want to know more about C&A future and have a HEA, that we ALL including the characters feel happy about it.
Third, way too many sex scenes. The book is already too short. It could've been nice to know more about, for e ample C&A HS meeting, I don't know. Needed more explanations and to be more elaborated. I jumped most of the sex scenes.
I kind of LIKED the condensed story between the blurr lines, but was dissapointed. I WILL read the next book though!
I feel certain I'd have rated this four stars if it had only been longer. It was very, very good, but cramming so much into less than 80 pages made absolutely every part of the novella feel rushed. I wanted more detail, more background, more....everything. This story could have easily been twice this long without feeling at all stretched.
Soooooo good! I haven't read any other books by this author but if they are this good Im a fan. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Great great read!
ONE SENSATIONAL ADVENTURE!!! Hatching hellhounds! If you're looking for something with a kick into action, a double dose of determination, a treacherous path to navigate and true love to conquer it along with all the skill and kickass alpha that lays this baby out phenomenally. Congratulations my friends you've hit the motherload. This heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, block busting bombshell, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Lines are blurred and boundaries get crossed, expectations are weighed and balanced, flinging this little gem forward without a single hitch, kicking it into overdrive, throwing it into a tailspin with an mind-blowing culmination. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem rule the roost displaying the drama, turmoil, intrigue, sizzling suspense and intense situations, along with a double dose of moxie, you have one intoxicating masterpiece. Vexing mishaps and stunning happenstance, showcase the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, rock this baby to the core, exposing a slew of startling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never imagined. The attraction and chemistry sizzles from the pages and suck you in so deeply until you feel the heat and electricity thrumming through your veins. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are so graphically descriptive you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play out perfectly. Fantastic job Wicks, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Callan and Avery are such a wonderful couple! None of the usual relationship angst; instead we have Avery saving Callan which is immediately followed by him saving her and that's just in the first couple hours! I read this non-stop and was thoroughly enthralled from start to fantastic finish.
There are a lot of twists and turns to this story, and just when you think you've got it sorted out another huge secret drops and wow! you've got to rethink everything again! As we know to expect from this author, there are plenty of hot and steamy scenes, too, as Callan and Avery realize the feelings they each have held for the other for years. Whew! I loved every single bit of it!
This is an adrenaline-fueled action caper that examines the difference between good motorcycle clubs and bad ones, and how thin the line is between. We get a very satisfying HEA for Callan and Avery, with a few family-related loose ends that I hope will be followed up on in subsequent books.
This was a short novella, but it packed enough emotional depth and intense action to make it one of my all-time favorite biker romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review. -I gave one star off because 1. We know Avery & Callan knew each other in HS, but we know nothing about it. They both had eyes for each other, yet there is no past to look upon. 2. Too many open door scenes for people on the run and for such a short book; I was also getting bored. 3. Something happened with Callan's father and brothers and here again we have no, not much anyways, past. -Avery knew she wanted to get out of town, especially away from her father, so it wasn't a long decision to take when Callan came to pick her up. I'm glad she didn't hesitate. -Callan is smart and figured out who called the cops on the MC's intentions. He's also calling shots on Avery. -Loved the way C&A worked together to get away from trouble. Loved how the bad guys got caught, either by death or by arrest. TMI on the deaths but it's a dark story. I'm sure that part of the story is not done yet. -Lots of suspense (I bit my nails a lot), action, romance, mystery, funny parts, sad parts, all rolled into one. The pace of the story is fast, just be ready for it. I'm hoping for a 2nd book.
Ruthless is about Avery and Callan. They have known each other since high school, with both very much crushing on the other but nothing ever happened. That all changes when Avery overhears something about to be done to Callan and she calls 911 to report it and save his life. But Callan knows that Avery's life is now in danger as the dispatch tapes can be listened to. So in order to save both their lives he takes her out of town and on the run. Along the way there is danger, violence and of course a lot of very hot and steamy passion between them. After all when you are on the run from people that want to kill you then what better way to deal with your nerves than sex. This is a fast-paced and entertaining story. The story-line was suspenseful, passionate, dangerous and the characters were likeable. I found myself wanting some more depth to the characters and also the story-line. But overall it was an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
A great short read that packs a punch, with suspense and steam that had me flipping the pages. Avery has had a thing for Callan, a biker, who is now in trouble and Avery needs to warn him. She risks herself to save him at the bar she works at and now Callan needs to save her, whisking her away, running from the MC club out to get him and her. Their adventure begins, evading the MC, others out for the bounty and even the law...they can’t trust anyone except for themselves. A great read with steamy sensual scenes, with suspense, some twists and turns and surprises that had me rooting for these two. I loved the no drama between them, the trust, and the insta everything between them. LOVED these two and how it all played out and of course their HEA and epilogue. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Avery has had it bad for Callan forever. When she overhears a plot to kill Callan, she calls the police. Callan has had it bad for Avery forever. Because of involvement with a motorcycle club, he has stayed away. Until he learns of Avery calling the police on the motorcycle gang. On his way out of town he picks up Avery to help protect her from retaliation. As with most of Ms. Wick's book, this is a fast rough ride to romance. The scenes are hot and gritty, as is the chemistry between Avery and Callan as this couple on the run fall deeper in love. There were some twists and turns in this story, and at first it was hard to see who is friend or foe. The last three chapters were surprising and I loved the epilogue. As with her other stories, Ms Wick offers a wild suspenseful ride with a HEA.
Flight to freedom Very good romance, a little dark at times, torrid, but which remains tender in a complicated context where even the police are gangrened by gangs. Avery saves his secret childhood love, Callan, from his assassination by his biker gang. She has a very murky life: she lives on two jobs, she is harassed by the leader of the biker gang, and robbed by her alcoholic father who brutalizes her. Callan always appreciated her in secret but his past prevented her from trying anything; However, her action by calling the police saved Callan, but above all also put her in danger. He decides to take her on his escape across the United States. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Avery and Callan each held a secret flame for the other until the night Avery called 911 as the only way to save Callan's life. They are forced to go on the run; exploring the heat between them while staying one step ahead of their pursuers. Likeable characters with good backstories; this was a quick read. Some suspension of belief necessary for the law enforcement side of the story. The story also sets up possible future books for secondary characters we meet. I am especially interested in Ash's story....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dam that was an intriguing story. Callan, Avery and the rest of the characters were interesting. I loved the book and I appreciate the epilogue but the last chapter could have been developed a little more. It left me wondering about some things that were implied but not actually stated. That’s the only reason that I didn’t give it five stars. I’ve read more than a dozen of Christa Wick’s books so sufficed to say she’s one of my favorite authors. If this is your first book by her don’t stop with Ruthless. I promise you won’t regret it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book. It does have a very different tone to it than other books by this author. It is a little bit darker and has more of an edginess to it. As I read across the romance spectrum (everything from sweet to very very steamy and very dark), I myself liked it. There was a certain sweetness to Avery & Callan's romance though. I loved the unspoken feelings they harbored for each other and their need to protect each other. The storyline is high energy and filled with plenty of danger, drama, excitement, suspense, action, steam and emotion. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
Stayed Up All Night! I was advised that this was one of Christa's darker books before reading, but OMG someone should have told me it would be so HOT!!! Avery is such a sweetheart, Callan is the bad boy any girl would love, and together they make some of the hottest love scenes you'll ever read. After Avery saves Callan's life by calling the cops, they both go on the run from Callan's ruthless MC and dirty cops in order to stay alive.
This has been another good one from Christa that I would definitely recommend, and since we also get a glimpse of Callan's 2 brothers as well I'm actually hoping that Christa has future plans to turn this into a series, b/c I'd love to see what happens there
Callan & Avery: TRIGGERS: sexual assault, domestic abuse, assault, fraud. Avery has had a severe crush on Callan for years so she knew she had to save him when she heard his own MC brothers plotting to kill him. Call 911. Yeah probably not the best idea but hey... 🤣. Callan knows he's no good for Avery but he doesn't care. After she saved him, he does the same. Going on the run to stay alive and prove the MC set up his blood brother who's in prison, the adventure begins. The book is very hot and there are some weird times at which they choose to go at it but hey.. life is short. 🤦🏾♀️🤣. Not a bad story and the plot twists... OMG... You won't believe it.
Avery and Callen have known each other since middle school. They both had really rough childhoods. Avery saves Callen's life and then he returns the favor. There are many plot twists for such a short story, but there is never a dull moment. Some slightly grizzly descriptions may be a bit much for the truly faint of heart. Overall, it's another great book from Ms Wick, whom I highly recommend reading. I have read all of her books and enjoyed each and every one. I received an ARC and am leaving an unbiased review.
This was another solid offering from this author! Avery works at a bar and lives with her alcoholic father. She is trying to save money to leave town. One night she overhears a local MC club talking about taking care of another member and that guy is her secret crush. She ends up calling the police and they go on the run together. This was a quick read but it was full of twists and turns and left the door open for more stories. I really enjoyed reading it!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done ❤️
Avery and Callan are in deep, deep dodo. Callan is a member of the Steel Tide MC. Avery thought she made a smart choice by calling the local police when she served the VP and officers making plans to take Callan out. Every turn they made to escape to get to Cumberland was met or followed by someone after them. No where to hide and running out time they need to survive. Action followed by steam, by action and more action. Wild ride for these two. No cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avery overheard the plans to kill Callan. He'd been the one man who'd caught her eye since their high school years. She was left with no choice but to dial 911 before Callan was killed. Thus begins their adventure.
This is my first book by Ms. Wick. I loved the story and Avery/Callan. They were hot together. Avery stuck by her man and Callan promised he'd stick by her side. I hope Lincoln has his story.
I love MC romance and this one was fantastic! It was fast paced, action packed, emotional, steamy romance! I loved Callan and Avery! They were perfect for each other! Although they had feelings for each other they didn’t act on then until danger showed up! I loved this book! I hope Christa has more stories for the Tilley family!
One phone call to 911 is all it takes to alter both Avery and Callan's lives. One chapter into this book is all it took to snare my attention. Nice quick read with lots of action and not all of it on the steamy side.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.