What do you think?
Rate this book
Underground Kings #1
Cruel Temptation
It was the happiest day of my life.
Something old.
Something new.
Something borrowed.
Something blue.
All I had to do was say my vows.
Then they asked if there were any objections.
And he stood up.
Jaxon Steele.
A face from my past.
A face I never wanted to see again.
So beautifully cruel, so agonizingly wrong.
Just like his objection.
Why is he back after all these years?
Why did he stop my wedding?
My questions are frozen when a gunshot rings out.
There's blood on my dress.
Jaxon isn't here for love.
He is here for revenge.
And he doesn't care whose blood he has to spill to gain it.
What he wants?
Ten years of my life for the ten years he served in prison.
I loved him once, shame on me.
Making me love him twice? Shame on him.
But I was always fool when it came to Jaxon Steel.
Would I give him ten years? Or forever?
This is a full length Dark Second Chance Standalone Romance.
Something old.
Something new.
Something borrowed.
Something blue.
All I had to do was say my vows.
Then they asked if there were any objections.
And he stood up.
Jaxon Steele.
A face from my past.
A face I never wanted to see again.
So beautifully cruel, so agonizingly wrong.
Just like his objection.
Why is he back after all these years?
Why did he stop my wedding?
My questions are frozen when a gunshot rings out.
There's blood on my dress.
Jaxon isn't here for love.
He is here for revenge.
And he doesn't care whose blood he has to spill to gain it.
What he wants?
Ten years of my life for the ten years he served in prison.
I loved him once, shame on me.
Making me love him twice? Shame on him.
But I was always fool when it came to Jaxon Steel.
Would I give him ten years? Or forever?
This is a full length Dark Second Chance Standalone Romance.
257 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2020
468 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Callahan
100 books792 followerselli writes hot and steamy romances with delicious alpha males who will not stop until they get the women they crave exactly where they want them. Kelli's heroes are tough as nails, hot as sin, and underneath the rough exterior is a heart of gold begging to be unleashed. If you think you can tame them, you're probably right, but it won't be an easy journey.
Make no mistake, Kelli's stories will give you the happily ever after you need, but they're also steamy and packed from cover to cover with exactly what you're looking for late at night when you leave your panties by the door.
If you would like to contact Kelli, she can be reached at kellicallahanbooks@gmail.com.
Make no mistake, Kelli's stories will give you the happily ever after you need, but they're also steamy and packed from cover to cover with exactly what you're looking for late at night when you leave your panties by the door.
If you would like to contact Kelli, she can be reached at kellicallahanbooks@gmail.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 26, 2020
Dnf. Hard to believe. I can't get into a book when the FMC has the emotional depth of a puddle.
October 18, 2020
There is a lot of this:
"I casually strolled to the side of the bed and wrapped my much large palm that was wider than his neck around his throat and squeezed."
"He was better at a long of things that made a person lesser."
"I was arrest in 1980, that was about it.”
"With the size of the place, probably got lost. “Come on, come one!”
The prevalence of typos and grammar errors that make confusing sentences made this book much harder to read than it should have been. Even within sentences the tenses change and names are mixed up. I feel like this author has a lot of potential with a good editor that could help them with legibility of their work.
I know this is intended to be over the top but it does take a lot of suspension of disbelief.
We are to believe the h has been with no one else sexually in over 10 years, even though she was engaged.
The H on the other hand managed to be a man whore even though he spent 10 of the years in prison.
The timeline is crazy. The story is that the H was framed and sent to prison for 10 years and in that time the h falls for the man who framed him while they grieve together, and they get engaged but it takes 10 years before the wedding.
That is an incredibly long dating relationship/engagement.
Meanwhile the H with no other identified skills becomes a prolific crime boss, earning what I'm assuming is hundreds of millions of dollars somehow in the short amount of time he is out? Or maybe somehow from prison? Since he has a private jet and private mansion and managed to meet in prison 9 other people who are all innocent so they can enact their revenge.
It's pretty impressive.
But I love a good story with some over the top Heros so I'll take it. Make them alpha and I'm all in. The concept of this group and their individual stories really intrigues me and I'd love to read this type of storyline.
The heroine is what made it a no go for me.
She seems completely contradictory. She didn't sleep with her fiance at his request and talks about how hard that was because she'd go to bed sexually frustrated. But then said she never wanted him sexually because she thought she was broken. She masterbates naked standing in front of a mirror the day she is kidnapped, even knowing there were cameras in the last room she was held in. When she learns her fiance was planning her murder, her response is to get naked in a house when she knows many other men are staying and wandering around and go skinny dip in a pool. She "hates" the Hero and is terrified of him, but had an orgasm when all he does is smack her butt a few times. I couldn't understand what her motivation was or if she had any personality other than just a plot point for sex factor.
It was an DNF for me at about 50%. I really like the premise of the group of convicts, I think this story and author has great potential and I love a dark kidnapping storyline but I'm hoping a few good beta readers and editors might help the story be told in a way that makes it easier to enjoy.
"I casually strolled to the side of the bed and wrapped my much large palm that was wider than his neck around his throat and squeezed."
"He was better at a long of things that made a person lesser."
"I was arrest in 1980, that was about it.”
"With the size of the place, probably got lost. “Come on, come one!”
The prevalence of typos and grammar errors that make confusing sentences made this book much harder to read than it should have been. Even within sentences the tenses change and names are mixed up. I feel like this author has a lot of potential with a good editor that could help them with legibility of their work.
I know this is intended to be over the top but it does take a lot of suspension of disbelief.
We are to believe the h has been with no one else sexually in over 10 years, even though she was engaged.
The H on the other hand managed to be a man whore even though he spent 10 of the years in prison.
The timeline is crazy. The story is that the H was framed and sent to prison for 10 years and in that time the h falls for the man who framed him while they grieve together, and they get engaged but it takes 10 years before the wedding.
That is an incredibly long dating relationship/engagement.
Meanwhile the H with no other identified skills becomes a prolific crime boss, earning what I'm assuming is hundreds of millions of dollars somehow in the short amount of time he is out? Or maybe somehow from prison? Since he has a private jet and private mansion and managed to meet in prison 9 other people who are all innocent so they can enact their revenge.
It's pretty impressive.
But I love a good story with some over the top Heros so I'll take it. Make them alpha and I'm all in. The concept of this group and their individual stories really intrigues me and I'd love to read this type of storyline.
The heroine is what made it a no go for me.
She seems completely contradictory. She didn't sleep with her fiance at his request and talks about how hard that was because she'd go to bed sexually frustrated. But then said she never wanted him sexually because she thought she was broken. She masterbates naked standing in front of a mirror the day she is kidnapped, even knowing there were cameras in the last room she was held in. When she learns her fiance was planning her murder, her response is to get naked in a house when she knows many other men are staying and wandering around and go skinny dip in a pool. She "hates" the Hero and is terrified of him, but had an orgasm when all he does is smack her butt a few times. I couldn't understand what her motivation was or if she had any personality other than just a plot point for sex factor.
It was an DNF for me at about 50%. I really like the premise of the group of convicts, I think this story and author has great potential and I love a dark kidnapping storyline but I'm hoping a few good beta readers and editors might help the story be told in a way that makes it easier to enjoy.
July 17, 2020
Triggers- man hitting a woman... woman kidnapped and held in a gilded cage (Master bedroom in a mansion), attempted murder & murder (after the fact)
I loved it!! Since I read the ARC and seeing man grammar errors I hope that’s fixed before it’s publish didn’t bother me but I’m just letting it known, besides that the plot, timeline, drama and the sex were up there to being the best I’ve read so far this year. I really can’t wait to read more from this author in the near future.
Jaxson and Quinn met when they were 16 and dated for 3 years until the night that changed their lives. Jax was accused of killing his beloved and pregnant older sister and was sent to prison for a decade. The baby‘s daddy Brian, Lied his way and told everyone Jax did it. With Jax out of the way and Quinn split between her love for Jax but her love for her parents overcomes him and she left him. Jax became someone different and dark in prison but when he got out his hunger of freedom came and now to do what him and his buddies, that also was accused of crimes they didn’t commit, became the Underground King’s steal & kill criminals and give back to the victims but also keep a portion. Now with the wedding of Quinn and Brian (same one from above) Jax sees his chance to get the man who killed his sister and get the confession he needs to clear his name but also to get the girl that was his first everything and get his 10 years back. Will it be an easy road or will Quinn put Jax in his place and fight him tooth and nail to get her freedom from the man who kills???
I loved it!! Since I read the ARC and seeing man grammar errors I hope that’s fixed before it’s publish didn’t bother me but I’m just letting it known, besides that the plot, timeline, drama and the sex were up there to being the best I’ve read so far this year. I really can’t wait to read more from this author in the near future.
Jaxson and Quinn met when they were 16 and dated for 3 years until the night that changed their lives. Jax was accused of killing his beloved and pregnant older sister and was sent to prison for a decade. The baby‘s daddy Brian, Lied his way and told everyone Jax did it. With Jax out of the way and Quinn split between her love for Jax but her love for her parents overcomes him and she left him. Jax became someone different and dark in prison but when he got out his hunger of freedom came and now to do what him and his buddies, that also was accused of crimes they didn’t commit, became the Underground King’s steal & kill criminals and give back to the victims but also keep a portion. Now with the wedding of Quinn and Brian (same one from above) Jax sees his chance to get the man who killed his sister and get the confession he needs to clear his name but also to get the girl that was his first everything and get his 10 years back. Will it be an easy road or will Quinn put Jax in his place and fight him tooth and nail to get her freedom from the man who kills???
September 24, 2020
I was really excited to get this and read it and then Quinn happened. She about drove me crazy! Her back and forth over "do I love Jaxon or do I hate him?" and "do I believe him or not?". Make up your mind! Jaxon was definitely over the top alpha!
On to the next one....
On to the next one....
July 18, 2020
Jaxon is out of prison after 10 years for a crime he didn’t commit and now he is out for revenge. His girlfriend from before he went to prison is going to marry the man who put him behind bars, and he plans to make sure that won’t happen. Are there still sparks between Jaxon and Quinn? Fast-paced steamy read with great characters, intense chemistry and lots of drama and steam. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!
June 10, 2021
DNF. Could not finish.
There is so much wrong with the book. I did notice some typos, but maybe more of them were fixed since many of the earlier reviews mentioned tons.
Anyway this book was just ridiculous. I couldnt get into it because so much of it was so fake, and yes, it's a fictional story, but I like to lose myself in a world even if I was reading something post-apocalyptic or fantasy, you know? And this was just too hard to believe.
Quinn was so mentally and emotionally unstable. I hated her. [I dont believe Jaxon, but deep down I always knew he was innocent. I hate him, but I actually love him. I trust Brian but I'm not in love with him. I wrote a letter everyday you were in prison] Really!!? For 10 years when you believed he murdered his sister. It was all such bullshit. And she kept going back and forth and it was so annoying.
I kept going and we got to the climbing Strawberry Rock part, and as someone who claims to be afraid of heights, there is no way that experience can ring true. She hysterically cries while climbing then in the next moment when she makes it to the top she's all cheery and yay! and steps close to the edge to look at the view and is all like, Jaxon being too cautious, I'm totally fine being at the edge when I'm so afraid of heights I turned into a hysterical idiot!
Then the fall and amnesia. Nope!!! Bye!!!
Why in the hell would her amnesia have her forgetting Jaxon it's not like he's new, she knew him as a teen. She remembers Brian but cut out Jaxon. All so stupid.
Will not finish. Waste of time.
The only positive was the author writes some nice smut. But I dont think it's worth subjecting yourself to such an awful story.
There is so much wrong with the book. I did notice some typos, but maybe more of them were fixed since many of the earlier reviews mentioned tons.
Anyway this book was just ridiculous. I couldnt get into it because so much of it was so fake, and yes, it's a fictional story, but I like to lose myself in a world even if I was reading something post-apocalyptic or fantasy, you know? And this was just too hard to believe.
Quinn was so mentally and emotionally unstable. I hated her. [I dont believe Jaxon, but deep down I always knew he was innocent. I hate him, but I actually love him. I trust Brian but I'm not in love with him. I wrote a letter everyday you were in prison] Really!!? For 10 years when you believed he murdered his sister. It was all such bullshit. And she kept going back and forth and it was so annoying.
I kept going and we got to the climbing Strawberry Rock part, and as someone who claims to be afraid of heights, there is no way that experience can ring true. She hysterically cries while climbing then in the next moment when she makes it to the top she's all cheery and yay! and steps close to the edge to look at the view and is all like, Jaxon being too cautious, I'm totally fine being at the edge when I'm so afraid of heights I turned into a hysterical idiot!
Then the fall and amnesia. Nope!!! Bye!!!
Why in the hell would her amnesia have her forgetting Jaxon it's not like he's new, she knew him as a teen. She remembers Brian but cut out Jaxon. All so stupid.
Will not finish. Waste of time.
The only positive was the author writes some nice smut. But I dont think it's worth subjecting yourself to such an awful story.
November 10, 2020
Very early in I can tell this is ridiculous. The "good felons" who steal from criminals and DONATE a portion of their money to charity, LOL! They were all wrongly accused and spend years in prison but now they bake cookies, play robin hood and invite grannies into their crew. I can't. DNF.
Want to read
November 24, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/24/2022)! 🎁
November 8, 2023
why did they have to confess their love at like 50%??? 😭 yes ik it’s a second chance romance but still i got so bored after they got back together
March 8, 2021
Jaxson comes from the wrong side of the tracks and and Quinn is a trust fund baby. But that didn't stop these two from falling in love as teenagers. He was rough around the edges and a bad boy. Jaxson was hustling and selling drugs to make ends meet with his friend Brian. Brian was dating Jaxson younger sister and she became pregnant. Brian didn't want a baby to get in way of his endeavor of a drug dealer and making big. So he killed her and frame his best friend Jaxson for the murder.
Jaxson was wrongfully accused and convicted. He did ten years for his sisters murder. He thought that his girl would have believed his innocence and stood by him. But she didn't and to add insult to injury she started dating the man who frame as soon as he went to after to prison. Jaxson vowed revenge against Brian and Quinn. He wanted revenge for the years that he spent in prison as well as to get his name exonerated. Upon release from prison he founded The Underground Kings comprised of five wrongfully accused ex- convicted men including himself. Jaxson found out that Quinn and Brian were getting married. He was not going to allow that to happen. He concocted a plan to stop the wedding. There was a shootout at the wedding so because Brian wouldn't come willing so he decided to kidnapped both Quinn and Brian and hold them hostage for ten years until he gets a confession.
Jaxson is change man after prison, he's more dangerous and darker. But his love for Quinn never falter. He knows that Brian doesn't want Quinn and only wants her and he's not about to let him hurt her like he did to his sister. Jaxson and his crew rob from the rich and to poor and charities. They keep a portion of spoil for themselves. Jaxson took them back to California to the Cliffhouse all he wanted was a confession from Brian but he refused to give it even after being tortured. Will Brian eventually confesses? Will Jaxson and Quinn get their chance? This book was filled with violence, torture, revenge, drama, revelation, retribution, action, deception, intrigue, intimidation, intense, violence, humour, lies, passion, healing, romance, forgiveness, friendship, and love. It was easy to read with great characters and a great plotline and a page turner.
I received a copy of this book from Kindle unlimited and I am voluntarily leaving a review of my thoughts.
Jaxson was wrongfully accused and convicted. He did ten years for his sisters murder. He thought that his girl would have believed his innocence and stood by him. But she didn't and to add insult to injury she started dating the man who frame as soon as he went to after to prison. Jaxson vowed revenge against Brian and Quinn. He wanted revenge for the years that he spent in prison as well as to get his name exonerated. Upon release from prison he founded The Underground Kings comprised of five wrongfully accused ex- convicted men including himself. Jaxson found out that Quinn and Brian were getting married. He was not going to allow that to happen. He concocted a plan to stop the wedding. There was a shootout at the wedding so because Brian wouldn't come willing so he decided to kidnapped both Quinn and Brian and hold them hostage for ten years until he gets a confession.
Jaxson is change man after prison, he's more dangerous and darker. But his love for Quinn never falter. He knows that Brian doesn't want Quinn and only wants her and he's not about to let him hurt her like he did to his sister. Jaxson and his crew rob from the rich and to poor and charities. They keep a portion of spoil for themselves. Jaxson took them back to California to the Cliffhouse all he wanted was a confession from Brian but he refused to give it even after being tortured. Will Brian eventually confesses? Will Jaxson and Quinn get their chance? This book was filled with violence, torture, revenge, drama, revelation, retribution, action, deception, intrigue, intimidation, intense, violence, humour, lies, passion, healing, romance, forgiveness, friendship, and love. It was easy to read with great characters and a great plotline and a page turner.
I received a copy of this book from Kindle unlimited and I am voluntarily leaving a review of my thoughts.
December 5, 2020
Cruel Temptation is the first book in the new Underground Kings series and is one engaging ride of love and revenge .....The story has great promise with characters you love in spite of their rather questionable activities. . One of My issue is the lack of proper editing. I don’t expect perfection but the numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and word usage brakes my enjoyment of the story ... but I made my way thru.. .don't get me wrong the storyline is good ....... The story is about Jaxon Steel who was set-up and wrongly convicted of killing his pregnant sister Tracy. He spent ten years in jail and when he is released is determined to get revenge on the man who set him up,.... his business partner Brian Marks, who had also been the one to get Tracy pregnant.
Brian has moved on with his life and is about to marry Quinn, the love of Jaxon's life...actually they are at the alter about to say their vows. Quinn Taylor was Jaxon's girlfriend ten years ago and he has come back to stop the wedding and so much more..... his buddies, that also were accused of crimes they didn’t commit, became the Underground King’s, a group of men who steal & kill criminals and give back to the victims but also keep a portion.
This was a good idea for a story and was nicely plotted,..... the book needed at least one if not two more visits to a good proofreader, it hinders the flow of the story..well for me at least. Overall though I thought the book was okay .... it could have been much better....jmo...
Brian has moved on with his life and is about to marry Quinn, the love of Jaxon's life...actually they are at the alter about to say their vows. Quinn Taylor was Jaxon's girlfriend ten years ago and he has come back to stop the wedding and so much more..... his buddies, that also were accused of crimes they didn’t commit, became the Underground King’s, a group of men who steal & kill criminals and give back to the victims but also keep a portion.
This was a good idea for a story and was nicely plotted,..... the book needed at least one if not two more visits to a good proofreader, it hinders the flow of the story..well for me at least. Overall though I thought the book was okay .... it could have been much better....jmo...
August 20, 2020
Jaxon is looking for revenge, redemption and a second chance with the only woman that he has loved since he was teen. His path to redemption is not paved in sweet or legal methods, but they have worked for him. He is saving Quinn from Brian, but Quinn doesn't see it that way. She will need some convincing that Jaxon is the better of two evils. Jaxon has done ten years for a crime he didn't commit, now it's time for him to get the real murderer to confess and regain his woman.
Quinn is from a wealthy family and when Jaxon was arrested, she had to turn her back on him. Ten years later, she is an adult and has the ability to make her own decisions. Deep down she knows that Jaxon couldn't have done what he was accused of, but she has been brain washed by the man that accused Jaxon and she needs to take in what Jaxon is telling her and weigh all of the evidence.
I loved this story. It is full of some sexy criminals that are working to rid the world of the real criminals. Jaxon and his best friend Sebastian along with Heaven, Owen, and Grayson are a called the Underground Kings. They are dangerous, rich and none of them are guilty of the crimes they did time for. Now they are out to gain their redemption and revenge for the people that put them behind bars. Quinn is a strong woman that has been through a lot in the past ten years and now that she is reunited with Jaxon, their path is still not clear. They will fight to get their HEA and they are made for each other. Quinn's unhealthy love for A-1 is a bit out there, but otherwise I love her. I also loved Ingrid, she was a surprise to the whole story, but a great addition.
Quinn is from a wealthy family and when Jaxon was arrested, she had to turn her back on him. Ten years later, she is an adult and has the ability to make her own decisions. Deep down she knows that Jaxon couldn't have done what he was accused of, but she has been brain washed by the man that accused Jaxon and she needs to take in what Jaxon is telling her and weigh all of the evidence.
I loved this story. It is full of some sexy criminals that are working to rid the world of the real criminals. Jaxon and his best friend Sebastian along with Heaven, Owen, and Grayson are a called the Underground Kings. They are dangerous, rich and none of them are guilty of the crimes they did time for. Now they are out to gain their redemption and revenge for the people that put them behind bars. Quinn is a strong woman that has been through a lot in the past ten years and now that she is reunited with Jaxon, their path is still not clear. They will fight to get their HEA and they are made for each other. Quinn's unhealthy love for A-1 is a bit out there, but otherwise I love her. I also loved Ingrid, she was a surprise to the whole story, but a great addition.
January 14, 2021
I’m going to give this book a 3.5 because I did like it but I’m still a little conflicted.
Going into the book I was really enjoying it and was excited to find a good book. And then a typo happened...and then another...and another....oh wait not done there’s more. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with as many typos as this book had. But I pushed through because I really wanted to see what would happen.
It kind of fell flat after the half way mark. The main characters were already back together and I feel like the book should have just ended shortly after that. But nope there had to be an accident resulting in amnesia thrown in there (something I saw coming the moment she fell). It was weird because it was almost like each character was written by a different author. I liked all of Jaxon’s chapters but then when it came to Quinn the writing seemed different. Maybe it was because I didn’t really like Quinn, I actually enjoyed her more after she bumped her head and couldn’t remember anything. I actually really liked Jaxon. I liked how through his POV it showed how he was innocent and how much he really cared about Quinn. People may have thought he was over the top alpha but I think he was just right. I honestly kind of wish his counterpart was someone other than Quinn because I liked him so much.
But anyway it was a decent book if you can get past all one hundred of the typos (yes, I’m exaggerating but not by much).
Going into the book I was really enjoying it and was excited to find a good book. And then a typo happened...and then another...and another....oh wait not done there’s more. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with as many typos as this book had. But I pushed through because I really wanted to see what would happen.
It kind of fell flat after the half way mark. The main characters were already back together and I feel like the book should have just ended shortly after that. But nope there had to be an accident resulting in amnesia thrown in there (something I saw coming the moment she fell). It was weird because it was almost like each character was written by a different author. I liked all of Jaxon’s chapters but then when it came to Quinn the writing seemed different. Maybe it was because I didn’t really like Quinn, I actually enjoyed her more after she bumped her head and couldn’t remember anything. I actually really liked Jaxon. I liked how through his POV it showed how he was innocent and how much he really cared about Quinn. People may have thought he was over the top alpha but I think he was just right. I honestly kind of wish his counterpart was someone other than Quinn because I liked him so much.
But anyway it was a decent book if you can get past all one hundred of the typos (yes, I’m exaggerating but not by much).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2020
He is back for revenge and he is going to get it one way or another
Cruel Temptation is the first book in the new Underground Kings series and is one engaging ride of love and revenge. The story is about Jaxon Steel who was set-up and wrongly convicted of killing his pregnant sister Tracy. He spent ten years in jail and when he is released is determined to get revenge on the man who set him up. It turns out to be his business partner Brian Marks, who had also been the one to get Tracy pregnant.
Brian has moved on with his life and is about to married to Quinn, actually they are at the alter about to say their vows. Quinn Taylor was Jaxon's girlfriend ten years ago and he has come back to stop the wedding and so much more.
This was a good idea for a story and was nicely plotted. But there were some things that just did not work, not the least of which was the fact that the book needed at least one more visit to a good proofreader. I was annoyed at this as it stopped the flow of the story for me. I have found that this is a hit or miss with Kelli Callahan's books and this time it was a miss. Overall though I thought the book was okay and if it was polished up it would have been much better.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Cruel Temptation is the first book in the new Underground Kings series and is one engaging ride of love and revenge. The story is about Jaxon Steel who was set-up and wrongly convicted of killing his pregnant sister Tracy. He spent ten years in jail and when he is released is determined to get revenge on the man who set him up. It turns out to be his business partner Brian Marks, who had also been the one to get Tracy pregnant.
Brian has moved on with his life and is about to married to Quinn, actually they are at the alter about to say their vows. Quinn Taylor was Jaxon's girlfriend ten years ago and he has come back to stop the wedding and so much more.
This was a good idea for a story and was nicely plotted. But there were some things that just did not work, not the least of which was the fact that the book needed at least one more visit to a good proofreader. I was annoyed at this as it stopped the flow of the story for me. I have found that this is a hit or miss with Kelli Callahan's books and this time it was a miss. Overall though I thought the book was okay and if it was polished up it would have been much better.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
September 10, 2022
Jaxson spent 10 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The one woman he thought would stand by his side, didn’t believe him. The book opens with Jaxson showing up at Quinn's wedding, where he not only plans to object, but abduct both her and her fiancé (the real killer in his sister's death).
Quinn was young when Jaxson went to prison, and now the man in front of her is a stranger. He is the head of a criminal empire and wants revenge and to clear his name. Jaxson is so angry at the beginning, he just wants to hurt Quinn (emotionally). He begins to realize she was manipulated just as much as he was.
Quinn has always known somewhere in her heart that he was innocent. She begins to see Jaxson as the man she fell in love with. Of course, just as they begin to find each other again, there is an accident that nearly tears them apart.
When these two finally hook up, it is apparent that they had a rough and heated relationship before he went to prison. The plot was well done, with a few plot twists I did not see coming.
This is part of a series, but each book is a standalone. The other books follow the men who work with Jaxson, who had also been falsely imprisoned but can no longer function in society. I will definitely come back to this series at a later time.
Quinn was young when Jaxson went to prison, and now the man in front of her is a stranger. He is the head of a criminal empire and wants revenge and to clear his name. Jaxson is so angry at the beginning, he just wants to hurt Quinn (emotionally). He begins to realize she was manipulated just as much as he was.
Quinn has always known somewhere in her heart that he was innocent. She begins to see Jaxson as the man she fell in love with. Of course, just as they begin to find each other again, there is an accident that nearly tears them apart.
When these two finally hook up, it is apparent that they had a rough and heated relationship before he went to prison. The plot was well done, with a few plot twists I did not see coming.
This is part of a series, but each book is a standalone. The other books follow the men who work with Jaxson, who had also been falsely imprisoned but can no longer function in society. I will definitely come back to this series at a later time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
What a outstanding start to the new series the Underground Kings series by Kelli Callahan. Jax is convicted of manslaughter for killing his pregnant sister based on the testimony of one man, Brian the real murderer. Jax spends 10 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit and loses everything, including the girl he loves, Quinn. When he gets out, he finds out Brian is marrying Quinn, so Jax kidnaps them both at the alter. Quite dramatic. They are taken to the haven of the Underground Kings, where Jax and his crew intend to get a confession out of Brian and revenge for her betrayal from Quinn. The Underground Kings are all men wrongly convicted of crimes that have completed their jail terms. Their goal is to right the wrongs of bad people by whatever means necessary. The majority of money they make from these crimes goes to helping others in dire circumstances. This motley crew has great camaraderie, some hilarious scenes, and read loyalty to each other. The story og=f Jax and Quinn has a lot of twists, turns, crazy chemistry, and tons of steam. A great read, well done Kelli!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2020
OMG
So I usually don't try to read books that have under a certain amount of reviews. So this was a book that I was pretty hesitant on reviewing.
Cruel Temptation starts with a wedding. Quinn is about to marry Brian when Jaxon interrupts and objects. These 3 have horrible history-- Jaxon went to prison for the death of his sister, Quinn left Jaxon out of fear, and Jaxon believes Brian was the one who killed her. So, Jaxon interrupts the wedding and kidnaps the almost-wedded couple. For Brian he wants a full confession and he wants 10 years of Quinn's time in payment for leaving him, and there's nothing to stop him from getting it.
I really enjoyed and loved this book. The ONLY reason I don't want to give it 5 is it had so much potential to be a 10 star book. There's characters in here that we know will get their own story so it felt like they were barely used and there were characters in here that I felt like what was even their purpose.
But really-- overall, I am grateful to have stumbled on this. ☺
So I usually don't try to read books that have under a certain amount of reviews. So this was a book that I was pretty hesitant on reviewing.
Cruel Temptation starts with a wedding. Quinn is about to marry Brian when Jaxon interrupts and objects. These 3 have horrible history-- Jaxon went to prison for the death of his sister, Quinn left Jaxon out of fear, and Jaxon believes Brian was the one who killed her. So, Jaxon interrupts the wedding and kidnaps the almost-wedded couple. For Brian he wants a full confession and he wants 10 years of Quinn's time in payment for leaving him, and there's nothing to stop him from getting it.
I really enjoyed and loved this book. The ONLY reason I don't want to give it 5 is it had so much potential to be a 10 star book. There's characters in here that we know will get their own story so it felt like they were barely used and there were characters in here that I felt like what was even their purpose.
But really-- overall, I am grateful to have stumbled on this. ☺
August 21, 2020
Sometimes the road to heaven is paved with cruel deeds. I completely LOVED this book!! The story is captivating, layered, and well-paced. This hero does some bad things, but I could not be tempted way from the pages. In order to get a 5 star rating from me, I have to feel the strength in the woman as much as in the man. Dang! Quinn delivered! However, the biggest surprises for me were the lighter and more endearing moments sprinkled through out the whole book. The guys banter – Muah! Perfecto!! This sort of detail can often get overlooked; but, for me at least (being the only girl of 4 children), it does make the group instantly more endearing and helps create a more realistic world for me to live in. Finally, I cannot end this review without mentioning one of my favorite characters . . . maybe ever. Ingrid! Mother F-ing Ingrid! I absolutely love that woman; I totally wish she had been my grandma; I want to be her when I grow up. There you have it. Add this book to your self-care time this weekend, and you’ll thank me on Monday. ;)
~Amanda💜
~Amanda💜
November 7, 2020
This is the first book that I have read from Kelli. I will admit the title got me interested. I grabbed this one up from Kindle Unlimited and started reading it. I was immediately hooked and didn't put it down until I was done. These books are all about guys that are falsely accused and served time for the crime they didn't commit. They are out and seeking vengeance for what has happened to them.
This one is about Jaxon and Quinn. Jaxon was in prison for 10 years for a crime that he didn't commit. He is out and wants what belongs to him, Quinn and the truth. What a ride you are taking on with these two. I absolutely love the characters in this one. Jaxon and Quinn are quite the couple. These two have known each other for a long time. She didn't believe him when he does to prison and that breaks him. Will she believe him now?
This is full of suspense, twists, turns, page turning moments. I wanted to throw my kindle a couple of times. I was gripped by the storyline and the characters. I cant wait to read more from these guys. A great first book in the series. A great series to read.
This one is about Jaxon and Quinn. Jaxon was in prison for 10 years for a crime that he didn't commit. He is out and wants what belongs to him, Quinn and the truth. What a ride you are taking on with these two. I absolutely love the characters in this one. Jaxon and Quinn are quite the couple. These two have known each other for a long time. She didn't believe him when he does to prison and that breaks him. Will she believe him now?
This is full of suspense, twists, turns, page turning moments. I wanted to throw my kindle a couple of times. I was gripped by the storyline and the characters. I cant wait to read more from these guys. A great first book in the series. A great series to read.
July 21, 2020
This is an incredible kick-off for a new series. I liked this story. It was entertaining and enjoyable but there is some violence toward women as well as murder/attempted murder, so be aware. The characters were interesting. I loved Grandma Ingrid, gotta love a lady in pink! She cracked me up a lot. This story deals with some pretty dark stuff. Jaxon just got out of prison after serving 10 years for murdering his pregnant sister, but he was innocent. He believes that Brian Marks (his sister's baby daddy) is the one that killed her and now Brian is trying to take Jaxon's ex-girlfriend Quinn away from him as well. There is quite a bit of drama since Quinn still has feelings for Jaxon and vice versa. In the end, they get their happy ever after. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. I recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2020
This book was just ok for me. The description about the book sounded interesting but really wasn't. At the beginning it was interesting when jaxon objects at the wedding amd gun shots ring out and his team shoots her groom Brian. She gets angry and starts yelling at jaxon as he is taking her and brian away jaxon explains to quinn 10 yrs were taken from him so he is taking 10 yrs from her and brian. Then it goes back and forth battle of the wills cause jaxon and quinn love each other but fight it and he wants brian to confess about killing jaxson's sister and framed him and prove to Quinn he didn't kill his sister. Then most of the book is about sex and quinn realizing jaxson is innocent for most of the book last 2 chapters gets better with jaxson getting what he wants from Brian and Hea was cute.
August 29, 2020
Loved Quinn and Jaxson's story.
After ten years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Jaxson is determined to make two people pay back those ten years with their lives. Quinn has been try,ing to get over Jaxson for ten years and she's been trying to help Brian get over the loss of his girlfriend and their unborn child. Quinn is now marrying Brian, but just as everyone is asked if anyone objects, Jaxson stands up and says he objects to their marriage. Jaxson wants Brian to confess to killing Jaxson's sister to clear his name then he plans on killing Brian. He takes Quinn as well because he feels she owes him the years of her life for not believing in him when he was innocent. There are secrets and lies to be uncovered and this is one heck of a great read. I definitely recommend this book as a must read!
After ten years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Jaxson is determined to make two people pay back those ten years with their lives. Quinn has been try,ing to get over Jaxson for ten years and she's been trying to help Brian get over the loss of his girlfriend and their unborn child. Quinn is now marrying Brian, but just as everyone is asked if anyone objects, Jaxson stands up and says he objects to their marriage. Jaxson wants Brian to confess to killing Jaxson's sister to clear his name then he plans on killing Brian. He takes Quinn as well because he feels she owes him the years of her life for not believing in him when he was innocent. There are secrets and lies to be uncovered and this is one heck of a great read. I definitely recommend this book as a must read!
July 18, 2020
I hope this Is a new series! This is about Quinn and Jaxon. I believe the series will be about more than one man, but the start with Jaxon was awesome. The group consists of Sebastian, Grayson, Owen, and Heaven. The story is about each man wrongfully sentenced for a crime they never committed. In this one Jaxon was accused of killing his only sister who was pregnant at the time. His girlfriend at the time believed someone else instead of her. I was a bit sad with the loss of some love able characters, but I know one in particular gave it her all. I hope she wouldn’t have been gone and would continue to see the other men find their own happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
Wow! Jacob had been head over heels with Quinn in their late teens, but when his best friend Brian killed his Jacob’s only sister, and framed him Quinn turned her back on him. To really rub salt into the wound, Brian then got together with Quinn, so when Jacob discovered that they were due to get married he ‘objected’ and set in motion his revenge. Jacob’s crew of trusted friends had each been framed and they are known as the Underground Kings, and I really hope that this is the start of a series because this book was well written and captivating from beginning to end. Slightly darker than other books I’ve read by Kelli, but still as thoroughly enjoyable. Fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2020
This is the 1st on a new series and is Jaxon and Quinn’s story. Jaxon and Quinn met at 10 and dated for 3-years until Jax is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and was sent to jail for 10-years. Now Jax has been released and he is darker and more dangerous, and he is on a mission of revenge and wants a confession from the real killer to clear his name. Quinn is getting married and the last thing she expects is for Jax to step up and stop the wedding. Will Quinn believe Jax or will she let her family influence her decisions? This is a well written story which is intense, and is a fast paced read with drama, which all leads to a steamy and all-consuming read. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I highly recommend for all.
October 31, 2020
dnf
He held on tight and whipped me around, tightening his
other hand around my throat. The gag was hanging out of
my mouth, and he bit down on the cloth and pulled it out of
my mouth. I coughed when it was cleared and tried to
breathe in, but his hands around my neck tightened. He
dropped the cloth from his mouth, and it drifted to the floor.
“Let me say one thing, you will not disrespect me, and
you will not disrespect my men. You don’t even know half
the truth, and you have no idea what kind of man you almost
married. You should be thanking me.” He squeezed again,
and this time, I couldn’t breathe.
And I liked it.
I was ashamed to admit that if he were to shove his hand
between my legs, he’d find me wet
need i say more?
He held on tight and whipped me around, tightening his
other hand around my throat. The gag was hanging out of
my mouth, and he bit down on the cloth and pulled it out of
my mouth. I coughed when it was cleared and tried to
breathe in, but his hands around my neck tightened. He
dropped the cloth from his mouth, and it drifted to the floor.
“Let me say one thing, you will not disrespect me, and
you will not disrespect my men. You don’t even know half
the truth, and you have no idea what kind of man you almost
married. You should be thanking me.” He squeezed again,
and this time, I couldn’t breathe.
And I liked it.
I was ashamed to admit that if he were to shove his hand
between my legs, he’d find me wet
need i say more?
July 18, 2020
Wow Jaxon is really given the raw end of the stick when he is accused of murdering his sister yet comes out on top when he tries to clear his name.
His love for Quinn has never stopped even with ten years passing them by he will stop at nothing to get his girl and his revenge.
Quinn has never had a connection with anyone like the one she has with Jax yet she is manipulated into believing the worst of him.
These two don't have and easy time of getting their happy ever after but when they do it's explosive.
Look forward seeing how Jax's friends find their revenge and clear their names aswell.
His love for Quinn has never stopped even with ten years passing them by he will stop at nothing to get his girl and his revenge.
Quinn has never had a connection with anyone like the one she has with Jax yet she is manipulated into believing the worst of him.
These two don't have and easy time of getting their happy ever after but when they do it's explosive.
Look forward seeing how Jax's friends find their revenge and clear their names aswell.
July 16, 2020
A bit too fantastical...
Jaxon Steel was wrongly convicted for killing his pregnant sister Tracy and spent ten years in prison. He was set up by the real killer, his partner Brian Marks who got his sister pregnant. Now free and part of The Underground Kings, he’s back to take his revenge. Quinn Taylor, his girlfriend at the time of his arrest is supposed to marry Brian and Jaxson isn’t going to let that happen. They both owe him ten years and he plans to collect...
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
Jaxon Steel was wrongly convicted for killing his pregnant sister Tracy and spent ten years in prison. He was set up by the real killer, his partner Brian Marks who got his sister pregnant. Now free and part of The Underground Kings, he’s back to take his revenge. Quinn Taylor, his girlfriend at the time of his arrest is supposed to marry Brian and Jaxson isn’t going to let that happen. They both owe him ten years and he plans to collect...
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
July 27, 2020
Jaxon and Quinn are intriguing characters that go from love to hate to love again due to a really horrific circumstance. They are surrounded by a group of men that are as colorful and interesting as Jaxon, along with this charming, rough and tough grandma like character that adds to the dramatic with a sarcastic wit. The drama is intense with violence and passion in equal measure. It will keep you interested in Jaxon and Quinn's story even when there is (for me) an eye rolling moment that I thought "really can't these characters catch a break?" As the ending approaches, it does all make sense and it is a sweet justice and a happy ending all rolled into one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
September 10, 2020
Premise -v- Build-up
Jason and Quinn. I liked the premise, but didn't feel vested in Quinn's character nor Jaxon's friends. Jaxon, I liked. Even though there really wasn't much of a background, prologue, nor build-up on him or any character.
Noted dozens of minor editing errors, but the steamy moments made up for them lol
By the way, upset about the fate of the old bird...
Clearing their names, fighting for the innocent, taking justice into their own hands = The Underground Kinds
Jason and Quinn. I liked the premise, but didn't feel vested in Quinn's character nor Jaxon's friends. Jaxon, I liked. Even though there really wasn't much of a background, prologue, nor build-up on him or any character.
Noted dozens of minor editing errors, but the steamy moments made up for them lol
By the way, upset about the fate of the old bird...
Clearing their names, fighting for the innocent, taking justice into their own hands = The Underground Kinds
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews