I thought I had my future figured out, but one summer fling changed everything.
I never set out to fall in love, and certainly not with the son of a motorcycle club's president. Meeting Ryu is a cruel twist of fate with layers of complications, yet I can't seem to stay away from him.
After the Legion’s Fallen MC starts to crumble from within, Ryu is caught in the crosshairs. When his enemies seek his weakness, turns out I'm a shining beacon in the night.
Is my love for him enough to keep us together? Or when the dust settles, will I find myself alone with a broken heart?
Ryu
After a stint behind bars for a crime I didn’t commit, I’m facing a hard reality check. I'm done being my father's son, done with the club, and done with this life.
My exit is perfectly planned, until I meet the beautiful and irresistible Poppy. I know it’s wrong to pull her into my life, and heaven knows I tried not to, but I’m falling for her anyway.
When a traitor surfaces within the club and puts Poppy in danger, I have no choice but to take the bait. Now, in a strange twist of fate, I'm offered a chance at redemption—with a catch.
Can I walk away from the woman I love to secure our future? Or will I fall among the lost?
This is a contemporary Why Choose, slow BUILD romance intended for those aged 18+. There is a small cliffhanger at the end.
Brooke Warren is a new Indie author who lives in Florida with her husband and three dogs. When she is not writing, you can find her with her face stuck in a book reading, playing online video games (World of Warcraft and Fallout are her favs), or getting lost for hours on YouTube. Her love for books and over active imagination has inspired her to share the stories stuck in her head.
You can follow the author on Facebook to get updates and sneak peaks:
The heroine, Poppy, is fresh out of high school when she meets her hero, Ryu. He is a biker with a dark past and a heart of gold. He's also of Japanese descent, which I loved because Asian American men are so woefully under-represented in romance novels. Despite the young age of both leads, this story is surprisingly mature and the romance between Poppy & Ryu is realistic, but just dreamy enough to keep you swooning throughout.
Note that this series features a reverse harem even though this first installment feels like a love ballad to Ryu and only Ryu. (He deserves it.) Other love interests will be integrated into the romance later on. THIS is slowburn RH done right, folks! I love love love how much time we get to develop a connection with Ryu before bringing in any more men. It really feels like the author wants to do each member of the harem justice without rushing the romance.
Let me add a quick disclaimer here by stating that I am NOT an MC romance sorta girl. This series is probably the only one of its kind I'll ever read. Motorcycle club culture is inherently antagonistic towards women, and to write an authentic MC book, the author must reflect that attitude in all the biker characters. I personally really hate to read about misogynistic characters, especially hero or heroine characters, so I'm staying as far away as I can from this genre in general. Although I loved Dragon's Burn for its romance and its strong lead characters, the addition of "groupie" women who are basically subhuman, shrill sex addicts really irked me. Women aren't like this - why portray them this way? All female characters in the book, besides those directly aligned with Poppy (her grandma & her best friend), were presented as the typical "trashy whore" stereotype. That's just unnecessary and doesn't do justice to all the amazing, strong, gorgeous women out there.
tl;dr: Great romance, talented writing, really an amazing book for such a new author. I love the slowburn feel of the relationship(s). I do wish though that the female extras were treated with more respect.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed reading this book. Brooke Warren has come a long way in her growth as an author in the last year, and this book shows it.
Poppy and Ryu, the two main characters, are well written. Their budding relationship is intense and built with intricacy. It's a slow build RH, but it could easily be just as great with the two of them alone.
The pace kept me turning pages and wanting to start all over after I finished. Book two can't come soon enough.
I didn't have a problem finishing it but it didn't consume my every waking moment either.
The best part was the ending....and no I don't mean that like it sounds. I mean the real potential only begun at the end. The rest of the book felt like a 0.5 prequel than the beginning of the story. It was mostly an introduction to 2 of the main characters Poppy and Ryu (one of the love interests in this Harem). In fact most of the way through it didn't even feel like a RH. Poppy and Ryu had such an intense relationship and he was so possessive on many occasions that I find it hard to believe he will be able to share?
Time will tell and I know it's going to be a slow burn so I can only assume the other men will be introduced one at a time maybe? Maybe the excitement was also dulled for me because for a good 20% of this I expected Ryu to be a dragon shifter.
I was sure those tingles and "awareness" they had of each other was a mating bond.... Yea that didn't happen. Unfortunately. I was glad that the MC theme didn't play a massive role. For the most part it wasn't set in the clubhouse or had much to do with the club at all. Which I was good for me because I've come to realise MC isn't my new favourite. But for fans of that genre it does seem like it will play a bigger part to come. Again this felt like an intro to the club as we will come to know it.
The hot scenes were HOT and Ryu was my favourite and the most interesting character. I did enjoy the romance but it was just missing that
It was slow and apart form the last 5% nothing much happened.
I will read on because I'd like to see what happens after that ending. For a new author the work was accomplished and it was very easy to read and follow.
Three things: 1. HOW does this turn into RH? 2. What exactly is the issue? 3. I really wanna know how Granny is fairing on her own. Is she okay?
First: I want to applaud the fact that the MMC is ASIAN, well done. My imagination went wild.
So: High school grad meets biker club boy. Instant attraction Quick feels Fall into love hella fast
I might add... DAMN HOT SEX. Hot hot hot oooh don’t touch. *sizzle*
The pace was, however, all sorts of wonky for me.
80% of the book was not captivating at all 19% of the book (towards end) was slightly intriguing. 1% of the book (the ending) I WAS CRYING. (All up in the feeeels)
The ending is really the only reason I’m wanting to read the second book.
What the fuck happens???? Somehow I go from barely tolerating to slight interest to NEED TO KNOW DAMNIT.
I’m all sorts of confused.
Alright book 2, let’s tango..? Idk I’m fucking lost and need some questions answered.
*I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.
First things first, I have to admit that when I first glanced at this title, I was like, “WOW, a MC PNR!” Nope, not even in the slightest…LOL. In fact, this turned out to be way better than I anticipated.
So let’s just get this over with…Dragon is not indeed a Dragon. Dragon is Ryu’s MC name. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s continue.
Dragon is the son of the Legion’s Fallen MC President. Sounds like a high enough status to have, right? Well, I guess it would be if he actually wanted to be a member of the MC. Although he’s grown up in it, having a father who hates him, always watching his back and constantly doing things for the club that he doesn’t want to are getting old. If he could just save up enough money to get the hell out of dodge, he’d be on the road to freedom.
Poppy just graduated high school. After living in a town where everyone knows her family history and business, she can’t wait to get as far away as possible. Good thing she’s on her way to college in Boston at the end of the summer. So one last high school party won’t hurt, right? And running in to the hottest guy she’s ever seen shouldn’t be an issue, right? Ugh…
This sounds like and appears to be the typical two kids trying to escape their current lifestyle in search of something new. And although some of that is true, appearances can be deceiving. This book was more than that. Yes, there was a common ground and attraction between the two, but the underlining theme of doing what’s right is just as valid.
I absolutely loved the build up between Poppy and Ryu. Even though their chemistry is obvious from the beginning, the author did a great job with the timeline, making their relationship built on more than just the initial attraction. But I have to point out that the last third of the book had me reading at lightening speed because OMG!!!!!! Seriously? And then….OMFG!!!!! I need the next book STAT!!!!
I was fortunate to receive this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. It’s my first ARC! And I’m so happy to say it was a really good experience. I was intrigued by the blurb and pulled in from the start of the story.
Poppy and Ryu. Wow. These two. Sometimes there are characters you read and you can actually FEEL their realness and their chemistry. These two are exactly that. Their relationship is so big, so much that at times I felt it would be impossible for them to fit anyone else into this relationship. They’re so into one another that it consumes them (and in turn, consumes me!). There was almost a Romeo and Juliet feel to their relationship. However, I feel that this is what actually makes this story so real and plausible. They weren’t looking for each other and BAM! Just like they won’t be looking for others to add to their relationship, but BAM! It’ll just happen for them, they’ll just have to ride their emotions and go with it. They’re good at that. They’re honest with themselves, even when they think it’s not the best choice for them, they can’t deny what’s felt.
I think it’s that raw and honest emotion that makes them such real and relatable characters. Brooke did an awesome job at helping the reader feel along with them. Tension, fear, sexual attraction, elation, heartache are all easily accessed through both.
This book is just the start of this story. There’s more than just Poppy and Ryu to delve into. Something else is afoot. There’s some questions that will need to be answered, some mystery to solve and we’re only scratching the surface. I’m eager to see how the story unfolds (and if any of my theories hold water!). Bring on book 2!!
The best thing about this was Poppy and Ryu's chemistry, as it was great from the get go. Unfortunately, a not very interesting plot (pretty much just them hooking up with some vague underhanded MC stuff going on in the background) and one dimensional, not very interesting characters made this not a great read for me.
I never really liked Poppy. I was out off my her attitude and narrative voice at the start and she didn't really get much better. Ryu was a bit better, but he felt like he was just a tortured bad boy, who's really good deep down, cardboard cut out.
Whilst they had good chemistry, it was all a bit insta love/lust with only the whole 'we' re both tortured souls and no one else gets us' thing as an explanation.
This is also, apparently, RH but there is no hint of it at all or even who the other guys will be. How that'd all going to come to fruition is the only thing that makes me. Contemplate reading the next.
This is a great beginning to a new series. I love the characters Poppy and Ryu. As you read, you will experience an emotional connection, suspense, heat and mystery. It is a slow build throughout the story but it sets it up for the future books. Definitely pay attention to some of the characters that are introduced in the book. The connection withOut and Ryu is like none I have ever read before. Once I started reading this book, I was hooked. The mystery of Ryu and snarkiness of Poppy leads to some interesting conversations. So what happens with these two? You got to read to find out! I cannot wait to read the next book of this series. I am hooked and want more bad boys!
I really enjoyed this book, and await book 2 with excitement ! The hotness of the connection between Poppy and Ryu is electrifying! It’s not your normal MC club story but it does form the base that the story comes from. It is very much a prequel (which is in the author’s note at the end which also includes a little tidbit! which I loved).
Poppy is 18 and Ryu is 23 but they seem older then that, although Poppy does not read well initially, she settles down into a character that I grew to like. I enjoyed the POV changes between Ryu and Poppy and their relationship had a Romeo & Juliet feel to it, in that they were doomed in being able to have a future together, which is the recurring theme throughout. It does end on a cliffhanger but not one that disappoints.
Side note : it is a slow burn only in the RH aspect and Poppy feeling this connection with Ryu for another is going to be hard to believe so I’m interested in seeing how the author has this happen, especially with the possessiveness that Ryu experiences....
I liked all the previous books by Brooke Warren so I was very pleased to receive an ARC of this one. I don't usually read MC books and this will be my first contemporary RH series so I didn't really know what to expect. I was so focused on Poppy and Ryu story that I totally forgot that this will be a RH series!! Ryu isn't how you usually picture the typical biker and Poppy surely isn't a shallow 18yo blonde. This book shows the start of their story and puts down the fondations for the series keeping you wanting for more!
The story is interesting and isn't the usual MC plots I normally read, which is refreshing actually. I just didn't feel invested in the characters as much as I would like.
That being said, it is still a good story and I want to read the next book.
The author said all the harem members were introduced in this book. My guess - Dragon, Jaguar, Phoenix, JD. Many authors develop characters that grow in you as the series progresses. Let's hope that is the case here.
I am curious why Ryu shows up in Bostin six months later though.
I was pulled into the story line right from the start. This is a reverse harem series but the relationship of the two main characters in this first book Poppy and Ryu is so intensely complex and well written that it seems like they are it for each other and no one else. I can't wait for book 2, I'm eager to see what the other characters will bring to the story line. Exeptional writing Brooke Warren is fast becoming a firm favourite of mine
This book is absolutely addicting. Once you start you can’t stop until you’re done. That is why I’m waiting this review at 2:10 am lol. I need more of theses characters. Can I say I love Ryu ? And I absolutely love Poppy . Also I need answers because the ending left more questions than answers.
Absolute Must Read !!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Holy cow the twist in this story are mind blowing. Not your typical MC book it throws all the feels right in your face. It made me cry and it takes an intense scene writing to make me cry. I loved this book so much I can't wait yo see how the next installment unfolds.
I was one of the lucky people that got to be an ARC for this bad boy. Let me tell you, this book is awesome. I’ve read tons in the MC Romance genre and I tend to get bored because it’s the same boring story. This book though left me wanting more and I can’t wait for book two.
Sucked me in from the start. What's not to love about sexy bad boy bikers? Loved seeing how Poppy's and ryu's love blossomed and the heartache felt between them. Can not wait for the next book to find out why Ryu is in Boston and what is going to happen to them all.
Wow, what a great start to a series! I love the storyline and all of the characters are realistic. Ryu is super sexy, Poppy is strong and likeable, and the sexy times are hot! I can't wait for more!
Totally unconventional but also totally awesome! The book read as a MF story and the ending was heart wrenching! I love both Ryu and Poppy. I know of one definite maybe of the other potential love interests and maybe an idea on a 2fer for the others. Great book and can’t wait for the next one!
I started reading this book and it was an interesting start to a new series. There were a couple things that bothered me because it didn't feel natural.
The way Poppy lost her mind over a hot guy in the beginning, and 3 meetings that explained the feelings almost the same. There wasn't a progression. I think adding more details with each meeting would have felt more transitional.
She seems to give off this vibe of i know myself sexually but admits to not having the experience. It's a little bit of a conflict for me. I would love some more explanation on what made her confident with herself in that way. Especially because this is going to be a reverse harem. It could be in the next book though...I'd be interested to read further on these details. Not looking for a how to guide fyi, just details!
Also, what's she talk with granny about! More on that relationship in the next book please!
That however these don't break up my opinion on the book. Based on the title, I almost expected a shifter book, and with the "tingling" Poppy got when near Ryu, i kept getting thrown for a loop, but no animals lol.
4.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐/4 stars overall in my opinion. This author does great work. Maybe im holding that against this book. I don't think i am, but i know she has potential to write some really good books.
I was provided with a copy of this book prior to its release for my honest opinion and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had this book recommended to me and I actually really, really enjoyed it. The book was fast-paced, no time for waffling and every page seemed to have a purpose. Ryu and Poppy are both totally hot together, and quite honestly, I want myself a hot, sexy Ryu. Though I don't have Poppy's balls to deal with PTSD so I'll keep that to a fantasy. The author at the end of the book said we've met the rh members, and I'm totally calling for the twins and JD, though it'll be interesting to see how Ryu reacts to that - he came across pretty possessive in this book! Totally hot, and I'm all for it by the way.
Time to start the next cause I 1000% wanna know more.
Edit: now I'm sad cause apparently the second book isn't out yet. I just noticed the release date for this one was just December 27th. Wow, talk about torturing myself!
Dnf 30%. These two main characters are just irritating. Don’t get me wrong the writer captures the thought process of 18 year olds perfectly but it’s just so uninteresting and irritating. I just can’t give 2 shits.
Dragon's Burn should have stayed the title, it fit perfectly!
I absolutely loved it. I fell in love with the characters and can't wait ti see where you take them next. Please don't keep me waiting too long, I lose interest and forget to come back. So I hope you are working on it because I'm drooling......
I loved this hardcore! its a cool unique MC life and how everything starts and goes down with our main leads! Nobody is perfect and you see how well both connected. Its raw, young, messy and truthful. The turn of events will have you a little broken but the ending will leave you hopeful! Cant wait for the next book! i know its an RH but i kind of wish it wasn’t because let me tell you ...Ryu...❤️👌❤️👌❤️!! Must read!! i read it with my kindle unlimited.
This book is a great start to a new series. You can send the emotional connection throughout the story and there is plenty of suspense.As you read, it will slowly build into more and you want to pay attention to the different characters being introduced because they may have a bigger part or already have a bigger part of more of what's happening and what's to come. A definite must read that will have you hooked.
This really felt like a first book, if not a prequel. The way things play out I feel like the rest of the series is going to be very different. This is more MF with no hint of RH to come, except for the author's note haha-- which I did appreciate. Honestly, I love author's notes.
The story here is really interesting and the characters are pretty well flushed out. I'm excited to see where things will go.