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Austin Conrad #1
Blood Brothers: Austin Conrad Action-Adventure Thrillers Book 1
A hardened criminal. A gut-wrenching revelation. Loyalty, brotherhood, and honor will be tested to the breaking point.
A decorated war hero turned jaded enforcer for a ruthless outlaw motorcycle club, Austin Conrad is a man with a checkered past and a conflicted conscience. Now, the honor he once had is jolted back to the surface with a devastating discovery about the club that was his home, and the men he called his brothers. Can this hardened criminal look the other way, or will honor drive a wedge between him and the brotherhood that embraced him?
Ride into the gritty, criminal underworld that runs beneath the surface of Southern California’s glamorous facade. A fast-paced novella, Blood Brothers is the gripping introduction to Dusty Sharp’s action-packed Austin Conrad thriller series. Download it today and find out why readers are hailing Austin Conrad as "Jack Reacher meets Sons of Anarchy!"
Warning: contains violence, profanity and irreverence, in equal measure.
A decorated war hero turned jaded enforcer for a ruthless outlaw motorcycle club, Austin Conrad is a man with a checkered past and a conflicted conscience. Now, the honor he once had is jolted back to the surface with a devastating discovery about the club that was his home, and the men he called his brothers. Can this hardened criminal look the other way, or will honor drive a wedge between him and the brotherhood that embraced him?
Ride into the gritty, criminal underworld that runs beneath the surface of Southern California’s glamorous facade. A fast-paced novella, Blood Brothers is the gripping introduction to Dusty Sharp’s action-packed Austin Conrad thriller series. Download it today and find out why readers are hailing Austin Conrad as "Jack Reacher meets Sons of Anarchy!"
Warning: contains violence, profanity and irreverence, in equal measure.
- GenresFiction
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
102 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Dusty Sharp
6 books34 followersDusty Sharp lives in Southern California with his wife, Stephanie, and four English Mastiffs. He enjoys exploring the back-country of the desert southwest and tinkering on old Ford Broncos. Dusty enjoys good cigars, better food, and great beer. He has had a lifelong interest in the history of California and the west, and is a proud brother of E Clampus Vitus. His professional background is in marketing, having worked for many years in the RV and automotive aftermarket industries. The Austin Conrad thrillers are his first published works of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 29, 2018
I love discovering new authors. When I picked up Dusty Sharp’s “Blood Brothers; Austin Conrad Thriller #1”, I knew within a few pages that I was going to love it.
Austin Conrad is a slightly past middle aged war hero protagonist and he’s knee deep in illegal activity with the Rattlers, a motorcycle gang in southern California. But every man has a line that he’s unwilling to cross, and Austin is about to discover something about his brothers that’s way across that line.
So now what? Does he put an end to what’s going on? Or does he sell his soul further down the river and ignore what he’s witnessed? After all, he makes his living with these guys, and as the title suggest, they are blood brothers, so…
No spoilers here! You’ll have to pick up Blood Brothers and find out. If you like fast paced action, and you’re okay with realistic verbiage, ie some foul language, you’ll be happy that you did.
Austin Conrad is a slightly past middle aged war hero protagonist and he’s knee deep in illegal activity with the Rattlers, a motorcycle gang in southern California. But every man has a line that he’s unwilling to cross, and Austin is about to discover something about his brothers that’s way across that line.
So now what? Does he put an end to what’s going on? Or does he sell his soul further down the river and ignore what he’s witnessed? After all, he makes his living with these guys, and as the title suggest, they are blood brothers, so…
No spoilers here! You’ll have to pick up Blood Brothers and find out. If you like fast paced action, and you’re okay with realistic verbiage, ie some foul language, you’ll be happy that you did.
November 8, 2018
A perfect prequel. This book tells the story of Austin Conrad the protagonist of the series. If you're looking for excitement violence and irreverence you will not be disappointed. He's a brilliantly written and fleshed-out character was a surprising depth and range of emotions. I I couldn't put it down and I am chomping at the bit to read the next few books in the series.
October 26, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Instafreebie and this is my honest opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Austin Conrad and his troubles with his motorcycle club brothers. There is plenty of action, good character development with people you feel you could know and relate to (not that I know a lot of bikers, but you know what I mean). I only had 2 issues with the book-all the profanity, but I had been warned in the blurb so I can't really complain about that and the fact that it just ended. Luckily I have already purchased No Time to Bleed, Book 2 or I would really be unhappy. I don't like cliffhangers or stories that end without a resolution and you know there's another book out there that you are going to have to buy or just deal with the fact that you will never know any more about the story. I really don't like the gimmick but Mr Sharp writes so well I'm willing to forgive him. Pick up Blood Brothers, but be sure and pick up No Time to Bleed at the same time so you can fully enjoy the story.
July 19, 2018
Austin Conrad seems so real you have to wonder whether the inspiration for Dusty's hero comes purely from the imagination
Once again Dusty Sharp paints pictures with his words. The settings were so vivid I could feel the heat of the desert and the grit in my hair as I rode along with Austin Conrad.
Austin is a proper badass, but one with a conscience. Not a man to trifle with Conrad meats out his own form of justice and screw Tillman and his 601 Posse. This novella fills in some of the back story of where Austin Conrad comes from and his position in The Rattlers MC. Tillman is caught selling women into prostitution and Conrad wants no part of it, so he turns in his patches and is forced to beat the crap out of Sunny,
Excellent follow up but really also a prequal to No Time To Bleed. Really looking forward to the next installment of the Austin Conrad series because I really want to know more of these excellent characters. Good Job Dusty, keep em coming.
Once again Dusty Sharp paints pictures with his words. The settings were so vivid I could feel the heat of the desert and the grit in my hair as I rode along with Austin Conrad.
Austin is a proper badass, but one with a conscience. Not a man to trifle with Conrad meats out his own form of justice and screw Tillman and his 601 Posse. This novella fills in some of the back story of where Austin Conrad comes from and his position in The Rattlers MC. Tillman is caught selling women into prostitution and Conrad wants no part of it, so he turns in his patches and is forced to beat the crap out of Sunny,
Excellent follow up but really also a prequal to No Time To Bleed. Really looking forward to the next installment of the Austin Conrad series because I really want to know more of these excellent characters. Good Job Dusty, keep em coming.
July 21, 2018
This short story prequel was an interesting read and I liked the fact that the 'hero' is an unapologetic bad guy, making him more of an antihero I guess. We find out all about him, his motorcycle (MC) gang, what they do, and then what the president of his chapter's doing that is one step too far and sparks the events that follow in the main books. If you like MC stories, don't mind a bit of a cliffhanger, and an unashamed bad 'hero', this could be a story (and series!) for you. I'm certainly interested in reading the rest of the series!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
July 17, 2018
This 1st novella fills in all the blanks , if you missed some of the details in the story. It also can be read separately. I throughly enjoyed this series so far. Characters are well developed and and likable.
As far as the story line goes, my best friend has a plaque in her car that says:
Sit down, Shut up and hang on. Couldn’t have said it better myself.
As far as the story line goes, my best friend has a plaque in her car that says:
Sit down, Shut up and hang on. Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Read
July 13, 2018A great book that set the stage for what happened in book 1.
I read this book in one night while sitting in my hotel room.
Great read and great action feeding into book one.
I am patiently waiting for the next book.
I read this book in one night while sitting in my hotel room.
Great read and great action feeding into book one.
I am patiently waiting for the next book.
August 2, 2018
This is a story that tells of the ugliness that can happen in a motorcycle gang, and how some actions can be too much for a member to handle.
Dusty Sharp has captured all of the imagery and emotions of this lifestyle, and has created an outstanding group of charactures that are true to life. Her writing is so clear that she has put the reader into the books, as if we to are a character watching everything the happens, and feeling the sense of disgust the lead character is faced with.
This is a wonderful read that keeps you entwined in the story, making it impossible for you to put down until it is finished.
The only thing that bothered me about this book is that it was too short. I hope this is the first of series from this autor, and that she has plans of many more books following the lead character.
Ruth Newton
I have read this as an early reader, and this my personal opinions and review of this book.
Dusty Sharp has captured all of the imagery and emotions of this lifestyle, and has created an outstanding group of charactures that are true to life. Her writing is so clear that she has put the reader into the books, as if we to are a character watching everything the happens, and feeling the sense of disgust the lead character is faced with.
This is a wonderful read that keeps you entwined in the story, making it impossible for you to put down until it is finished.
The only thing that bothered me about this book is that it was too short. I hope this is the first of series from this autor, and that she has plans of many more books following the lead character.
Ruth Newton
I have read this as an early reader, and this my personal opinions and review of this book.
July 3, 2018
Special Forces To MC
This novella is the prequel to the Austin Conrad series. It provides background as to how Austin became who he is and some of his buddies and their special talents. The story is very good and sucks the reader in quite quickly. Then, it ends so suddenly the reader doesn't know what happened. I'll need to read the next in the series to understand what is going on in the story. I was given this ARC book and this is my honest review.
This novella is the prequel to the Austin Conrad series. It provides background as to how Austin became who he is and some of his buddies and their special talents. The story is very good and sucks the reader in quite quickly. Then, it ends so suddenly the reader doesn't know what happened. I'll need to read the next in the series to understand what is going on in the story. I was given this ARC book and this is my honest review.
July 4, 2018
Very good thriller. Austin Conrad gets discharged from the military and joins the same biker gang his Father belonged to. He is fine with his blood brothers in the Rattlers until he discovers female trafficking and slave running. A novel to keep your interest.
July 1, 2018
Austin has a crisis of conscience as his duties for the Rattlers Motorcycle Club cross a moral line. The action is non-stop and the suspense grows as he plots a retreat from the club his father found relief and happiness in. The characters are described in depth and quite realistic. Although advertised as a novella, the story is complete and does good job of setting the stage for the future. Although I read the second story first, now it makes more sense and I will read it again.
July 2, 2018
I read No Time to Bleed, and now, Blood Brothers has come along, as kind of a prequil.
This is a different kind of book from what I usually read. Biker gangs are not usually in my thoughts.
But, you just have to like Austin Conrad.
He has a code of ethics that seem scrambled at times. but he holds true.
I would recommend this series for reading...I know I'm looking forward to more.
This is a different kind of book from what I usually read. Biker gangs are not usually in my thoughts.
But, you just have to like Austin Conrad.
He has a code of ethics that seem scrambled at times. but he holds true.
I would recommend this series for reading...I know I'm looking forward to more.
July 1, 2018
This is a story of a motorcycle rider name Austin who believed in honor. This is a short story that will keep you in suspense until the end.
I am looking forward to reading other books by Dusty Sharp.
I am looking forward to reading other books by Dusty Sharp.
July 1, 2018
This is actually the first book in the series even though "No Time to Bleed" came out first. If you like MC heroes that can be bad but have a conscience, you will love this story. Sharp brings the action and characters that are more than believable. Well written, well edited, and very entertaining.
July 1, 2018
This book is the start of a really great series as long as blood, gore and really great revenge are to your liking. They are to mine and fill the bill to perfection. Now it's time for the next. Don't make us wait too long Mr. Sharp.
July 1, 2018
I rather enjoyed this book. it held me captive till the end. I thought it was a great read.
July 1, 2018
Great thriller of a story. Great plot with strong characters to add to the adventure of the story.
August 15, 2020
Blood Brothers (Audiobook) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
I enjoyed the very apt selection of Craig A. Hart's mellow-toned voice to provide the narrative of Dusty Sharp's enjoyable novella, the series-opener for the Austin Conrad Action-Adventure Thrillers.
*some spoilers*
The blood brothers of the title are MC Austin Conrad, (a US Green Beret Afghanistan Veteran), currently a second-generation biker, with the Rattlers whose ruthless leader is his pal Tillerman.
The latter has created an elite force - the 601s - including his Lieutenant, Conrad - whom he treats as his bodyguards/troops to carry out covert missions that the rest of the Rattlers are oblivious to.
When Austin realises Tillerman is using a select few of the 601s to run an illegal trade with a Mexican cartel, targeting the US, he's disillusioned and then decides to strike back at his 'brother'.
As he works towards finding evidence that will take the other 601s down, Austin knows his life will be put in deadly danger from his former gang 'brothers' from now on, as he turns renegade by witnessing against them.
Can he survive their determination to seek revenge? Will justice finally be done?
Whom can Austin trust, as corruption is widespread and bribes and threats that silence fearful witnesses?
Time to get your copy of Blood Brothers, Dusty Sharp's exciting story of loyalty, betrayal and retribution that leads to redemption and a future to be proud of. (Easy) Ride(r) off into the sunset/your nearest bookstore today!
I enjoyed the very apt selection of Craig A. Hart's mellow-toned voice to provide the narrative of Dusty Sharp's enjoyable novella, the series-opener for the Austin Conrad Action-Adventure Thrillers.
*some spoilers*
The blood brothers of the title are MC Austin Conrad, (a US Green Beret Afghanistan Veteran), currently a second-generation biker, with the Rattlers whose ruthless leader is his pal Tillerman.
The latter has created an elite force - the 601s - including his Lieutenant, Conrad - whom he treats as his bodyguards/troops to carry out covert missions that the rest of the Rattlers are oblivious to.
When Austin realises Tillerman is using a select few of the 601s to run an illegal trade with a Mexican cartel, targeting the US, he's disillusioned and then decides to strike back at his 'brother'.
As he works towards finding evidence that will take the other 601s down, Austin knows his life will be put in deadly danger from his former gang 'brothers' from now on, as he turns renegade by witnessing against them.
Can he survive their determination to seek revenge? Will justice finally be done?
Whom can Austin trust, as corruption is widespread and bribes and threats that silence fearful witnesses?
Time to get your copy of Blood Brothers, Dusty Sharp's exciting story of loyalty, betrayal and retribution that leads to redemption and a future to be proud of. (Easy) Ride(r) off into the sunset/your nearest bookstore today!
July 15, 2019
Main character Austin Conrad turns the pages for the reader for sure in Blood Brothers written by a very “sharp”... Author Dusty Sharp. Very nicely laid out, lots of suspense and, fast paced action. Not all bikers are created equal. Austin Conrad inherited what he thought was a great legacy from his Dad who also was a well respected Biker of the Rattler’s Biker Club. NO SPOILERS.
But Austin Conrad also inherited morals and, he had his own definitive Red Line that he refused to cross over, but more importantly, he would not allow others to cross that Red Line either, and that put the “game afoot” with some well deserved vigilantism and made for a great read by Author Dusty Sharp who definitely goes the extra mile serving up HUGE does of that. So great plot, great balanced characters, (good ones bad ones stuff), not one saggy part to the story, and a story told VERY WELL. So don’t wait...I urge you to get Blood Brothers and see what all the fuss is about with this highly recommended book, and really get to enjoy a GREAT read. ENJOY!!
But Austin Conrad also inherited morals and, he had his own definitive Red Line that he refused to cross over, but more importantly, he would not allow others to cross that Red Line either, and that put the “game afoot” with some well deserved vigilantism and made for a great read by Author Dusty Sharp who definitely goes the extra mile serving up HUGE does of that. So great plot, great balanced characters, (good ones bad ones stuff), not one saggy part to the story, and a story told VERY WELL. So don’t wait...I urge you to get Blood Brothers and see what all the fuss is about with this highly recommended book, and really get to enjoy a GREAT read. ENJOY!!
May 16, 2019
I believe the word gritty applies here. These all apply: contains violence, profanity and irreverence. If you choose to read about a biker gang don’t be surprised. There’s a code of values here, just not the one to which we’re accustomed.
Austin is not one of the good guys but the assumption here is that the “good guys” are on the take, can’t be trusted, and equally as corrupt. But there are depths to which even Austin will not sink.
Austin is not one of the good guys but the assumption here is that the “good guys” are on the take, can’t be trusted, and equally as corrupt. But there are depths to which even Austin will not sink.
January 29, 2019
I really liked Blood Brothers. When I started reading this book, I wasn’t sure I liked the main guy. He was a bad guy who turned out to have limits and a hood heart. There were lots of action and some really bad guys with no conscience.
March 24, 2019
This is the second Austin Conrad book that I read. I was given a copy of this book by the author and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I enjoyed this story and I had to admire Austin's values and ethics.
August 25, 2019
Great fast paced read. Keep em coming!
January 21, 2019
This is a very good intro to a series that I'm sure will be a great read. Dusty puts a different spin to it compared to other books I've read about MCs. A must read!
February 14, 2019
Very entertaining action-packed short story about bikers, motorcycle clubs and their varied activities. Well worth the time to read if you are into biker action stories.
February 7, 2020
Austin Conrad (Rattlers Motorcycle Club, Riverside chapter member, enforcer, former San Bernardino Sheriff’, retired decorated US Army Special Forces Green Berets Afghanistan war hero) & Frosty (50+, Rattlers MC, Riverside chapter
member) had stopped to speak with Billy (driver), Guillermo, & Joaquín (beandip).
The “Mueblerias Santiago” van was full of 4 men & 3 women.
The coyotes had done good, the 7 of the illegal Mexican’s were in great shape.
The chain-link fence encircled the property. CLX container. What were Tillman (Rattlers MC chapter president), Leon “Sunny” Sunderland (Rattlers MC sergeant-at-arms), & Blackie up to?
A Ford Econoline cargo van pulled up.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written motorcycle gang (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great motorcycle gang movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
member) had stopped to speak with Billy (driver), Guillermo, & Joaquín (beandip).
The “Mueblerias Santiago” van was full of 4 men & 3 women.
The coyotes had done good, the 7 of the illegal Mexican’s were in great shape.
The chain-link fence encircled the property. CLX container. What were Tillman (Rattlers MC chapter president), Leon “Sunny” Sunderland (Rattlers MC sergeant-at-arms), & Blackie up to?
A Ford Econoline cargo van pulled up.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written motorcycle gang (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great motorcycle gang movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 21, 2020
A very fun pulp-fiction novel with considerable authenticities that enhance the yarn.
Dusty Sharp is creative and uses ingenious ways to enhance his novels. For example, he has Austin Conrad's wallet lined with razor blades to thwart pickpockets; he has some drug and people traffickers using Bitcoin transactions, and even touches on hiccups in using various electronic currencies.
His plots are interesting and make for fun reading. Plot twists, blind-alley build-ups, and potholes are few–which is not to say that there aren't surprises, setbacks, and some bruises to bodies and to egos. The hero is not immune.
While Blood Brothers is a fun read, it is not an exceptional book. Written in the style of pulp-fiction, it has typical characteristics, such as unrealistic clues and revelations; unrealistic scenarios–break-ins, fight scenes, mob violence, etc. It won't challenge your belief system; nor your moral code; nor your sanity … it's just a fun read.
I enjoy Dusty Sharp's books and I've purchased a few of them that are similar in style. They make for an enjoyable and relaxing read.
Dusty Sharp is creative and uses ingenious ways to enhance his novels. For example, he has Austin Conrad's wallet lined with razor blades to thwart pickpockets; he has some drug and people traffickers using Bitcoin transactions, and even touches on hiccups in using various electronic currencies.
His plots are interesting and make for fun reading. Plot twists, blind-alley build-ups, and potholes are few–which is not to say that there aren't surprises, setbacks, and some bruises to bodies and to egos. The hero is not immune.
While Blood Brothers is a fun read, it is not an exceptional book. Written in the style of pulp-fiction, it has typical characteristics, such as unrealistic clues and revelations; unrealistic scenarios–break-ins, fight scenes, mob violence, etc. It won't challenge your belief system; nor your moral code; nor your sanity … it's just a fun read.
I enjoy Dusty Sharp's books and I've purchased a few of them that are similar in style. They make for an enjoyable and relaxing read.
June 5, 2021
As a self titled 'Spoiler Hater' I won't tell anyone who hasn't read this book what happens. You'll know from the 'blurb' Austin Conrad is a member of a Motorcycle Club. He's a criminal but what he finds out about his Club mates is a step too far. I really enjoyed the easy flow of this book and the way Dusty Sharp created the places visited. There's a real 'life' to everything. Although you know there's more to the story felt it ended well rather than with a sudden stop as some I've read have. A good read just a shame it wasn't longer! I will definitely read any and all books in this series in the future.
November 6, 2019
This is my first Austin Conrad book so for me it isn't really a prequel. There is good character development and very realistic characters. Since it deals with bikers the language is rough around the edges like the characters. I listened to the audio instead of reading it. For me personally, due to the language, I would have preferred to read it. Dusty Sharp has captured the life of a biker quite nicely. The abrupt ending has you wanting more! I'm glad I don't have to wait for book 1.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2019
Blood Brothers: Austin Conrad Action-Adventure Thrillers Book 1, my first read from author Dusty Sharp. Well written, entertaining read, the prequel to author Dusty Sharp’s Austin Conrad series. I’ll be reading more from this author! Better yet since this is the first book in a multi-book series that I look forward to reading. I was given an Author’s Direct copy of this book & I’m voluntarily reviewing it. Author Craig A. Hart’s narration added to the book's enjoyment. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews