Neo's Strength

Devil's Riot MC: Originals #8

by E.C. Land

Neo

The day I found her crumbled and shut down from the world, I knew it was going to take a miracle to bring her back to me. It would take all my strength to pull her out of the dark abyss.

But no war is won without fighting and winning the battles before it.

Little did I know it would take much more than only my strength to guide her through the dark. But rather my heart as well.
As terror surrounds us, her demons refuse to leave her alone, leaving me crippled with one arm tied behind my back.

Will I be able to save her in time before the demons snatch her from my grasp, or will we make it out with only moments to spare?

Genres: Romance, Ebooks

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2020

Reviews

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has been waiting for her since the first day he saw her...now he is going to save her again

Neo's Strength is the eighth book in the Devils Riot MC: Originals series and is the story of Harley and Neo. This story follows the same basic plot that the previous books so you know you are in for an emotional roller-coaster ride from start to end. Harley is spiraling out of control but Neo is the one who will step in to help bring her back from the edge. He is strong, caring, compassionate and patient as he helps Harley deal with her demons before they ride off into the sunset together. Well okay maybe not completely but he does put her on the back of his bike after he claims her as his old lady. This is a fast-paced story that sucks you in at the beginning and takes you on a ride until the last page.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Shirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to try to finish this series but there's got to be cross overs in other series that I can't find a reading order for. I hate when parts of a book doesn't matter sense. I've reached out to the author but haven't heard anything.

There's not just rape where a man rapes a woman but all kinds. A woman can rape a man and a man can rape a man and even a woman can rape another woman. No matter what kind it is, it's just as bad as another. I will say as a trigger warning this has happened to the main FMC Harley. She already had a rough up bringing and made to feel bad about herself but after what happened she just wants to die. Luckily Neo had wanted her so he ends up saving her life but it's up to her to make a decision if she wants to live or die. After the life she's had she isn't sure if it's worth it or not.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley experienced something no woman would want to go through and she finds herself slipping. When another incident has her pushing those close to her away, she ends up taking a drastic measure and Neo ends up finding her. Neo ends up being Harley's rock but she needs to find her own strength as well.

This was good but I think I needed to read the previous books to make sense of everything that was going on. Tough subject to read about but well written.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie this book will make you cry and feel everything you hope never to feel. Harley was hurt bad by women and she has a hard time being around women. Noe is all in for Harley and will do everything to make sure she is save, loved, and healthy. This is one of those books that is deep and dark. But even in dark times light finds a way to shine throw. I can not wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LUZCELENIA V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley isn’t handling what happens to her very week. Now finds her just in time and vows to be her strength until she can do it on her own. It’s a long battle but together they face things that are unbelievable. Loved the characters and the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neo and Harley's journey is quite emotional. Harley can't seem to catch a break anywhere. When she's at the end of her rope that's where she finally finds her strength, in Neo. He's every bit as fierce and protective of his Angel Eyes as the rest of the club is of their women. And if they're not careful he  may end up having to show a few of them just how fierce he is.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time this author writes a new story I don’t think it can to the previous one but I’m proven wrong time and again. She leaves me speechless. Harley has had it rough for a couple of years (that’s putting it mildly)but she has inner strength that’s just not tapped yet until Neo comes into her life. Neo is the light at the end of her tunnel she just has to keep heading towards the light. Neo is her strength and protection but will she be able to hold onto that?

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Devil’s Riot Originals MC Series. I love this series and this book is no different. This is Neo’s and Harley’s story, they have both struggled and have endured trauma. Will they be able to lean on each other and come out of the darkness?

I received an ARC of this book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in this MC series, and it can be read as a standalone. Neo finds Harley and knew it would take all his strength to bring her back. Harley is strong and she has people that are willing help her. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with lots of steam and emotion. I loved it!

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Trigger warning- it does talk about rape, and suicide**

This book really had me in tears. The struggles that one goes through to try and survive a horrific ordeal and the the battle to come out on top is a tough road to go down. So we met Harley briefly in previous books. So we know that she went through some trauma. Neo has had a rough childhood and has experienced loss of family and friends. Neo and Harley have cross paths before but nothing came of it at the time. So when fate brings them together a second time, Neo is not going to let her go. The things he does for her melted my heart and I could not help but fall in love with these two. Harley's journey is not over by a long shot and she will need Neo's strength for what she will discover in this book. Overall this was an amazing book and I loved every word.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure you will be taken with Neo's Strength, each book in this series gets better and better. You will fall in love with these raw, gritty badass bikers of the Devil's Riot MC: Originals by E.C. Land. This story is about Neo's strength, commitment and love he has for Harley. Harley is dealing with the aftermath of her abduction and the sexual abuse by the hands of the women who took her. Once she was saved, Neo knew that she would be his. Now he has a trough road to help this young woman, who is on a path of destruction as she can't stand to be around the women of the club even her friend Luna. When one of the club whores attacks her verbally and physically, Harley checks out emotionally . Freighted , she has decided she can't stay at the club and returns home. Once alone Harley is tormented by her nightmares and her past and decides to try and end her life by cutting herself. When Neo is alerted by his Uncle to check on his neighbor, Neo and Shadow are about to get a shock when the find Harley bleeding out in the bathroom. Now they are racing to get her to the hospital in time. Stoney, Neo and the rest of the men of the DRMC will do all they can to protect her. Neo is so attracted to Harley that he informs her that she will be going to Rehab or will be under his control for her safety. Her time at Rehab does not go well as she can't open up to women, when her time is up Neo and the others take her back to the club house as she is informed that she is the little sister to Shadow and no one will ever harm her again, The road to recovery is a hard one, but the love, patience and understanding from Neo, the transformation that Harley will experience is a beautiful one. Harley is starting to come to terms that Neo really has feelings for her and all of the self doubts she has felt for herself is going away as long as he stand by he side. The love that takes place between these two is fast, hard and explosive. Now that Neo has claimed Harley as his Ol' lady she is starting to come around, but when she overhears Luna and Victoria upset with her and why they weren't told she was at the club and with Neo, she has a breakdown. Jordan from Horse's charter takes it upon herself to bring the Ol' ladies of Stoney's club to task and when they learn who the woman that accosted Harley. Stoney, Neo and Shadow will get Jasmine as they finally learn the connection she has to Harley but more truths are about to be revealed once Badger and Harley see one another, the resemblance between them is uncanny. Badger contacts his father Jasper and tells him to get to the club. As Neo and Harley are getting to a place where they just might get their happy ending, truths are revealed, a family will be reunited as Harley with all of the love and devotion she has with Neo will begin a new journey. This story was beautifully written as you are pulled into this love story between Neo and Harley as the reader will feel all of their pain, sorrow and rebirth, but both mostly the undying love between these two characters all due to Neo's Strength!

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

The Devil's Riot MC book eight, Neo's Strength comes with trigger warnings that should be taken seriously. With that being said, E.C. Land knows how to write a very intense book. It is part of a series that you do need to have read the other books to understand the characters' fragilities and strengths.

Neo lost both of his parents when he was younger and grew up with the Devil's Riot MC, living with Bear and Momma B. His MC brothers helped shape him into the man he is today.

Harley has had a life of suffering. Her grandfather raised her to believe that her worth is nothing. A combination of dark events happened to her along with Luna, and now the final straw is a confrontation with another woman at the clubhouse. Harley quits her job, moves and changes her phone number so no one can find her. She basically becomes a recluse. The dark voices in her head now lead her to hurt herself.

There are a lot of emotions in play in this book for the characters and readers. E.C. Land has created characters that share their feelings with readers, meaning you feel what they feel while reading it. Everyone of her characters are complex, which is aided by their backstories in the other books. She also has character like Raven who speaks in riddles when "the winds" have something to share with her. One in particular resonates with me: “Remember strength comes in many ways but the inner part of it always stems from somewhere and family is a great base.”

These characters all have a darkness in them, which they struggle to overcome every day to find their happiness. I for one can definitely relate to the feelings even if the experiences are different. Neo's Strength is all about Harley's journey to find her strength while drawing on Neo's when needed. If you can get through the dark issues that are pulled up in this book, it is well worth it. I cannot say how much I recommend this book.

[jeremy zehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neo's Strength

Neo and Harley
Both have been belt crap hands throat life. I don't even know they are both struggled in their own ways they quite strong strong to keep going even though not understanding or thinking ending it all is best
My 1st favorite part Is where 2 of the club brothers Make her there adopted sister. That was beautiful and You know it's a fiction story you could feel Harley come alive with just those words. My second favorite Was Raven with Harley and Venom. The perfect blend of understanding, acceptance and kindness. It was beautiful. My third favorite was the scene with patter and alley in the bedroom. What are those 2 images That were created by those 2 talented artists was just amazing. And that was another chip of many falling to the floor that Harley had surrounded herself within. My final favorite Of the entire book, Was when Jordan Rachel In the women from the other DRMC Came and lay down the law, where It needed to be. It was epic and I literally punched the air.

On a sleep personal note, My demons are nowhere near as bad as those in this book. My demons are very much alive and I struggle with my everyday. It's not easy And I have found outlets To channel them through but I still need people to lean on. Granted trusting them is a daily struggle with my internal demons but I grow stronger day by day.

If you know somebody who is struggling with their demons Don't talk about them behind their back. Because you're on that same level as those who put Them there. Instead You should be finding ways to help them even if it's just sitting with them watching a sunset.

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 stars

Neo's father was killed in retaliation for a case he'd been working and his mother committed suicide when he was fifteen. Tragedy continued until he found himself living at the Devil's Riot compound until he went into the Marines. He's out of the Marine's and proud to be a member of the Devil's Riot.

Harley Michael's parents died when she was young. She was left to be raised by an abusive grandfather, who taught her she had no value. After she was attacked and raped by two women and the trauma of a new assault she spiraled out of control cutting and attempting suicide.

Neo wanted her before her attack, but felt she needed time to heal before approaching her.. When he finds her almost dead he realizes he should have never waited.

Harley resists any help until Neo gives her a lifeline. Her story is heartbreaking but I loved that Neo was willing to be her rock while she learned to take back her life.

Harley is a wounded spirit who learned to spread her wings with Neo, knowing he'd be there to catch her if she fell. I was extremely disappointed in the other 'ole ladies treatment of her and their lack of empathy.

An intense, emotional read with a few twists.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

[Leann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome but....

Ok so I loved how she took it in this direction, making it a point to show how everyone deals with drama differently. I loved the love story between neo and Haley. I also really loved the twist with her being family to one of the brothers.
However... I understand that she's trying to set it up for a second book on this couple, but the ending was really disappointing! Not only did it feel rushed but there was no real conflict resolution, it kind of just ended...
I loved Victoria in her book but now it seems like she's just a b***h most of the time, constantly acting like a toddler having a temper tantrum when she doesn't get her way. Luna as well acted in my opinion out of character, being really selfish and only caring about what she wanted rather then what her friend needed, especially after all she went through.
Lastly, where the hell was Tinsley in all this? Didn't make any sense to me that they wouldn't have here talk to Haley when she was the one that would be able to relate to her need to self harm.
So as much as I loved the alot of this book there are just too many holes for me to give it more the 3 stars. I really hope that if she does make a second book, it clears some of this up.

[Nika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book

Poor Harley has been through so much and trusts no one. Neo has felt an attraction to her when he first met her in Lunas book. I love all of EC Lands books although there was a couple things that bugged me. Mild Spoilers Ahead!


Neo says he's glad to have gotten to Harley in time...because he wants to make her his. Then 2 pages later he's pulling into the clubhouse driveway..saying he has alot of pent up frustration that he needs to get out of his system...says he could get his cock sucked buy a clubwhore but they are a headache he doesn't want to deal with. It's like if you supposedly want and desire another woman why would you even entertain the idea of getting with a clubwhore. Then a couple old ladies ( one supposedly being her best friend who also went thru similar trauma as Harley) talk shit about Harley. Like what the hell kind of friendship/sisterhood is that. This is not the 1st time some of the old ladies act catty...especially Victoria..girl has a big mouth on her. But I did like how the other old ladies came together to Harleys defence and brought up to everyone that crap won't fly.

All in all another hit.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeper issues for Harley

It’s a good read but deep harm issues arise with Harley. It’s difficult to read for the attack and then self harm. No place is perfect but the reality of going on alone after an attack is hardcore difficult. My heart definitely feels for Harley. Neo, Shadow, and Venom were supportive and so understanding. Oh and President Stoney and his Rachel too. It’s a good story. I am still upset about Destiny- I thought she was spending time with both parents Stoney and Boss. I read this in an affiliated book. This book alluded to her not doing that. Considering that a MC is a blended family of some by blood and some by membership is what gives the basis of the brotherhood. It’s extremely disappointing if Stoney and Rachel and Boss and Cowboy cannot co-parent this one little girl. It’s just lame. If Rachel is still that insecure with three children of her own plus after the meeting up with Boss and Cowboy, then she shouldn’t be with Stoney or a President’s Ol’lady. She is not setting a good example or being a leader for the Ol’ladies in this MC.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley’s terror from her past trauma paralyzes her voice around other women pushing away the only friend she had as her inner demons are screaming to get out. With her life crumbling around her she sees only one way to ease the pain as each mark on her skin only leaves her looking for more relief until she cuts too deep. Neo has wanted to claim Harley from the moment he first saw her, but when he finds her barely hanging on he knows there is no more waiting as he will do whatever it takes to save her. When Neo learns the truth of why she ran out of the clubhouse there will be hell to pay and with the help of his MC brothers he is determined to show Harley there is a way out of the darkness. As Neo helps Harley put the broken pieces of her life back together he is determined to help her see how strong she is & as Harley finds her voice once again, she’ll finally see that family isn’t just about blood as she embraces her future with Neo.

I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 15 Neo's life was turned upside down and he had no one to count on, until met Bear of the Devils Riots MC and found a second family to be a part of. Harley had been through hell at the hands of Charlotte and Mareena, and she kept her thoughts bottled up till they over spilled with a need to control and theres only one thing she can control her own life.  Neo just gets to Harley in time, and decides she needs help, one way or the other and hes going to claim her as his. But can Neo be the strength Harlet needs to overcome her past that's haunting her present to save their future. Well written with a gripping story line that draws you in for every page. A dark themed story that sends toy on an emotional rollercoaster and shows your not alone. A great addition to the Devils Riots Originals MC series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neo is a member of the DRMC Originals and Harley was with Luna when she was kidnapped in "Luna's Shadow". It was Neo who carried her out of that place where they were being held captive. Harley was left broken because of what happened to her. This is the story of how Neo became Harley's strength. It is a story of healing, love and support of family. The theme in this story is a sensitive one but very real. And I appreciate how it was presented here. Like what Raven said in this story, "Remember strength comes in many ways but the inner part of it always stems from somewhere and family is a great base.” And family doesn't only come with blood-ties, just like in this story, the MC treat each other as family and they support each other and call each other out if they are out of line. This is what I like most in this series. Great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Neo/Nathan and Harley had tortured pasts Neo was on his own by the age 15, his dad was a cop and was killed in a drive by shooting, then his mother took her own life. His only salvation was when Bear took him in and the Devils Riot MC became his home. Harley lost her parents too when she was young and then was raised by a grandfather that didn’t want her and kept telling her she was worthless. When Neo’s uncle calls and asks him to do a B&E on his neighbor because she hasn’t been seen for a few days, he is shocked when he finds out it is Harley slumped on the bathroom floor bleeding from self inflicted wounds and barely a pulse. A heartfelt storyline that deals with learning to trust, overcome the demons with the support of Neo’s love and the brothers claiming her as a sister. A beautiful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Neo's Strength" is book 8 in the Devil's Riot series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, it's nice to know who all the other characters are connected to. These stories have strong women and men, bonded by experiences (some tragic/brutal) and protection.There is a range of emotions from grief to happiness. In Neo's story, that formula continues. He is a MC member who cares about Harley. Harley is a teacher that is struggling to cope with past/present traumatic experiences. When she starts to give up on herself can Neo save her? I liked this story for the depth of emotion, details of depression/rehab/recovery, focus on family in many forms and accepting strength when it is offered. A journey of a story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing was a bit jagged and I would NOT recommend reading this as a standalone! It has aspects that you really need to have read the whole series to be able to understand! It is not usual that you have a writer delving into this issue. I am so glad that you wrote this book and had enough gumption to put it out there. Regardless of the issues within it is well written and it shows a different side to these characters that I did not see in the previous stories. I was a bit disappointed in some of the ladies and their reactions but I hope that you address that in future stories. I think that there is more to the underlying than what you presented and I look forward to reading more from you! Still your biggest fan or one of at least LOL!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how E.C. Land does it. Neo and Harley are now my favorite couple. What these two went through before they met one another is heart wrenching. As a boy and a teen, Neo lost both parents, father was murdered and mother committed suicide, his uncle that took him in, suffered a paralyzing injury and became bitter and threw him out. Harley was abused by her grandfather, other women, and was terribly broken. But, they find one another and he helps her with the healing process. I was super shocked with how Luna and Victoria, characters I loved in previous books, could turn on Harley. But I loved hoe Jordon, Rachel, and Raven and the men of both MCs come together to protect Harley. I can't wait for more from both Devil's Riot MC and Inferno's Clutch MC. All the books have been great reads

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The interaction between Harley and Neo is like two kids liking each other but not knowing how to express it properly.
Harley, has been to hell and back in her lifetime and seems to be sinking in a dark hole with no light to Pierce it. She was and has been raped and abused by her father, and then when she runs away she is raped by two women, which makes her afraid of other women and large gatherings. This has broken her, but her saving grace is Neo even if they don’t know it yet. They bicker, flirt in their own way, poke at each other , but that is just a smoke screen for their real feelings for each other.Neo is a fierce and protective Alpha and has chosen Harley, even though she drives him nuts. They work out their problems and form a bond so strong that nothing and no one can break it or them.
They are each other’s strength and each other’s heart.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley and Neo's read took me and my emotions on a roller coaster and I didn't want it to stop. I cried thur most of and was heartbroken as well. These two didn't have an easy life but Harley has issues no one knows and fighting a battle they can't see and she can't win right now, but can Neo be what she needs or will she give up the fight. I was rocked to the core with this read and it set my soul on fire with what she had gone thur and some of the things broke my soul and the more I read the more I wanted her to find what she needed. I love these two and they are now my favorite out this series. a another amazing read that will keep me coming back for more. I so can't wait to read what she has next. She truly knows how to bring you to your knees and slowly bring you back up and leave you breathless.

[Patricia Iannaconi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional story to read. E.C. Land has done it again in bringing us Neo & Harley's story to life. Both have been dealt a crap hands in life. When he first saw her he knew then he should have claimed her. She was always told she was worth nothing by her grandparent. She doesn't trust women and she was raped and abused by two women. Then when another women at the club corners her in the bathroom, she literally goes off the deep end. She never wants to set foot in the clubhouse again. When Neo finds her she's barely alive on her bathing floor. She tried to commit suicide by cutting herself so she can dull the pain. In order to commit her he tells them he's her fiancé. So she's in rehab for a month. When she's released she goes to stay with Neo and their relationship progresses from there. He claims her and he's her strength to push forward. This is a must read. Can't wait for more.

[Marie Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to wrap Harley up in bubble wrap and protect her that poor girl has been through hell and is trying to come out the other side.
Can not believe how the other ladies of the club have been treating her after everything they too have been through its alittle hypocritical and Luna what a shitty friend she is complaining about how Shadow is treating Harley with kid gloves..jealous much.
Love how Neo is so gentle with her yet how both of their pasts have shaped them to be able to deal with all the issues ahead of them definitely a complimenting couple.
Immensely enjoyed this book seeing these big burly men become such soft caring saps lol.
Can not wait to see what's in store for Venom.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt so much empathy for Harley and everything she has been through and I loved that Neo was able to give her the strength to start dealing with the tragic stuff she has gone through, Towards the end I liked that the old ladies came down from the other charter to give the old ladies at this charter an intervention.

The only thing I think the book was missing is roughly at the 87% mark one moment Harley is hugging Jordan and the next moment she's finding out about her dad, brother and sister in law, I feel the author could have added at least another couple of pages to properly allow the readers to experience Harley being introduced to the family she never knew she had, That was a massive let down

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Neo and Harley were dealt bad hands from the start, can they overcome their past. Harley has never been loved or wanted her entire life. Can Neo save her from herself? Neo has his own demons from his childhood, can he use his experience to save Harley? This book deals with suicide and self harm. If you are sensitive to these issues this book may be a trigger for you. With that being said these issues were dealt with exceptionally well. Know that there is an HEA at the end. This series is beautifully written with crossover from other chapters. It is best read in order so you understand who and where everyone is from.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.