Striker

Lords of Carnage MC #11

by Daphne Loveling

Buttoned-up lawyer meets down-and-dirty biker . . . What could possibly go wrong? Ember I've had enough trouble with men to last me a lifetime. All I want is to live my life, build my law practice, and focus on my career. Then everything changes when I'm hired to represent a member of the Lords of Carnage MC in a child custody case . . . and Striker Rossi is assigned as my bodyguard. The minute his eyes lock on mine, I know this man is damaged. Reckless. Trouble. The way he looks at me does things to me I don't want to feel. I get the feeling he knows a thousand ways to get down and dirty. And I don't want to like it as much as I do. Striker I traded a broken past for a brotherhood I could count on. The Lords are all the family I have. My oath to them is the most important thing in my life. But when my best friend and MC brother asks me to provide protection for a buttoned-up lawyer, the last thing I expect is Ember Wells. She's off limits. She's absolutely gorgeous. She makes me feel things I never thought I could feel. Ember is a spark. I'm playing with fire. Together, we're lightning in a bottle. And I'm determined to make her mine. Contains mature themes.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Crime

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author of alpha males, feisty females, and smoking hot romance.

Small town girl in the big city. Incurable romantic. Hopeless optimist in a realist's body.

Owned by two cats.

A sucker for a bad boy with a soft center.

Note: Many of the books listed on this profile have been re-released, unpublished, or combined into anthologies. Goodreads does not allow authors to remove books even if they are no longer available. Please refer to the individual book descriptions for more information.

Reviews

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striker was the eleventh book in the Lords of Carnage series by Daphne Loveling. Although the series could be read as stand-alone books, I recommend reading them in order.

Striker was a patched MC member and we learned quickly that he was running from demons that haunted him, we just didn’t know what those demons were until later.

The storyline began exactly where book ten, Tank, left off. Tank and Cady needed to hire an attorney (Ember) to assist with Cady’s divorce and Tank’s custody of Wren. With the chaos that had just occurred, Tank wasn’t taking any chances and assigned Striker to protect Ember during the process. Little did either one of them know, Ember had her own baggage.

Striker and Ember were oil and water, night and day, light and dark. They were complete opposites in every way. However, as the friendship ensued, they weren’t as opposite as it first appeared. I really enjoyed the storyline and although it focused on the developing relationship between Striker and Ember, it also closed loops that were started in the previous book, which brought cohesiveness to the overall series. Additionally, Loveling set the stage for the final book in the series, Jude.

All in all, it was a fast and entertaining read. I enjoyed the characters as well as the storyline and can’t wait to see where Loveling takes us next in Jude.

[Daphne Loveling]

I'm currently doing edits on STRIKER! He's available for preorder now, and the book will be releasing on December 3. Striker's story is a motorcycle club, bodyguard, opposites attract, damaged hero romance -- I'm suuuper excited to release Striker and Ember's story out into the world! <3

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this one, but it wasn't as good as the rest of the series. It was good.

[Shirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as I have with the whole series. The author could write a dozen more of this series and I would read them all!!

This book is deep, hot, sexy and at times you want to slap Striker up side the head. After reading the last book I was hoping some of the loose ends would be tied up in this one and it was. You definitely don't want to skip the last book or you will be a bit confused.

Striker is watching over Ember, the attorney that Tank hired to help him get legal custody of Wren and get Cady her divorce. Striker hates rich stuck up people especially attorneys who work with cases that have to do with children. Once he gets to know her he realizes she isn't like some he has dealt with. He even helps her out with something that has to do with her soon to be ex husband. If Striker isn't watching her then he has one of the other guys in the MC that keeps an eye on her until someone drops the ball. The only time someone isn't watching her and someone is ready to get paid back.

There is a few minor editing errors but not enough to make it worth taking a star off. Due to language, adult content and violence should only be read by adults.

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book of the Lords of Carnage. I love this series, it gets better with each new stand alone book.
Striker is falling down a deep hole and isn’t trying to pull himself out of it. His family the Lords, are worried about his self destructive nature. When tank, his brother,needs his help on a protection detail, he’s not really thrilled but will do. It for him.
Ember, is a buttoned up ,straight laced lawyer, that Tank needs for his daughter and his old lady. when he’s worried she might get hurt ,he puts Striker in as protection.
They rub each other the wrong way, like oil and water, but the spark is their and it doesn’t take much to strike the match that lights their fire to burn hotter the Hades.
In the end they both rise from the fires of life like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. Their love will burn hot for ever.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawyer, December, aka Ember, has taken on a new client, Tank, and in doing so, has met her perfect match/partner in Striker. Striker, a Lord's of Carnage MC member, and Tank's best friend, has been assigned to Ember's personal protection.

Should you love superior MC romance, then you do not need to look any further than this Installment/the latest install by the ever talented Ms. Daphene Loveling.

I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Striker in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion and I couldn't recommend reading this release more. In fact, I recommend reading and following the entire Series thus far.

Amazing Installment to The Lord's of Carnage MC.

[Sandy Montemayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Striker and Ember's story, i am never disappointed by Daphne Loveling. Tank and Cady hire Ember to help with custody of Wren (who was left on Tanks doorstep) and with divorce papers to Cady's ex. They are not sure how her ex will react so Tank asked his best friend Striker to guard her 24/7. Ember is not happy with it but eventually gives in. The spark between these 2 is obvious but Striker knows she is "off limits" as Tank told him. The ups and downs and the emotional roller coaster kept me wanting more. I could not stop reading once I started. I love all these hot bad boy bikers and recommend reading all of the them. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. A must read.

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striker and Ember's story is one hot read. Striker is in protection mode of Ember, the lawyer in the child custody case for Tank and Cady. But things start to heat up as things start to go sideways in more ways than anyone expected. While Ember fights her attraction to Striker, he fights his own demons while keeping her safe. While the story is based on them, many friends and club members are a big part of their story as well. No matter if it is your first 'Lords of Carnage' read or you have read them all, each story can be read as a standalone. With others members in the MC making appearances, Daphne Loveling tells each story so that the reader feels as if they already know them. **I was gifted "Striker" via the author and leave my review based on my reading.** 5 Stars!

[Shontaye Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!!!!!

This was just an outrageous read! Striker & Ember just burn up the pages with their off the wall chemistry. Everyone deserves a happy ending. Can't wait for Jude's story!

[traci l. Stambaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

This was one of my favorites in the Lord of Carnage series. I enjoyed getting to know Striker better. He and Ember had amazing chemistry, and I’m in love with Bert.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 11th book in the Lords of Carnage MC and can be read as a standalone, this opposites attract/enemies-to-lovers MC book features a down-and-dirty biker and a gorgeous, buttoned-up lawyer. There's plenty of danger, attraction, suspense, emotions, and steam to keep you turning the pages.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another great story in this series! Loved Striker and Ember. Two people who look like complete opposites on the outside but are so similar on the inside. I was hooked from beginning to end.

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yeah!!

Hell yeah!! And I pre-ordered the last book in this, the original Lords Of Carnage MC series before diving into this review!!
Striker was everything I knew it would be.....and then some!! That twist totally blew me away and not what I expected at all! But damn!!!
Striker really is a grumpy f***er, but it's hardly surprising with the demons he carries with him.
Ember is a lawyer and needed by The Lords to sort some things out for them. She and Striker start spending time together, whilst he tries to keep her safe. And sparks fly. But there is sooo much to this story!! All the FEELS!!!

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Daphne Loving has given her readers another ride or die adventure into the world of the Lords of Carnage MC with Striker book #11. Striker is dealing with so much guilt and pain for not protecting his brother and best friend when Tank's woman and little girl were kidnapped. Striker is on a path of self destruction using alcohol and women to hide his pain. When he is asked by Tank to get his life in order as he needs Striker to protect Ember Wells, who is the lawyer hired to help Tank and Cady get custody of his daughter as well as Cady getting a divorce from her husband who has ties with the mob . Ember is a sexy no nonsense woman who is trying to get her life back when she left her overbearing, controlling ex who doesn't want her to divorce him due to his own devious plans he has in motion. When Ember learns she is getting protection from the Lords of Carnage MC, especially Striker, these two come to blows from their first meeting as she feels she is not in danger even though she is attracted to his dangerous biker. Striker is immediately drawn to this woman and he decides to change his drunken behavior to help his brother as he finds he wants Ember. Can these two opposites work together as Ember tries to fight Striker all the way until all of the pent up passion and desire between them comes to a head, as these two opposites become lovers. The relationship between them is one that is fast, hard and full of emotion, one that will change both Striker and Ember forever. Has Striker finally found the one woman who can complete him and make him change? When Ember's life is in danger, will Striker get to her in time? With all of the twists and turns in this story, you will be on edge with the outcome, one that will pull at your heart as these men and women of the Lord of Carnage MC are a true family. This story was full of emotion, danger, secrets and a love between Striker and Ember that will last a lifetime.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "STRIKER" Daphne Loveling you've written another outstanding book full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, danger, steamy scenes, angst, guilt, deceipt, betrayal, emotional turmoil, twists that make for one h*'ll of a rollercoaster ride page turner.
Tank & Cady his girlfriend go to a Family Lawyer to try to get legal custody of his 5yr old daughter Wren who was dropped off on his doorstep by his drug addicted mother Jess hoping December Wells aka Ember can work her magic also handle Cady's divorce she been separated a long time.
Striker is one of the Lord's of Carnage BF to Tank when he ask to him to protect Ember 24/7 in case theres trouble from Cady's ex about the divorce he agrees but Tank tells him she's off limits keep it in his pants.
Striker is on a hot mess dealing with guilt & pain can this gorgeous down and dirty bad boy biker take on the straight laced uptight Lawyer on she has fire in her Embers that burn she gives as good as gets her ex has made her stronger she takes nothing from anyone especially the arrogant cocky biker.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written book so much happens you'll love the chemistry between Striker & Ember and also loved Bert her dog.
I liked that Striker said Ember was more fitting than December because she glowed from inside out like she'd been waiting to start her own flame, she feels like her life has been a rebirth rose from the ashes toward a new wonderful life & Striker was the match to stay or all.

[Debra Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an ARC Reviewer for this book. This book was about Striker, Tank, Cady and Wren (daughter of Tank who was dropped off on his doorstep) by her mother Jess as a way to help another club get back at Tank whom are all part of the Lords of Carnage MC. Tank Barrigan and his girlfriend approach a lawyer by the name of December Wells for custody of his daughter Wren. Plus, Cady is still married but separated so they asked lawyer to serve divorce papers to her soon to be ex-husband and then because they are concerned about the backlash from these proceedings, Tank assigns his best friend and another Lords of Carnage member Striker to be December's (aka Ember) bodyguard asking him to keep his hands off of her. Tweak (computer tech) of Lords locates the mom of Wren and Striker and Ember approach her to get her to sign over her parental rights but nothing goes as planned. Ember is also technically married and decided to to her strong chemistry towards Striker that maybe she should go ahead and file for divorce from ex-husband who causes some chaos with her. To find out the rest of the story, you'll need to purchase it, it's worth it and it does have a happily ever after.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this installment for the Lords of Carnage series! While it is a stand alone, it does have characters from previous books, once again giving the series a “family” feel to it. I really enjoyed the opening chapter as it brings in Tank & Cady from the last book in order to set the scene set for this one. Striker is in a pretty bad place in his life to start with and doing a favor for Tank helps to pull him out of it. Once he reveals to Ember one of the reasons why he was in that spot, it helps him even more. With both Cady and Ember having issues with ex’s you know there will be club involvement. I did have a moment where I really wanted to yell at Ember as she made a bad choice involving Mark, but even smart women sometimes make a bad decision. It had the right amount of balance of action, angst and romance and sex for me. I hope this series continues

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a suspense filled mc romance storyTeller is drinking himself half to death and taking beatings in the,underground fights all because guilt of something he thinks he did wrong almost costing his best friend an brother his woman an his daughter.When Tank comes in an gets in Strikers face about his drinking an throwing fights he's angry but asks Striker for a favor. This story will have you on the edge of your seats an the characters will captivate you.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Dinaa3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Loveling’s Lord of Carnage Series just keeps getting better. Striker’s book is sort of a continuation of Tank’s book because Ember is Tank and Cady’s Family Law Attorney. Tank is worried Cady’s soon to be ex husband will retaliate when he gets the notice of the divorce from Ember so he asks Striker to be her bodyguard. This doesn’t sit well with Ember but the instant attraction she feels when she meets Striker and it’s a perfect opposites attract. Sparks fly pretty fast and as Ms Loveling’s style there’s mystery, suspense and a little angst and it’s a great ride she takes us on. Great addition to the Lords Series.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so so good.
When Tank asks Striker to protect the lawyer they have hired to do the divorce for Cady and get the parental rights for his daughter sorted he wants to refuse but when he meets Ember he can't stay away.
Their chemistry burns up the pages but will he keep his promise not to touch her.
So much drama with some suspense but can their love get them through everything they are dealt.
I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I have not read a book in this series that was bad. I could not pick a favorite if I had to.
Striker has a hard time not feeling guilty over his friends woman and daughter being taken that he can't let himself be happy. Ember is fighting her own past and trying to escape. When their worlds come together or rather clash together it is nothing short of explosive. Can these two opposites find a middle ground and actually begin to like one another? This book is very interesting to say the least and watching these characters come together was great!

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striker and Ember will have you flooded with all the twist and turns, emotions, the humor and an epic twist you won't see coming or expect. I laughed out loud at somethings and cried thur the rest. An amazing addition to this outstanding series. This author really knows how to pull you in and keep you there and won't disappoint. I can't wait to read what she has next.

[Ana Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

WOW! Striker and Ember’s story is outstanding!!! Fantastic addition to the Lords lore. Loved how it wrapped up one connected story in this book too and it just was so sweet how it all came together. I’m so looking forward to Jude’s story but then again not....hate to see this series wrap.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in this MC series but it can be read as a stand-alone. Ember is hired to represent an MC member in a child custody case and Striker is assigned her bodyguard. These two are total opposites in every way but their chemistry is undeniable. Fast-paced read with loads of drama and steam. Great characters with lots of depth and amazing chemistry. I really liked it.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Daphne brings her new book to life, but also brings a bit of the past into this story that gives you the whole picture if your new to her Lord's Of Carnage MC's series. Which BTW I'm crazy about those hot bad boy bikers. Striker and Ember's story was definitely worth the wait it delivers all the action and excitement we crave and love.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review For honest review. (Ember) December wells is a family law attorney hired to help (tank ) Matthew Berrigan and girl friend cady to be able to keep wren . But when ember needs a bodyguard tank calls one of his brother's in the Lord's of carnage striker to watch over her. This was fantastic writing 10 stars

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fabulous one

Loved this book. Loved Striker; what a lost, wonderful man. One who loves deeply, so much so feels guilt for something really not in his control. Ember is the perfect person to make him realize what a truly good guy he is. Such a wonderful addition in the series.

[Geraldine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being back with Daphne and The Lords again. Great story, well written with lovely connections. Ember is a gorgeous character who deserves a HEA. Kept me so engaged that I finished it in a day because I had trouble putting it down.
I was gifted an ARC of this book and this is my free and voluntary review.

[Meluvbooks2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the LOC series, and Striker didn’t disappoint. Love the opposite attraction between Striker and December. It is a bit tamer then the first couple books on the series but still a great read , I Wanted more drama. Can’t wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed this advance reader copy of this book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love the Lords of Carnage series! I’m going to cry when she runs out of HOT bikers in this club. Striker and Ember were fantastic together and their story was awesome!