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Rebel Skulls MC #1
Sugar and Skulls
Sugar and Skulls
Jesse
When I was ten I was a naïve, shy girl. A girl who dreamed of sunsets and roller skates. Until my grandparents died. Then I found myself alone in the world. One bad thing after another seemed to find me but I dealt. I dealt because a man with a black leather jacket and ink from head to toe told me how to survive this world. He told me sometimes you have to get mean. And so, I embraced my mean. I hated it at first but as time went on being mean became second nature.
I rule my world, staying ahead, never stopping. You won’t find anyone like me. I’m Jesse Miller and I’m one of a kind.
I’m fine on my own.
Fine.
Perfect.
Good.
Until, I’m not.
Dirk
When I found Jesse at ten years old she was cute as a button and sweet as a jar of honey. I gave her a bit of advice to survive this world. I hated to be cynical, but she was in the foster care system. She needed to learn a little mean, otherwise she would be eaten alive.
Now, I’ve found her again and believe me, Jesse Miller isn’t a little girl anymore. Seems she took my advice to heart. I may have created a monster. She’s a dark-haired vixen with a wicked mind and sharp tongue. Jesse is very, very enticing.
She thinks she can do it on her own.
She doesn’t have to.She has a family.
A tribe.
Me.
She has me.
Sugar and Skulls is a stand-alone novel. It is a dark romance, but I promise it does have a HEA. There is no cheating in this novel. It does contain dark content, including, but not limited to profanity, sexual abuse, and violence. It could possibly have triggers for some individuals.
Jesse
When I was ten I was a naïve, shy girl. A girl who dreamed of sunsets and roller skates. Until my grandparents died. Then I found myself alone in the world. One bad thing after another seemed to find me but I dealt. I dealt because a man with a black leather jacket and ink from head to toe told me how to survive this world. He told me sometimes you have to get mean. And so, I embraced my mean. I hated it at first but as time went on being mean became second nature.
I rule my world, staying ahead, never stopping. You won’t find anyone like me. I’m Jesse Miller and I’m one of a kind.
I’m fine on my own.
Fine.
Perfect.
Good.
Until, I’m not.
Dirk
When I found Jesse at ten years old she was cute as a button and sweet as a jar of honey. I gave her a bit of advice to survive this world. I hated to be cynical, but she was in the foster care system. She needed to learn a little mean, otherwise she would be eaten alive.
Now, I’ve found her again and believe me, Jesse Miller isn’t a little girl anymore. Seems she took my advice to heart. I may have created a monster. She’s a dark-haired vixen with a wicked mind and sharp tongue. Jesse is very, very enticing.
She thinks she can do it on her own.
She doesn’t have to.She has a family.
A tribe.
Me.
She has me.
Sugar and Skulls is a stand-alone novel. It is a dark romance, but I promise it does have a HEA. There is no cheating in this novel. It does contain dark content, including, but not limited to profanity, sexual abuse, and violence. It could possibly have triggers for some individuals.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2020
2216 people are currently reading
6293 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Terry
16 books536 followersLM Terry is simply a crazy Gemini, writing stories that contain both light and dark elements. Her novels will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. But when you get off, she promises it will be with a happy ever after. LM Terry lives in a small town in the heart of the United States. She is a wife, mother, and book lover. You will find her most days with her head in the clouds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 546 reviews
January 4, 2021
Sugar and skulls deals with some dark themes and has some disturbing content.
It’s told from multiple POV but mostly Jesse and Dirk.
We first join Jesse at 10 Years old when she finds herself in the foster care system after the death of her maternal grandparents.
Here she first connects with Dirk in a one-time meeting where he tells her to embrace the mean.
Jesse then has to go it alone until they reconnect a few years later when she’s 17.
Bounced around going from one awful situation to the next her past definitely shapes the future and the girl she is slowly becoming.
Jesse is smart sassy mouthy and resilient and because of all, she has experienced at the hands of others way beyond her tender years.
She’s also vulnerable and sweet and hurting and though she thinks she can do it all on her own deep down she just wants someone to take care and rescue her.
Not because she can’t do it herself, it’s something she’s been doing for years, just to basically be able to take a breather and to know that she worth it to someone as she’s convinced there must be something about herself that attracts the bad.
This is an age gap romance but this doesn’t actually focus on that it’s more the events preceding and then how Jesse overcomes and deals with the fallout, Dirk assisting her helping her to heal.
It’s not incredibly graphic in terms of heat, yes it’s there but it’s more of a secondary concern.
Also, the disturbing events that take place are not described in any detail and because of this the darkness seemed a step away and I was able to disconnect from it not sure whether that’s a good or bad thing though.
Also, I don’t think Dirk is described in enough detail, yes I know he’s tattooed and has mood eyes but not much else is mentioned about his outward appearance.
I think this concentrates more on Jesse and her personal growth maybe at the detriment of Dirks own story.
Though I did believe in the connection between them and the slow burn aspect of this worked incredibly well especially considering Jesse’s experiences and her young age.
This was fast-paced and I did enjoy it, it’s a step away from what I’ve been reading lately, it’s an MC age-gap coming of age story.
I did at one point think we were going off in a different direction and was slightly confused I’m glad it didn’t but I can’t see why it was needed in the first place if we were not going to proceed down this route, it seemed pointless.
Yeh, I get that Dirk was thinking he wasn’t enough not soft or romantic but it didn’t really add any more to the unfolding story for me.
For anyone wondering the age-gap its 16 years and nothing occurs beyond some light kissing until Jesse is 18.
Also though labelled a dark romance the relationship between Jesse and Dirk is not dark at all it’s the theme of the book and certain events that add that factor, there’s also a lovely epilogue set 5 years later that gave me all the feels, Overall I enjoyed this one a lot it was different.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
August 24, 2020
WOW! WOW! WOW!
First of all read the WARNING!!!!!! No come here and whine about subject matter you were given a fair heads up about. Yes this story is dark. It’s also very thrilling if you follow it to the end, I actually found myself smiling. The world building is great. You can feel the characters come to life. Jesse is orphaned by her grandparents and she has a rough life. But let me tell you, Jesse is fierce! At one point she says “If you don’t like the way the situation looks then change the way you look at it.” She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. “I didn’t have that white horse story book shit going on in my head so you can quit feeling sorry for me right now. No, I’m not high on all that Disney magic shit.” I don’t know that I have ever loved a female character as much as I loved her! “Jesse Miller came into my life, taking nothing from me, asking for nothing but in this moment she has given me everything.” Don’t stop reading!!!! The end is so worth it!!!!!
First of all read the WARNING!!!!!! No come here and whine about subject matter you were given a fair heads up about. Yes this story is dark. It’s also very thrilling if you follow it to the end, I actually found myself smiling. The world building is great. You can feel the characters come to life. Jesse is orphaned by her grandparents and she has a rough life. But let me tell you, Jesse is fierce! At one point she says “If you don’t like the way the situation looks then change the way you look at it.” She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. “I didn’t have that white horse story book shit going on in my head so you can quit feeling sorry for me right now. No, I’m not high on all that Disney magic shit.” I don’t know that I have ever loved a female character as much as I loved her! “Jesse Miller came into my life, taking nothing from me, asking for nothing but in this moment she has given me everything.” Don’t stop reading!!!! The end is so worth it!!!!!
April 16, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ !!!!!
May 16, 2023
The heroine was pretty much the only character I found interesting in this book. All the side characters and even the male leads were so bland in my opinion. It kept saying that Dirk was going to somehow help Jess and it was brough up over and over that he apparently did the same for Raffe and then...nothing? He took her away and did nothing and that supposedly helped? It just didn't make sense to me. And I also didn't understand why
Bottom line of my dramatic rant, I think this story had a lot of potential but the emotions weren't there for me and a few too many things were glossed over with little to no explanation.
Bottom line of my dramatic rant, I think this story had a lot of potential but the emotions weren't there for me and a few too many things were glossed over with little to no explanation.
October 21, 2022
DNF 77%
This was OTT and out of balance. The h was way overwritten and not quite believable even considering her age and painful history. So many coincidences and most everything of consequence was off-page.
And what’s up with the romance? We’re lead to believe one thing for 3/4 of the book then there’s a time jump and everything has changed. Disappointed doesn’t cover it.
I won’t be reading anymore of this series. Jesse had some moments of greatness but not enough for me to go on. YMMV.
This was OTT and out of balance. The h was way overwritten and not quite believable even considering her age and painful history. So many coincidences and most everything of consequence was off-page.
And what’s up with the romance? We’re lead to believe one thing for 3/4 of the book then there’s a time jump and everything has changed. Disappointed doesn’t cover it.
I won’t be reading anymore of this series. Jesse had some moments of greatness but not enough for me to go on. YMMV.
September 4, 2022
For a book that started so strong, this sure was a flop for me.
I really enjoyed the writing style. The fmc was well developed, and with the first quarter of the book being her backstory, you get to know her so well that you become attached to her. The other characters all kind of seem like they were forgotten about in comparison.
I think I mostly wish this hadn't even a romance. If the story had been focused completely on Jesse and her life and battles with the SA she had endured and how she handled it, I would have rated this higher.
The romance portion almost seemed like an afterthought. The first 1/3 of the book is so focused on how Jesse gets to the point that she's at, you don't ever actually get to see her feelings and relationships develop.
I honestly felt like she was so damaged from everything that happened that she fell for the first person who seemed to look out for her. The fact that she's first meets Dirk when she is 10 and he's 26 really set the downfall of the book for me.
I love a good age-gap, but this one gave me the icks. Not only is Dirk her dad's best friend and VP of their MC, he also named her when she was born? That adds a huge creep factor to the entire relationship. Add to that the fact that Jess is underage for the majority of the story and I was really put off. Their first time having sex is the night of her 18th birthday, and Dirk makes a huge deal about waiting until she's an adult, but he still pursues her before then and acts on the attraction.
Another huge hit for me was adding Raffe to the mix. I loved his character - aside from Jesse I think he had the most story to him, but I don't understand why the author wrote in the the menage aspect to begin with. I honestly felt like the whole triad section was written for shock factor. The fact that he macks on her before shes 18 & then backs off as soon as she's legal, was so sketchy. I guess i understand him not wanting to move forward when the feelings weren't there, but why did he even have feelings for her in the first place? I didn't get it at all.
I know my opinion isn't the popular one based on reviews and honestly I'm totally ok with that. I encourage everyone to read the book and form their own opinions, but I also think heeding the trigger warnings is a good idea.
I really enjoyed the writing style. The fmc was well developed, and with the first quarter of the book being her backstory, you get to know her so well that you become attached to her. The other characters all kind of seem like they were forgotten about in comparison.
I think I mostly wish this hadn't even a romance. If the story had been focused completely on Jesse and her life and battles with the SA she had endured and how she handled it, I would have rated this higher.
The romance portion almost seemed like an afterthought. The first 1/3 of the book is so focused on how Jesse gets to the point that she's at, you don't ever actually get to see her feelings and relationships develop.
I honestly felt like she was so damaged from everything that happened that she fell for the first person who seemed to look out for her. The fact that she's first meets Dirk when she is 10 and he's 26 really set the downfall of the book for me.
I love a good age-gap, but this one gave me the icks. Not only is Dirk her dad's best friend and VP of their MC, he also named her when she was born? That adds a huge creep factor to the entire relationship. Add to that the fact that Jess is underage for the majority of the story and I was really put off. Their first time having sex is the night of her 18th birthday, and Dirk makes a huge deal about waiting until she's an adult, but he still pursues her before then and acts on the attraction.
Another huge hit for me was adding Raffe to the mix. I loved his character - aside from Jesse I think he had the most story to him, but I don't understand why the author wrote in the the menage aspect to begin with. I honestly felt like the whole triad section was written for shock factor. The fact that he macks on her before shes 18 & then backs off as soon as she's legal, was so sketchy. I guess i understand him not wanting to move forward when the feelings weren't there, but why did he even have feelings for her in the first place? I didn't get it at all.
I know my opinion isn't the popular one based on reviews and honestly I'm totally ok with that. I encourage everyone to read the book and form their own opinions, but I also think heeding the trigger warnings is a good idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
A bit conflicted, but I loved it ... I think?
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: taboo, love triangle
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
This was my first LM Terry novel and I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but while I enjoyed it, it left me a bit conflicted. The first half was a very dark and raw coming of age journey for the FMC. Honestly, it was a bit draining at times. The romance arc leads you to believe its going one way for most of the book and then it abruptly changes, making me feel confused whether the change was for the better or not. Then everything was wrapped up quickly with a big bow on it. It just felt a bit disjointed, but overall I liked the storyline, loved up the FMC, and enjoyed the other characters. Haven't decided whether ill continue with the series, but ill definitely be checking them out.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: taboo, love triangle
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
This was my first LM Terry novel and I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but while I enjoyed it, it left me a bit conflicted. The first half was a very dark and raw coming of age journey for the FMC. Honestly, it was a bit draining at times. The romance arc leads you to believe its going one way for most of the book and then it abruptly changes, making me feel confused whether the change was for the better or not. Then everything was wrapped up quickly with a big bow on it. It just felt a bit disjointed, but overall I liked the storyline, loved up the FMC, and enjoyed the other characters. Haven't decided whether ill continue with the series, but ill definitely be checking them out.
November 20, 2022
Çok büyük umutlarla başlamıştım. Konu iyiydi, giriş iyiydi, karakterler iyiydi...
Fakat kitabın ortasında yazar değişti sanki. İnanılmaz saçmaladı.
Bir kızımız var, büyükanne ve büyükbabasıyla yaşıyor. 10 yaşındayken onların ölümünden sonra sisteme düşüyor. Kız on yasindayken, yanında kaldığı koruyucu ailenin 16 yaşındaki oğlu buna kötü dokunmaya yelteniyor. O bunu yaparken de karşılarına dev gibi, her yeri dövmeli bır adam çıkıyor. Oğlanın parmaklarını kırıyor, kıza da baban geliyor senin için diyor. Kıza da bazen acımasız olmaktan zarar gelmez, senin olanı vermemek için acımasız olabilirsin diyor bu adam. Kız daha sonra hayatında hep bu söyleneni kullanıyor. Ne zaman birisi ona karşı bir şey yapmaya çalışsa acımasız olmaya çalışıyor. Sonra sorunlu çocuklar için katolik okuluna gönderiliyor, orada papaz yakıyor. Oradan başka yere veriliyor derken dövmeli adam kızın izini kaybediyor.
Kızın babası hapisteymiş ve aslında yıllardır da kızı arıyor ama kız sistemde oradan oraya sürükleniyor. Babası bir motosiklet çetesinin Prez'i. Yani motosiklet çetesi okumasak kandıracaklar. alakası yok. Berbatttı! O dövmeli adam da aslında adamın sağ kolu ve kızı arayıp duruyor. Kız 17 yaşındayken buluyor onu.
Öncelikle kızın başına gelmeyen kalmıyor. Karakterin başından tecavüz ve tacizler geçiyor. Ama kızımız Rambo...
Fakat kadın kitabı işleyememiş arkadaş... Kitapta sanki 3'lü bi ilişki yaşanacak gibi devam ediyor, Dövmeli dev adam Dirk (bu nasıl isim gk??), aynı motor çetesinden Dirk'e de hafiften yanık olan Raffe ve kızımız. Kız bi onu öpüyo, bi onu öpüyo gözünün önünde. İşte kıza diyorlar ki, sen bizimsin, sana şöyle yapacağız. Dirk, Raffe'ye diyor, ben korkuttuğumda sen yumuşatacaksın falan diye. %75'ten sonra Raffe, o seninle bi kere yatarsa benim dokunmamı istemez, siz birbirinizi sevin diyerek bırakıyor kızı??? Kız 18 yaşında ve kalkıp kendisine zarar verenleri haklamaya gidiyor??? Tek başına??? Uyuşturucu ticareti yapan çeteleri tek başına indiriyor???* Uyuşturucu satıyor kendine farklı bir karakter yaratıp??? 17 yaşında... ve öyle şeyler yapıyor ki... Sanki Rambo babasını satıyım! Kıza tecavüz edenleri babası, o deli gibi kıskanç Dirk ve motor çetesi öldürmüyor????? Kitabın sonuna doğru kız gidip bi sayfada sekiz kişi öldürüyo ????
Yazar dünyasını da yaratamamış ki. Balon gibi. Çetedeki karakterleri bilmiyoruz babasını satayım?! aynı isimlerle dönüp durdu.
Cidden hayal kırıklığı yaşadım. Instagram reel videolarında gördüğüm kitapları okuma serüvenime bununla başlamamalıydım :(
Fakat kitabın ortasında yazar değişti sanki. İnanılmaz saçmaladı.
Bir kızımız var, büyükanne ve büyükbabasıyla yaşıyor. 10 yaşındayken onların ölümünden sonra sisteme düşüyor. Kız on yasindayken, yanında kaldığı koruyucu ailenin 16 yaşındaki oğlu buna kötü dokunmaya yelteniyor. O bunu yaparken de karşılarına dev gibi, her yeri dövmeli bır adam çıkıyor. Oğlanın parmaklarını kırıyor, kıza da baban geliyor senin için diyor. Kıza da bazen acımasız olmaktan zarar gelmez, senin olanı vermemek için acımasız olabilirsin diyor bu adam. Kız daha sonra hayatında hep bu söyleneni kullanıyor. Ne zaman birisi ona karşı bir şey yapmaya çalışsa acımasız olmaya çalışıyor. Sonra sorunlu çocuklar için katolik okuluna gönderiliyor, orada papaz yakıyor. Oradan başka yere veriliyor derken dövmeli adam kızın izini kaybediyor.
Kızın babası hapisteymiş ve aslında yıllardır da kızı arıyor ama kız sistemde oradan oraya sürükleniyor. Babası bir motosiklet çetesinin Prez'i. Yani motosiklet çetesi okumasak kandıracaklar. alakası yok. Berbatttı! O dövmeli adam da aslında adamın sağ kolu ve kızı arayıp duruyor. Kız 17 yaşındayken buluyor onu.
Öncelikle kızın başına gelmeyen kalmıyor. Karakterin başından tecavüz ve tacizler geçiyor. Ama kızımız Rambo...
Fakat kadın kitabı işleyememiş arkadaş... Kitapta sanki 3'lü bi ilişki yaşanacak gibi devam ediyor, Dövmeli dev adam Dirk (bu nasıl isim gk??), aynı motor çetesinden Dirk'e de hafiften yanık olan Raffe ve kızımız. Kız bi onu öpüyo, bi onu öpüyo gözünün önünde. İşte kıza diyorlar ki, sen bizimsin, sana şöyle yapacağız. Dirk, Raffe'ye diyor, ben korkuttuğumda sen yumuşatacaksın falan diye. %75'ten sonra Raffe, o seninle bi kere yatarsa benim dokunmamı istemez, siz birbirinizi sevin diyerek bırakıyor kızı??? Kız 18 yaşında ve kalkıp kendisine zarar verenleri haklamaya gidiyor??? Tek başına??? Uyuşturucu ticareti yapan çeteleri tek başına indiriyor???* Uyuşturucu satıyor kendine farklı bir karakter yaratıp??? 17 yaşında... ve öyle şeyler yapıyor ki... Sanki Rambo babasını satıyım! Kıza tecavüz edenleri babası, o deli gibi kıskanç Dirk ve motor çetesi öldürmüyor????? Kitabın sonuna doğru kız gidip bi sayfada sekiz kişi öldürüyo ????
Yazar dünyasını da yaratamamış ki. Balon gibi. Çetedeki karakterleri bilmiyoruz babasını satayım?! aynı isimlerle dönüp durdu.
Cidden hayal kırıklığı yaşadım. Instagram reel videolarında gördüğüm kitapları okuma serüvenime bununla başlamamalıydım :(
March 9, 2025
Contemporary MF
Dark Romance
Female Vengeance
Tortured FMC
Motorcycle Club
Age Gap
🔥🔥🔥
I don’t know what it was about this book but I read this in almost one sitting. Finished in one day, and that’s not like me. It was like sitting there and realizing you just polished off a whole bag of chips. Like, why did I do that?! 😅 I hate to say it was “entertaining” because the subject matter (dealing with children) was horrific. It just sucked me in, that’s for sure.
Jesse is a girl that’s basically been preyed upon her whole life, by various men, and this story is her finding her people and getting revenge. Please please check TW because this is dark and even though it’s not always in graphic detail, stuff does happen on page.
The romance part of this…it’s hard to describe without giving spoilers. There were some times where I was actually wondering who is going to be the love interest and that’s something I don’t like. But that’s a me thing. And there is a big age gap, with a forbidden aspect to it. Overall though, I thought the story was good, obviously since I blew through it, and I am curious to see stories about some of the other MC guys.
Dark Romance
Female Vengeance
Tortured FMC
Motorcycle Club
Age Gap
🔥🔥🔥
I don’t know what it was about this book but I read this in almost one sitting. Finished in one day, and that’s not like me. It was like sitting there and realizing you just polished off a whole bag of chips. Like, why did I do that?! 😅 I hate to say it was “entertaining” because the subject matter (dealing with children) was horrific. It just sucked me in, that’s for sure.
Jesse is a girl that’s basically been preyed upon her whole life, by various men, and this story is her finding her people and getting revenge. Please please check TW because this is dark and even though it’s not always in graphic detail, stuff does happen on page.
The romance part of this…it’s hard to describe without giving spoilers. There were some times where I was actually wondering who is going to be the love interest and that’s something I don’t like. But that’s a me thing. And there is a big age gap, with a forbidden aspect to it. Overall though, I thought the story was good, obviously since I blew through it, and I am curious to see stories about some of the other MC guys.
January 18, 2021
5+ Sugar and Mood Ring eyes Stars
This book was brutal, heartbreaking and emotionally draining but it still managed to put a smile on my face when I reached the end.
“What do you see when you look at me?”
I thought I was ready for what was bound to happen. I was wrong. So so wrong. But it was worth it if only to witness the strength and the courage that live in Jesse. That girl went through so much throughout her life and she still managed to dream of rainbows and family. I'm in awe of the author for giving us an heroine I could only root for despite some pretty questionable choice she made in her life.
”You deserve to be waited for….no one else has done that for you, Jesse. I’m not just going to take from you. I’m going to woo you Jesse Miller.”
And Dirk... well as he said it himself, he was an a**hole but that worked for him and that's what Jesse needed. I loved that he could be himself with her and that he had so much respect for her in his own way. What they shared together was honest and real despite the age difference.
I loved all the characters, the multiple POVs, the plot, the setting and how connected I felt to the story right from the beginning. This book will definitely join the ranks of my favorites.
The author was new to me but after this rollercoaster of emotion she made me go through, she gained a new fan in me. I'll definitely check out her other books in the near future.
This book was brutal, heartbreaking and emotionally draining but it still managed to put a smile on my face when I reached the end.
“What do you see when you look at me?”
I thought I was ready for what was bound to happen. I was wrong. So so wrong. But it was worth it if only to witness the strength and the courage that live in Jesse. That girl went through so much throughout her life and she still managed to dream of rainbows and family. I'm in awe of the author for giving us an heroine I could only root for despite some pretty questionable choice she made in her life.
”You deserve to be waited for….no one else has done that for you, Jesse. I’m not just going to take from you. I’m going to woo you Jesse Miller.”
And Dirk... well as he said it himself, he was an a**hole but that worked for him and that's what Jesse needed. I loved that he could be himself with her and that he had so much respect for her in his own way. What they shared together was honest and real despite the age difference.
I loved all the characters, the multiple POVs, the plot, the setting and how connected I felt to the story right from the beginning. This book will definitely join the ranks of my favorites.
The author was new to me but after this rollercoaster of emotion she made me go through, she gained a new fan in me. I'll definitely check out her other books in the near future.
August 24, 2020
An incredible heartbreaking story of survival. I have such a long TBR, but when I saw this book recommended in one of my fb book groups there was just something about it that made me drop everything to go read it right away. Jesse is such an amazing fierce girl. Despite the obstacles she has to face, she finds her inner strength and refuses to give up. If you are looking for a hot and heavy steamy romance book, this is not for you. The romance doesn't happen until about 75% in to the story and even then it is not the central focus of this story. I loved the Skull MC characters. Most of the MC themed books I've read before have really unlikable characters except for the heroines love interest. These big strong guys were so fiercely protective of Jesse and loved her unconditionally.
Please note this book is NOT recommended for anyone with triggers of child abuse/sexual assault/rape. The heroine has a very traumatic childhood so these topics are visited frequently. The author did a great job portraying the most traumatic event in a non-graphic way, yet still able to express the emotional impact of the event. I definitely appreciated that the author was sensitive with such a brutal trauma because if it had been too graphic I would have probably stopped reading the book.
Please note this book is NOT recommended for anyone with triggers of child abuse/sexual assault/rape. The heroine has a very traumatic childhood so these topics are visited frequently. The author did a great job portraying the most traumatic event in a non-graphic way, yet still able to express the emotional impact of the event. I definitely appreciated that the author was sensitive with such a brutal trauma because if it had been too graphic I would have probably stopped reading the book.
February 12, 2022
DNF@ 40%
Again, dear authors, please.. pretty fucking please for the love of words tag your books properly. This is a FMM love triangle. Which I don't appreciate being thrown onto without proper warning. Fucking weak storyline and excution on top of that. 🤦🏻♀️
Again, dear authors, please.. pretty fucking please for the love of words tag your books properly. This is a FMM love triangle. Which I don't appreciate being thrown onto without proper warning. Fucking weak storyline and excution on top of that. 🤦🏻♀️
September 16, 2024
DNF 66% I just could not finish this. It never takes 2 months to finish a book I really Like. Once I got to 60
% it just slowed down to me I liked the first half though/
% it just slowed down to me I liked the first half though/
December 15, 2020
This author is new to me so this was the first book I have read from their collection. Besides a couple of spelling grammatical errors it was easy to read from multiple POV’s along with an eight year time frame and five year epilogue skip.
I thought for sure book two would involve the third and Rachael but I guess the author had different ideas!
I love dark romance along with badass heroines and nothing is more badass than a Robin Hood drug dealer who dresses up like the cover and takes on a new persona to get things done. The unraveling of her beginning, life and explosive finale was well written and captivating. I am looking forward to book two. 5his is not a typical MC book. The badass guys are there but there are no traditional club shenanigans.🙃
I thought for sure book two would involve the third and Rachael but I guess the author had different ideas!
I love dark romance along with badass heroines and nothing is more badass than a Robin Hood drug dealer who dresses up like the cover and takes on a new persona to get things done. The unraveling of her beginning, life and explosive finale was well written and captivating. I am looking forward to book two. 5his is not a typical MC book. The badass guys are there but there are no traditional club shenanigans.🙃
Read
August 23, 2020Not liking the heroine.
A 17 year old who paints her face (Skull) and sells drugs.. seems far fetched even in a fictional book. She very much did not come across like a teen.
Attempted rape of heroine 2 times - not shown but mentioned
Gang rape of heroine - not shown but mentioned
Just not for me.
A 17 year old who paints her face (Skull) and sells drugs.. seems far fetched even in a fictional book. She very much did not come across like a teen.
Attempted rape of heroine 2 times - not shown but mentioned
Gang rape of heroine - not shown but mentioned
Just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 4, 2022Walking trigger in book form. Heart wrenching and emotional. Book follows FMC through fosters homes and assaults while she finds her way and ends up protected by an MC. This shouldn’t be read for spice, which is frankly minimal. I don’t know how to rate this book.
CSA and SA on page.
CSA and SA on page.
July 31, 2025
This started off really strong and I could not help, but feel for the main heroine as life throws at her so much heartache from such a young age. Very similarly to the FMC, I thought that someone will come up and rescue her, but no one appeared until finally someone did show up though it might have been a bit too late.
I was really invested in this story, but then things went a bit downhill for me. As there was s quite a bit of assault here, though off page, the main heroine kind of neglects everything, due to the traumatic experiences. Why would you strike a deal with one of the men that has violated you... I did not understand.
Raffe was such an important part of the FMCs journey and then all that of a sudden, he is not part of the relationship. Why?
I appreciated that her father did pull through and managed to get to know his child after seventeen years. That was nicely done.
I was really invested in this story, but then things went a bit downhill for me. As there was s quite a bit of assault here, though off page, the main heroine kind of neglects everything, due to the traumatic experiences. Why would you strike a deal with one of the men that has violated you... I did not understand.
Raffe was such an important part of the FMCs journey and then all that of a sudden, he is not part of the relationship. Why?
I appreciated that her father did pull through and managed to get to know his child after seventeen years. That was nicely done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
This was nothing like I expected, it was sooooooo much more interesting and lil’emotional, sad realistic issues of the horrific world of prey vs predators, and peoples different revenge stories that intertwine!!! I was addicted, the sweet parts are fantastic ❤️
Loved the writing style, easy flow, great character descriptions!!
Raffe Is a sweet soul: “I’ll be here to hold your hand through the storm. I won’t let go. You won’t get blown away. You won’t get lost. I promise.”
Poor Dirk💔 his reason for becoming a monster💔 the fates have been bouncing in & out of his life, then they decided to smile upon him and give him a few wins❤️
Jesse, that girl was given the best advice to help her cope, gotta say… I lmao when she used the fork!! Smart girl😉 and even though unrealistic (yet well deserved) - I cheered for her painting penises on her rapists bikes and then getting her real revenge!!!
😎 Best line ever: “Two boyfriends are better than one” smart little girl Katie😉 + “I like the one with the tattoos best but the other one is really pretty” 😆🙃
Loved the writing style, easy flow, great character descriptions!!
Raffe Is a sweet soul: “I’ll be here to hold your hand through the storm. I won’t let go. You won’t get blown away. You won’t get lost. I promise.”
Poor Dirk💔 his reason for becoming a monster💔 the fates have been bouncing in & out of his life, then they decided to smile upon him and give him a few wins❤️
Jesse, that girl was given the best advice to help her cope, gotta say… I lmao when she used the fork!! Smart girl😉 and even though unrealistic (yet well deserved) - I cheered for her painting penises on her rapists bikes and then getting her real revenge!!!
😎 Best line ever: “Two boyfriends are better than one” smart little girl Katie😉 + “I like the one with the tattoos best but the other one is really pretty” 😆🙃
June 21, 2022
4.5 stars.
Ok.
So my advice before starting this book is to check Trigger Warnings.
100%. You should Not go into this book blind.
There is a Lot of trauma that happens/ is talked about. Sexual assault, mostly, and some of it happens on page but it’s not graphic when it does. It’s mostly just general terms, the feelings she has, and some vague details. Still very harrowing, but definitely easier to digest if that’s not triggering for you.
Now that that’s out of the way.
I loved this.
It was emotional as all hell. A lot more than I anticipated, but I really enjoyed seeing the FMC grow and persevere through the shitty things life kept throwing at her. She came out much stronger at the end of it all with some help along the way.
The relationship was not my favorite part of this book unfortunately.
Not to say I didn’t enjoy it.
But there was an unexpected, sort of kind of maybe love triangle thing happening that was almost a ménage but decided at the last minute to nope right on out. I could’ve done without that. I’m not sure what exactly that added to the story except some confusion for everyone.
I hate love triangles, so I appreciated this being only sort of that. But really I just wanted the author to make up her mind. If you want a ménage just write a ménage, if not, leave other people out of it.
The plot was fantastic, I loved the growth of the characters and how it was all resolved. Though the reaction to the resolution could’ve been much better in my opinion.
The characters were interesting and unique and definitely had me rooting for them.
The sex was just ok.
I was a little disappointed because Dirk had some dirty thoughts that I was looking forward to them exploring but they never really did.
It wasn’t as explicit and smutty as I personally prefer but it had just enough heat to keep me in it and not throw a fit about all the turmoil the author put me through beforehand.
I really liked the book.
I would’ve preferred some different things happened, but none of those things were egregious enough to make me stop reading or turn my opinion.
I really think I might read the next book in the series.
I wanna know more about the side characters. I believe Big Dan’s book is next, and im intrigued. That guy is a sweetheart and I wanna see him get his HEA, too.
Ok.
So my advice before starting this book is to check Trigger Warnings.
100%. You should Not go into this book blind.
There is a Lot of trauma that happens/ is talked about. Sexual assault, mostly, and some of it happens on page but it’s not graphic when it does. It’s mostly just general terms, the feelings she has, and some vague details. Still very harrowing, but definitely easier to digest if that’s not triggering for you.
Now that that’s out of the way.
I loved this.
It was emotional as all hell. A lot more than I anticipated, but I really enjoyed seeing the FMC grow and persevere through the shitty things life kept throwing at her. She came out much stronger at the end of it all with some help along the way.
The relationship was not my favorite part of this book unfortunately.
Not to say I didn’t enjoy it.
But there was an unexpected, sort of kind of maybe love triangle thing happening that was almost a ménage but decided at the last minute to nope right on out. I could’ve done without that. I’m not sure what exactly that added to the story except some confusion for everyone.
I hate love triangles, so I appreciated this being only sort of that. But really I just wanted the author to make up her mind. If you want a ménage just write a ménage, if not, leave other people out of it.
The plot was fantastic, I loved the growth of the characters and how it was all resolved. Though the reaction to the resolution could’ve been much better in my opinion.
The characters were interesting and unique and definitely had me rooting for them.
The sex was just ok.
I was a little disappointed because Dirk had some dirty thoughts that I was looking forward to them exploring but they never really did.
It wasn’t as explicit and smutty as I personally prefer but it had just enough heat to keep me in it and not throw a fit about all the turmoil the author put me through beforehand.
I really liked the book.
I would’ve preferred some different things happened, but none of those things were egregious enough to make me stop reading or turn my opinion.
I really think I might read the next book in the series.
I wanna know more about the side characters. I believe Big Dan’s book is next, and im intrigued. That guy is a sweetheart and I wanna see him get his HEA, too.
June 18, 2021
4.5 stars!!
*Reader-made teaser. I acknowledge the copyrights of the photographers who own these images.
Wow!! This book was way different they I thought it was going to be. And I am here for it!! The first half of the book blew me away. I couldn’t put it down. I will say the middle got a little weird for me and I was debating whether I would like it. Then when I decided this was something I could get down with it took another turn. Then ended with a bang.
This book brought me to tears numerous times. Was not expecting that at all. My heart ached. I felt the entire rollercoaster of emotions with this book.
I will say with this being an MC book I expected better retribution BUT I guess they knew Sugar had it all under control.
This is an age gap romance. It’s one that almost seems wrong but I will be honest, I think I fell in love too. Jesse went though hell and back (multiple times) and just knowing the tattooed scary guy had her back kept her strong.
Sometimes this felt a little all over the place and that’s the only reason I couldn’t give it 5 stars. But the story is original and I defined enjoyed it.
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*Reader-made teaser. I acknowledge the copyrights of the photographers who own these images.Wow!! This book was way different they I thought it was going to be. And I am here for it!! The first half of the book blew me away. I couldn’t put it down. I will say the middle got a little weird for me and I was debating whether I would like it. Then when I decided this was something I could get down with it took another turn. Then ended with a bang.
This book brought me to tears numerous times. Was not expecting that at all. My heart ached. I felt the entire rollercoaster of emotions with this book.
I will say with this being an MC book I expected better retribution BUT I guess they knew Sugar had it all under control.
This is an age gap romance. It’s one that almost seems wrong but I will be honest, I think I fell in love too. Jesse went though hell and back (multiple times) and just knowing the tattooed scary guy had her back kept her strong.
Sometimes this felt a little all over the place and that’s the only reason I couldn’t give it 5 stars. But the story is original and I defined enjoyed it.
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August 25, 2020
An amazing story of overcoming your past
First – this book does have a trigger warning and if you have triggers then you should head the warning. It is there for a reason! Personally, I am a survivor of the same triggers that are in this story. I love the way the author let you know what happened without going into all the gory details. A lot of other stories that I have read that contain this type of trauma goes into a lot of detail. While those do not bother me, it was nice to read one that didn’t focus on it. This story was more about Jesse overcoming the trauma that happened to her and who she turned out to be because of it. There remains the spark of hope in Jesse even after all the horrible things that have happened to her. Dirk helps Jesse let go of the demons inside of her. And when it comes to revenge, he doesn’t steal it from her, but helps her. This is not the darkest story I have read, but I can see why it is dark because of the content. I loved Jesse and Dirk together. Bill, Dan, and Raffe are all instrumental to the story as well. They all play a part in helping Jesse to heal and move forward. I would recommend this book for anyone who can handle the triggers and wants to read a story about how someone handles it and move on. This is also the story of Jesse and Dirk and how they found each other. We learn over the story how much of a role the other has played in their lives all along. I do think there are areas where it could have gone more in depth, but I truly did enjoy this story and would read it again and recommend it.
First – this book does have a trigger warning and if you have triggers then you should head the warning. It is there for a reason! Personally, I am a survivor of the same triggers that are in this story. I love the way the author let you know what happened without going into all the gory details. A lot of other stories that I have read that contain this type of trauma goes into a lot of detail. While those do not bother me, it was nice to read one that didn’t focus on it. This story was more about Jesse overcoming the trauma that happened to her and who she turned out to be because of it. There remains the spark of hope in Jesse even after all the horrible things that have happened to her. Dirk helps Jesse let go of the demons inside of her. And when it comes to revenge, he doesn’t steal it from her, but helps her. This is not the darkest story I have read, but I can see why it is dark because of the content. I loved Jesse and Dirk together. Bill, Dan, and Raffe are all instrumental to the story as well. They all play a part in helping Jesse to heal and move forward. I would recommend this book for anyone who can handle the triggers and wants to read a story about how someone handles it and move on. This is also the story of Jesse and Dirk and how they found each other. We learn over the story how much of a role the other has played in their lives all along. I do think there are areas where it could have gone more in depth, but I truly did enjoy this story and would read it again and recommend it.
February 27, 2024
This was an amazing book, I even cried, cause it was emotional through many parts. My heart ached for this little girl who had to go through so much bad while growing up. And I think the only reason it went from 5 stars to 4 stars is because ménage and reverse harem has thoroughly ruined me!! Someone bowed out and I didn’t like it. I cried more at that part than any other part 😂 If this would have stayed MFM or hell, I was wishing for some MMF, then it would have been a 6 star read. But sadly, this is only MF age gap. I wish the author wouldn’t have done that. Just went a different way with this book instead of making us think it was gonna be ménage. I even went back to goodreads twice to make sure it still showed it as MF cause I was really confused. But happy!!! I think that ménage would have been BRILLIANT! The spark and connection was there! But it didn’t end that way and I cried over it. So that’s why it’s 4 stars. Sorry 🤷🏻♀️
June 11, 2022
Just freaking WOW!!
This book was amazing. A new to me author and I devoured this book. I would of finished it quicker if I didn't need to sleep. I could not read this book fast enough. It's definitely dark, so caution trigger warning in effect, the storyline was nail-biting.
For such a young girl/woman Jesse was so strong and smart. I love how she embraces her dark side. And the whole time I'm picturing Dirk I'm thinking JMJ for sure. And if you know those initials in the book world then you are golden on the inspiration for him. This book cover right!! LOVE IT!!
I highly recommend this book. I'm definitely a fan of this author's writing, storytelling, and the world she had me engrossed in. Now onto book #2 can't wait to see what's next.....bring it.
This book deserves 10 STARS!!!!
thanks jamie nibarger ellis
This book was amazing. A new to me author and I devoured this book. I would of finished it quicker if I didn't need to sleep. I could not read this book fast enough. It's definitely dark, so caution trigger warning in effect, the storyline was nail-biting.
For such a young girl/woman Jesse was so strong and smart. I love how she embraces her dark side. And the whole time I'm picturing Dirk I'm thinking JMJ for sure. And if you know those initials in the book world then you are golden on the inspiration for him. This book cover right!! LOVE IT!!
I highly recommend this book. I'm definitely a fan of this author's writing, storytelling, and the world she had me engrossed in. Now onto book #2 can't wait to see what's next.....bring it.
This book deserves 10 STARS!!!!
thanks jamie nibarger ellis
April 17, 2024
This book is dark. I was honestly almost in tears for the majority of it. It’s not going to be for everyone, so read the triggers and other comments. It winds up having an HEA but alot of shit happens to the fmc before that. Overall, I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know the outcome and how it all played out. Not sure if I’ll read the rest of the series.
May 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much. There is a lot of trauma for the FMC but the story overall was moving. There is also age gap.
July 25, 2024
Idk It started off so strong then kinda went soft. I loved the characters tho!
September 22, 2020
I came across Sugar and Skulls after finding it had a 1 Star Review and decided I needed to read it to see why someone felt that way. I am so glad I did! I loved it! It's chock full of triggers, but the writer does everything tastefully without being too graphic. And the characters are so full of life and are very entertaining. If you are looking for an MC novel, with just enough Darkness, a strong heroine who makes it through hell with her head held high, and an intriguing story line that sucks you in and keeps you engaged, please go grab this book! Like now! 5 Enjoyable Stars!
July 16, 2021
The couple: Dirk and Jesse
Romance genre: MC
Series: Rebel Skulls MC
Length: 350 pages
Plot: Jesse has lived a hard life, spending much of it in foster homes. She meets Dirk once during that time when he gives her some advice and helps out with an abusive foster brother. But her hard times are not over yet. She ends up with her aunt, but her uncle isn't exactly a gem. She has layers upon layers of bad things to deal with, including that handsy uncle and drug dealers looking for revenge, and then Dirk shows back up with unlikely compatriots. Jesse is also taking matters into her own hands, causing havoc for those who have wronged her, and having family/friends show back up at this point in her life isn't always the blessing you might think. But she will need them when things get tough; this time, they'll be there for her.
Character development: Jesse was an incredibly strong character. There are times that it is almost too much, but that's how I generally feel about any bada$$ very young female character who sets out to take revenge against everyone despite the challenges. It's somewhat unrealistic and not what I want out of a 17-18 year old girl. But considering Jesse's background, I knew she wouldn't be a regular heroine. And her love story doesn't develop normally either. I really thought the author was going to go the menage route, and then Dirk just couldn't let it happen! I was glad of that though - I think Jesse and Dirk are a done deal, just the two of them.
There were some triggers in this book, but I felt like it fit with the general feeling of the book. There was nothing I was surprised or horrified by (I mean, horrified by it being included - of course, I'm horrified by abuse in general). There is sexual abuse and assault, so if that's a trigger for you, just skip over this! Otherwise, it was sweet to watch Dirk and Jesse come together despite the differences and reluctance, despite the hurt and disagreements. They were meant to take care of each other.
Next book in the series: Watercolor Skulls: Rebel Skull MC Book Two
Romance genre: MC
Series: Rebel Skulls MC
Length: 350 pages
Plot: Jesse has lived a hard life, spending much of it in foster homes. She meets Dirk once during that time when he gives her some advice and helps out with an abusive foster brother. But her hard times are not over yet. She ends up with her aunt, but her uncle isn't exactly a gem. She has layers upon layers of bad things to deal with, including that handsy uncle and drug dealers looking for revenge, and then Dirk shows back up with unlikely compatriots. Jesse is also taking matters into her own hands, causing havoc for those who have wronged her, and having family/friends show back up at this point in her life isn't always the blessing you might think. But she will need them when things get tough; this time, they'll be there for her.
Character development: Jesse was an incredibly strong character. There are times that it is almost too much, but that's how I generally feel about any bada$$ very young female character who sets out to take revenge against everyone despite the challenges. It's somewhat unrealistic and not what I want out of a 17-18 year old girl. But considering Jesse's background, I knew she wouldn't be a regular heroine. And her love story doesn't develop normally either. I really thought the author was going to go the menage route, and then Dirk just couldn't let it happen! I was glad of that though - I think Jesse and Dirk are a done deal, just the two of them.
There were some triggers in this book, but I felt like it fit with the general feeling of the book. There was nothing I was surprised or horrified by (I mean, horrified by it being included - of course, I'm horrified by abuse in general). There is sexual abuse and assault, so if that's a trigger for you, just skip over this! Otherwise, it was sweet to watch Dirk and Jesse come together despite the differences and reluctance, despite the hurt and disagreements. They were meant to take care of each other.
Next book in the series: Watercolor Skulls: Rebel Skull MC Book Two
December 12, 2020
THIS BOOK HAS A TRIGGER WARNING...
But don't let it out you off. This had turned out to be one of the best books I've read in a long time; stumbling across it because of someone's biased 1* review.
This is a story of an abused girl. The abuse is not glorified, but the author does not shy away from letting the reader knows it happened.
This book is a story of hope, of rebirth and above all of love. The characters wrap themselves into your heart. Jesse/Sugar is the best bad ass heroine I've read in a long time. She rules this book. And her vulnerability is stunning.
I could write pages on how great this book is. All I can say is, if you think you can cope with the trigger material, give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
If you can't cope with the trigger material, give it a wide berth. That's fine too.
But don't let it out you off. This had turned out to be one of the best books I've read in a long time; stumbling across it because of someone's biased 1* review.
This is a story of an abused girl. The abuse is not glorified, but the author does not shy away from letting the reader knows it happened.
This book is a story of hope, of rebirth and above all of love. The characters wrap themselves into your heart. Jesse/Sugar is the best bad ass heroine I've read in a long time. She rules this book. And her vulnerability is stunning.
I could write pages on how great this book is. All I can say is, if you think you can cope with the trigger material, give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
If you can't cope with the trigger material, give it a wide berth. That's fine too.
July 20, 2023
Hidden gem
This story was amazing ! This is a new author to me and I didn’t know what to expect . There are some tough topics in this book hence the trigger warning . It broke my heart to see what Jesse went through during her childhood . Then Dirk fixed her and put her back together again . The hero is 16 years older so this is an age gap , Mc romance with dark elements . Jesse has become my new favorite heroine . She was just kickass from the beginning . This author is one to watch . I can’t say enough good things about this story . It’s truly one of the best that I’ve read in years !
This story was amazing ! This is a new author to me and I didn’t know what to expect . There are some tough topics in this book hence the trigger warning . It broke my heart to see what Jesse went through during her childhood . Then Dirk fixed her and put her back together again . The hero is 16 years older so this is an age gap , Mc romance with dark elements . Jesse has become my new favorite heroine . She was just kickass from the beginning . This author is one to watch . I can’t say enough good things about this story . It’s truly one of the best that I’ve read in years !
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