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Steel Demons MC #7
Senseless
Our home is on the brink of war, and my marriage hangs by a thread.
While neighboring armies threaten to march on Four Corners, I’m dealing with a war zone at home. I can’t bring myself to look at Reaper or Gunner, let alone speak to them. I don’t know where my love life stands, or if I even have one anymore. Only Jandro is my rock, and only my work gives me purpose.
Eager for a distraction, I jump at the chance to become a battle medic again. Little did I know it would force me to end the weeks of silence between me and my men. And it’s made me realize I might not be ready to let them go after all.
Forgiveness is a long way off, however. Before I can even consider it, Horus tells me it’s time to leave.
I have to find Shadow with the sky god as my only guide. And somehow, I must find a way to end the senseless violence coming for everyone I love.
TW: Child abuse. Please see the full warning at the beginning of the book if you are sensitive to triggering content.
Sons of Anarchy meets The Handmaid's Tale in this dystopian reverse harem adventure! Senseless is the seventh book in the Steel Demons MC saga. This series is full of kindle-melting steam and dangerous men who take what they want. Proceed with caution if easily offended.
Reading order:
1. Lawless
2. Powerless
3. Fearless
4. Painless
5. Helpless
6. Heartless
7. Senseless
8. Ruthless
While neighboring armies threaten to march on Four Corners, I’m dealing with a war zone at home. I can’t bring myself to look at Reaper or Gunner, let alone speak to them. I don’t know where my love life stands, or if I even have one anymore. Only Jandro is my rock, and only my work gives me purpose.
Eager for a distraction, I jump at the chance to become a battle medic again. Little did I know it would force me to end the weeks of silence between me and my men. And it’s made me realize I might not be ready to let them go after all.
Forgiveness is a long way off, however. Before I can even consider it, Horus tells me it’s time to leave.
I have to find Shadow with the sky god as my only guide. And somehow, I must find a way to end the senseless violence coming for everyone I love.
TW: Child abuse. Please see the full warning at the beginning of the book if you are sensitive to triggering content.
Sons of Anarchy meets The Handmaid's Tale in this dystopian reverse harem adventure! Senseless is the seventh book in the Steel Demons MC saga. This series is full of kindle-melting steam and dangerous men who take what they want. Proceed with caution if easily offended.
Reading order:
1. Lawless
2. Powerless
3. Fearless
4. Painless
5. Helpless
6. Heartless
7. Senseless
8. Ruthless
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2021
791 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
March 1, 2021
Okay, you scaredy cats (and I mean that in the most teasing, loving way), the coast is clear! You can now read Heartless because Senseless will make you feel [mostly] better! .
Book 7 is riding full steam ahead on all accounts. We've got some battles, some surprises, and definite bloodshed as far as the battle for Four Corners goes, and victory is not coming as easy as the Demons or all of us would like.
They need to find some tricks up their sleeves, and they need to figure out how to win, once and for all, because we've got some clusterfox (don't mind my hopefully Zon-approved lingo here) heading their way. By the end of Senseless we're finding out that stakes are higher than we might have thought.
Senseless is going to hit you in the feels, but almost in the reverse of Heartless. We're starting off in a point where we've got a lot to sort through, and everyone is in a bit of a bad place.
See? So, really, we're in this place where Mari & her men all need to borrow those hot men (or women) with kitten pictures that we all used to lift our spirits after the end of book 6. But here's the thing- all the stuff I was preaching about in my last review, how characters need to grow and develop, is true.
Because of all the hurt they're going through, we get some really great development. Reaper, Jandro, Gunner, and Mari all needed a big push of heartbreak to make them realize the faults in how they treated each other and how they balanced the power in their relationships. Jandro and Gunner have to learn not to take a backseat and just follow their Pres when they're dealing with their family and not the Steel Demons, Reaper's ego might demand a price too high to pay if he doesn't rein it in, and Mari needs a chance to really stand her ground so that her needs and feelings don't get lost under all the testosterone.
And, of course, there's Shadow. I was going to talk about him with the rest of them, but really, I know that you're all a bunch of addicts like I am, so you're not going to complain if he gets his own little chunk of the review.
There are some moments that are going to break your heart, make you laugh, and make you do that book nerdy thing where you jump up and down and squeal in a way that's not fit for public witness. One thing that I really liked is that I think Senseless gives readers a good understanding of who Shadow is and how he's become the man who fears nothing more than the idea of sleeping in the same room as Mari. He's really a sweetheart, and with us getting POVs from him where he's detached from Mari and his Steel Demon family, we get the rarest glimpses of who Shadow is when his character is interacting with/playing off of new people. Through books 1-6, we saw a more predictable Shadow, where he was growing, changing, and coming out of his shell, but his interactions with a lot of his Steel Demon family were still keeping him in a bit of a box. Mari was really his outlet for showing new sides of himself, and he hadn't yet been able to fully grow into himself because he was still a little trapped by the dynamics that he'd already developed with the Demons. His break away from them gives him the chance to figure out who he can be when all the rest has fallen away, and I'm really excited to see how this version of Shadow fits into the family unit.
Overall, Senseless is a wonderful addition to the series, and readers are going to get what they want and what they need, which is always the best outcome. This is a reread series for me, and that's a pretty high compliment because I've been a rabid bibliophile for as much of my life as I can remember.
I root for these characters, and I can honestly say that I love each one of them, for better or worse, and I'm so ready to get what's coming next.
*All quotes shared have been done so with the permission of the lovely author who owns them*
Book 7 is riding full steam ahead on all accounts. We've got some battles, some surprises, and definite bloodshed as far as the battle for Four Corners goes, and victory is not coming as easy as the Demons or all of us would like.
“We can’t meet them out in the field like a regular army,” I added, clarity finally beginning to dawn on me. “We have to fight like an MC.”
They need to find some tricks up their sleeves, and they need to figure out how to win, once and for all, because we've got some clusterfox (don't mind my hopefully Zon-approved lingo here) heading their way. By the end of Senseless we're finding out that stakes are higher than we might have thought.
Senseless is going to hit you in the feels, but almost in the reverse of Heartless. We're starting off in a point where we've got a lot to sort through, and everyone is in a bit of a bad place.
"I hadn’t been able to think straight since she came home from the hospital that night, all the hurt and anger on her face upon seeing Shadow’s empty room. How I was supposed to strategize and inspire our army to victory when I’d let my own world crumble before my eyes?"
See? So, really, we're in this place where Mari & her men all need to borrow those hot men (or women) with kitten pictures that we all used to lift our spirits after the end of book 6. But here's the thing- all the stuff I was preaching about in my last review, how characters need to grow and develop, is true.
"The point is growth, daughter. Just as there is no flying without falling, there is no growth without pain."
Because of all the hurt they're going through, we get some really great development. Reaper, Jandro, Gunner, and Mari all needed a big push of heartbreak to make them realize the faults in how they treated each other and how they balanced the power in their relationships. Jandro and Gunner have to learn not to take a backseat and just follow their Pres when they're dealing with their family and not the Steel Demons, Reaper's ego might demand a price too high to pay if he doesn't rein it in, and Mari needs a chance to really stand her ground so that her needs and feelings don't get lost under all the testosterone.
And, of course, there's Shadow. I was going to talk about him with the rest of them, but really, I know that you're all a bunch of addicts like I am, so you're not going to complain if he gets his own little chunk of the review.
There are some moments that are going to break your heart, make you laugh, and make you do that book nerdy thing where you jump up and down and squeal in a way that's not fit for public witness. One thing that I really liked is that I think Senseless gives readers a good understanding of who Shadow is and how he's become the man who fears nothing more than the idea of sleeping in the same room as Mari. He's really a sweetheart, and with us getting POVs from him where he's detached from Mari and his Steel Demon family, we get the rarest glimpses of who Shadow is when his character is interacting with/playing off of new people. Through books 1-6, we saw a more predictable Shadow, where he was growing, changing, and coming out of his shell, but his interactions with a lot of his Steel Demon family were still keeping him in a bit of a box. Mari was really his outlet for showing new sides of himself, and he hadn't yet been able to fully grow into himself because he was still a little trapped by the dynamics that he'd already developed with the Demons. His break away from them gives him the chance to figure out who he can be when all the rest has fallen away, and I'm really excited to see how this version of Shadow fits into the family unit.
Overall, Senseless is a wonderful addition to the series, and readers are going to get what they want and what they need, which is always the best outcome. This is a reread series for me, and that's a pretty high compliment because I've been a rabid bibliophile for as much of my life as I can remember.
"I wanted these people to survive, to leave their mark on history and carry their species into a new age. Not only because their survival preserved the existence of gods, but because these five infernal, short-sighted, ridiculous creatures were willing to fight for it.
I root for these characters, and I can honestly say that I love each one of them, for better or worse, and I'm so ready to get what's coming next.
*All quotes shared have been done so with the permission of the lovely author who owns them*
June 1, 2021
I read the first 6 books of the Steel Demons series in early January and was obsessed, blown away, and then SO SAD because books 7-9 weren't out yet. Senseless comes out March 5, 2021, but I was super lucky and got an ARC from the author!
Like I said, I'm obsessed with the series. The book describes itself as "Sons of Anarchy" meets "The Handmaids Tale", which is totally accurate - but I'd also add in a splash of "American Gods".
By this point, you know the set up of the series: a dystopian future with territories instead of states that are run by corrupt governor's and policed by militias and MCs. The heroine, Mariposa (or Mari), is a medic who was trained to be an OBGYN doctor but lost her medical license during "The Fall" of the government. She has found a home for herself among the Steel Demons MC with four husbands (yes, this is a reverse harem, people). But at the end of the last book, (this spoiler is hidden for what happened in the previous book)
I loved where this book went... There's a lot of action and the plot with the animals and the war continues to reveal more about the state of the world.
My only issue is it wasn't longer, and I don't have the next book. This series is definitely best read as a binge, one after another - so I will probably be reading all of them again before book 9 (the final book).
Like I said, I'm obsessed with the series. The book describes itself as "Sons of Anarchy" meets "The Handmaids Tale", which is totally accurate - but I'd also add in a splash of "American Gods".
By this point, you know the set up of the series: a dystopian future with territories instead of states that are run by corrupt governor's and policed by militias and MCs. The heroine, Mariposa (or Mari), is a medic who was trained to be an OBGYN doctor but lost her medical license during "The Fall" of the government. She has found a home for herself among the Steel Demons MC with four husbands (yes, this is a reverse harem, people). But at the end of the last book, (this spoiler is hidden for what happened in the previous book)
I loved where this book went... There's a lot of action and the plot with the animals and the war continues to reveal more about the state of the world.
My only issue is it wasn't longer, and I don't have the next book. This series is definitely best read as a binge, one after another - so I will probably be reading all of them again before book 9 (the final book).
March 4, 2021
Senseless is the seventh book of the Steel Demons MC series by Crystal Ash. I fell for these characters and their stories in the first book... yes, especially Shadow. This book gives us even more of Shadow's backstory. Hopefully, if you are reading this, you've read books 1-6, and are caught up because SPOILER...
At the end of the last book, Shadow leaves Four Corners after a violent incident while he was sleeping in which Mari gets injured quite badly. This starts with Mari just after getting out of the hospital and refusing to give up on Shadow.
Mari and Jandro are on okay terms. She and Reaper and Gunner are NOT. She wants Shadow back and won't rest until he's where he should be.
I'm not going to give away the whole book, but this one is one of my favorites because it shows what Shadow has been through and how far he's come since we met him in the first book. I adore him.
I'm so sad this series is almost over. It has been one of the best series I've ever read. Definitely a must read if you love MC series for sure. The characters are all amazing, yet flawed. Ash's ability to create a world and a story is so rich and captivating that I'm still thinking about the book long after I'm done reading. Reading the next book in the SDMC series is like meeting up with old friends. I love it.
I really don't want this series to end. It's so good. Just read it. If you like RH, this is a must read. Even if you don't like RH, give it a shot. Seriously, you have no idea what you're missing.
At the end of the last book, Shadow leaves Four Corners after a violent incident while he was sleeping in which Mari gets injured quite badly. This starts with Mari just after getting out of the hospital and refusing to give up on Shadow.
Mari and Jandro are on okay terms. She and Reaper and Gunner are NOT. She wants Shadow back and won't rest until he's where he should be.
I'm not going to give away the whole book, but this one is one of my favorites because it shows what Shadow has been through and how far he's come since we met him in the first book. I adore him.
I'm so sad this series is almost over. It has been one of the best series I've ever read. Definitely a must read if you love MC series for sure. The characters are all amazing, yet flawed. Ash's ability to create a world and a story is so rich and captivating that I'm still thinking about the book long after I'm done reading. Reading the next book in the SDMC series is like meeting up with old friends. I love it.
I really don't want this series to end. It's so good. Just read it. If you like RH, this is a must read. Even if you don't like RH, give it a shot. Seriously, you have no idea what you're missing.
March 15, 2021
While Senseless helped to heal my heart some after the bashing it took in Heartless, I am still furious!
Where is the spoiler group for this book?? I need to find it and go vent.
Still not reading this series yet? Why not?
Where is the spoiler group for this book?? I need to find it and go vent.
Still not reading this series yet? Why not?
July 9, 2023
This was what I’ve been waiting for. Shadow is my favorite and I just wanted all to be right with him, and now I feel like I can breathe 😂 Such a good series though. Has kept my interest through 7 books and that’s amazing.
March 23, 2022
Why is the general losing his fucking mind over Horus not being available? No one mentions the raven who supposedly can also do arial reconnaissance. Did the Sons abscond with it?
Let me see, Shadow has been having violent nightmares for at least 10 years, 3-4 times per week. He’s managed to not have any for 3 1/2 weeks. Along comes Mariposa - you remember her, the same female who was screaming for her life when he almost beat her to death during a nightmare - “No problem, Shadow. I’ll spend the night with you. You’re obviously cured.” As I wrote in an earlier review, the girl has zero sense when it comes to self preservation.
Other than her enthusiastic participation in group sex activities, I just don’t see what her appeal is to the men. Oh, she’s nice, she’s smart, she’s sweet and pretty. Yeah? Well so are a lot of other women. What makes her so damn special?
As noted in the blurb, Mariposa takes off to find Shadow and bring him back to the fold. She witnesses one of his hypnotherapy sessions which helps her to understand how past trauma effects his current reactions. Obviously smarter, Shadow doesn’t want to spend the night in the same room with her.
They battle human traffickers abducting women for slavery before heading home. Everybody kisses and makes up except for Mariposa and Reaper. Reaper is so whipped he doesn’t even deserve to be part of the gang, much less the president. He does do good on the battlefield, however.
Let me see, Shadow has been having violent nightmares for at least 10 years, 3-4 times per week. He’s managed to not have any for 3 1/2 weeks. Along comes Mariposa - you remember her, the same female who was screaming for her life when he almost beat her to death during a nightmare - “No problem, Shadow. I’ll spend the night with you. You’re obviously cured.” As I wrote in an earlier review, the girl has zero sense when it comes to self preservation.
Other than her enthusiastic participation in group sex activities, I just don’t see what her appeal is to the men. Oh, she’s nice, she’s smart, she’s sweet and pretty. Yeah? Well so are a lot of other women. What makes her so damn special?
As noted in the blurb, Mariposa takes off to find Shadow and bring him back to the fold. She witnesses one of his hypnotherapy sessions which helps her to understand how past trauma effects his current reactions. Obviously smarter, Shadow doesn’t want to spend the night in the same room with her.
They battle human traffickers abducting women for slavery before heading home. Everybody kisses and makes up except for Mariposa and Reaper. Reaper is so whipped he doesn’t even deserve to be part of the gang, much less the president. He does do good on the battlefield, however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
I spent this morning inhaling Senseless and all its emotional glory. After the events of Heartless, I expected this book to highlight the pains and pleasures that come with character growth. Because that is what these characters needed more of to truly come together as family, for themselves as a unit and for the coming war. There were imbalances and lingering issues in this group that just weren't going to be resolved without major change. Ms. Ash is one of those authors that doesn't shy away from the hard moments her characters need to reach the potential and strengths necessary. Senseless is a wonderful installment for the Steel Demons series focusing on this character growth and the steps towards healing that's part of that, all while positioning the story towards the true battles/war that are impending.
I don't want to spoil the events of Senseless, but I also know that there will be people checking reviews for the reassurances they need after Heartless. Senseless has POV chapters from each of the major characters and we do get the actions needed in this book to begin the healing process of moving forward. There are no quick forgive and forget moments here, there's soul searching, epiphanies, and "get your head out of your a**" talks. There's still a lot of work to be done, both in the relationship between Mari and her husbands and in preparing Four Corners, but where this book ends is on a hopeful note.
Senseless still has action, steam, and moments of humor that are typical for this series. I think this was the strongest book in the series so far and I'm going to guess that it will be a favorite of other fans of the series as well. The post-Collapse world Ms. Ash has built is a harsh one, but there's love, strength, and loyalty there too. All of those will be needed in full force based on the glimpse we get of a bigger adversary too.
I don't want to spoil the events of Senseless, but I also know that there will be people checking reviews for the reassurances they need after Heartless. Senseless has POV chapters from each of the major characters and we do get the actions needed in this book to begin the healing process of moving forward. There are no quick forgive and forget moments here, there's soul searching, epiphanies, and "get your head out of your a**" talks. There's still a lot of work to be done, both in the relationship between Mari and her husbands and in preparing Four Corners, but where this book ends is on a hopeful note.
Senseless still has action, steam, and moments of humor that are typical for this series. I think this was the strongest book in the series so far and I'm going to guess that it will be a favorite of other fans of the series as well. The post-Collapse world Ms. Ash has built is a harsh one, but there's love, strength, and loyalty there too. All of those will be needed in full force based on the glimpse we get of a bigger adversary too.
March 6, 2021
OMG, Action, suspense, heartache, and more. We learn more about what happen to Shadow and the heartache? Can he ever get past that? The Love that Mari shows for her men and the heartache when Shadow was exiled. Can that love ever come back for all of them? What has happened to Shadow? Is he ok or dead? Will Mari ever feel the same for her men? What about the war at their door step? Can they win or will they lose? How can they fight with so much emotional conflict going on in their life? I can't wait for the next book to see what happens with the war? I received a free copy of book for my honest review.
March 6, 2021
What a fantastic continuation. This series grabbed me from the very start and as each book has come out I literally have devoured them. After bawling like a baby after reading the previous book I wasn’t too sure what to expect but oh man I loved it! It’s emotional and honest, it’s full of forgiveness and healing , heartache and heartbreak and we get more backstory and character growth. War is on the horizon and chaos is coming, will they ever get their hea?
May 9, 2021
Good book.
I wish it had less internal conflicts and more us against the world conflicts. I also felt like the author was dragging out these books towards the end. I like when the main characters finally get their shit together and work as unit to take on the bad guys. These characters never seem to get there!
I wish it had less internal conflicts and more us against the world conflicts. I also felt like the author was dragging out these books towards the end. I like when the main characters finally get their shit together and work as unit to take on the bad guys. These characters never seem to get there!
June 23, 2021
“Even for an avenging angel, you’re pretty damn ballsy,” said a voice near my ear.
I love this series so much but when I realised there was an audio book I got even more excited! I hecking loved the narrator’s so much! They are perfect for these characters.
I love this series so much but when I realised there was an audio book I got even more excited! I hecking loved the narrator’s so much! They are perfect for these characters.
September 3, 2021
EXCELLENT as Always 😁
Read this in just a few hours , cuz I just had to know what happened next 😃. Now it's the war to end all wars 🤔. Thanks again Crystal, I'm going to take a nap, then read the next book 🤓.
Read this in just a few hours , cuz I just had to know what happened next 😃. Now it's the war to end all wars 🤔. Thanks again Crystal, I'm going to take a nap, then read the next book 🤓.
January 16, 2022
Mariposa with her coldness and despotism towards Reaper really let me down. I thought she was a reasonable woman and in this story she proved me otherwise.
However I give the book four stars because Shadow was freed from his fears and that moved me. Finally he was free
However I give the book four stars because Shadow was freed from his fears and that moved me. Finally he was free
March 5, 2021
Oh yeahhhhh
OKAY SO FREAKING GOOD!! Honestly this book doesn’t need a huge long review this whole series is a 100 ⭐️ series. I love every book and this one is no different!!!
OKAY SO FREAKING GOOD!! Honestly this book doesn’t need a huge long review this whole series is a 100 ⭐️ series. I love every book and this one is no different!!!
April 19, 2021
Shadow ....
Ooh I need the next book like now !! What a ending of that one I can't get enough of this series !
Ooh I need the next book like now !! What a ending of that one I can't get enough of this series !
March 6, 2021
Great!
This was a great book in the series, some real character growth for some characters and some plot growth. The pace of the book was a little slower to allow for that character growth but overall was an enjoyable read!
This was a great book in the series, some real character growth for some characters and some plot growth. The pace of the book was a little slower to allow for that character growth but overall was an enjoyable read!
November 27, 2021
Have one big issue that I haven’t seen anyone else mention, so maybe it’s just a me thing. But I hate that Mari accused Shadow of cheating on her. Absolutely hate it. She was supporting him so well until she got there and after like one conversation and seeing him be friendly with a few women decided to leave and that she shouldn’t try anymore.
She KNOWS him and knows that he would have a hard time forgiving himself, she should expect to have an uphill battle convincing him it’s safe to be together. But she gave up after like 2 days! Where they only spoke once!
And I get that their relationship was newer so maybe she was a bit insecure, but yelling at him about sleeping with all the women (most who have been abused, it seemed) when he never did, just seems like spitting on all the hard work he did to even get to the point where he could be around them and tattoo them. She made it all about her own fears and assumptions when she should have been proud of his progress. Plus, he’s the least likely to feel comfortable having sex with anyone else.
ALSO. it’s a slap in the face to her own character, as she was so supportive of women in the beginning, and here she is now accusing all of them of sleeping with Shadow just because they were nice to each other.
It just feels like a HUGE step away from her character, who has mostly been supportive of others. During this part she came across like she was trying to be a martyr and jealous and accusatory. Again, I understand feeling insecure, but the Mari I know what have gone about it differently.
And even if I accept all that as a mistake on her part (everyone is human) she never got called out for it. I hate when the men get called out all the time but the woman is always treated like she can do no wrong. And they definitely act like Mari is Gods gift, which gets irritating if she never gets a chance to grow too. I would respect the characters way more of Shadow said something about her accusations and she took a step back to think and apologized. But she never did. And then acted like Shadow was ridiculous for being concerned by her reaction if he went to talk to the librarian. LIKE YOU MADE HIM FEEL BAD FOR IT! At least I wish she could’ve reflected on her poor decision at that point but she doesn’t.
I know this isn’t a big deal grand scheme, but it just irked me so much o couldn’t stop thinking about it. Lost a star for it. Would’ve considered more, but I absolutely LOVE how she stayed mad at the boys the whole time. I HATE when they do wrong and it’s fixed too easily. I rarely feel satisfied with forgiveness scenes because I feel it hasn’t been earned. This one is actually making me feel satisfied. And let’s not forget how reaper actually fought hades to kill shadow, which is a little nuance I don’t think Mari knows. He definitely shouldn’t be forgiven easily. I’m glad she will extend her grudge into next book. I wish shadow would.
She KNOWS him and knows that he would have a hard time forgiving himself, she should expect to have an uphill battle convincing him it’s safe to be together. But she gave up after like 2 days! Where they only spoke once!
And I get that their relationship was newer so maybe she was a bit insecure, but yelling at him about sleeping with all the women (most who have been abused, it seemed) when he never did, just seems like spitting on all the hard work he did to even get to the point where he could be around them and tattoo them. She made it all about her own fears and assumptions when she should have been proud of his progress. Plus, he’s the least likely to feel comfortable having sex with anyone else.
ALSO. it’s a slap in the face to her own character, as she was so supportive of women in the beginning, and here she is now accusing all of them of sleeping with Shadow just because they were nice to each other.
It just feels like a HUGE step away from her character, who has mostly been supportive of others. During this part she came across like she was trying to be a martyr and jealous and accusatory. Again, I understand feeling insecure, but the Mari I know what have gone about it differently.
And even if I accept all that as a mistake on her part (everyone is human) she never got called out for it. I hate when the men get called out all the time but the woman is always treated like she can do no wrong. And they definitely act like Mari is Gods gift, which gets irritating if she never gets a chance to grow too. I would respect the characters way more of Shadow said something about her accusations and she took a step back to think and apologized. But she never did. And then acted like Shadow was ridiculous for being concerned by her reaction if he went to talk to the librarian. LIKE YOU MADE HIM FEEL BAD FOR IT! At least I wish she could’ve reflected on her poor decision at that point but she doesn’t.
I know this isn’t a big deal grand scheme, but it just irked me so much o couldn’t stop thinking about it. Lost a star for it. Would’ve considered more, but I absolutely LOVE how she stayed mad at the boys the whole time. I HATE when they do wrong and it’s fixed too easily. I rarely feel satisfied with forgiveness scenes because I feel it hasn’t been earned. This one is actually making me feel satisfied. And let’s not forget how reaper actually fought hades to kill shadow, which is a little nuance I don’t think Mari knows. He definitely shouldn’t be forgiven easily. I’m glad she will extend her grudge into next book. I wish shadow would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
After the events of Book 6, I was very anxious to read this one. As you may remember the ending of 6 was a gut punch.
This is Shadow’s book. What we learn more about him is just heart wrenching but needed to be told. And the love between him and Mari is so pure it makes me, the reader, happy.
I’m glad the author didn’t wrap everything into a tidy bow at the end. There are still some hurdles Mari and the guys - especially with Reaper and Gunner - face as they bond further into a solid RH. And don’t worry about steamy, there’s plenty of that between Mari and Shadow. And boy did it burn the pages.
The ending has funny with the animals. Looks like there is an epic battle coming.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
This is Shadow’s book. What we learn more about him is just heart wrenching but needed to be told. And the love between him and Mari is so pure it makes me, the reader, happy.
I’m glad the author didn’t wrap everything into a tidy bow at the end. There are still some hurdles Mari and the guys - especially with Reaper and Gunner - face as they bond further into a solid RH. And don’t worry about steamy, there’s plenty of that between Mari and Shadow. And boy did it burn the pages.
The ending has funny with the animals. Looks like there is an epic battle coming.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
June 3, 2021
Amazing! Loved every word
Crystal Ash and the Steel Demons MC know how to check all my boxes. I laughed, I cried (hardcore) and I gasped my way through, and now I will sit and twiddle my thumbs because I need to know how this story ends! Never has there been a series that has kept me enthralled for so long.
Crystal Ash and the Steel Demons MC know how to check all my boxes. I laughed, I cried (hardcore) and I gasped my way through, and now I will sit and twiddle my thumbs because I need to know how this story ends! Never has there been a series that has kept me enthralled for so long.
March 8, 2021
I am SO obsessed with this series and it’s characters!!!
May 21, 2022
Ok so if I thought book 6 shredded my heart Book 7 obliterated it and I am not sure it will ever be whole again haha. This was the most emotional of all the books and sometimes it was really hard to listen because of that. Don't get me wrong, I love this series, but be prepared for this one to really hit you in the feels. It was devastating what happened towards the end of book 6 and we have to deal with the aftermath and see these characters fight for what they want, which is their love. I was happy to see some characters stand up to those who made poor decisions and that they didnt get off scot free. I also really loved that Shadow tried to better himself, this was his wake up call that he needed and he would come out stronger afterwards.
I loved that the pace with the story doesn't slow down with this offshoot story/plot. I cannot wait for General Tosh to get what he deserves, all of the senseless violence needs to end and the SDMC and friends/allies will need to band together to get him and his minions off the game board. I also liked seeing new side characters where Shadow had been staying and when they made their way back. I really appreciate this author adding in characters who are not just a one sentence character. We get to know them or at least get satisfactory engagement with others and it's always really well done.
I won't give the plot away in this one but we get more involvement from the hidden gods and their abilities spread/they reach out more to others which adds a whole other level to this story. We also get to see some redemption and the relationships get back on track (well some of them). The majority of the book is handling the aftermath but is so critical to the storyline, the reader will be engaged and devouring it (or at least I did haha). Great job yet again, I just hope my heart can be put back together and the last character can get back on Mari's good side because I need their happiness back before they go up against the baddie and his unconventional army. I can't say this enough, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not listening/reading this series. One of my absolute favs of al time.
Narration was on point, despite all the crazy emotions and hard moments. Keira and Troy really make these characters come alive and I can imagine them in my head and I don't want to leave their world. It is hard to pick a favorite but in this one Shadow and Jandro really did it for me. I felt so bad for Reaper and Gunner but they had to deal with what they did in book 6 and these narrators did a good job epitomizing this situation and feelings they were feelings (the readers are so immersed by their performances).
5/5 easily, on to book 8!! I don't want this to end ❤️❤️❤️
I loved that the pace with the story doesn't slow down with this offshoot story/plot. I cannot wait for General Tosh to get what he deserves, all of the senseless violence needs to end and the SDMC and friends/allies will need to band together to get him and his minions off the game board. I also liked seeing new side characters where Shadow had been staying and when they made their way back. I really appreciate this author adding in characters who are not just a one sentence character. We get to know them or at least get satisfactory engagement with others and it's always really well done.
I won't give the plot away in this one but we get more involvement from the hidden gods and their abilities spread/they reach out more to others which adds a whole other level to this story. We also get to see some redemption and the relationships get back on track (well some of them). The majority of the book is handling the aftermath but is so critical to the storyline, the reader will be engaged and devouring it (or at least I did haha). Great job yet again, I just hope my heart can be put back together and the last character can get back on Mari's good side because I need their happiness back before they go up against the baddie and his unconventional army. I can't say this enough, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not listening/reading this series. One of my absolute favs of al time.
Narration was on point, despite all the crazy emotions and hard moments. Keira and Troy really make these characters come alive and I can imagine them in my head and I don't want to leave their world. It is hard to pick a favorite but in this one Shadow and Jandro really did it for me. I felt so bad for Reaper and Gunner but they had to deal with what they did in book 6 and these narrators did a good job epitomizing this situation and feelings they were feelings (the readers are so immersed by their performances).
5/5 easily, on to book 8!! I don't want this to end ❤️❤️❤️
March 6, 2021
Shadow's secrets finally revealed - have the tissues handy
I've needed this book ever since I read the last page of Heartless and when I realised it was just full of Shadow, I practically jumped up and down, until I read the prologue and was gutted. I knew Shadow's story would be bad but actually seeing it written down, throughout the book, was just soul-destroying.
Shadow's exile was necessary for him to come to terms with his past and accept his future, and the manner of his leaving also prompted Mari's other men to face some hard home truths, especially Reaper who definitely did not cover himself in glory. They all needed to take stock and realise what was important and that they were stronger together, otherwise they would be ill-prepared for the battle that we all know is coming.
Tension between Mari, Reaper and Gunner was running high, with only Jandro to shore her up, and bless her for staying strong and not forgiving them for their actions. I have to praise Crystal for making Mari such a strong character who does not forgive and forget easily, unlike so many wimpy heroines in so many other novels, and for showing Reaper and Gunner not getting off lightly but suffering greatly for what they had done.
Shadow reliving his terrible torturous upbringing was heart-wrenching but seeing him realise that said upbringing didn't define him and that he was worth love and happiness was a joy to behold. He is such a gentle soul and a bloody miracle. So much Shadow made me vibrate with happiness, even when my heart was breaking for him. I can never get enough Shadow. Is it wrong to be jealous of a fictional character? I have never wanted to be the 'heroine' more than I want to be Mari! And good lord, the sex scenes between them were off the charts. Steamy, tender, hot, and just absolutely perfect.
Although there was a lot of action advancing the battle arc, the story of Shadow needed to be told now and his relationship with Mari had to be cemented. The two strands gelled well and made for another exciting, unpredictable page-turner. Honestly, I couldn't get through it quick enough. Then I kicked myself because I got through it too quickly. Now I have to wait till June for Ruthless. B*ll*cks!
I've needed this book ever since I read the last page of Heartless and when I realised it was just full of Shadow, I practically jumped up and down, until I read the prologue and was gutted. I knew Shadow's story would be bad but actually seeing it written down, throughout the book, was just soul-destroying.
Shadow's exile was necessary for him to come to terms with his past and accept his future, and the manner of his leaving also prompted Mari's other men to face some hard home truths, especially Reaper who definitely did not cover himself in glory. They all needed to take stock and realise what was important and that they were stronger together, otherwise they would be ill-prepared for the battle that we all know is coming.
Tension between Mari, Reaper and Gunner was running high, with only Jandro to shore her up, and bless her for staying strong and not forgiving them for their actions. I have to praise Crystal for making Mari such a strong character who does not forgive and forget easily, unlike so many wimpy heroines in so many other novels, and for showing Reaper and Gunner not getting off lightly but suffering greatly for what they had done.
Shadow reliving his terrible torturous upbringing was heart-wrenching but seeing him realise that said upbringing didn't define him and that he was worth love and happiness was a joy to behold. He is such a gentle soul and a bloody miracle. So much Shadow made me vibrate with happiness, even when my heart was breaking for him. I can never get enough Shadow. Is it wrong to be jealous of a fictional character? I have never wanted to be the 'heroine' more than I want to be Mari! And good lord, the sex scenes between them were off the charts. Steamy, tender, hot, and just absolutely perfect.
Although there was a lot of action advancing the battle arc, the story of Shadow needed to be told now and his relationship with Mari had to be cemented. The two strands gelled well and made for another exciting, unpredictable page-turner. Honestly, I couldn't get through it quick enough. Then I kicked myself because I got through it too quickly. Now I have to wait till June for Ruthless. B*ll*cks!
March 7, 2021
Most definitely enjoyed Shadow
There aren't a lot of books where I can continue to read year after year while waiting on the the next installment. Well, there's a few authors but not as many as one would expect with so many options out there anyways.
Ms. Crystal Ash has become one of my favorite authors. She keeps the plots interesting, the dialogue and interactions between the characters and the writing style well and truly captivating. The Steel Demons is a series that has kept me wanting and waiting. I have yet to lose interest whatsoever. The characters are really unique in what they do, are and represent and the mix of some paranormal/mythology into such a rich world build makes this one of the best series I've read ever. My only complaint is that the books all ends too soon. Granted there's over 300 pages in this installment but still, a good book never seems long enough.
It was a much welcomed sight to read so much more about Shadow along with the dynamic changes in him and the rest of the main characters.
I will anxiously await the next installment, as the author says at the end of the book...there should be two more before this series comes to a close. That in itself will be exciting as I cannot wait until the series is complete and the author releases the full series box set.
There aren't a lot of books where I can continue to read year after year while waiting on the the next installment. Well, there's a few authors but not as many as one would expect with so many options out there anyways.
Ms. Crystal Ash has become one of my favorite authors. She keeps the plots interesting, the dialogue and interactions between the characters and the writing style well and truly captivating. The Steel Demons is a series that has kept me wanting and waiting. I have yet to lose interest whatsoever. The characters are really unique in what they do, are and represent and the mix of some paranormal/mythology into such a rich world build makes this one of the best series I've read ever. My only complaint is that the books all ends too soon. Granted there's over 300 pages in this installment but still, a good book never seems long enough.
It was a much welcomed sight to read so much more about Shadow along with the dynamic changes in him and the rest of the main characters.
I will anxiously await the next installment, as the author says at the end of the book...there should be two more before this series comes to a close. That in itself will be exciting as I cannot wait until the series is complete and the author releases the full series box set.
January 22, 2024
Distance strikes the family
I did not like the fracture that happened in this book, I felt very annoyed with Reaper and Gunner for what they did and I’m glad that toward the end ultimately Mari wasn’t ready to forgive but she is ready to work on healing and toward forgiveness. But seeing Shadow go through working with Doc was interesting. I didn’t like his stigmatization of medications for mental health problems though. Not every medication is wrong, and not every patient is a good candidate to refrain from medication. I think of it similarly to like if your body didn’t produce insulin properly like a type 1 diabetic, you wouldn’t tell them to just live with out their medication because they NEED it. The same can be said for mental health. In conjunction with therapy can be a great thing for some people. Still I enjoyed Shadow’s journey but I am worried he is going to be set back again, maybe?
The whole gods aspect is weird. I like it but I don’t understand completely their motivation for anything that’s going on.
Hopefully the next few books tie it up. I definitely do feel like the series is taking a little longer than it needs to be. Many scenes are spicy but I kinda get bored of them this far into the series when it’s still as prominent on the page as book 1, however, that might only be because I’m reading them back to back.
I did not like the fracture that happened in this book, I felt very annoyed with Reaper and Gunner for what they did and I’m glad that toward the end ultimately Mari wasn’t ready to forgive but she is ready to work on healing and toward forgiveness. But seeing Shadow go through working with Doc was interesting. I didn’t like his stigmatization of medications for mental health problems though. Not every medication is wrong, and not every patient is a good candidate to refrain from medication. I think of it similarly to like if your body didn’t produce insulin properly like a type 1 diabetic, you wouldn’t tell them to just live with out their medication because they NEED it. The same can be said for mental health. In conjunction with therapy can be a great thing for some people. Still I enjoyed Shadow’s journey but I am worried he is going to be set back again, maybe?
The whole gods aspect is weird. I like it but I don’t understand completely their motivation for anything that’s going on.
Hopefully the next few books tie it up. I definitely do feel like the series is taking a little longer than it needs to be. Many scenes are spicy but I kinda get bored of them this far into the series when it’s still as prominent on the page as book 1, however, that might only be because I’m reading them back to back.
March 5, 2021
Battles (of many different kinds), action but also plenty of feelings, oh and the steam of course. That’s what is waiting for you on those pages. Shadow was my favorite from the very beginning: silent, full of contradictions, with very heavy past which hurt him above imaginable. Mari was his opening to the world, someone who let him find part of himself. Now he was forced to find even more of himself without all those he knew the best. It was beautiful to see. However heartbreaking as well. His and Mari’s love is just so beautiful. And there is This big war that is brewing, escalating and seeming without an issue. I feel the complete chaos is just at the door steps. And I can only hope that we will not loose anyone. However if we look at Mari, and her character - we can be almost sure that it will be, somehow, ok. Btw, characters, we did see quite the evolution in here, some have lots to learn still. Plot’s knot (what did I invent here? 😂) is getting tied slowly. It was marvelous continuation. On one side I already wanna next part, but on the other hand - I don’t. Further we go - nearer we are to the end of this series. And I’m not ready for that.
March 20, 2021
Ok, I forgive Crystal Ash for what she did to Shadow in the last book. It was necessary so that we could dive into his backstory and understand his pain, torment, and how much he needs Mari. It's kind of like with therapy - sometimes you have to dig through the pain to get to the healing. Hopefully what we see is Shadow on his way to HEA.
As for the rest of the crew: Reaper and Gunner are in the doghouse and Jandro is lost without his big buddy. This marriage is broken and they all need to decide if they want to continue. Mari is no wilting flower and to make choices on her behalf is not going to fly.
War is still coming and it seems like the odds are against them all. The gods seem to like lounging and napping a lot lately, which cracks me up. We're heading towards a battle that the gods keep alluding too and I can feel the end coming closer. I don't want it to end but I definitely want to keep reading! Such is the battle when the author is such a great storyteller and you care so deeply about these characters. This may be one of my favorite books of this series.
As for the rest of the crew: Reaper and Gunner are in the doghouse and Jandro is lost without his big buddy. This marriage is broken and they all need to decide if they want to continue. Mari is no wilting flower and to make choices on her behalf is not going to fly.
War is still coming and it seems like the odds are against them all. The gods seem to like lounging and napping a lot lately, which cracks me up. We're heading towards a battle that the gods keep alluding too and I can feel the end coming closer. I don't want it to end but I definitely want to keep reading! Such is the battle when the author is such a great storyteller and you care so deeply about these characters. This may be one of my favorite books of this series.
April 5, 2021
CHAOS!!!
The concept of the gods thus far is quite amazing. They exist because humans willed them into existence. And now they have become attached to the Steel Demons MC and as a result Four Corners. But why?
Chaos is the reason. And Chaos exists because as Hades said, humans have a knack for destroying ourselves. The collapse was probably just the push Chaos needed to be completely manifested. But you can tell, like most things with newfound power, that Chaos doesn’t realize that in destroying humanity, it will destroy itself.
Now, I am excited that Mari found Shadow. I was thrilled to learn that Shadow was getting the help he needed and was actively seeking to get better. It sucked that it took him beating up Mari during an episode. But it was the push he needed to get him on the path to healing.
Book 7 was encompassed all year healing our little group needed. And even though Mari hasn’t completely forgiven Reaper they are close to reconciliation. And once they are completely healed I think they will be unstoppable against Chaos. And I can’t wait to see what happens on the other side of this war.
The concept of the gods thus far is quite amazing. They exist because humans willed them into existence. And now they have become attached to the Steel Demons MC and as a result Four Corners. But why?
Chaos is the reason. And Chaos exists because as Hades said, humans have a knack for destroying ourselves. The collapse was probably just the push Chaos needed to be completely manifested. But you can tell, like most things with newfound power, that Chaos doesn’t realize that in destroying humanity, it will destroy itself.
Now, I am excited that Mari found Shadow. I was thrilled to learn that Shadow was getting the help he needed and was actively seeking to get better. It sucked that it took him beating up Mari during an episode. But it was the push he needed to get him on the path to healing.
Book 7 was encompassed all year healing our little group needed. And even though Mari hasn’t completely forgiven Reaper they are close to reconciliation. And once they are completely healed I think they will be unstoppable against Chaos. And I can’t wait to see what happens on the other side of this war.
March 5, 2021
My Steel Demonssssssss🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
What a ride!!! You would think that at some points after 7 books things would simmer down, but NOPE!!!! This author is so amazing she had found a way through her talents to make EVERY single book feel like the only one. Amazing story telling, writing, character building even after so long. Simply phenomenal series and I can’t wait for the last two books to see where this story goes. I can’t wait to see the end of this as bitter sweet as it may be. I want to see them happy and with Steel Demon babies
😍😍😍😍😍 I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!!! Mari & her Demons are everything!!! This book focused on Shadow and it was lovely to see how far he’s come!!! The ups and downs with the fallout of Shadow being exiled, all of it was written so beautifully!!! Although I’m anxious and nervous for war something tells me that Mari’s parent will no doubt have a part in this! Could you imagine if her father is Tash?!?!😲 I mean I could die!!! We’ll see how this plays out soon enough!
What a ride!!! You would think that at some points after 7 books things would simmer down, but NOPE!!!! This author is so amazing she had found a way through her talents to make EVERY single book feel like the only one. Amazing story telling, writing, character building even after so long. Simply phenomenal series and I can’t wait for the last two books to see where this story goes. I can’t wait to see the end of this as bitter sweet as it may be. I want to see them happy and with Steel Demon babies
😍😍😍😍😍 I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!!! Mari & her Demons are everything!!! This book focused on Shadow and it was lovely to see how far he’s come!!! The ups and downs with the fallout of Shadow being exiled, all of it was written so beautifully!!! Although I’m anxious and nervous for war something tells me that Mari’s parent will no doubt have a part in this! Could you imagine if her father is Tash?!?!😲 I mean I could die!!! We’ll see how this plays out soon enough!
March 8, 2021
A new reader needs to start with book 1 or will be lost, as each book continues from the last. While this book fits the series for the most part, it just seemed to plod along way too slowly compared to the first 6 books in the series. It was hard to keep reading at times & I was starting to lose hope that things would even progress at one point. While the plot needed to move in this direction, some of the characters seemed to change way too dramatically just in one book than in the 7 books of the series, and almost didn't feel like the same characters anymore, especially Shadow & Reaper. While I realize Shadow needed the change in order to move past his traumas & become more in the story, it seemed too much & too fast for what he'd been thru. I personally liked Shadow as the strong silent one, he almost seemed to chatty (for him) in the end. I realize the series evolves around Mariposa as the key character, but somehow it seems like the guys in her RH are not what I thought them to be. They were stronger characters before the whole blow up with Shadow in the last book and now seem mostly "whipped"- doing what ever just to appease Mariposa so they don't loose her. Hopefully the next book will be better than this one...as I'm too far in now to quit the series.
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