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I’m lonely, but am I ready to move on?
I’ve been Ankh’s Old Man for as long as Hell’s Ankhor has existed. But Ankh’s been dead for two years, and I need to live my life for me. I love the guys of HAC, but no one’s keeping me warm at night. No one except Mal, and that’s only in my dreams.

He doesn’t do long term, and he’s one of my oldest friends. Hooking up could risk the club, yet when it comes to him, I don’t care. I’m ready to live and love again.

Priest makes me want to sin.
I can’t ruin thirty years of friendship because of a little lust. But nothing about Priest is little. The old bear is just as muscular as me, and I’m sure he could pin me. Damn, I want him in the sack.

Making a move risks not only our friendship, but potentially our MC. I’ve never needed a serious relationship, but Priest deserves more than a one night stand. When a psycho ex-fling comes into town to stalk me, Priest is at my side. With our club we can handle any danger.

Are we ready to handle each other?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2021

199 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

Aiden Bates

262 books1,208 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,959 reviews95 followers
July 14, 2022
Priest solo ha tenido un amor en toda su vida, y le duro mas de 30 anos. Asi que desde la muerte de Anhk le ha costado volver a ser el de antes, pero poco a poco lo ha logrado, y ahora esta comenzando a sentir que le falta algo, y lo que mas le impresiona es que pudiera ser alguien a su lado. Pero la culpa de reemplazar a Anhk no lo deja actuar en su atraccion a Mal, y no sabe si sera capaz de ni siquiera volver a ver el sexo como algo casual.
Mal abandono las relaciones desde que su ex-esposa y la madre de Dante los abandono cuando este era un bebe, desde entonces solo ha estado con personas sin compromiso o de solo-una-noche. Sin embargo, desde hace algun tiempo ha comenzado a sentirse atraido por Priest, por su solidez y su confianza. Ellos compartieron una amistad desde que se conocieron por Anhk, y desde entonces han tenido una relacion amable y cordial. Que pasaria si actuara en sus impulsos actuales? Priest lo rechazaria?
Pero ahora entre Priest y Mal no solo esta la incertidumbre si una relacion puede funcionar entre ellos como pareja, sino tambien como afectara el club si cualquier cosa entre ellos saliera mal o que pasaria con los demas miembros si deciden explorar sus sentimientos?

Este libro es un cierre total de la serie, no solo abarca a los dos ultimos personajes que quedan solteros del Club, sino que tambien recuerda todas las interacciones entre las diferentes parejas y nos permite dar una ultima mirada a lo que ha pasado con ellos desde entonces. Pero como todo, tambien tiene un toque nostalgico con el recuerdo de Anhk como presidente. Y si, queria sentir la depresion de Priest, queria sentir su conflicto entre su "traicionaba" la memoria de Anhk o no, pero no senti nada de eso.
El libro se sintio mas que un resumen, un recuento de toda la serie, terminando en emparejar a los dos mas viejos y, como los llaman en el libro, a la "columna" y el "corazon" del Club. No es un mal libro, solo demasiado sencillo, con una trama que se puede ver casi desde la primera pagina, y sin mucho sentimiento.
Pero eso no implica que no vueva a leer a este autor, que sigue en mi lista de favoritos para el genero.
Profile Image for Jess Brady.
Author 1 book167 followers
February 24, 2021
They really did save the best for last with Priest!!!

From the moment I started this series I fell head over heels in love with Priest and I never expected we would get his story. I figured he would just be the "Dad" of the club and that would be that but after Nix's story I saw that Priest was finally going to get his and I couldn't have been happier. Even if I had this little niggle in the back of my mind that no one could compare to Ankh, Mal surely did!!

After losing the love of your life, your husband, your partner how can you even begin to think of moving on? It has been over two years since Priest lost Ankh, things are getting easier but there is still that sharp pain in his chest when his thoughts wander to Ankh. Priest never thought he would be attracted to someone again but something inside him keeps being drawn to Mal. They've been friends for three decades but now Priest sees him as more than just a person he confides in, he sees him as the person that he wants to share his bed with. Priest is left with all kinds of emotions from moving on too soon, to letting someone else in his heart when Ankh still owns it. Could he love again? Even if that love is different, could he live the rest of his life with someone who isn't Ankh?

Mal had his heart broken over thirty years ago and has never let it go, he just hooks up when the need arises and then moves on. Now at 55 years old he is maybe ready to the last past go and move towards something a bit more stable. Problem with that is that he isn't just attracted to anyone he is attracted to Priest, his dead friends’ husband. Mal isn't sure how to handle this new attraction to Priest but as a stalker lurks in the shadows, he leans on Priest more than ever. Those subtle looks lead to not-so-subtle looks and he ends up in Priest's bed. He can do this friends with benefits thing but when he catches feelings what is he supposed to do? Priest isn't ready to move on from Ankh, or is he??

As the stalker looms closer Priest and Mal are desperately trying to keep their feelings at bay and focus on the club instead of their feelings for one another. Mal's stalker makes a move that could cost him his life and Priest doesn't know if he can handle losing someone else, he loves. Low angst and seriously sexy Priest will you hope that you can still find love even when you think there is no hope.

Side note, I totally cried at the end.
Profile Image for Dani.
1,684 reviews320 followers
September 14, 2023
Ughhhhhh.

I was so disappointed with the conclusion to this series! It really did just feel like a relationship of convenience just to end the series with everyone coupled up.

The stalker was completely laughable and don't even get me started on the ghostly dream to end the book - I can't stand ghosts in a non-paranormal story, it's jarring and quite frankly doesn't add to the story. And that's being said as someone who believes in ghosts!

There was also a lot of inconsistency in this book too e.g. Priest apparently has been living in the clubhouse since Ankh died, but in book one Blade makes a big deal of the fact that he has a private one bed house at the clubhouse grounds, and Priest is still in the President's two bed house on site as they didn't want to disturb his home with Ankh and their memories. Yet in this book, Priest has moved into his cabin and Blade has always been in the President's house since Ankh died and he took over....

I've ignored most of the inconsistencies in this series but this just bugged me. It's one of my biggest annoyances when a series makes consistency errors, like these books don't take all that long to read because of the plot simplicity (I've read all 10 books in maybe three days?) so not going back to check details is just lazy!

Overall, I'm glad I read this series because I've liked a lot of the characters but the plots are all predictable from chapter one, everyone meets their convenient perfect person and everyone is living the Disney princess dream by the end! It was seriously just missing cutesy woodland animals.

Sons of Anarchy is definitely not shaking in it's boots as being my favourite bikers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Simona.
679 reviews63 followers
August 19, 2022
Great ending to a beautiful series
3,378 reviews28 followers
February 24, 2021
This is the one I’ve been waiting for
Firstly let me say that throughout the series Priest and Mal have been strong characters. Always there for the good of the club, always there for their brothers and always there for each other. I think they have made this series, The backbone.
Priest had been grieving after the loss of his husband Ankh two years ago and he felt that he would never find anyone to get close To the feelings he had for him. So when he starts having thoughts about his best friend Mal, he’s confused. He’s always thought he was a good looking man but lately he just felt that the need to be around him. Then the dreams started and he was just thrown into the confusion and longing and he didn’t know what to do. He felt guilt for feeling that way over another man and he didn’t know if that guilt would ever go away. He was just so lonely and being surrounded by so many people and still being lonely was excruciating.
Mal had been having the craziest dreams about the sexiest man he’s ever seen. When he woke he felt like a teenager but he had never seen his face that was until one night, now Mal knew who it was and it was his best friend Priest. But Mal didn’t know how priest would feel about him having feelings for him. Could friendship turn in to something more or would it just be too much? Also Mal had been very good friends Ankh, would Priest feel betrayed because of these feelings. Also Mal had other issues that were going on!! He had hooked up with a guy, they met at stallions and this guy just wasn’t letting go. He completely blew up his phone with text messages and phones phone calls but Mal knew he didn’t want anything to do with him he just wanted him to leave him alone. But it seemed Stefan had different ideas.
This was a brilliant read so emotional because I felt both of their pain about their past, and the feelings they had for one another. But their friendship was just bullet-proof they communicated so well and thankfully after the help of the club they admitted to what they were feeling. Honestly this book has just An outstanding read. And I know I will re-read this book many times. The passion they have for one another is electric how they didn’t burn the house down I will never know!!!


But I have a fear, I feel that that was the end of the series because usually you give us a little tease at the end of a book and there isn’t one at the end of their story. Please please please don't end this series. I search for your new books because I know that they will brighten my day and this series Has just been Phenomenal Absolutely outstanding.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat.
929 reviews97 followers
March 12, 2021
Wow, it's hard to believe that this is the last book in this series. I feel like I've been reading these books for a while. I enjoyed this as a conclusion to this series and I was excited to see Priest's story.

I haven't read books eight or nine, and I don't really want to based on the summaries so I'm going to go ahead and say I have completed this series. Priest has played a big role in this series from the very beginning. I was happy to see we were finally getting a book for him. I really liked learning more about him in this book. We already knew a bit about his personality but this book dove into a bit more of his background and his feelings about his relationships with Ankh. I also liked seeing his relationship develop with Mal. Mal entered the series a bit later, but has been long-time friends with Priest. I liked the parts where they reflected on their friendship. I don't always like friends to lovers when there is a lot of angst about possibly "ruining the friendship" and some of that did annoy me here but because this book is pretty short, it wasn't too bad.

This plot was super fast moving. I read this book super quickly, all in one morning. I like these plots more when there's a bit of action so I liked the stalking plot and found it pretty engaging. I never felt bored and I felt pretty pulled into the story. None of these books had super original plots but they're all such easy and fast reads, which is what I wanted when I picked this up and I got just what I wanted.

I'm honestly not that sad to see this series end. This was a good conclusion and this feels like a good stopping point. I haven't had a lot of luck in the other books I read by Bates but I might pick up more of a summary really grabs me. I'm glad I stayed with this series and I'm glad I liked this conclusion.
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,403 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2021
Finally, Priest gets his long-awaited story. And what a fitting one for the series finale! He has been through so much hurt after losing his husband, Ankh, the Hell’s Ankhor president. His grief has been so present and real throughout the series that I almost didn’t want to feel him move on from Ankh. But, of course he deserves to be happy and live life again. And he finds this with Mal. Although he’s known Mal for a long time, and they share a deep emotional connection built on decades of friendship, all of a sudden there is attraction thrown into the mix. It’s not only Priest wondering if he can open his heart again though; Mal has his own trust issues stemming from his ex-wife leaving him and Dante. Priest and Mal have a beautifully emotional and powerful story that touches on dealing with pain and loneliness and moving on to find your happiness again.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
February 15, 2021
I have liked everything in this series so far, but I think that Priest and Mal's story might be my favorite right now. As a lady of a certain age, I really like reading stories with main characters around my age, and Priest and Mall fit in with that. Too many times it seems like after you turn 45, you aren't supposed to fall in love or start a new relationship, and having both of these guys being in that age range is pretty awesome.
Profile Image for Travis.
210 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2021
I am seriously impressed and grateful that this series still going strong! I think the biggest appeal to this series was it proves that rough and tough bikers do have a heart, valuable feelings and just like the rest of us we want to love and be loved. More often then not it takes the right guy to break down all that rough and tough exterior. The most important thing that these characters discovered were the wonderful and the not s wonderful things that brought them together and never want to be apart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Santy.
1,260 reviews76 followers
March 8, 2021
There is a reason why I like reviewing books right after I finish them: my thoughts get all jumbled up if too much time passes(because of the sheer amount of books I read)

But never fear, one thing I DO remember is that this was good book and I really enjoyed myself!!!

Go read it(if you want to)! Lol!!
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
February 28, 2021
Heart of the club

Oh how this book made me teary. It’s the last book in this amazing series, it’s a story of accepting love again and it’s Priest and Mal. The deep and abiding friendship between these two is beautiful but watching them give in to their feelings and find love again was everything. They made my heart soar with joy, happiness, hope and even when I was crying because of the emotional journeys Mal and Priest went through, I knew in the end that they’d find their way together because the club wouldn’t let them accept less than they deserve. “We were together. And with the club around us, we were home.” Gah, how I love this series, the fantastic family they’ve formed, and the permanent place they’ll call home in my heart.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2021
omg the last chapter had me in tears. what a way to end this series. definitely gonna miss these guys.
1,488 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2021
I am a huge fan of this series, so Priest was a must have for me. A very emotional story! I loved how Priest and Mal's friendship evolved, the memories of Ankh and how affected them and the sweet love scenes. This is the sweetest book in the series and I got hooked since the beginning. The interesting plot and the little angst situations were a plus that just made everything better. A wonderful reading!
2,196 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2021
Priest and Mal were well worth the wait.

In book one, Priest had already lost the love of his life, partner and Hell's Ankhor namesake, Ankh. Taking time to heal, he's seen the club expand, the guys grow and gain partners/families of their own. Despite his own personal pain, his heart and support never wavered towards the needs of the club. Knowing he wasn't in an emotional position to handle the club's full time presidential duties, he passed those on to Blade and Priest took the reins of Vice-President. Easily one of the best decisions given the circumstances. As much as he wanted to mourn, he still had his son, Raven to think about. Now that his heart has begun to heal, is he truly ready to move on? Will he find all he needs in Mal?

Mal is the president of Liberty Crew Motorcycle Club. Coming with own set of bags, Mal had no interest in anything long term. Mal was also a single parent to Dante. Liberty Crew also had their share of problems. Working to keep the club together, the crew, and his son can take a toll. Not to mention a past relationship with Stefan that went south, fast. He ended up being a stalker. Mal tried to handle it all on his own to no avail. Stefan even tried to become a prospect using the name "Xavier". After Stefan refuses to back down, Mal ends up staying with Priest.

Now in close proximity, Priest can watch closely over Mal. With a stalker on the loose, the crew in protective mode and blossoming feelings for one another, what is there left but to explore the possibilities between them.

Smoking hot, intrigue, long term friends to lovers, protectors, and the best happily ever after.

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

Profile Image for Darlene.
1,046 reviews10 followers
February 23, 2021
Finally, Priest gets his story told, along with Mal’s. These two men were meant for each other especially after years of Priest mourning the tragic death of his husband, Ankh. The attraction between Priest and Mal just happened one day when Priest looked at Mal in a different light and saw more than a best friend. The same went for Mal. His happened after many nights of sexy dreams about Priest which made him want Priest.

After everything the club had been through the last few years and those terrifying situations brought on church meetings in which the men together sat side-by-side. Mal’s president of Liberty’s Motorcycle club and Priest vice-president for Hell Ankhor’s motorcycle club. Just lately the two clubs had merged creating a stronger group. With the two men having to be in constant meetings with other club members for discussions and throwing out ideas on how to handle these delicate situations, there was a lot of time to look at each other.

Neither man was ready for a relationship. Priest a widower had taken years for Priest to feel like he could breathe again and function as the club’s vice-president. He felt totally lost without Ankh and missed him by his side. Plus the loneliness without Ankh made his chest aches so bad it takes his breath away. But he still had their son, Raven and slowly he has started to find happiness again. With the club’s growth, it had built a solid foundation and had many loyal club members. Then there was the club business, Ankhor Works, Stella, and Ballast bar that helped fund their living expenses.

The guys and Priest's son loved him and got together to build a cabin close to the clubhouse so Priest could have some privacy. He loved his alone time and the cabin, but the feeling of loneliness was worse, then he started to have an attraction to Mal and some pretty naughty dreams that could take him away from his single status.

Mal had his own set of baggage he carried. He never wanted another relationship; because he couldn’t bring himself to trust anyone after his ex-wife left him after Dante was born. He raised his son alone. He has no regrets whatsoever being a single dad and he would do anything for his son. Though Mal did trust his son and adopted sons in the club, they were family, but a relationship was not going to happen.

Then he started really looking at Priest after having so many sexy dreams about the man. There were so many years they had been friends. Plus Mal was Ankh’s best friend and knew him before Priest entered the picture.

As the two spent more time together, they shared the many memories they had had with Ankh. It wasn’t just the attraction, but it felt as if the two just fit together. Priest, with his easy manner, the ease of talking and hanging out together was a warm comfortable feeling, and enjoyed being together.

They both knew they wanted to be together and wanted each other sexually, but they worried about ruining their friendship that might also hurt the club if things didn’t work out. Not only that, there were the guilty feelings and the unexpected anxiety of curling stomachs along with their desire for each other. Neither was ready to look closely at those feelings.

Mal, in his near past, had had a one-night stand, which isn’t unusual for any man, except this young man, Stefan wanted Mal and had started stalking him. Mal got many unwelcomed texts and calls from Stefan and no matter how many times Mal told the guy to get lost, not interested seem to increase Stefan's actions and of course, Mal kept this a secret from his son and other club members. He thought he could handle this on his own and didn’t want anyone in his private business.

The members from both clubs got involved when they decided on three applications for new prospects for the club. At their welcoming meeting, one came late, Xavier. Well, Xavier was actually Stefan and when Mal came into the party he went ballistic and all hell broke loose. Rebel was adamant about Mal reporting this to the police. Luckily he did. Blade insisted on a 24-hour watch for Mal – not a happy man.

Then it got even worse when Xavier broke into Mal’s small apartment at the clubhouse and messed around on his bed and took some of his dirty clothes. Rebel went with Mal to the police and filed a restraining order. All the time Priest was concerned for Mal’s safety and Mal stayed with Priest. That’s when things really started to heat up between the two men. The sex and desire were hot between them. But Xavier was still out there and now he had escalated to life-threatening…

This is a wonderful addition to this series and most of all it was intriguing, and sexy to read about Priest and Mal getting their happy ending. I LOVE all the men in this series, which are loyal, trustworthy, respected, and loved most of all. Highly recommend this series and this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AND 1515.
1,280 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2021
Sometimes friendship can lead to much more.
by and1515

I didn't reckonized the digits but the message made it very clear who it was from.
Sometimes what seemed like a good idea at the time can end up being one of those mistakes that continues to hound you.
I'm dealing with the pain and loneliness the best that I can and yes I'm truly grateful for what I still have but it doesn't mean I've forgotten either.
What should have been a half way descent ride turned into a dismal one and by the time I reached my destination; my poor ride was filthy and so was I.
Mal had been talking sweetly to his poor ride when I noticed he wasn't any better so of course I'd offered to find him something dry to wear.
I'm not quite sure how to describe
that sudden sensation that just ran through me but wow I'm not sure what to thing.
It's almost mind boggling to realize I might not be as dead as I thought.
I'm a boneheaded fool I should have known better then do something like that where anyone could have seen and of course Tru had to just be there.
And I know him; he's like a mangy dog and I'm the juicy T-bone.
There are sound reasons why I don't do relationships; nope it's quite simple a night here or there.
Now if I could get that stupid twit to take a hint an leave alone I'd be doing a lot better.
However the minute the guy
Priest thought to nominate for as our new prospect showed up I'm speechless for about sixty seconds.
I shouldn't have losing my temper but now I'm suffering the consequences which has me in an extremely uncomfortable spot.
The last thing I really wanted was having to explain myself to anyone let along a roomful of people I considered my family.
I can't believe the way he's acting he should be taking this more serious then he has been.
Resent events should be proof enough just because you think someone looks totally spineless doesn't mean they can't be dangerous; looks can be deceiving.
In a nanosecond of thoughtlessness
I almost did something but I caught myself before it escalated beyond my control.
Disappointment didn't even begin to describe how I was feeling
no I never planned to act on my own thoughts but now that I saw the light sorta speak.
As I listen to the so-called solution to my extremely annoying problem
I knew this was going to turn into a nightmare.
It's enough that we know but I didn't wanted anything to change between us.
Yet there were those who thought it was there mission in life to return all the lessons the clearly learned from me.
It was crystal clear someone had broken into my castle snooped through my possessions because there were things definitely missing.
Yes I could have stayed somewhere else but no Priest and I have quietly been circling one another and it's time we face the music.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
February 17, 2021
This story presents the dilemma that two long-time friends self-impose upon themselves when they fear making their feelings known will drive a wedge between their friendship or within the MC. So even though they both suffer the pain of holding back what they feel, the risk to make a change like that scares them off of commitment. Unfortunately, this is the part that drives me crazy when honest communication could resolve everything. Instead of confirming whether there is any interest there, each will begin to make assumptions about what they “think” the other “must feel” – and it’s always wrong. However, if they communicated, the story would end and the reader would miss the wonderful build-up of a strong relationship.

Priest is lonely. He is also very fond of Mal. But he is convinced that Mal doesn’t want involvement in any long term relationship. Mal is also one of his oldest friends and he doesn’t want to put him on the spot or make him uncomfortable if he doesn’t feel the same. Nor does he want to “lose” the friendship they both value. And he thinks being with him could somehow risk the stability of the club.

Mal is lusting after Priest. But he is terrified of ruining a friendship that has endured for 30 years. So he feels he must control himself and clamp down on his feelings. And he knows Priest deserves much more than a one-night stand. Both men are now like powder kegs that only need a flame of some sort, the tiniest of sparks, and their emotions will be all over the place. Such a trigger is about to happen when one of Mal’s ex-flings, Stefan, turns stalker and wants Mal for himself. Will Priest be standing at Mal’s side to make sure the stalker knows Mal is no longer available? Will the club’s banter and teasing show them brothers are always there for each other (and already saw that Mal and Priest were good for each other)? You can’t hide things from family!

Speaking of family, a theme the reader sees quite often in this wonderful series is that the MC brothers readily offer their support and caring to each other without being asked. Family is the one you make for yourself, and they love you unconditionally. It’s so evident here again and again in such a strong, loving network. And when Priest and Mal are ready for the truth of how they feel about each other, the family is there to show their support, even if it’s merciless teasing! Grab your copy and enjoy this well-written book.
Profile Image for Devy B .
261 reviews14 followers
February 3, 2022
1 star for Rebel and Coop from book 3
What a disappointment this book is. It’s awful. I kind of dnfed I skimmed a lot to see how it ends.

I have never been fan of the dead partner trope and best friends to lovers after being bff for so many years. It just not believable. Here it’s the widow and his and his dead husband’s best friend, the 3 of them practically grew up together.

Two men in their 50’s who they’ve been friends for nearly 4 decades acting like horny teenagers!! The relationship didn’t feel right, it was just convenient because they were both lonely, horny and perving on each other. “ Hey we’re both lonely, my husband who also happen to be your best friend died 2 years ago and you’re tired of one night stands, let’s take care of each other.”

The whole book is about how Priest is missing his husband who passed away 2 years ago and feeling guilty for wanting another man and Mal and his stalker/hook up Xavier, how much he wanted him and how much he enjoyed having sex with him !! Like I need to know that and have a reminder ever few chapters..
And Priest fantasizing about Mal fucking Xavier. I was in disbelief. That was disgusting!!

Priest couldn’t hook up with other guys because for him it would be cheating on his dead husband but it was okay to screw their best friend of nearly 40 years.
I skipped the sex scenes, I couldn’t read them, I didn’t feel comfortable reading them. It made my stomach churn.

I also hated that after Mal got shot by Xavier and he professed his love to Priest in the hospital , that SOB turned him down ghosted him for a month. He wasn’t even the one who fixed things, it was that stupid doormat Mal who called him (oh before that he went to see him after 2 weeks and Priest didn’t even open the door, that asshole ignored him).
Priest didn’t even redeem himself.

The end just wow. Priest dreamed of Ankh his dead husband who gave him his blessing to screw their best friend and finally he doesn’t feel guilty anymore (big eye roll)

I hated the book and I hated Priest and Mal and Melanie and Ankh.
1,486 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2021
Priest the VP of Hells Anchor crew in the first book about Blade you learned of his loss of Ankh and how hard his grief hit him and threw out the series Priest is still there giving advice to the younger ones dealing with there own relationships watching his and Ankh's son Raven have his own happy ending witnessed betrayal and more grief when they finally new the truth about Ankh but threw it all they stuck with each other. Then bonds were made with the Liberty Crew then more danger and love but I always wondered about the clubs oldest members Mal of the Liberty crew and Priest what if there decades of friendship became more and finally yes it did with the same passion as any of the younger couples. This had danger from a stalker heat and passion letting go of painful past and learning to love again this is my second favorite in the series my first was Blade.

Mal the Prez of the Liberty Crew has seen his son's Dante and Tru find happiness but he remained a mystery a good leader and father figure to his club members. What you find out is that he did love but that it's loss when she left kinda put him off relationships and future commitment with anyone that lead to some bad decisions and now his hook-up's have lead to a scary stalker situation one he thinks he can handle on his own. He was wrong now everyone knows but it's done one good thing brought him and Priest closer but will the passion live up to his deepest fantasies of Priest and can he put his past hurt away and love Priest. But will Mal decide he wants more then Priest can give and when his life is in danger will Priest love him or walk away from fear of another loss.

I have really enjoyed this series and it seems like it may be the last if it is ill have a good cry and look for the next book by this due. This is my honest review and although I was allowed to read and advance copy via Booksprout I chose to by a copy as well.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
April 9, 2021
This is a thoroughly impressive addition to the “Hell’s Ankhor” MM series & these two talented authors really saved the best for last. Sadly it is apparently the last & final book in the series & can easily stand on its own but for utmost reading pleasure I would recommend the complete series. The plot is well-paced with a unique emotional undertone & has some intriguing situations with splendid scene descriptions & good world building. I particularly enjoyed the way the authors portrayed the characters as being mature, strong-willed individuals with a variety of traits, who have the inclination to be devious and/or dangerous at times but are still realistic with their expectations while hiding their emotional feelings. The secondary characters play significant roles & offered good support throughout the storyline.
It is about: a mature MC rider & vice president of the Hell’s Ankhor MC (Priest) has decided to move on with his life after the death of his beloved partner & husband (Ankh aka Aaron) two yrs ago & has developed unexpected longings for the Co-President of the Liberty Crew MC (Mal) who has some sad memories of the betrayal & abandonment done by his ex-wife (Melanie) many yrs ago.
There is: a obsessed stalker (Xavier aka Stefan), MC clubs, potential MC prospects, action, adventure, twists & turns, intrigue, drama, suspense, danger, threats, attempted murder, family issues, friendship, comradery, secrets, mystery, deceit, loneliness, dreams, strange attractions, longings, fantasies, complications, harassment, frustration, confrontations, accusations, confusion, misunderstandings, disagreement, regrets, supportive friends & family, advice, memories, manipulations, decisions, heartache, compromises, love, some steamy scenes & a well-deserved, satisfying happy conclusion for this couple. I would definitely recommend this book (& the series) to people who enjoy reading this genre.
460 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2021
Holy Fornication is all I have for this book tbh! Bates and Lyda have brought their A Game with this one!!!! Priest has to be the finale of the series because it literally does not get any better than this. This has to be one of the hottest books that I've read, and I've read a lot of very fornicating hot books!!!

I've loved every Aiden Bates and Ali Lyda book that I've read but this one was on another level; I'm not sure which bag this writing out of, or which of the pairing wrote which parts but they definitely need the proverbial pat on the back for the quality of this and the others in the series. The consistency with which they have crafted the stories, putting together the perfect couplings, a loving supportive safe functional thriving family environment, baddies that instil fear and angst, and HEAs all round has been a joy to read.

Priest and Mal have been the sexiest of all the crew's men, with everything that age and wisdom brings self control and self knowledge as well as a wealth of experience that the young ones can't always bring to the tables; of course sometimes that isn't always the case!!!

I can't say anything else about this book; I loved it, it totally made me cry, it totally made me need a cold shower, it totally made me fall in love with all the characters all over again. If this had been the first book I'd read in the series, I'd be buying them all immediately to catch up on all of the other characters!

Add this book to your Kindle library today, you won't be disappointed; however, be careful as to who reads it over your shoulder!!! xx

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
251 reviews8 followers
April 17, 2021
The Hell's Ankhor series is one of my favourites. I love the chosen family this band of brothers builds together. Priest is the widow of Ankh, who was one of the club's main founders. He's been alone since Ankh's death a couple of years earlier, but he finds his relationship to one of his closest friends changing.

Mal is the president of the brother chapter of the club, and he was close friends with Ankh as well. Priest never used to think of him as anything more than a friend, but they both start to feel differently about each other as they grow closer.
Ankh has to struggle with his feelings of guilt - he needs to be able to understand that loving Mal doesn't mean he loved Ankh any less. But he is terrified of being hurt again. He's not sure he would be able to pick himself up if he lost Mal the way he lost Ankh. Things get even more complicated when they discover that Mal is being stalked by a past hookup. And things get out of control pretty quickly.

I loved watching these two older guys stumble their way towards happiness. There's something to be said for the fact that being older means you have less tolerance for bullshit, and even though Priest is terrified of his feelings, once he figures himself out, they can quickly move past the hurt he caused Mal by running scared.

It seems like this may be the final book of the Hell's Ankhor series, as everyone in the group seems to be paired off. Not sure if there are any plans for a spin-off series, but I'll be signing up to read it if there is! If it is the final book, it's a lovely way to close out a great MM series.
568 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2021
We've known Priest from book 1 and despite him losing the love of his life, co-founder of Hells Ankhor MC, Ankh he is always the voice of wisdom for the men of the MC in their lives, with their loves and a strong vice-president of the MC. But he is starting to get lonely but despite the loneliness he wonders if even thinking of moving on is disloyal to what he and Ankh had.

Mal, Dante's dad and co-pres of the merged MC and Priest and Ankh's oldest friend has picked up a problem with one of his hook-ups who is unable to let go and accept what they had was nothing more than a one-night stand to Mal. Understandably Mal is embarrassed and has kept this to himself but when his stalker escalates things Mal has no choice but to open up to the MC because their safety could also be compromised.

Priest and Mal are attracted to each other but Mal isn't looking for anything serious and Priest isn't ready to move on from what he had with Ankh so they devise a friends with benefits arrangement but soon each one soon realises that they're catching feelings but when Mal's stalker takes things a step further Priest freaks out and runs. Will they find a way back to each other?

I really loved the story and catching up with the rest of the men and women from the MC and the way the members supported both Priest and Mal was just really heartwarming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alison Daniels.
453 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2021
I have been waiting for Priest and Mal to each get their own HEA after all the other brother of HAC have found their other halves. I was so surprised and delighted that they found each other in the end! Priest's calming strength has been felt by every other member of the MC and it was nice seeing him find someone else to be his pillar when needed. While Mal has been an essential character in several other books, you don't know much about him until this book. Mal is very hesitant to engage in anything resembling a relationship after past heartbreak and betrayal by his son's mother. Priest is struggling with his feelings toward Mal and feelings of guilt after his husband was killed prior to the start of the series. Both men struggle to define and accept the way they feel about each other and what it means for their future. I loved that we got to see where each member of the club was throughout the book; it was a little farewell to each of the couples of the previous nine books. Getting to see each couple settled into their relationship and see their growth was a sweet ending to the series. The final chapter of this book was amazing and brought this series full circle. I am sad to see these characters go and hope we are not done with the HAC forever. I would love to see a future series about the new prospects and future leadership. Highly recommend this book and the entire series. I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
Profile Image for Shana_Bobana.
403 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2021
Another five star book in the Hell’s Ankhor series. I was both so excited to read this story and sad to finish it knowing it was the last in the series. After reading a series with 10 books it’s hard to say goodbye to all the characters but Priest was the perfect end to the series. It gave us a great new romance while showing us how well all the other previous couples are doing.

Priest lost his husband a few years ago and after having such an amazing marriage he doesn’t think he’ll ever love again and he doesn’t really want to. That is until him and his best friend Mal decide to be friends with benefits. Priest isn’t looking for love at all but he finds himself falling for Mal and he doesn’t know how to handle that.

After having his first love abandon him and his child Mal has never wanted a relationship. He has his son and his club and can get a hook up when he needs it. That’s enough for him. Once he and Priest start being friends with benefits he starts to fall in love. He knows he can never compete with the love Priest shared with his last husband so he tells himself friends with benefits will have to he enough.

I absolutely loved this story and will definitely be rereading along with the rest of the series.

I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,584 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I loved this book. I loved the connection between Priest and Mal and that it started 30 odd years ago, when Ankh introduced them, since Mal was one of Ankh’s very good friends, then slowly evolved into a friends with benefits type relationship and then into love. I liked that the connection with Priest and their friendship allowed Mal to fully let go of all of his responsibilities and just feel, especially with what Priest was doing to him. Man, Xavier was a psycho. I can’t believe he went to such extremes after sleeping with Mal a couple of times and Mal was completely up front about it only being a casual thing but then he started stalking him and wouldn’t take no as an answer. I loved that after Mal and Priest made their feelings show without actually saying I love you, that Mal needed advice so he went to talk to Ankh at his grave, and that Priest knew that when he himself needed some advice he’d visit Ankh so he knew that after what happened the night before between them that Mal would most likely need some advice and Ankh gave the best advice. I’m hoping there’s going to be more books in this series, these authors are a dream team but if not this is a great ending to a fantastic series. I’d totally recommend this book, series and authors to everyone.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,398 reviews24 followers
February 15, 2021
Priest misses Ankh, his late husband, every day, but he's finding his way towards life and happiness again. Mal hasn't committed to anyone seriously since the mother of his son left him thirty years ago. They both have baggage, but more than that, they have shared history, and a friendship so deep that it almost immediately makes their chemistry into something more, though neither want to acknowledge it at first. I love friends to lovers stories, and this one is particularly powerful, since it's built on three decades of friendship and a keen understanding of each other's experiences. I love that Mal cherishes Priest's love for Ankh, and that he's always honest about what he's feeling. Priest isn't always so brave-- I was very, very, disappointed in him for a chapter or two-- but ultimately they both step up for each other in the best possible ways. There's a beautiful, emotionally grounded connection here, as well as plenty of steam and a subplot involving a deranged stalker (because what's motorcycle club life without a frisson of peril). One of my favorite books in this series, and they're all good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,891 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2021
It's Time to move on, fantastic story. Mal, was having erotic dreams about a mystery lover. When the lover had a face, and it was Priest, Mal freaked out. Priest, was rattling around in his new home enjoying his solitude, until he realized he was lonely for companionship. He started noticing Mal a lot more frequently, in a personal manner. Both men, appreciated their 30 year friendship. Mal was friends with Aaron/Ankh before Priest came along. He recognized the special companionship between Ankh and Priest and was content to be their friend. They both still grieved Ankh's death and missed him. Mal had a stalker that came to the club. Xavier tried to join the MC and claimed Mal was his boyfriend. The peace the club enjoyed was at risk. Will Mal and Priest stop the tango and engage? Will they be brave enough to take the next step in their lives? Will the club go easy on them? Dante, tries to encourage Mal and Priest giving implicit approval. Will Mal and Priest accept that they deserve to be happy? Good story, good to see how the clubs navigate growth. It was nice learning who Mal and Priest were as men! Well done.Excellent story. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marcella.
358 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2021
Priest lost the love of his life, Ankh over two years ago. The grief is still too raw. He doesn’t know if he can move on or even wants to. But with a lot of his motorcycle club finding love the loneliness is setting in. Lately his best friend, Mal has been starring in his dreams but it can never become more than a fantasy.

Mal is starting to have fantasies of his own about Priest but he chalks it up to all the time they’ve been spending together and the fact it’s been a while since he’s gotten laid. He hasn’t been in a rush to do the latter since his last hookup won’t leave him alone. The incessant calls are starting to become more than Mal can handle and his patience is wearing thin.

But when Mal’a stalker starts taking things too far that brings Mal and Priest even closer together. They can’t deny their attraction to each other much longer. Priest is wracked with guilt and Mal doesn’t know how to be in a relationship since he’s denied himself for so long.

Priest and Mal are a great match. Although I always see Ankh and Priest as the power couple it’s great that Priest kind find love again. I’m a big fan of this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Roger - president of NBR United -.
712 reviews28 followers
April 17, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review/this is my honest review.

This was a good book, but it didn't wow me. It had a handicap in the fact that I am not a big fan of MC books. What I became a fan of was how the authors handled the Friends to lovers aspect as they were bought together by Priest's dead husband Ankh (Aaron), who even though was dead was a real presence in the book and the romance. this was handled with a light and deft touch. one thing that bothered is how they went into the relationship as mature men, they would communicate. then at the first problem they didn't communicate and work to solve the problem. it started out as friends with benefits but emotions grew and they fell in love.

The functioning of the MC club they were both in leadership, didn't distract from the romance and I liked the fact the women were equals members of the club and not follower of the club and that the gay men were accepted and encouraged.

spoiler because of the Stalker situation could trigger something I think it is important to mention that it is an important part of the plot, so those who are triggered by the situation are aware of the fact before they read it.
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