Cole Stephens lives his life in the shadows. His role in Team FIVE demands it. Staying under the radar, and embracing the darkness is how he earned his mission name, Ghost. He leaves no trail, has no ties, and do not look for complications. He likes his life, following in the footsteps of his hero. His father. Until one mission when tragedy strikes, suddenly Cole forgets his self-control and finds a moment of solace out of the darkness in the arms of a temptress. And just like that, Cole craves the light over the darkness. Oaklee Banks, has had a lot thrown at her in her twenty-two years. A product of a teen pregnancy, she spent her childhood knowing what it felt like to be unwanted by her own parents. Her teen years were a succession of being hospitalised trying to overcome a disorder caused by her parent’s lack of concern and love. Had it not been for her loving grandparents and bestie, Thayer, she would have never crawled out of the hell she lived for years. Finally healthy and finding her way in life, Oaklee was content with her path. Then, after one night with her boss’s son, she discovered why the universe chose to save her. Cole was everything to her, he did not see a sick woman, he did not see her as a pest. He saw her. Can Cole and Oaklee have it all? Or will their choice to be together splinter everything that is important to them?
I love romance. I read constantly. Seriously it’s an obsession. I started reading romance at 12 years of age and haven’t stopped since. My mind is always thinking of new story lines, new alpha’s that will capture their woman’s hearts. I’m in love with love.
As always I look forward to reading one of Leah Sharelles books , they never disappoint they are always off the freaking charts hot and spicy and deliver a storyline that keeps you rivited to your seat.
No matter the content in regards to the storyline Leah always does her homework and it shows the deeper the story goes. And at the forefront is the character who will fight the demons that hold their light entangled with in it's clutches ready to fight tooth and nail for those they love.
Cole was dark and broody quiet and stealthy feeling more at home hiding in the background watching everyone around him learning their tics and flaws using what he sees to help him implement those into his repertoire as a commando for the team five while in deployment. Always a team player always having his fellow team mates backs he broke protocol to save one of his own and with in a blink of an eye the world as he knew it came crashing down and for the first time in his military career he felt lost .
Oakley Was beautiful kind caring lonely and passionately in love with Cole . Keeping her feelings to herself she quietly resides in the background watching the man who sets her heart on fire content to love him from afar she couldn't risk her feelings being known she loved her job as Memphis PA and helping her run the book store . Memphis also being Coles mother just made it more difficult as she would never do anything that would jeopardise her friendship and working relationship and cause a rift between mother ,son and father the formidable Creed .
Oaklee and Cole are a match made in heaven Oaklee brings Cole in from the dark and Cole grabs on to Oaklee as she lights up his dark world .
Heartbreak, misunderstandings, and misplaced loyalties as well as secrets are incased with in their stories, however be warned there are triggers in this book that some readers may find disturbing and if you or someone you know have battled with eating disorders please be sure to know that Leah touches on this subject matter with grace and compassion and a full knowledge of this disease. She never ceases to amaze me with how far she goes into researching a topic for a book that will bring light to certain traumatic events she always has her readers best interests at heart which is why I will always read any book she sees fit to write.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Leah has smashed it out the ballpark with this, the fifth book from her fabulous Wounded Sons series, bringing us an emotional read as team five face heartache when the outcome of their most recent mission sees them left devastated and down a member.
The loss of his fellow team member hits Cole particularly hard, upon his arrival home and during a visit to the Wounded Souls compound he succumbs to the darkness he carries within himself, seeking solace in alcohol with hopes of trying to forget. Trying to forget sees him lose his self-control which results in him bedding the woman who works for his mother, the very same woman his father warned him to keep away from.
Oaklee Banks has been through a lot, enduring her own heartache over the years, from spending her childhood knowing what it was like to feel unwanted by the very people that brought her into this world, her so called parents, to being hospitalised time and time again battling anorexia, an eating disorder brought on in part by the lack of love and concern giving to her from her parents, fortunately enough she had loving grandparents who stepped in and took control, loving her and giving her a place to call home, it was them and her best friend Thayer who got her through many a difficult day to where she is now, finally healthy and at a stage in her life where she’s content. Oaklee loves her job working as romance writer Memphis’s assistant, and she particularly enjoys the time she spends at the compound of the Wounded Sons MC when her boss's son Cole is around. She’s crushed on him for two years, a little crush that’s all it was, well up until she was in the wrong place at the right time, a time Cole needed someone to help him forget the loss and destruction he’s experienced.
Spending a passionate night together has a profound effect on both Cole and Oaklee with the pair soon becoming everything to one another, Oaklee’s the light Cole craves over the darkness, as for Cole he sees Oaklee for the beautiful strong woman she is here and now, not seeing her as a sick woman or judging her for her past, but can they have it all?. With Cole’s fathers warning lingering in his ear and the ‘Flock’ dishing out some unsavory and unwarranted advice, things get rocky for the couple and their blossoming romance, but Cole is just like his father in more ways than one, being protective and determined amongst those traits, what they want they get and Cole wants Oaklee, there’s nothing or nobody that’s going to step in his way.
Prepare to be blown away by this brilliant addition to the Wounded Sons series, Leah touched on some sensitive and traumatic experiences throughout this book, handling them with the respect and understanding which they deserve. Truly breathtaking, as in Cole Stephens will take your breath away, he’s the perfect alpha-male with a hint of gentleman about him, you can tell he’s Creed’s boy alright, like father, like son, no one does them quite like Sharelle.
I highly recommend this book, in fact the whole series too, you won't be disappointed.
Cole is the character who really intrigued me greatly in this series and I could hardly wait to read his story. I was right to be excited as the storyline hooks you right in from the very beginning and I literally couldn’t put it down. After the way, the previous book, Rafe, finished I knew I would be in for an exciting and possibly emotional time. I was right but holy moly is it well written and before I knew it I was twenty-five percent into the book!
Getting to know Cole better was like rereading parts of Creed, seeing as he’s Creed’s son, that’s not unexpected. I enjoyed how refreshingly honest he is with himself. I also loved his loyalty, kindness, and caring nature, especially towards Oaklee. Now Oaklee is one interesting character, although she has had some traumatic years in her past, she is much stronger and more centered. She has a great sense of humor and is perfect in her role as carer/PA for Memphis being so caring and considerate. Brings out
These two lead characters form an instant attraction but not really... Oaklee had already been crushing on Cole so was very receptive to getting together. Their chemistry was off the charts and roaring hot. Their need to be together was perhaps even greater but they had a big stumbling block.
Along with the romance in the story, there is the military aspect, one that is explored a little more in-depth in this book and I loved it. It too brings out so many emotions that you experience with the characters and for them as well, making you feel like a part of the story. There are the action scenes where you feel ready to jump in and help when needed, humorous scenes making you laugh with the fun banter, and then the heartbreaking ones where you feel your chest seize and your eyes tearing up. Each and every scene is so well written, especially the heartbreaking ones.
I fully recommend this book and this whole series.
Can’t get enough of the Wounded Souls boys! This book focuses on Cole and getting his HEA. Oaklee has overcome a lot in her life, and when she finally finds a job she loves that comes with a support system of sorts through the MC, she feels that she is finally making moves. The one thing is that she is immediately attracted to her boss’s son, Cole, although she would never act on those feelings. Cole has been threatened to stay away from Oaklee by his father, and he struggles with finding the reason why. But after he loses a team member, he ends up having one night with Oaklee and not remembering it, although she remembers everything. As Cole’s memory comes back, he decides to forego his father’s warning and act on the feelings and chemistry he has with her, and she does the same, until during deployment the MC comes for Oaklee and she all but disappears. I was rooting for this couple the entire time, and I really was upset with how Cole’s parents and the rest of the MC wives treated her. I’m so happy Cole didn’t listen to his father and didn’t give up, and I can’t wait to see who’s next in this series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Do we need to have another come to Jesus meeting Leah?! You know what you did! You did it once before and it didn’t go well woman! You had some heartbroken, mad women. You gotta stop doing it girl! No more after this book! Don’t make me cry like that anymore!
I love Cole and Oakley as a couple. They are the perfect balance for each other. They provide strength that they each need but in different ways.
I wanted to smack Creed and get in a cat fight with that Flock though! They did Oaklee dirty!
We are going to give Thayer a man in leather right? We can’t miss out on that comedy show.
I loved this book with the exception of the bad thing Leah did that she needs to stop doing!
The fifth book in the Wounded Sons series is one of the most emotional to date. There were highs and lows, tears and smiles and let’s not forget the heat and the steam. Cole and Oaklee’s story is one that will touch your heart and soul and have you enchanted by this couple. A story that has chemistry sparking and intense emotions surrounding you. Their story has tragedy, drama and a realistic feel to it that will have you captivated by every word. An inspirational love story that leaves your heart full.
OMG Leah has done it again. Another beautifully written book about the sons. The love that Cole and Oaklee have for each other is beautiful. Oaklee makes Cole’s darkness fade into the light and Cole settles Oaklee’s demons. Throw in the heartache team five face and you will find yourself highly recommending this book to everyone.
Another 10 stars if I could!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well Leah you done it again with another awesome book with the sons!!!! What can I say about this book it's amazing I went from one emotion to another and I need a box or two of tissues... Cole is so much like his dad creed so protective over Oaklee and Oaklee is so strong and an amazing character she fits perfectly with Cole!!!!
Cole is the character who really intrigued me greatly in this series and I could hardly wait to read his story. I was right to be excited as the storyline hooks you right in from the very beginning and I literally couldn’t put it down. After the way the previous book, Rafe, finished I knew I would be in for an exciting and possibly emotional time. I was right but holy moly is it well written and before I knew it I was twenty-five percent into the book!
Getting to know Cole better was like rereading parts of Creed, seeing as he’s Creed’s son, that’s not unexpected. I enjoyed how refreshingly honest he is with himself. I also loved his loyalty, kindness and caring nature, especially towards Oaklee. Now Oaklee is one interesting character, although she has had some traumatic years in her past, she is much stronger and more centred. She has a great sense of humour and is perfect in her role as carer/PA for Memphis being so caring and considerate.
These two lead characters form an instant attraction but not really... Oaklee had already been crushing on Cole so was very receptive to getting together. Their chemistry was off the charts and roaring hot. Their need to be together was perhaps even greater but they had a big stumbling block.
Along with the romance in the story there is the military aspect, one that is explored a little more in depth in this book and I loved it. It too brings out so many emotions that you experience with the characters and for them as well, making you really feel like a part of the story. There are the action scenes where you feel ready to jump in and help when needed, humorous scenes making you laugh with the fun banter and then the heartbreaking ones where you feel your chest seize and your eyes tearing up. Each and every scene is so well written, especially the heartbreaking ones.
I fully recommend this book and this whole series.
What a beautifully written story filled with heart and soul. This story was quite compelling from listening to Oaklee's story and what she had endured as a child and how her parent's bad choices lead Oaklee to make questionable choices that impacted her life greatly the difference is she survived and overcame them but, those choices will live with her for the rest of her life.
Cole Stephens is so much like his father that it is down right scary. The man loves with his all is all alpha and protective and compassionate and understanding and although is soul is not all light it is neither completely dark and Oaklee is the kind of light that he needs in his life and will do whatever it takes to keep it.
One passionate night for both Oaklee and Cole left a profound effect on both and its up to them to explore this awesome connection that points in the direction you are it for me, and I am never letting you go.
Overall, a heartfelt tale where those who experience darkness have risen above it. Cole was going through his own pain of losing someone close to him has him off balance and off kilter and in mourning but, we loved how this couple communicated got over their misunderstanding and how Oaklee was so open about her past and the issues she still faces but, Cole to put forth his emotions and put them out there making the story feel all the more real.
The story had a few up and downs, and we were thrown a few curves that made it the perfect mix of romance & drama & had more than a few surprises. Kodah left us chomping and the bit, and we can't wait to hear his story next...
Well, folks, she did it again. Another phenomenal book from Leah. Another need for tissues, and another reason to fall in love with the sons. I loved everything about this book. Cole was amazing, and so much like his Dad. Oaklee, I just loved her. She is so strong, and I wanted to hug her throughout this book! Seriously awesome addition to the series!!!
This is exactly what I love to read! If you, like me, love watching SEAL Team or The Brave, this is the book, hell this series is for you! Author Leah Sharelle has captured the essential part of those programs and put them to word form, setting them into her amazingly written MC-Based series THE WOUNDED SONS, and in Cole’s book, it heavily features military action. She also seems to know her way around the motorcycling world and when she mentions Moto GP racing champions, my heart was entirely hers, despite this being only the second book of hers that I have read.
She has done me a solid by making my immersion into her series to be such a smooth transition, introducing me to past characters and to their parents from THE WOUNDED SOULS series, without taking anything away from the story at hand.
Within the first few chapters, Ms Sharelle had me in tears as the gravity of the situation and its effect on Cole became apparent. This set the premise for the book, and already I was heavily invested and heartbroken right along with him.
Oaklee had been a part of the MC world as Cole’s mother’s care-giver and PA for a couple of years, and had quite the heavy crush on Cole, although she’d been put off limits by his father Creed. This all changed when heart-breaking circumstances turned Cole’s world on its head. Ms Sharelle put their changing circumstances against a background of forbidden love, of secrets old and new and where the MC President’s word is law, making their newfound love and incendiary chemistry hard to contain.
Thayer was Oaklee’s ride or die best friend, and as a secondary character she was as funny as a fight, and as eloquent and subtle as a brick to the head. She had Oaklee’s back, and kept her grounded, although we weren’t given her entire backstory. I loved her and would dearly love to know more from her in the future.
What an amazing read Author Leah Sharelle has put together! I for one am grateful to have discovered this author’s writing talents, and be introduced to some amazing alpha military males within an MC world. If you love military/MC, then I highly recommend you get to know this author’s books just as I am! 5-Stars for this book within an addicting world 🖤✰•
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! As usual Leah never ceases to amaze me. Her books always makes me feel such an overload of emotions I love every minute of it. Cole has always been the strong silent type and it is necessary for his job with Team Five, the attention to detail that he learned from his mom being blind is unmatched by anyone but his father, Creed. All the guys have their own special skill but Cole's is being a ghost. Oaklee is a sweetheart, she's strong but vulnerable and she's fought her own battle and won but it's always still there in the shadows. Oaklee has always had her eye on Cole from a distance and he's noticed her. When Cole comes back from the Team's latest mission what he brings with him devistates everyone so he tries to ease his pain in the bottom of a bottle. He runs into Oaklee and they proceed to set the sheets on fire. Unfortunately the next day Cole doesn't remember too much but Oaklee remembers every minute of it. Oaklee's best friend Thayer's character is a hoot and had me cracking up my first thought about her was she'd fit right in with the flock. Lol. When Cole starts to remember he realizes that Oaklee is more to him than just a night to help him forget. They decide to keep their relationship a secret until they get to know each other better because at one time Creed warned Cole to stay away from her but never gave him a reason why. When Cole finds out about Oaklee's life he knows he'll do everything he can to help her and she'd do anything for him. She's brings light to his darkness and he brings her peace. This book didn't have as much excitement as the others but it makes up for that in so many other ways. Lol. I EXTREMELY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES TO EVERYONE!
Cole. 🤯 I have waited a few days to get my head around the fact I’m finished - one of the best books I’ve read in years. Honestly, the 5 star rating is completely lacking.
I didn’t read Cole’s book....I absorbed it. He really is the ultimate of ultimate Alphas. The way in which he handles Oaklee is what every girl should aspire for. He knows of her demons and still doesn’t think of her as fragile. Quite the opposite. Oaklee has a backbone of steel and her child domestic situation did affect her badly but she persevered and came out on top.
I must admit to have been bloody angry at the Flock in this book. They must have had an off day.
Leah Sharelle puts her all into each book she writes. I would love to meet her kids and mates as if they have her sense of humour.....they are the people I want to be around! 😂
I always thought booth and creed were the biggest and best Wounded souls. Well push over boys....your kids are raising the game!
I have no idea how Leah writes stories so realistic, but she always makes it feel like you are there right beside the character as the story is unfolding.
Cole is Creeds son and just like his dad, he is a man of few words. When the unthinkable happens Cole is left shaken to his core.
Oaklee has had a rough start to life, but has perfected the art of being a wallflower especially around The Souls and their sons, one son in particular has captured her eye, but like with everything else it comes with a price.
2 lost souls, hoping to find something to drag them out of the darkness into the light.
This author wrote another beautifully written emotional story. Cole is just like his father, Creed. Oaklee is the light to Cole’s darkness but Cole has been threatened to stay away from her. She has been crushing on him for a while now while working for Memphis. Everything changed for Cole one day when he is met with heartbreaking circumstances and the world flips upside down for him and he finds himself in her arms. After their one night together he doesn’t remember anything but she remembers it all. As his memories return they both just go for it ignoring his father’s warnings. Will they overcome her past and his loss and make a real go of it?
Holy freaking shizzballs!!! This book!!! Cole's book picks up where Rafe's finishes and you are thrown in head first! Lord, my heart splintered and I wondered how it was ever going to be the same. And then Oaklee, oh my heart!!! Their connection is just, Lord I have no words!! Just feels! So many FEELS!!! Oaklee truly is the light that Cole craves. And I was swept away! Honest to goodness, this book took my heart. There is so much more to this story but you need to read it to experience it ALL!!!!
This is the newest book in The Wounded Sons series, this is Cole and Oaklee’s story. So many emotions happened to me while reading this story but crying was the one I did the most. Cole and Oakley an unbelievable story. What a journey we take we them. Team FIVE has more to give and I can’t wait to see what happens next. 5 STARS
Aside from a few bumps in the writing style & storyline, I enjoyed Cole & Oaklee's story a lot! They have some good banter & I do love the way they help strengthen each other's paths to healing! Also, Thayer is a hoot!!
These characters and their storylines are the best . Each addition is better then the last book pulls you in next you know you can't put it down. Great read loved it.
I just finished Cole and damn it was something else. Cole and his temptress is one hell of a ride, it had such emotional ups and downs that I’m still sitting here stunned. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Cole is the fifth addition to the Wounded Sons series featuring Oaklee and Cole.
Cole is the son of Creed, and I was eager to read his story after the way the previous title Rafe ended and it didn’t disappoint. Cole is remarkably similar to his father, stoic, protective, compassionate and an alpha to the core.
Oaklee works for Memphis and is resilient, hardworking, strong and above all a survivor. She’s endured a lot and keeps on fighting.
This title is a heartfelt and emotional story of loss and love, with intense chemistry and scorching hot love scenes.
I really enjoyed this story and all the characters within. Tragedy struck Cole and Oaklee became his light. They had been drawn together for a while. I loved the chemistry between them and kept turning the pages to see how they would find their way past the pain and the secrets. The secondary characters made the story fun, and I enjoyed their support for and honesty with each other. I recommend this story.
I received an ARC and this is my unsolicited review.
I am absolutely in love with Cole and Oaklee, their story is one of my favorites. The tragedy that brings them together broke my heart but I loved how Cole found his light in Oaklee and hers in him. I truly loved how their story progressed and the twists that are happening in their lives. I feel that Oaklee got stronger and her character grew leaps and bounds by the end of the book. Cole and the way he was with Oaklee made my heart swell with emotion, he treated her like his dad treats his mom. So in love with this couple and if I had my way their story would never end.
This book absolutely ripped my heart out! But it was still so good, I'd read it all over again, just to get to the absolutely amazing HEA! Cole and Oaklee are a couple that are meant to be together, meant to heal each other, meant to make each other better. This story is a gotta have it, right now, kinda story!
Oaklee is the kind of character that you love right from the beginning, and you don't know why. She has the type of personality that hits you in the gut, and then you find out what she has been through, and you want to slay all of her dragons, destroy all of the demons that haunt her. She is my favorite type of character, the one that sticks with you, and you come back to time and time again.
Cole! He is the type of soldier his father can be proud of. He has lived his life the way he has, just for that reason. Everything he does is to make his father proud of him. When the worst happens, and he is at his lowest, he defies his father's wishes, and finds out that sometimes, you have to live for yourself!
This book was absolutely amazing! Cole and Oaklee's story was devastating, harsh, but at the same time, hopeful, and revitalizing. It left me feeling determined. If they could overcome everything life threw at them, so could I! This book, this entire series, is a must read! As much as I loved the Wounded Souls MC, the Wounded Sons takes everything from their parents and multiplies it! Pick This Book Up ASAP!!!!!
This is the 5th book in this amazing series and is Cole and Oaklee’s journey. Cole is in a dark place after the tragic loss of a teammate and finds solace in alcohol to try to forget the memories. Oaklee has spent her life being unloved by her parents which caused her to become hospitalised on numerous occasions due to her disorders, and it is thanks to her loving grandparents and her best friend Thayer that she is now in a good place, and she is content with her life doing a job she loves working for romance author Memphis, which had her around the Wounded Sons clubhouse a lot. Oakee has had a crush on Cole for a couple of years, and when he is in a dark place and needs her, she is there for him, and she is the light to his darkness. Even though Cole has been warned to stay away from Oaklee, he sees her as the strong woman she has become. This is a beautifully poignant love story which this talented author has done an amazing job in weaving, and she has written about some hard topics with such sensitivity and compassion. I was completely enthralled throughout this emotionally charged story, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I love books written in series form and even better when an author gives us a 2nd generation series that most of the time includes characters from the original series. This is very true with Ms. Sharelle’s Wounded Sons series. These boys are not only sons of the original men in the Wounded Souls series but they are also the 2nd generation of Team 5, an elite team in the service. (Their father’s all served in the original Elite Team 5). Trust me when I say this makes for an amazing 2nd Generation series.
This is Cole, AKA Ghost’s story. He got his call name due to his amazing ability to get in and get out without being detected. Learning to use and trust all his senses from his blind mother. His job on the team has turned him into a loner, living in the shadows and darkness. But when a tragedy hits the team, Cole takes it hard. He finds a tunnel of light in the arms of Oaklee. But she has her own demons she’s fighting. Can these two find any type of happiness with each other or will outside forces pull them apart.
Great addition to the series. I highly recommend Cole and all the Wounded Sons book as well as the original Wounded Souls Series.
Oaklee Banks was basically thrown aside by her teenage parents, neglected and withdrawn she ends up in and out of the hospital with a disease she still has issues with. Now she is flourishing and knows her triggers, she also has a huge crush on Cole Stephens but he doesn't seem to notice her.
Cole definitely notices Oaklee but he has been warned to leave her be by his Dad. However one night changes all that and Oaklee and Cole find themselves sneaking around even though they both know they are building something special, what happens though when Cole finds out about Oaklee's past and when they come out as a couple will everyone be accepting?
This had a bit more drama then the other books but none the less was a wonderful read. I liked Oaklee and she is a bit vulnerable at times but she is also really strong. Really liked Cole pure alpha male. Great story.