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Crooked Paradise #2

Perilous Lady

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Keep your enemies closer...

I've proven I can stand with the fiercest gang in Paradise Bend. Now it's time to crush my traitor ex-fiancé and his stooges into smithereens.

They've already butchered my family. I can't let them destroy the streets I called home.

Wylder Noble and his inner circle are ready to rain down their own brand of justice. Too bad they can't seem to decide whether they'd rather kiss me or kill me.

To be fair, I'm having the same problem when it comes to these four infuriatingly hot and dangerous men.

Whichever we pick, we'd better decide fast. Because my ex isn't pulling any punches... and the greatest threat may come from right within the Nobles' ranks.

*Perilous Lady is the second book in a new gritty contemporary romance series from bestselling author Eva Chase (writing as Eva Chance) and Harlow King. No major triggers, but be prepared for domineering men who make their own rules, a rebellious heroine who's not afraid to get her hands dirty, and an enemies-to-lovers romance where the girl gets all the guys. It's going to be a wild, bloody ride!*

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2021

878 people are currently reading
2042 people want to read

About the author

Eva Chance

27 books438 followers
Eva Chance is a pen name for contemporary romance written by Amazon top 100 bestselling author Eva Chase.

If you love gritty romance, dominant men, and fierce women who never have to choose, look no further.

Eva is a life-long Canadian and lives in Toronto with her husband, kids, and one very snuggly cat. As Eva Chase, she also writes fanasy and paranormal romance.

Fun Facts:

Fave colors: Green, blue, violet

Fave foods: Green curry chicken, California rolls, pizza

Fave vacation spots: Cancun, Japan, Scotland

Fave animals: Dolphin, wolf, raven

Website: https://evachase.com/

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5 stars
1,749 (34%)
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3 stars
1,110 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
Profile Image for Cassandra Doon.
Author 57 books84 followers
December 27, 2022
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
World: One Mortal World

Plot:
Book 2 of this series starts off with the MC being kidnapped while out running. Colt takes her to a warehouse and has her tortured by a lackie. She managed to get away and runs into the boys who are looking for her. They manage to find her cause Gideon puts trackers into her bra. Ezra the head of the Nobles doesn’t like her and gives her jobs that can get her killed. When she doesn’t get killed on these jobs he then tries to set her up to get rid of her. The book ends with the boys and her going into a gun fight against Colt. Mercy kills colt and they all get out alive. While they are celebrating there win, a young kid turns up on the door step with a tablet. On it is a video of the man who has been leaving the “gifts” for Mercy and tells Ezra he is gonna take over the whole Paradise.

My feelings:

With book 1 getting me out of my slump, I went into book 2 with high hopes. Boy did it deliver. I loved the fighting, sexual tension and sets up for book 3. Its a slow burn so if you want instant gratification this isn’t for you.

Ok lets talk about the main MCs:

Mercy, ohhh now the juicy stuff is showing. Im so glad she has now had sex with them all (except Rowan). The spicy chapters are good, not as spicy as im used to but good non the less.
I do hope Mercy develops a bit more. I need more fire and spice from her. I want her to grow more into the head of her old Gang and be ruthless.

Kaige, Dude tou just get softer and softer. Why do all the big men turn into soft men when they get the girl? He has no issues putting a bullet into someone’s head, but turns to putty with her. I need little bit of fire from this one. Hopefully book three holds that for him.

Rowan, I knew you didnt leave her for no reason. So glad you told her why. But now I can see this soft caring man and no longer a killer. I need him to be more mean and ruthless in book 3. I feel like now she knows the truth and you are all happy with saying she is one of you but the spice and means is just all gone. I liked the enemies to lovers thing but happened to quick.

Gideon, I knew this one had something in the bag. Didn’t turn out to be a Dom but close enough. I do hope we get more of this one in book 3. I liked him. The quiet type is always the best type. Little bit annoyed he is such a pussy but cause of his lungs. I would like more killer vibes out of him.

Wylder, yerp book BF for book 2. I knew it. I like him. Withdrawn, but intense. I know why he is mean to her but now that we know why I hope that he doesn’t get all soft and nice. I like my men with a cruel mean streak. I hope he also kills his father who is clearly a dick. I do hope we get a nice dm chapter with him and Mercy.

“There was a wild urgency in his green eyes. “You’re mine,” he snarled. “Mine.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
769 reviews1,085 followers
December 21, 2021
Mercy is still badass. The guys are wrapped around her finger. Her ex-fiancee is gunning for her. Complication after compilation arises - usually from “inside their group” (Wylder’s father, the head honcho, is gunning for her too).

The end of the book introduces a new “big bad” and while I do like stories that have self contained plots, I now understand why authors do cliffhangers - because it forces you to keep reading if you’re even a little invested.

While I thought the first book was better, I did enjoy the deeper look at the guys in this one.
Profile Image for Meredith.
275 reviews26 followers
August 11, 2022
My mind is racing ! So much things happened in the last chapters ! OMG I'm so supercharged with the power of books theories right now !

*inhale deeply*

First of all, Erza is a bastard and I want him dead. Wylder should rule in his stead with the golden team and our queen.

Second, shit is about to hit the fan ! Because now, we finally saw the BBG apparence (Big Bad Guy), and he is also Mercy stalker ? And he has a link to her past ?

THEORY TIME ! (don't read this part if you don't want to be spoiled)
I think that Mercy met Xavier once and he wanted her or something. But when dead old dead daddy promises her to Colt, Xavier didn't like it at all. And he orchestrated the Claws' massacre. Because Colt said that he had the proof of Tyrell treason, I think that Xavier made and delivered that proof. And then he backed Colt to gang up against the Nobles to take Mercy back and grasp their power.
So now Erza is going to think that Mercy is a traitor even more ! But she will be able to run away and to build her own empire with the Claws and rise again.
END OF THEORY

We'll see if I was right or not. But there is so many question left ! I know that the Nobles have a traitor in their nest. My bet is on Axel. But we'll see.

This book was so good ! I love Anthea and Mercy relationship, they truly have the best friend energy building between them. I can't wait for Anthea's blooming moment, she deserves to be reckoned with.

Rowan back story was a bit predictable, but it works for me. I can't wait to see them coming together. Even if, they aren't the strongest couple at the moment. For me, the wining crown is going to Kaige and Gideon. Because they totally get Mercy and are so respectful of her. Wylder is an asshole but, he is starting to come around, so we'll see.

The team is looking stronger by the day, I can't wait to find out more ! Eva Chance, did you spring drugs in your books ? Because they are addictive !

Merry
Profile Image for Vee.
369 reviews166 followers
October 2, 2023
DNF at 37%

My current book slump continues …

I didn’t mind book 1, but I hoped that the plot would develop a bit more in book 2 and maybe she would start to form connections with the guys. That hasn’t really happened. Thus far, the running theme is she sleeps with one, they turn into an a**hole and continue to be an total p**ck for the next 2 chapters.

I thought in this book you will see a more tentative side to the guys, but they seem to just get frustrated and blame her. She is meant to come across as super confident and strong, but she’s acting like a doormat to guys who don’t know how to cook breakfast.

This is a basically bully romance, which I’ve never been super keen.
117 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2024
Compared to one of the other series I read by these authors, this series is feeling a little bland. The action isn't all that enthralling and the relationships feel flat. But I like the writing style and the FMC. Off to the next book.
Profile Image for jenn *mother of dragon & snake*.
691 reviews345 followers
November 7, 2021
description

well this went better than expected. but these new characters? wtfffff is going on?

i am not a fan of cliffhangers and i don't know anyone who is that isn't a psychopath.

i also am loving these characters. each one has a different back story and how they all come together. i love when these authors create a good group of guys. i'm all for it.
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,797 reviews18 followers
October 18, 2021
Revenge is so sweet

Just wow... I thought I loved book 1, but dang if book 2 didn't just blow me away! It is non-stop action from beginning to end.
We get to know more about each of the characters, learn a few things and the secrets they have been keeping. And that ending?! Just whoa.
The narrators do an amazing job with the audiobook and will keep you entertained
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,343 reviews131 followers
May 31, 2021
Eva and Harlow have done a fantastic job with Perilous Lady, the second book in the Crooked Paradise series. There was action, steam, and mystery, every second was compelling and I loved seeing Mercy Katz's determination and strength. 

Mercy has proven to the guys that not only can she hold her own but how she is a valuable asset. Mercy thinks on her feet considers every angle of a situation and is willing to do what it takes. However, going down this path seems to be leading to a darker Mercy. While she wasn't shielded before she wasn't involved before but she's doing well, coping as best she can. Now she is a full-fledged member of the Nobles, contributing not only plans but physical as well. 

I love getting to know more about the guys, getting their backstory, and figuring out how their past shaped who they are now. Not surprisingly, things are going well with the guys, all of them have caught feelings and Mercy has come to an understanding with each of them. I am surprised by the strength of the feelings the guys have for Mercy. They all seem to be trying even Wylder with his alpha attitude. I will say Gideon surprised me with his passion, I loved seeing a different side to him. 

The Nobles are very different kinda people, Wylder is trying to prove himself to his father while recognizing that his father is a jerk to everyone and Ezra, the big boss, is more controlling, devious, and ruthless than I could have imagined. I know he is a mob/gang boss but Ezra is a whole new level of something and worse yet he isn't stupid, the man is smart,   conniving, and violent which isn't a good combination for my favorite characters.  What's most surprising is Athena Noble, who went from being Mercy's worse nightmare to a caring older figure and she wasn't faking it. I liked seeing Mercy and Athena growing closer, in a testosterone-filled group Mercy could use another smart and dangerous woman around. 

What I loved best about this book is that not only was there action, steam, and bonding but there's a mystery, and problem-solving to be done. Colt is a problem that needs to be handled and it was interesting seeing how Wylder and the guys approached that problem and to see each of their roles in the solution. However it's the sub-issue that is Mercy's little stalker problem, which hasn't gone away because Gia has, that has become a really compelling story. Who is it? What do they want? Why are they fixated on Mercy and how far are they willing to go. 

Perilous Lady was a deliciously entertaining read that has me dying to find out what's gonna happen next because it's a dangerous world and Mercy is living in it.
 
Profile Image for Breanna Stanley.
184 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2022
This was a good sequel. It picked up exactly where the first book left off. The FMC proved herself over and over again to be strong and capable, even when people were harassing her or trying to make her leave or trying to bring her down.

The relationships all improved in this book. The men were much more invested in their relationships with the FMC and she only offered clear communication and boundaries. The men also all communicated well. It’s the set up for a very healthy relationship dynamic.

I was annoyed with Wylder throughout the middle of the book when he was being a jackass, but after hearing his story, I can understand where the behavior came from. The FMC learned a lot of the backgrounds of the men and was empathic every time. She has a big heart.

The conflicts with Ezra and Colt were pretty good. The action writing in this book is very well done. It’s engaging and keeps you in your toes.

The cliffhanger at the end is very intense. I wonder how that’s going to play out. I’m love with the theatrics of this new villain. I want to see what he does next because he is obviously unhinged. I want to know his motives too.
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 13 books236 followers
October 9, 2021
Rollercoaster ride

This book does not let up! There's danger and mystery at every turn, and it doesn't let up from the first page to the last.

This series isn't spicy, and it's much more focused on the action than the relationship between the characters...so if you're looking for a steamy read, this one won't be for you.

I tend to like a lot more steam in a romance (and I almost don't even want to class this as one, since so little time is devoted towards romance) but the story itself is so engaging that I find myself not minding as much.

Recommended if you're looking for an action packed book with a strong FMC. Would suggest something different if you're looking for a love story.
Profile Image for Caroline.
248 reviews
April 17, 2025
This series is giving me TJ vibes like our fav Shadow Grove groups ... just not as good.... I'm liking the story; quick easy read ... but the writing of our FMC isn't my fav .... for someone who supposed to be a bad ass and comes off strong she has these misplaced moments of self-doubt ... and it just doesn't fit the way its written ... I understand w/ her upbringing that she would have that trauma, but I don't think the writing of it is done well.... I'm glad one plot point got taken care of because it was starting to feel drawn out so I'm interested to see what this next big bad will be like... overall I do really like the guys and Anthea cracks me up so it'll be interesting to see where this goes
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
June 12, 2021
Wow what a great second book! It’s a fast paced and action packed read as we continue with Mercy and the guys journey full of danger, surprises and twists and turns and a whole lotta steam! It’s one hell of a rollercoaster of emotions and darkness and once drawn in you will not want to leave! There’s fantastic chemistry between the characters, the storyline is dark , gritty and so addictive and I loved it!
Profile Image for KaylaLaz.
547 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2025
I enjoyed this more than the first book. This picks up right where the first book left off, and the action keeps going from there. Wylder’s father plays a big role in this book as well. Mercy’s relationship with each of the guys develops a little in this book as well. This book doesn’t end on a huge cliffhanger, but a new character is introduced that will definitely cause trouble in the next one. I can’t wait to continue this series.
Profile Image for Lauren.readsx_.
701 reviews85 followers
June 14, 2021
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved this book more than the first one!! I loveeeeed the relationship development and how she’s grown even closer with each boy. Wylder and Rowan are still my faves 🙊 Mercy is the badass FMC that I love to see!

The ending wasn’t so much a cliffhanger but it definitely has me excited for the next book 🤩
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,142 reviews107 followers
June 27, 2022
Perilous Lady by Eva Chance and Harlow King is an enemies-to-lovers gang romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Ava Lucas and J.F. Harding. This is the second book in the Crooked Paradise series.

I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn't help but binge the book in one sitting. I am loving the chemistry between Mercy, Rowan, Kaige, Gideon, and Wylder.

The book ended on an amazing cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait to dive into the next book Ruthless Queen.

Ava Lucas and J.F. Harding did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like enemies-to-lover romance, contemporary romance, or gang romances.
Profile Image for Ala Johnson.
197 reviews
July 27, 2023
Well it’s definitely starting to pick up now isn’t it? One large threat resolved, two others remaining - the group becoming a solid team. This is definitely a read worth diving into if you are looking for a gang romance with a badass female lead, and even better that it’s free on kindle unlimited.
45 reviews
September 9, 2024
wow

So hooked so in love can’t wait to read book 3. Everything about this was beautiful the way the story was told the characters the battle scene. Oh my goodness loved loved loved well done bravo
Profile Image for ListenWithNic.
325 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2024
I think it’s hilarious how they all just have condoms readily available in their back pockets ALL OF THE TIME 😂 I still like Mercy & I still can’t stand the guys 🤷🏻‍♀️ full review coming at the end of the series.
Profile Image for Dennis.
944 reviews27 followers
April 13, 2025
terrific Mafia Romance

Ok this is book 2 in this series and it has a lot of action and some smutty scenes as well. Also some mysteries are revealed a bit, with more of course to come in the next volume in the series.
Profile Image for Madison.
68 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2023
i have such a love/hate relationship w cliffhangers. it’s 2:33AM and i’m about to start the next book bc i CANNOT wait until the morning to read what’s next.
Profile Image for Cai.
31 reviews
August 15, 2025
There was a lot going on in this book — so much so that it started to get boring. The smut was great, but overall it wasn’t a fantastic read. I decided not to continue the series because there’s nothing to keep me reading at this point.
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,517 reviews1,592 followers
January 6, 2022



This second book in the series plunges Mercy into yet more danger and this time she’s got it coming from all sides not only her former fiancé and the steel knights but also Wylder’s father Ezra Noble himself. The big boss is back and he’s got Mercy firmly in his sights and the only things standing between her and Imminent danger are the men that are swiftly becoming everything to Mercy. This instalment was chock full of danger and suspense Mercy definitely seems to have some sort of unknown stalker watching from the shadows to add to everything else she’s got going on.

Kaige is now back on full form and Gideon finally makes his move whilst Wylder is now purposely pushing Mercy away supposedly for her own protection and as a barrier against his ruthless cold father. He thinks that showing him he cares will only paint a further target on her back. Also, Rowan decides it’s time he clears the air and actually explains his prior actions to Mercy and just why he abandoned her all those years ago.

This ended on a minor cliffhanger and with a brand new enemy added to the mix we also finally get to put a face and name to Mercy’s unknown stalker. It just so happens that they are one and the same. Overall this series is a good one and is easily keeping my attention I can definitely recommend it if you like this type of genre. I’m intrigued to discover what’s going to happen next.


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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for rosa.
543 reviews12 followers
December 22, 2021
Ahhh. This book was okay. It was a quick read, but I’m not sure the story has held my interest. I still really like Mercy as a female MC, and it was good to see her relationships develop with the guys, although it’s not a lot and still feels a little shallow.

I enjoyed the different side of Anthea and seeing a girl friendship develop in the story, but it seemed a bit suss too.

The end of this book introduced a new bad guy, and I’m not sure I’m that fussed to pick up the concluding book of the series.
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,048 reviews171 followers
August 7, 2021
2 💪 stars.
I found parts of the story dull & others predictable. That said although I don’t recommend the series it’s likely I’ll continue on to book 3. Don’t ask me to explain why. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Tasha.
355 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2021
I enjoyed reading this. I wish there was more to it it seems like this was just a way to extend the series a bit. There were some scenes that I enjoyed but overall this book seemed like a lot of extra material to set the scene for the next book (books?). Overall I liked it though and I’m excited to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Misha.
662 reviews25 followers
June 24, 2021
It was ok.

Ended up skimming a good portion of the second half of the book. Feels like it should end at this book. Not sure there’s more story left.
Profile Image for TheStokkeLife.
105 reviews
July 12, 2021
If you know you know don’t sleep on this series!!! I can not wait for book 3
Profile Image for alex.
947 reviews179 followers
October 13, 2025
3.25 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

☆⋆。𖦹°‧★ Perilous Lady☆⋆。𖦹°‧★

⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°。 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´

🎶 “Never made no one like you before. You had to make your own sunshine. But now the sky is opalite” 🎶

She has proved she belongs with Paradise Bend’s fiercest crew, and now she will burn her traitor ex-fiancé and his cronies to ash. With Wylder Noble and his inner circle at her back, justice will come hard and fast, but the men who promised vengeance are as likely to kiss her as to kill her.

—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ゚。´THOUGHTS ゚☁︎。`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—

[Gideon]

“Come on, Gideon. I’ve known you since we were nine years old. You think I wouldn’t pick up on it when you finally had your first crush?”


“I don’t have a crush on Mercy.”


“With that reaction, I know for sure you do. Some things make more sense to me now.”


Gideon was more transparent about his feelings in this book, especially when he opened up to Mercy about a childhood experience where he was beaten so badly it caused lasting damage to his lungs. He was vulnerable about it because he assumed she’d see him as weak or pathetic for having a health condition that limited him, but she didn’t. She connected with him because of her own panic attacks, and she was able to calm him down when he spiraled. They grounded each other. He really made an effort to be with her, especially after she tried to back off because she didn’t want to upset Wylder. Gideon wasn’t having that. He told her he’d be with her either way because he had already talked to Wylder and wasn’t going to let a friendship stop him from pursuing his feelings. I loved how transparent and direct he was about it. He’s incredibly resourceful and takes on so much pressure and responsibility, but he’s just amazing overall.

[Rowan]

“I’m sorry for how I acted before,” I blurted out. “For how angry I got and how I talked to you after Gia made her accusations. And all the other stuff. You didn’t deserve that. I mean, it’s impressive that you were strong enough not to let it faze you too badly, but you still shouldn’t have had to put up with it.”


To an extent, I understand why he pushed her away and why he never followed through on escaping with her. He did it to protect his sister and family because Mercy’s father threatened their lives. Still, it was cruel of him to shut her out without giving her an explanation. He could have at least told her something. A simple apology after all these years isn’t enough. She never wronged him, yet he was still cold and dismissive in the first book, so him suddenly apologizing and asking for forgiveness doesn’t sit right with me. I wouldn’t give him that easily.

[Wylder]

“I’m sorry. You have earned that trust, more than earned it. I just—I was trying to protect you.”


“By treating me like dirt not even worthy of sticking to the soles of your shoes? Like I was a fucking piece of tissue you jerked off into and then wanted to toss in the trash?”


“I know it sounds stupid,” he said. “But I didn’t feel like I had a whole lot of choice.”


He’s been distant and straight-up awful since the beginning. It’s mainly because he doesn’t want his dad to find out he has feelings for Mercy or any kind of connection to her. Even though she’s part of their group now and has already proven her loyalty, he keeps her at arm’s length to protect her. His coldness is meant to shield her from his father’s attention, but it just hurts her more. It sucks that he can’t be honest about what he’s doing or why. Instead, he keeps pushing her away under the excuse of protecting her, which isn’t fair to her at all.

[Kaige]

“You belong with us,” he said vehemently, repeating the words he’d given me weeks ago that he’d seemed to go back on. “All of us. And if anyone tries to say there’s a problem with that, we’ll make it their problem instead.”


He was clearly mad at her because he thought she might have been working with Colt, but when they realized someone had taken her, he was one of the first to rush to her rescue. She was still scared, thinking Ezra might have sent someone after her, but Kaige’s worry was genuine. He’s protective by nature, and the thought of her being unsafe eats him alive. He’s all in at this point. He’s open to sharing too, since it’s already happened between him and Wylder, so that dynamic works surprisingly well.

—*•.¸♡ ★·.·☾ ゚。´OVERALL゚☁︎。`·.·★ ♡¸.•*⋆—

She killed Colt, and I’m glad she did. It felt right for her character and her story. It was her choice, her moment, and honestly, it was very girlboss of her. The fact that she finally used her good luck charm made it even more perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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