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82 Street Vandals #3
Ruthless Traitor
At the heart of it all was a secret and a lie.
A secret we didn’t tell her.
A lie we told ourselves.
Emersyn Sharpe is more than just the girl we watched over. She’s very much the woman who fits us. The last thing we should have done was take her and the worst thing we did was keep her, but she needs us. I think, more than one of us—myself included—needs her.
The secret wasn’t ours to share and the lie?
I bought into the lie that keeping her was saving her. The lie that persuading her to trust us was needed. The lie that falling in love with her was as natural as breathing. It didn’t matter if I wasn’t alone in falling into this trap. It mattered that when the trap closed, it put her on one side and us on the other. Damn and we were so close too…
My name is Vaughn Westbrook and I’ll be damned if I give up now.
RUTHLESS TRAITOR is a full length mature college/new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book three in the series.
A secret we didn’t tell her.
A lie we told ourselves.
Emersyn Sharpe is more than just the girl we watched over. She’s very much the woman who fits us. The last thing we should have done was take her and the worst thing we did was keep her, but she needs us. I think, more than one of us—myself included—needs her.
The secret wasn’t ours to share and the lie?
I bought into the lie that keeping her was saving her. The lie that persuading her to trust us was needed. The lie that falling in love with her was as natural as breathing. It didn’t matter if I wasn’t alone in falling into this trap. It mattered that when the trap closed, it put her on one side and us on the other. Damn and we were so close too…
My name is Vaughn Westbrook and I’ll be damned if I give up now.
RUTHLESS TRAITOR is a full length mature college/new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book three in the series.
538 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2021
676 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Heather Long
260 books2,280 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
May 30, 2022
You know, I don't mind cliffhangers generally. Patience and all that but this one UGHHH!!! Come on, Emersyn!!
From the moment I started this series I have been obsessed with Emersyn and The Vandals. Each character brings something entirely different to the story. At this point I know each of the Vandals and of course have my favorites, but this book felt next level compared to the previous two. It is hard to describe. They were just more; more protective, more violent and fiercer with Emersyn.
Now that Raptor is back the dynamic has changed. When it was mentioned that there was a distinct difference between Milo and Raptor, I didn't see it at first. As the story progressed, I noticed it. I noticed that the moments when Raptor was in control there was going to be violence and it didn't matter who was in the way they were going to be the person on the receiving end of that violence. There is still so much to his story. It is dark and there are secrets there, but I can't quite pinpoint what they are yet.
Doc, you let me down dude, you let me down big. I hope you can redeem yourself because right now I want to slap you upside your gorgeous head.
Vaughn, Jasper, and Kestrel are still delicious, but Liam and Rome surprised me a bit in this one. I never fully appreciated those two until now. Then Freddie, that sweet stupid boy is going to make a much bigger impact on this story than I ever thought he would. I can feel it.
One of the things that elevates this story for me is the narration. Brooke Daniels voice is sexy as hell and her voice always enraptures me. Then Noel Harrison, I swear his voice could make a nun swear. Toby Scott does such a good job at differentiating between the characters he portrays, and he has this rasp I can't get enough of. Adam Gold kind of won this narration with Raptor though, gods I felt for his character just from that voice alone. Looking forward to more of him.
If you can't tell I am invested entirely into the story of Emersyn and her Vandals. Seriously can't wait to dive into book four where things are no doubt going to get very dark.
From the moment I started this series I have been obsessed with Emersyn and The Vandals. Each character brings something entirely different to the story. At this point I know each of the Vandals and of course have my favorites, but this book felt next level compared to the previous two. It is hard to describe. They were just more; more protective, more violent and fiercer with Emersyn.
Now that Raptor is back the dynamic has changed. When it was mentioned that there was a distinct difference between Milo and Raptor, I didn't see it at first. As the story progressed, I noticed it. I noticed that the moments when Raptor was in control there was going to be violence and it didn't matter who was in the way they were going to be the person on the receiving end of that violence. There is still so much to his story. It is dark and there are secrets there, but I can't quite pinpoint what they are yet.
Doc, you let me down dude, you let me down big. I hope you can redeem yourself because right now I want to slap you upside your gorgeous head.
Vaughn, Jasper, and Kestrel are still delicious, but Liam and Rome surprised me a bit in this one. I never fully appreciated those two until now. Then Freddie, that sweet stupid boy is going to make a much bigger impact on this story than I ever thought he would. I can feel it.
One of the things that elevates this story for me is the narration. Brooke Daniels voice is sexy as hell and her voice always enraptures me. Then Noel Harrison, I swear his voice could make a nun swear. Toby Scott does such a good job at differentiating between the characters he portrays, and he has this rasp I can't get enough of. Adam Gold kind of won this narration with Raptor though, gods I felt for his character just from that voice alone. Looking forward to more of him.
If you can't tell I am invested entirely into the story of Emersyn and her Vandals. Seriously can't wait to dive into book four where things are no doubt going to get very dark.
October 26, 2021
Like the silks that our heroine Emerysn once spun herself in, our story is increasingly tangled- a marvel that is artful, beautiful, mesmerizing, and also cuttingly dangerous. Book one brought all the provocative, evasive, disorienting charisma, and book 2 was about establishing the foundational relationship dynamics, finding the fragile but intense connections between these characters. And Ruthless Traitor capitalizes on both of those foundations, dealing us an immersive, emotively tinged glimpse into the baggage weighing each of these characters down. This is the beginning of being submerged in the Vandals’ pain, in the myriad of tragedies, traumas, and decisions that have torn them apart inside but brought them together as a family. A family seemingly unbreakable, but at a crossroads as context and motivations have shifted.
The puzzle has only gotten more complicated - in fact, we don't even have all the pieces. But this book is about giving us some important ones, pieces that help us better understand this motley crue.
The Vandals world is such a complex tapestry of secrets, lies, half truths, and misdirection- and quite honestly, Heather is a creative genius to create a story so intricate, complicated, and dynamically rich. And I’m impressed how she keeps up with it all- every detail, every moment big and small are part of a broader narrative, one being told in both the past and the present. It’s quite a storytelling fete- and one she’s achieving brilliantly. Even more so, the characters themselves are complicated mosaics, intensely layered individuals whose identities we have to understand in so many parallels. Not only are we steadily chipping away at who they are in the present, as they expose their vulnerability to one another and their secrets slowly come to the surface, but we’re also trying to separate their vandal persona from their true heart- all while trying to discover who they were in the past, too.
The narrative approach, the past and present ping pong, is a powerful and thoughtful way for us to truly immerse ourselves in each of them. The past continues to be purposefully enigmatic- an impressionistic dip into the essence of our characters in moments critical to who they are in the present. Moments that have shaped their loyalty and connection to each other, moments that have added weight to the heavy baggage they all carry, and most important, moments that interconnect them in purpose in ways we don’t yet fully understand, but feel so intensely. All while we’re trying to make sense of the jaw dropping revelations Emersyn is grappling with as the result of the prodigal return of the near mythical Raptor- as well as her ever changing, deepening relationships with the Vandals crew, something that Raptor’s presence also unsettles. Even the writing styles have a contrasting flair - the past carries that enigmatic atmospheric paralipsis approach, each a vignette that feels both isolating and focused. While the present is full of emotive meta-immersions focused on their interconnections, and exploding with emotional drama. The approach, while brilliant, does cause the present day plot to at times feel like it lacks momentum- we get very little answered, and have a lot more questions- but it does help us more deeply mire ourselves in the psyche of each of these deliciously mysterious, magnetically charismatic characters. Their story, their actions, the broader puzzle might still be a mystery to us, but the nature of their hearts, and the weight that each of them carry is increasingly less opaque- which further invests us in the glimmers of vulnerability and transparency we see transpiring in the present day as each battle their loyalty to Raptor, to themselves, and to Emersyn. And even if we’re impatient for the romance, or the secrets, to unfold before us- Heather has warned us to buckle up- this is a long series, and these characters have a lot of suffering to do before they find healing. And Ruthless Traitor is about digging deep in that suffering- understanding just how deeply they are all wounded, and just how earth shattering it is that they’ve all chosen to deviate from the plan when it comes to Emersyn.
I will continue to shout just how novel and unique this story is. This is the work of an artist-an author who is painting a story with careful and intentional choices, each brushstroke meticulously placed. So the plot thickens, and thickens some more- and Heather is still priming the canvas in a lot of ways. We have more questions than answers- even about our characters, even about who the harem will be still, and even still about our beautifully broken heroine. Just when we think we know her, just when we feel like we’ve finally found the center of her mind, she does something that not only shocks us, but will completely change the direction of this story. Her journey to power, to healing and freedom has only just begun- and I have a feeling the next few chapters are going to be heartbreakingly challenging for all of these characters. I’m not sure my heart can take it- but I need answers, and I’m ready to watch these Vandals show us the depths of their fight.
The puzzle has only gotten more complicated - in fact, we don't even have all the pieces. But this book is about giving us some important ones, pieces that help us better understand this motley crue.
The Vandals world is such a complex tapestry of secrets, lies, half truths, and misdirection- and quite honestly, Heather is a creative genius to create a story so intricate, complicated, and dynamically rich. And I’m impressed how she keeps up with it all- every detail, every moment big and small are part of a broader narrative, one being told in both the past and the present. It’s quite a storytelling fete- and one she’s achieving brilliantly. Even more so, the characters themselves are complicated mosaics, intensely layered individuals whose identities we have to understand in so many parallels. Not only are we steadily chipping away at who they are in the present, as they expose their vulnerability to one another and their secrets slowly come to the surface, but we’re also trying to separate their vandal persona from their true heart- all while trying to discover who they were in the past, too.
The narrative approach, the past and present ping pong, is a powerful and thoughtful way for us to truly immerse ourselves in each of them. The past continues to be purposefully enigmatic- an impressionistic dip into the essence of our characters in moments critical to who they are in the present. Moments that have shaped their loyalty and connection to each other, moments that have added weight to the heavy baggage they all carry, and most important, moments that interconnect them in purpose in ways we don’t yet fully understand, but feel so intensely. All while we’re trying to make sense of the jaw dropping revelations Emersyn is grappling with as the result of the prodigal return of the near mythical Raptor- as well as her ever changing, deepening relationships with the Vandals crew, something that Raptor’s presence also unsettles. Even the writing styles have a contrasting flair - the past carries that enigmatic atmospheric paralipsis approach, each a vignette that feels both isolating and focused. While the present is full of emotive meta-immersions focused on their interconnections, and exploding with emotional drama. The approach, while brilliant, does cause the present day plot to at times feel like it lacks momentum- we get very little answered, and have a lot more questions- but it does help us more deeply mire ourselves in the psyche of each of these deliciously mysterious, magnetically charismatic characters. Their story, their actions, the broader puzzle might still be a mystery to us, but the nature of their hearts, and the weight that each of them carry is increasingly less opaque- which further invests us in the glimmers of vulnerability and transparency we see transpiring in the present day as each battle their loyalty to Raptor, to themselves, and to Emersyn. And even if we’re impatient for the romance, or the secrets, to unfold before us- Heather has warned us to buckle up- this is a long series, and these characters have a lot of suffering to do before they find healing. And Ruthless Traitor is about digging deep in that suffering- understanding just how deeply they are all wounded, and just how earth shattering it is that they’ve all chosen to deviate from the plan when it comes to Emersyn.
I will continue to shout just how novel and unique this story is. This is the work of an artist-an author who is painting a story with careful and intentional choices, each brushstroke meticulously placed. So the plot thickens, and thickens some more- and Heather is still priming the canvas in a lot of ways. We have more questions than answers- even about our characters, even about who the harem will be still, and even still about our beautifully broken heroine. Just when we think we know her, just when we feel like we’ve finally found the center of her mind, she does something that not only shocks us, but will completely change the direction of this story. Her journey to power, to healing and freedom has only just begun- and I have a feeling the next few chapters are going to be heartbreakingly challenging for all of these characters. I’m not sure my heart can take it- but I need answers, and I’m ready to watch these Vandals show us the depths of their fight.
October 17, 2021
ARC Review for Book 3 in the 82 Street Vandals series 🔥
Ok...my brain is fried, my eyes are puffy and my heart is both so full of love and so painful right now! I really think Heather went into book three thinking "Ok, now I mean business!" She definitely didn't come to play for this one, hot damn this is something special!
If you've been following this series, (which if you're a RH lover like me then really you should be) then by now you'll be completely and irrevocably obsessed with Emersyn Sharpe and her gang of beautiful, possessive, brooding and doting alpha men. And let me tell you each and every one of these guys SLAYED me even more than I though possible.
Freddie 😩 oh my god this beautiful boy was the star of the show. And I've said it from day one but Rome owns my whole heart 🥰 both him and Freddie need to be treasured and I will take one for the team and do it girls, don't you worry! Vaughn, Kellan and Jasper lived up to every wonderful expectation we have of them and even more so. Oh and can we just take a minute to appreciate Liam's growth?! Lord almighty 🔥
That immensely gripping plot just intensified and got so much more complex and layered. I LOVE how Heather layed out this book, between the chapters from different POVs and the flashbacks to previous events, reading it was like putting together the most gritty and bloody jigsaw, GAH JUST PERFECTION! And the whole raptor element? Both insanely frustrating and heart warming!
It's so hard to keep this spoiler free because my whole being just wants to scream from the rooftops about it! But you know what to expect now right? Gangs, warfare, RH, Alphaholes, ALL 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 STEAM 👏🏻 AND 👏🏻 FEELS, its bloody, intense, its also so much darker than we've seen before in this series, so to sum it up, it's full of the good stuff that we love!
Last point from me, that cliffy was the worst one I've ever come across. Imagine me sitting there reading for damn near 12 hours to end up in tears and yelling at my kindle?! Heather, girl, I am so mad! 😩
So for the foreseeable future, if you ever ask me what's on my mind, you can go right ahead and assume its this book and this group of men because I can't imagine a day I'm not going to be thinking about this in the lead up to book 4! 🔥
Ok...my brain is fried, my eyes are puffy and my heart is both so full of love and so painful right now! I really think Heather went into book three thinking "Ok, now I mean business!" She definitely didn't come to play for this one, hot damn this is something special!
If you've been following this series, (which if you're a RH lover like me then really you should be) then by now you'll be completely and irrevocably obsessed with Emersyn Sharpe and her gang of beautiful, possessive, brooding and doting alpha men. And let me tell you each and every one of these guys SLAYED me even more than I though possible.
Freddie 😩 oh my god this beautiful boy was the star of the show. And I've said it from day one but Rome owns my whole heart 🥰 both him and Freddie need to be treasured and I will take one for the team and do it girls, don't you worry! Vaughn, Kellan and Jasper lived up to every wonderful expectation we have of them and even more so. Oh and can we just take a minute to appreciate Liam's growth?! Lord almighty 🔥
That immensely gripping plot just intensified and got so much more complex and layered. I LOVE how Heather layed out this book, between the chapters from different POVs and the flashbacks to previous events, reading it was like putting together the most gritty and bloody jigsaw, GAH JUST PERFECTION! And the whole raptor element? Both insanely frustrating and heart warming!
It's so hard to keep this spoiler free because my whole being just wants to scream from the rooftops about it! But you know what to expect now right? Gangs, warfare, RH, Alphaholes, ALL 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 STEAM 👏🏻 AND 👏🏻 FEELS, its bloody, intense, its also so much darker than we've seen before in this series, so to sum it up, it's full of the good stuff that we love!
Last point from me, that cliffy was the worst one I've ever come across. Imagine me sitting there reading for damn near 12 hours to end up in tears and yelling at my kindle?! Heather, girl, I am so mad! 😩
So for the foreseeable future, if you ever ask me what's on my mind, you can go right ahead and assume its this book and this group of men because I can't imagine a day I'm not going to be thinking about this in the lead up to book 4! 🔥
May 28, 2022
BASIC FACTS:
Pages:
My rating: 4
Genre: RH, contemporary, Gang
Themes: Dance, kidnapping, Gang/crime
Protagonist Ages: Emersyn is 18, her brother is 25. The ages of the other guys is not mentioned. Doc is much older than Emersyn and the guys
Pacing: good pacing for this story, slow burn
Plot Rating: 3.5
I love this series. The author has so many good ideas, it’s always entertaining. I like Rome and Freddie best. They are good to Emersyn. But also the other guys are okay. We will see, who will participate and do what Raptor says or runs the other way.
The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons
Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler
October 30, 2021
That ENDING!!! I almost cried.
I don't know why I downloaded this as soon as it was released on KU. Nor do I know why I read it like a crazy person knowing that I'd have a wait until the next book came out, but I did and here I am.
This book picks up where the 2nd left off with Emersyn and Jasper returning from a mini-vacay-away-to-bang to find that Raptor/Milo has come home from prison and he's not happy. There's fisticuffs and yelling and we finally learn just who Milo/Raptor is, why the guys defer to him when dealing with Emersyn, and why they all know so much about her.
SOOOOOO
So, this book, like the previous ones, had a lot of flashback chapters. Like I said in my review of Savage Vandal, I'm not a fan of the flashback, however, it wasn't so bad. I will say that the ones in this book sometimes got annoying because it was a flashback from book 1 or 2. Like, I already read that shit, give me something new. Although, it was usually from a different perspective OR more thorough about what was going on.
Anyhooo.
That ending. UGH. Could Emersyn be any more dumb? I mean really. Self-sacrificing was STUPID and played right into her uncle's hand. So annoying. So, obviously, the next book will be about them saving her from her evil, sick ass uncle.
So, yup. Can I have the 4th book now? Do I really have to wait until February for Dirty Devil? Cause I don't wanna.
I don't know why I downloaded this as soon as it was released on KU. Nor do I know why I read it like a crazy person knowing that I'd have a wait until the next book came out, but I did and here I am.
This book picks up where the 2nd left off with Emersyn and Jasper returning from a mini-vacay-away-to-bang to find that Raptor/Milo has come home from prison and he's not happy. There's fisticuffs and yelling and we finally learn just who Milo/Raptor is, why the guys defer to him when dealing with Emersyn, and why they all know so much about her.
SOOOOOO
So, this book, like the previous ones, had a lot of flashback chapters. Like I said in my review of Savage Vandal, I'm not a fan of the flashback, however, it wasn't so bad. I will say that the ones in this book sometimes got annoying because it was a flashback from book 1 or 2. Like, I already read that shit, give me something new. Although, it was usually from a different perspective OR more thorough about what was going on.
Anyhooo.
That ending. UGH. Could Emersyn be any more dumb? I mean really. Self-sacrificing was STUPID and played right into her uncle's hand. So annoying. So, obviously, the next book will be about them saving her from her evil, sick ass uncle.
So, yup. Can I have the 4th book now? Do I really have to wait until February for Dirty Devil? Cause I don't wanna.
October 15, 2021
I loved it! So much happened with Milo’s return as a catalyst it was nonstop action and angst. We really got to see and learn more about Liam this time around and I was here for it! The cliffy at the end is pretty heart-stopping; I can’t wait for the next book!
November 16, 2021
This was a solid read. There were parts I really enjoyed and some parts that drove me insane, which I’ll touch base on.
This picks up right off from book two’s ending. That was nice, to not have missed any reactions.
This book focuses on character and relationship developments. This author does a good job on that. I’d say that I don’t fully know Emersyn’s character and what she’s really like, it felt more like her in relation to the guys, and in the past flashbacks, she’s always seemed really sad due to her circumstances.
She’s been groomed sexually by her uncle for a long time, so I was expecting her to have a bit more reaction to the trauma she’s suffered, but it only popped up a few times.
I’m excited to get to know Milo more. He seems like a great big brother.
The guys are cool, Jasper and Kellan didn’t feel like they really featured in this one as much as the other guys did. We got to know Liam a lot more. Personally I don’t care to hear them talk about past sexual exploits and this happened a few times with Liam in flashbacks, which made me not really care for him tbh.
Still not sure if Freddie is going to be in the harem, but making him be around Emersyn and thinking about sleeping with his seventh grade math teacher and having her picture on his phone.. which he shows to her is not appealing to me. I know he has his struggles but it’s honestly not making me see him in a boyfriend light unless he does a lot of growing up.
I like a good age gap, so I’m wondering what’s going to change to make Doc be part of the harem. It seems their age gap is a little bit more than i expected, so that’ll be interesting.
Rome’s my favorite. I don’t think anyone can take his spot. He knew what he wanted and he waited for her so patiently. An angel.
The back and forth from past to present started out alright, but quickly got annoying for me. I wanted to know more about the present storyline, which honestly didn’t feel like much happened outside of relationship development. I’d just expect that by the third book in a series we’d have a little bit more to go off of, but right now it’s a lot of speculation.
Overall, this would’ve been close to a 4 star read for most of it until the ending. I can’t stand a self sacrificing fmc who keeps secrets to protect the guys. Your big bad guys who you’ve seen kill people……. But you need to protect them from your sexually abusive predator of an uncle. Right.
I’ll read book 4 when it comes out because I’m curious to see where this plot line is going to take us. I’m guessing she’s going to suffer a lot before anything good happens since there’s so many books still to come.
This picks up right off from book two’s ending. That was nice, to not have missed any reactions.
This book focuses on character and relationship developments. This author does a good job on that. I’d say that I don’t fully know Emersyn’s character and what she’s really like, it felt more like her in relation to the guys, and in the past flashbacks, she’s always seemed really sad due to her circumstances.
She’s been groomed sexually by her uncle for a long time, so I was expecting her to have a bit more reaction to the trauma she’s suffered, but it only popped up a few times.
I’m excited to get to know Milo more. He seems like a great big brother.
The guys are cool, Jasper and Kellan didn’t feel like they really featured in this one as much as the other guys did. We got to know Liam a lot more. Personally I don’t care to hear them talk about past sexual exploits and this happened a few times with Liam in flashbacks, which made me not really care for him tbh.
Still not sure if Freddie is going to be in the harem, but making him be around Emersyn and thinking about sleeping with his seventh grade math teacher and having her picture on his phone.. which he shows to her is not appealing to me. I know he has his struggles but it’s honestly not making me see him in a boyfriend light unless he does a lot of growing up.
I like a good age gap, so I’m wondering what’s going to change to make Doc be part of the harem. It seems their age gap is a little bit more than i expected, so that’ll be interesting.
Rome’s my favorite. I don’t think anyone can take his spot. He knew what he wanted and he waited for her so patiently. An angel.
The back and forth from past to present started out alright, but quickly got annoying for me. I wanted to know more about the present storyline, which honestly didn’t feel like much happened outside of relationship development. I’d just expect that by the third book in a series we’d have a little bit more to go off of, but right now it’s a lot of speculation.
Overall, this would’ve been close to a 4 star read for most of it until the ending. I can’t stand a self sacrificing fmc who keeps secrets to protect the guys. Your big bad guys who you’ve seen kill people……. But you need to protect them from your sexually abusive predator of an uncle. Right.
I’ll read book 4 when it comes out because I’m curious to see where this plot line is going to take us. I’m guessing she’s going to suffer a lot before anything good happens since there’s so many books still to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
Heather really let us have it with this one!!!!
We pick up right where Vicious Rebel ended, Raptor is back and there is some drama surrounding that.
Can I just say, I still love my baby Freddie with my whole heart, but Liam is a close 2nd!! The tension between Emersyn and the guys is fire hot and the spice in this book is *chefs kiss*.
This book is chock full of emotional moments, I felt every single emotion while reading this. There are so many twists and turns, betrayals and secrets, and the plot got so much thicker and keeps you on your toes.
I loved the different POVs and getting to be in the guys heads, and the flashbacks helped put some things together. I can't say too much, I don't wanna give any spoilers, but I wanna just keep talking about this book and series to anyone that will listen 😂😂
If you want to read a dark RH with drama, action, alpha guys that are crazy hot, and also so much steam, then you need to read this series!!
Heather might have ripped my heart out, and stomped on it all while laughing evilly with that cliffhanger, but I will always 1 click anything written by her. It might not be a healthy relationship but I love her all the same 😂😂😂
GO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
We pick up right where Vicious Rebel ended, Raptor is back and there is some drama surrounding that.
Can I just say, I still love my baby Freddie with my whole heart, but Liam is a close 2nd!! The tension between Emersyn and the guys is fire hot and the spice in this book is *chefs kiss*.
This book is chock full of emotional moments, I felt every single emotion while reading this. There are so many twists and turns, betrayals and secrets, and the plot got so much thicker and keeps you on your toes.
I loved the different POVs and getting to be in the guys heads, and the flashbacks helped put some things together. I can't say too much, I don't wanna give any spoilers, but I wanna just keep talking about this book and series to anyone that will listen 😂😂
If you want to read a dark RH with drama, action, alpha guys that are crazy hot, and also so much steam, then you need to read this series!!
Heather might have ripped my heart out, and stomped on it all while laughing evilly with that cliffhanger, but I will always 1 click anything written by her. It might not be a healthy relationship but I love her all the same 😂😂😂
GO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
October 24, 2021
Y’all. Heather Long is the queen of making you invest your heart into her characters. Every trauma, every win, every secret is painted on your heart so that you’re in it. I barely breathed as we faced some Emersyn‘s trauma, what her life on the road with the company was like and what she had to give up to maintain some freedom on her terms. I was endeared to Milo as we saw what he has done to be able to give Emersyn the life that he thought she deserved. I can’t even begin to think what he’ll do if he ever finds out.
Doc’s past begins to come to light with how close he was and is to the boys, and I was really surprised as I realized everything that he has done, sacrificed, and has seen.
This book in short was filled with surprises. Some of them were like being thrown cold water over, as I’m sure it felt for Emersyn felt as she realized what had been done, the sacrifices made, some unnecessary due to the trauma that she had that may have been worse than staying. Darkness lives in poverty, with the rich, and the depraved always finds a way. But so does the light…and that’s what I’m holding onto.
Y’all…I need the next book ASAP. Lmao. #TeamMadAtHeather and she knows it.
Doc’s past begins to come to light with how close he was and is to the boys, and I was really surprised as I realized everything that he has done, sacrificed, and has seen.
This book in short was filled with surprises. Some of them were like being thrown cold water over, as I’m sure it felt for Emersyn felt as she realized what had been done, the sacrifices made, some unnecessary due to the trauma that she had that may have been worse than staying. Darkness lives in poverty, with the rich, and the depraved always finds a way. But so does the light…and that’s what I’m holding onto.
Y’all…I need the next book ASAP. Lmao. #TeamMadAtHeather and she knows it.
February 25, 2023
my heart 😭🖤
This book brings out so many emotions. Getting to do a deeper dive into everyone’s past and see what each of them has had to go through was heartbreaking. Some or than others.
Seeing the guys open up to Milo about Emersyn was so sweet. Especially hearing what Freddy said to him and knowing he was right about it all.
Liam showing her how to fight and get away if she needs it shows so much care for her in a way I don’t think anyone gets. It’s giving her something to make her feel safe again.
Having her start to feel safe and seeing her go into that store and get what she liked and have her dance in that stage was giving her back a little bit of herself.
Then that happened and she was more worried about Liam than herself. Even when she wasn’t dealing well with what happened 🥺And don’t get me started on Doc. 😑 I have never wanted to knock the crap out of someone more than him 😑
I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! I knew there was a reason for the cut off.
Killian giving her driving lessons 🥹 giving her that much more power back. The tattoo she got from Vaughn 🥹
Also that twist with the envelope 🤯 did not see that coming at all. I am SHATTERED absolutely shattered 😭😭😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book brings out so many emotions. Getting to do a deeper dive into everyone’s past and see what each of them has had to go through was heartbreaking. Some or than others.
Seeing the guys open up to Milo about Emersyn was so sweet. Especially hearing what Freddy said to him and knowing he was right about it all.
Liam showing her how to fight and get away if she needs it shows so much care for her in a way I don’t think anyone gets. It’s giving her something to make her feel safe again.
Having her start to feel safe and seeing her go into that store and get what she liked and have her dance in that stage was giving her back a little bit of herself.
Then that happened and she was more worried about Liam than herself. Even when she wasn’t dealing well with what happened 🥺And don’t get me started on Doc. 😑 I have never wanted to knock the crap out of someone more than him 😑
I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! I knew there was a reason for the cut off.
Killian giving her driving lessons 🥹 giving her that much more power back. The tattoo she got from Vaughn 🥹
Also that twist with the envelope 🤯 did not see that coming at all. I am SHATTERED absolutely shattered 😭😭😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
October 20, 2021
I haven’t caught my breath yet.. please.. hold…. Ok where to start??! Book 3 I thought I was ready for you but I WAS NOT .. Heather takes us carefully but calculated through the present and past of our boys and girl.. Emersyn needs to understand the truth between the lies that she’s been told and use her new found trust that’s holding on by a thread to decide if this is really where she wants to be. Between the Vandals broken relationships with each other Emersyn quickly becomes the glue that starts to bind them back together.. she has to decide if she’s selfish enough to put them in harms way.. so she can have her own family for the first time.. This book is not for the faint of heart but is so beautifully written that I had to pause because I felt like I was in a room or a scene that I did not want to be in, but couldn’t put it down because I wanted to get through the other side with each character.. this series is so much more than I ever could’ve imagined.. and though it might kill me I’ll be in this ride until it ends.. I’ll be right here waiting … until book 4…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2022
So much more is revealed in this book but there are still so many secrets left to learn. I really enjoyed how the book went back and forth between present time and the past when the guys were growing up. It really showed us how they grew up together and learned to trust each other so well. How they ultimately became vandals.
I’m not happy with Doc right now (he knows what he did or rather what he won’t do). But I’m always down for Freddie’s humor and lightheartedness, Rome’s silent promise to always be there, Vaughn and Kellan’s steady assurance, Jasper’s soft and brutal sides, Milo’s never ending patience, and Liam’s snarky strength.
I can’t believe it ended the way it did. Emersyn is crazy thinking this is the better plan to do. I can’t wait to see just what the guys do about her plan and how they get her back.
I’m not happy with Doc right now (he knows what he did or rather what he won’t do). But I’m always down for Freddie’s humor and lightheartedness, Rome’s silent promise to always be there, Vaughn and Kellan’s steady assurance, Jasper’s soft and brutal sides, Milo’s never ending patience, and Liam’s snarky strength.
I can’t believe it ended the way it did. Emersyn is crazy thinking this is the better plan to do. I can’t wait to see just what the guys do about her plan and how they get her back.
October 27, 2021
Still trying to process this wild ride of a suspenseful romance.
So many questions remain but I did get a glimpse as to what lies beneath the facade Emersyn puts out there. THe stuff she’s gone through is unbelievable and heartbreaking. Those she trusted betrayed her. So glad the guys are there for her and willing to commit serious injury or death to those who deserve it.
And to add to the story, we get quite a bit of background on what happened to the guys before she came into their lives. The whole group itself has so much hurt to overcome and healing to move forward with.
Be prepared for some serious heat, suspense and of course that cliffhanger one would expect.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
So many questions remain but I did get a glimpse as to what lies beneath the facade Emersyn puts out there. THe stuff she’s gone through is unbelievable and heartbreaking. Those she trusted betrayed her. So glad the guys are there for her and willing to commit serious injury or death to those who deserve it.
And to add to the story, we get quite a bit of background on what happened to the guys before she came into their lives. The whole group itself has so much hurt to overcome and healing to move forward with.
Be prepared for some serious heat, suspense and of course that cliffhanger one would expect.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
Wow, this book picks right up where we left off with Emersyn and the guys. This series is one of twists, secrets, betrayal, and life trials that most will never understand. But it is also about how a broken system can leave someone shattered, and tough choices being made out of love can bite you in the a&& later. Everything they thought they knew only gets turned upside down as the reality of it is shown. The steam and tension in this book between Emersyn and the guys is beautiful, and I love that she will not let anyone mess with her guys. I swear Freddie is the best comic relief character I’ve ever read, and his heart is the biggest of them all. I loved every twist this book threw at me and can not wait for more from the Vandals. If you have not started the series yet, but enjoy RH romance that has grit and real emotion, give the 82nd Street Vandals a read. I love this series, even if we are left on a cliff. 4.5/stars TW/18+
October 19, 2021
Milo returns and we are thrown into non-stop action and drama to say the least. Can we take a moment to Liam and all that he is this man! Also my baby Freddie he is everything! I don’t know how much more my heart can take. Book three is full of twists and turns, lies, secrets and betrayals to last a life time. The spice and tension between Emersyn and the guys bleeds through the pages. I never know what we are going to get going into a story with this author which I love because I am always on the edge of my seat waiting for my soul to be crushed and this ending was no exception. I can’t wait for the next book.
January 29, 2024
This one was kind of slow, nothing really happened till the last couple chapters. And I really didn’t like the past chapters being every other chapter. It got pretty annoying and took me out of the story. I liked the glimpses we got of all of them from before I just wish it wasn’t structured like that, every other chapter. So tedious after a while. And I knew how it was going to end but still, if they all could have just sat down and had a real conversation then it could have all be avoided. These people never talked to each other, it could have solved like 98% of their problems.
March 7, 2022
This had some big reveals and finally some explanations but it also ran the risk of “a lot of the same” being the 3rd book drawing the basic main plot line out. Definitely more hints of some subplots (with the potential of becoming bigger). Still loving the guys and seeing the main female character grow stronger with their unconditional support. The ending, of course, was out of control and had me IMMEDIATELY download the next book. Which is currently the last book out (don’t mind that noise, it’s just me crying into the corner).
March 10, 2022
my heart
Honestly I am so obsessed with this series it is UNREAL.
I love every single one of the guys in this including raptor, Emersyn is so strong and I love that she is after everything she went through, i need MORE after that cliffhanger jumping into book 4 asap, am I emotionally ready? Nope but I am here for it.
Honestly I am so obsessed with this series it is UNREAL.
I love every single one of the guys in this including raptor, Emersyn is so strong and I love that she is after everything she went through, i need MORE after that cliffhanger jumping into book 4 asap, am I emotionally ready? Nope but I am here for it.
October 27, 2021
I can't get enough
This series is so good I honestly can't get enough. Waiting for book for is going to be agony but I will persevere cause damn I want it so bad
This series is so good I honestly can't get enough. Waiting for book for is going to be agony but I will persevere cause damn I want it so bad
September 19, 2023
DNF at 33%. I was skipping more of the book than I was reading.
October 20, 2021
Ruthless Traitor by Heather Long is a reverse harem romance. This is the third book in the 82 Street Vandals series.
the book comes with a caution "RUTHLESS TRAITOR is a full length mature college/new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book three in the series."
I absolutely love this series! Heather does an amazing job pulling me in from the first chapter. I am loving the relationship that's blooming between Emersyn and the Vandals.
I really enjoyed getting Emersyn, Milo, Liam, Rome, Jasper, Vaughn, Freddie, Kellan, and Doc's point of views throughout the book. Getting the flashbacks of their lives really brought another dimension to the story. I am falling more and more for these boys!
The cliffhanger was amazing! I can't wait for the next book Dirty Devil to be released on February 15, 2022.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dark romances, enemies-to-lovers romance, new adult romances, reverse harems, or romantic suspense. This book has it all and is definitely one of my TOP READS for 2021!
the book comes with a caution "RUTHLESS TRAITOR is a full length mature college/new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book three in the series."
I absolutely love this series! Heather does an amazing job pulling me in from the first chapter. I am loving the relationship that's blooming between Emersyn and the Vandals.
I really enjoyed getting Emersyn, Milo, Liam, Rome, Jasper, Vaughn, Freddie, Kellan, and Doc's point of views throughout the book. Getting the flashbacks of their lives really brought another dimension to the story. I am falling more and more for these boys!
The cliffhanger was amazing! I can't wait for the next book Dirty Devil to be released on February 15, 2022.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dark romances, enemies-to-lovers romance, new adult romances, reverse harems, or romantic suspense. This book has it all and is definitely one of my TOP READS for 2021!
May 5, 2022
This story is killing me!!! Cried years of both hot and heartache, but that ending has gutted me!!!
Please tell me she gets her HEA with her guys!!!!
Please tell me she gets her HEA with her guys!!!!
November 6, 2021
3.5-4 stars ⭐️ I’m torn! I really loved the first two books, and their story is one I’m invested in. The biggest reason for loss of stars in my rating is all the flashbacks. I get why some were included and were needed for backstory and character building, but at times they just seemed to interrupt the story and I found myself completely skimming those chapters. I was more invested in the current events of the story and wanted more of that. Overall, though, I enjoyed this and I will read the next book because I want to see what happens next!
November 17, 2021
Okay, so I really liked this series, but I will have to say, I did not finish it. So this will go for the first two books and most of this one I read.
I will say, the first book is confusing as hell! It took me almost halfway through to even try to piece together that those guys were in a gang. Everything after was equally confusing. I feel the book could have been made a bit shorter, into perhaps a duet. Things were extremely drawn out and that is why I didn't finish.
I got tired of reading the same things again and again, or for little parts of the story to filter in every 20 chapters. I loved the story itself and even the characters, once I was able to flush out what the hell was happening. I just feel like it shouldn't have taken as long as it did, or maybe put fewer twists and turns in there.
The only thing I've managed to gather up until this point in book 3, where I stopped, is that they were all orphans, two pairs of siblings, all young and had been put through the wringer. The guys, despite the twins being separated temporarily, all managed to stay together, but the leader, who just now enters the picture, lost his sister among the adoptions.
The guys for her life stalked her movements, publically at least, and knew she had been being abused in her dancing career, but no one seems to know how deep everything goes. It's something even I would like to have found out, but I didn't feel connected enough to keep reading, hopefully, you do and it's a worthy ending! With her almost being 18 though, they decide to kidnap her and hide her until then, so if she comes back up publically she wouldn't be forced to go back to her old life. They keep the knowledge of who she really is and why they stole her from her though, and have many thoughts on not being able to keep her and perhaps just giving her back? Which I find very odd...why then, praytell, did you take her in the first place? If you just wanted to kill the guy who was hurting her in the dance company, then do it and be done with it. Why take her if you only wanted to keep her until she turned 18, considering they don't know how abused she was in her private home life either...or the fact that her brother, who isn't there for most of the story, does and does not want her also. He is pissed that the guys took her, happy he gets to see her, but also seemed like he was ready to tell her to go back to her old life too.
Considering these guys haven't hurt her, but the person who was hurting her, and she slowly is trusting them, I'm not sure why she just won't tell them everything that is happening in her life. Especially considering these guys are gangsters and could probably help her with her problem, regardless of knowing who she really is and her whole history with them. It's one thing I truly hate in books, someone needs to spill the beans, and it's okay if it takes half a book to do so, but damnit, someone just do it already!
You can still have all the drama and plot buildup, hell they find out at some point, I'm sure, even though I never made it that far...try shortening down some of the unnecessary and still make a decent story. I don't mind a series, hell I've read a series of 9 books, two of them back to back, 18 books in seven days with little sleep...I don't mind the reading, but I get tired of things being drawn out past their due time.
Overall? 4 for the series, 5 per individual books, of what I read.
Spice? 3? I didn't get a whole lot..so in three books, of a reverse harem, we've had sex with maybe two guys???? HOW
Plot? 5, it's interesting just too drawn out
Triggers? Possibly for some people, so Yes. Please check your trigger warnings before reading anything!
I will say, the first book is confusing as hell! It took me almost halfway through to even try to piece together that those guys were in a gang. Everything after was equally confusing. I feel the book could have been made a bit shorter, into perhaps a duet. Things were extremely drawn out and that is why I didn't finish.
I got tired of reading the same things again and again, or for little parts of the story to filter in every 20 chapters. I loved the story itself and even the characters, once I was able to flush out what the hell was happening. I just feel like it shouldn't have taken as long as it did, or maybe put fewer twists and turns in there.
The only thing I've managed to gather up until this point in book 3, where I stopped, is that they were all orphans, two pairs of siblings, all young and had been put through the wringer. The guys, despite the twins being separated temporarily, all managed to stay together, but the leader, who just now enters the picture, lost his sister among the adoptions.
The guys for her life stalked her movements, publically at least, and knew she had been being abused in her dancing career, but no one seems to know how deep everything goes. It's something even I would like to have found out, but I didn't feel connected enough to keep reading, hopefully, you do and it's a worthy ending! With her almost being 18 though, they decide to kidnap her and hide her until then, so if she comes back up publically she wouldn't be forced to go back to her old life. They keep the knowledge of who she really is and why they stole her from her though, and have many thoughts on not being able to keep her and perhaps just giving her back? Which I find very odd...why then, praytell, did you take her in the first place? If you just wanted to kill the guy who was hurting her in the dance company, then do it and be done with it. Why take her if you only wanted to keep her until she turned 18, considering they don't know how abused she was in her private home life either...or the fact that her brother, who isn't there for most of the story, does and does not want her also. He is pissed that the guys took her, happy he gets to see her, but also seemed like he was ready to tell her to go back to her old life too.
Considering these guys haven't hurt her, but the person who was hurting her, and she slowly is trusting them, I'm not sure why she just won't tell them everything that is happening in her life. Especially considering these guys are gangsters and could probably help her with her problem, regardless of knowing who she really is and her whole history with them. It's one thing I truly hate in books, someone needs to spill the beans, and it's okay if it takes half a book to do so, but damnit, someone just do it already!
You can still have all the drama and plot buildup, hell they find out at some point, I'm sure, even though I never made it that far...try shortening down some of the unnecessary and still make a decent story. I don't mind a series, hell I've read a series of 9 books, two of them back to back, 18 books in seven days with little sleep...I don't mind the reading, but I get tired of things being drawn out past their due time.
Overall? 4 for the series, 5 per individual books, of what I read.
Spice? 3? I didn't get a whole lot..so in three books, of a reverse harem, we've had sex with maybe two guys???? HOW
Plot? 5, it's interesting just too drawn out
Triggers? Possibly for some people, so Yes. Please check your trigger warnings before reading anything!
October 21, 2021
I'm a sad kitten, y'all know how much I LOVE this series. But this book....was not it. This is quiet honestly the worst book out of the series. How could the first two books be five fucking stars and this one suck so damn bad?
I hate it. I really, really do. Because I love all of these characters so flippin' much. Emeryson is spunky, playful, and full of fire. Milo is trying his damnedest to be the best brother to her. But what happens in between just fell flat.
I understand, there has to be a build up, an explanation to everything that's occurred and bound to occur going forward. But this book was full to the brim of backstory, which was boring. All the little pieces of information you need to put the puzzle together, it's like she dumped them all in one book, and it just made for an informative book instead of "on the edge of my seat, screaming at the characters" type of reaction. Which is what I expected, especially considering the first two books were hands down incredible!
With all that said, I'm not giving up hope! Book four, I'm pleading, will be out of this world.
I hate it. I really, really do. Because I love all of these characters so flippin' much. Emeryson is spunky, playful, and full of fire. Milo is trying his damnedest to be the best brother to her. But what happens in between just fell flat.
I understand, there has to be a build up, an explanation to everything that's occurred and bound to occur going forward. But this book was full to the brim of backstory, which was boring. All the little pieces of information you need to put the puzzle together, it's like she dumped them all in one book, and it just made for an informative book instead of "on the edge of my seat, screaming at the characters" type of reaction. Which is what I expected, especially considering the first two books were hands down incredible!
With all that said, I'm not giving up hope! Book four, I'm pleading, will be out of this world.
April 20, 2022
Holy heather! That just blew my socks off. This book, guys, hear me out. Heather honestly has outdone herself. This book is my favorite of the series but maybe my favorite from anything Heather’s written (including Frankie!) You can tell that she poured her heart and soul into this. This was nothing short of phenomenal and oh my gosh it’s going to take me a few days to recover from this book hangover.
We’re back. With Emersyn and the fellas. This time we get Raptor too! Oh, to hear about the past lives of everyone is so necessary but so dang sad too. You definitely will want to start this series from the beginning otherwise you’ll be confused with everyone’s back story. We get progressively more and more breadcrumbs. But we ready. This ending was like no other. Don’t worry, everyone still has a pulse, yours will just be elevated. No spoilers but dang it all you NEED to read this series. It will pull you in and leave you yearning for more each and every ending. Thank you Heather! Terrific job. I don’t think I have enough good words to speak about this book! I FREAKING LOVED IT.
We’re back. With Emersyn and the fellas. This time we get Raptor too! Oh, to hear about the past lives of everyone is so necessary but so dang sad too. You definitely will want to start this series from the beginning otherwise you’ll be confused with everyone’s back story. We get progressively more and more breadcrumbs. But we ready. This ending was like no other. Don’t worry, everyone still has a pulse, yours will just be elevated. No spoilers but dang it all you NEED to read this series. It will pull you in and leave you yearning for more each and every ending. Thank you Heather! Terrific job. I don’t think I have enough good words to speak about this book! I FREAKING LOVED IT.
March 1, 2025
Loving this series. Emerson has gone through soo much and is finally figuring out who she really is. The ending is unexpected and makes me want to slap her. Loved seeing some of the backstories for the Vandals. I have a feeling the next book will be brutal.
November 14, 2021
One word... HEARTSTOPPER!
Emersyn is reconciling the fact that she has a brother, that the men, who have been entrusted with her safety and care, men she freely loves, and trusts kept the truth hidden from her, to protect her, not realizing that keeping the truth from her, they were also hurting her, not only that there are lies and secrets, but a lot more secrets and how they playout will affect everyone involved.
Through multiple POV’s from Emersyn, Jasper, Kellan, Rome, Vaughn, Liam, Freddie, Milo aka Raptor and Doc, we get to see their past, their upbringing, their time in the foster system, how they came together to form their unique friendship, their unbreakable bond. The pain they endured, that lead them on the path they are on, the people who helped guide them and shape them.
We then see another side of Emersyn, that is dark and twisted, it delves into her relationship with Eric her then dance partner/ boyfriend, and her relationship with her uncle Bradley. It imbues the reader with an insight to the people who were and are hurting her. The warning signs are there, but Emersyn, is very skilled at hiding what she doesn’t want seen, years of practice has taught her well. The Vandal’s are all too and intimately aware of what she endured at Eric’s hands, but not at her uncles, a truth she is yet to share with them, and a truth they are yet to discover that may cost them the one thing that means the most to them in the world.
Regardless of what Raptor thinks, Emersyn is more than just the girl they watched over, she is very much the woman who fits them, they knew that taking her was wrong, and the worst they did was keep her, but she needs them, more than one of them, and they need her too.
They thought that keeping her was saving her, that the lie they told, persuading her to trust them was needed, the lie that falling in love with her was as natural as breathing, it didn’t matter if they weren’t alone in falling into the trap, it mattered that when the trap closed, it put Emersyn on one side and them on the other.
And now their past and their present are about to collide, and no one is safe.
Their story was raw and sensual, as it powerful and confronting. It was fast paced and thrilling, it made my heart race and soar to unfathomable heights. The need to see their growing attraction, the dominance and possessiveness, darkness and depravity, the lust and fear, to own, retaliate, to take control, God it was hot.
These characters will impact you in unusual ways, there will be moments that will make you laugh and cry but have you thinking what the f***, but its these pivotal moments that expose the perplexing tangle of hurt, anger and denial, powerful in themselves, the secrets, lies, deception, manipulation, pain, motives, and truths which becomes all the clearer with those deep revelations.
I was hooked from the very first chapter right up until the last. The different point of views told a telling story of heartbreak, love, and loss, of their past connecting with their present. The author knows how to write, to ensnare her readers to ensure they will come back for more, me I will come back for more.
It holds so much drama, action, mystery, adrenaline seeking suspense, slow burning passion, betrayal, blackmail, trauma, dark romance, intrigue, revenge, violence, vengeance, murder, friendship, lust, loyalty, trust. It will hook you, have you turning the pages to find out more, the dark themes and triggers were gut wrenching and soul destroying yet were defining pivotal moments that made these characters all the stronger testing any reader, reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters.
And those s*x scenes in and out of the bedroom were f*****g erotic, daring, the explicit language and dirty talk was filthy, downright wicked, sensually dirty, twisted, forbidden, taboo, emotional, wrong, intense, obsessive, daring, explosive, wrong, physical, provocative, possessive, controlling, oh so steamy, deliciously wicked, dirty, hot, beautiful, dark, naughty, raw, rough, powerful, passionate, wet, dominating, and wild, and that ending, that heartbreaking ending were Emersyn sacrificed herself for her brother and the Vandals, and as stories go we know this won’t be the last for Emersyn and the Vandals, readers can only hope that Emersyn gets the justice and the future she so rightly deserves.
Emersyn is reconciling the fact that she has a brother, that the men, who have been entrusted with her safety and care, men she freely loves, and trusts kept the truth hidden from her, to protect her, not realizing that keeping the truth from her, they were also hurting her, not only that there are lies and secrets, but a lot more secrets and how they playout will affect everyone involved.
Through multiple POV’s from Emersyn, Jasper, Kellan, Rome, Vaughn, Liam, Freddie, Milo aka Raptor and Doc, we get to see their past, their upbringing, their time in the foster system, how they came together to form their unique friendship, their unbreakable bond. The pain they endured, that lead them on the path they are on, the people who helped guide them and shape them.
We then see another side of Emersyn, that is dark and twisted, it delves into her relationship with Eric her then dance partner/ boyfriend, and her relationship with her uncle Bradley. It imbues the reader with an insight to the people who were and are hurting her. The warning signs are there, but Emersyn, is very skilled at hiding what she doesn’t want seen, years of practice has taught her well. The Vandal’s are all too and intimately aware of what she endured at Eric’s hands, but not at her uncles, a truth she is yet to share with them, and a truth they are yet to discover that may cost them the one thing that means the most to them in the world.
Regardless of what Raptor thinks, Emersyn is more than just the girl they watched over, she is very much the woman who fits them, they knew that taking her was wrong, and the worst they did was keep her, but she needs them, more than one of them, and they need her too.
They thought that keeping her was saving her, that the lie they told, persuading her to trust them was needed, the lie that falling in love with her was as natural as breathing, it didn’t matter if they weren’t alone in falling into the trap, it mattered that when the trap closed, it put Emersyn on one side and them on the other.
And now their past and their present are about to collide, and no one is safe.
Their story was raw and sensual, as it powerful and confronting. It was fast paced and thrilling, it made my heart race and soar to unfathomable heights. The need to see their growing attraction, the dominance and possessiveness, darkness and depravity, the lust and fear, to own, retaliate, to take control, God it was hot.
These characters will impact you in unusual ways, there will be moments that will make you laugh and cry but have you thinking what the f***, but its these pivotal moments that expose the perplexing tangle of hurt, anger and denial, powerful in themselves, the secrets, lies, deception, manipulation, pain, motives, and truths which becomes all the clearer with those deep revelations.
I was hooked from the very first chapter right up until the last. The different point of views told a telling story of heartbreak, love, and loss, of their past connecting with their present. The author knows how to write, to ensnare her readers to ensure they will come back for more, me I will come back for more.
It holds so much drama, action, mystery, adrenaline seeking suspense, slow burning passion, betrayal, blackmail, trauma, dark romance, intrigue, revenge, violence, vengeance, murder, friendship, lust, loyalty, trust. It will hook you, have you turning the pages to find out more, the dark themes and triggers were gut wrenching and soul destroying yet were defining pivotal moments that made these characters all the stronger testing any reader, reading this story, it enables the readers to really connect with the characters.
And those s*x scenes in and out of the bedroom were f*****g erotic, daring, the explicit language and dirty talk was filthy, downright wicked, sensually dirty, twisted, forbidden, taboo, emotional, wrong, intense, obsessive, daring, explosive, wrong, physical, provocative, possessive, controlling, oh so steamy, deliciously wicked, dirty, hot, beautiful, dark, naughty, raw, rough, powerful, passionate, wet, dominating, and wild, and that ending, that heartbreaking ending were Emersyn sacrificed herself for her brother and the Vandals, and as stories go we know this won’t be the last for Emersyn and the Vandals, readers can only hope that Emersyn gets the justice and the future she so rightly deserves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2021
One step forward, three steps back. Just as Emersyn was beginning to trust the Vandals, another secret was exposed. One so big, there may be no coming back. They watched over her as a baby, a young girl, and as a woman. They have protected her from afar and have loved her longer than she knew. But it all started because of the secret. Now she doesn't know what to believe; what is true and what may be wishful thinking. She doesn't know what she wants to be the truth. Even more, she doesn't know who she is or should be.
What a tangled web, and I have a feeling this is only skimming the surface of undisclosed information. It took me a minute to get back into these characters but once immersed back in the 82nd district, I couldn't get enough. The present-day storyline is advancing at a frustratingly deliberate yet realistic rate. However, the power of this book is found in the past. So much clarity. The back and forth timelines illustrated the traumas each of these characters have survived. Some were life's tragedies, others the results of deliberate decisions, but all forged a brotherhood closer and more complicated than most will ever share. It created the perfect family for Emersyn to come home to. Her soul is every bit as bruised as theirs, her passions as violent. Emersyn has proven from her first moment she has immense strength. And no trust. Her character growth has been enormous. Her will to not be caged and to live on her terms has never been in question. Her ability to accept the truth of love and to allow others into her heart is much more problematic. Life has proven to her that people will not hesitate to hurt her and use her in every way. It goes against her survival instincts to open herself to these men, so each time she does is a victory. I look forward to her blending Ivy, Emersyn, and her yet-to-be-discovered self into one formidable woman. The men are enigmas. Rough, artistic, violent, intelligent, cunning, and loyal. They cannot be dismissed. They have taken the worst beginnings life has to offer and turned them on their end. As rough and unpolished as they may seem, they are to be admired. And the way they love. For men with few examples, their love is powerful, unrestrained, and beautiful.
Heather Long has created an intricate masterpiece of storytelling with this series. No detail is too small to be overlooked and each fits into a larger canvas. It's beautifully woven. These characters are rich and complex; each more damaged than the last. Their suffering evokes emotions ranging from rage to empathy, from disgust to heartbreak. Pasts, the present, and hopes for the future, brotherhood bonds, evolving and growing love for Emersyn, and dangers from multiple directions all come together to create a lethal labyrinth. When I reached the end I wasn't shocked or even disappointed but I was determined. I am ready to see these men fight for one of their own. They have always had each others' backs, they have made moves to protect the others but they have never been so emotionally exposed before. I can't wait to see what comes next.
What a tangled web, and I have a feeling this is only skimming the surface of undisclosed information. It took me a minute to get back into these characters but once immersed back in the 82nd district, I couldn't get enough. The present-day storyline is advancing at a frustratingly deliberate yet realistic rate. However, the power of this book is found in the past. So much clarity. The back and forth timelines illustrated the traumas each of these characters have survived. Some were life's tragedies, others the results of deliberate decisions, but all forged a brotherhood closer and more complicated than most will ever share. It created the perfect family for Emersyn to come home to. Her soul is every bit as bruised as theirs, her passions as violent. Emersyn has proven from her first moment she has immense strength. And no trust. Her character growth has been enormous. Her will to not be caged and to live on her terms has never been in question. Her ability to accept the truth of love and to allow others into her heart is much more problematic. Life has proven to her that people will not hesitate to hurt her and use her in every way. It goes against her survival instincts to open herself to these men, so each time she does is a victory. I look forward to her blending Ivy, Emersyn, and her yet-to-be-discovered self into one formidable woman. The men are enigmas. Rough, artistic, violent, intelligent, cunning, and loyal. They cannot be dismissed. They have taken the worst beginnings life has to offer and turned them on their end. As rough and unpolished as they may seem, they are to be admired. And the way they love. For men with few examples, their love is powerful, unrestrained, and beautiful.
Heather Long has created an intricate masterpiece of storytelling with this series. No detail is too small to be overlooked and each fits into a larger canvas. It's beautifully woven. These characters are rich and complex; each more damaged than the last. Their suffering evokes emotions ranging from rage to empathy, from disgust to heartbreak. Pasts, the present, and hopes for the future, brotherhood bonds, evolving and growing love for Emersyn, and dangers from multiple directions all come together to create a lethal labyrinth. When I reached the end I wasn't shocked or even disappointed but I was determined. I am ready to see these men fight for one of their own. They have always had each others' backs, they have made moves to protect the others but they have never been so emotionally exposed before. I can't wait to see what comes next.
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