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Battle Crows MC #2
Make Me Your Villain
Flaws—he has them.
Laws? He breaks them.
Dues? He’s paid them.
Scars? He bares them proudly.
Lessons? He’s learned them.
Problems? He has one.
Her name is Iris, and she’s the one thing in his life that he can’t control.
Laws? He breaks them.
Dues? He’s paid them.
Scars? He bares them proudly.
Lessons? He’s learned them.
Problems? He has one.
Her name is Iris, and she’s the one thing in his life that he can’t control.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2022
162 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
162 books7,265 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
March 10, 2022
I honestly don't even know where to start here. My heart is
hurt!
This author, one of my absolute favorites, seems to enjoy playing with my emotions lately. People are dropping like freaking flies all over the place here. Why oh why do people keep dying???
Shine was fine and Iris was sweet. They just clicked and although their connection was instantaneous, it really worked for them. Well, it definitely worked for me. I love when characters simply mesh without things being all messy. The drama involved wasn't created by them and yet it added another dimension to their relationship. I really liked these two characters so much!
Shine was awesome! I'm very intrigued by the Crow family and so far Haggard and Shine have raised the bar.
Full unedited review HERE
Shine was fine and Iris was sweet. They just clicked and although their connection was instantaneous, it really worked for them. Well, it definitely worked for me. I love when characters simply mesh without things being all messy. The drama involved wasn't created by them and yet it added another dimension to their relationship. I really liked these two characters so much!
Shine was awesome! I'm very intrigued by the Crow family and so far Haggard and Shine have raised the bar.
Full unedited review HERE
March 9, 2022
This Missed the Target
It’s very disappointing writing this review, as I am a very big fan of LLV, have preordered and purchased all of her books, and was in absolute shock (in a good way) over the first book in this series. It was reminiscent of the writing of the old LLV that we all know and love, and it absolutely showed. Unfortunately, this book was the complete opposite. It had the foundation to be a fantastic story but ended up missing the mark.
The book begins with a very suspenseful and promising prologue, but absolutely nothing comes of it. It is not talked about until the very end, and even then, it left me with more questions than answers. The main characters are very two-dimensional, with rushed explanations and choppy writing in some places. And we never get any definitive answers or conclusions in this book…
*Spoiler alert*
Why did Abby kill Iris’s ex-boyfriend? Why was she working so hard to make Iris jealous? Why did she pretend to have schizophrenia all of these years? Why was Iris’s family so incredibly awful to her? If Iris’s boyfriend hated her so much, why did he leave her everything when he died? And finally, the most important question that I had was: why did Abby hate Iris so much?
It seems like LLV didn’t have a definitive answer for these questions either and used the line “I guess we’ll never know now” to explain it all away. There are SO many loose ends and the ending was rushed and typical. All in all, this book was not up to the standard that LLV usually puts out, and I’m very hesitant about buying future books in this series.
It’s very disappointing writing this review, as I am a very big fan of LLV, have preordered and purchased all of her books, and was in absolute shock (in a good way) over the first book in this series. It was reminiscent of the writing of the old LLV that we all know and love, and it absolutely showed. Unfortunately, this book was the complete opposite. It had the foundation to be a fantastic story but ended up missing the mark.
The book begins with a very suspenseful and promising prologue, but absolutely nothing comes of it. It is not talked about until the very end, and even then, it left me with more questions than answers. The main characters are very two-dimensional, with rushed explanations and choppy writing in some places. And we never get any definitive answers or conclusions in this book…
*Spoiler alert*
Why did Abby kill Iris’s ex-boyfriend? Why was she working so hard to make Iris jealous? Why did she pretend to have schizophrenia all of these years? Why was Iris’s family so incredibly awful to her? If Iris’s boyfriend hated her so much, why did he leave her everything when he died? And finally, the most important question that I had was: why did Abby hate Iris so much?
It seems like LLV didn’t have a definitive answer for these questions either and used the line “I guess we’ll never know now” to explain it all away. There are SO many loose ends and the ending was rushed and typical. All in all, this book was not up to the standard that LLV usually puts out, and I’m very hesitant about buying future books in this series.
July 9, 2022
Another truly outstanding book from Vale. You are gripped from the first chapter. I would not put this down and can't wait for book 3.
March 18, 2022
3.75 STARS. Iris and Callum had quite the meeting. Their lives intersected in an unexpected way but sometimes things are just meant to go that way. Iris had a rough childhood, never being a priority for the people who were supposed to be at the core of her life. Callum had his brothers. They too didn’t have it easy but they had one another.
The plot took quite the twist and turn and while I was entertained, I was left with a lot of questions that were never really addressed… the biggest of which was WHY?
I really enjoyed getting to know a bit more about the brothers’ dynamics and am looking forward to their stories, especially Bram’s. The set up for that has me quite intrigued.
All in all another great addition to the series. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Vale comes up with next.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot took quite the twist and turn and while I was entertained, I was left with a lot of questions that were never really addressed… the biggest of which was WHY?
I really enjoyed getting to know a bit more about the brothers’ dynamics and am looking forward to their stories, especially Bram’s. The set up for that has me quite intrigued.
All in all another great addition to the series. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Vale comes up with next.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
March 16, 2022
I lived this one. The Crow brother's are just amazing!
I lived Shine and Iris they are just the absolute best. The shit they went through was wow and the sister was something I didn't see coming.
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
I lived Shine and Iris they are just the absolute best. The shit they went through was wow and the sister was something I didn't see coming.
I can't wait for the next book to come out!
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March 3, 2022
The plot was okay but there were a lot of inconsistencies within the storyline, and just a lot of stuff that was so ridiculous. I struggled to finish it. 2½ stars
April 8, 2024
Iris saw Callum "Shine" Crow for the first at a bar, he captured her interest especially when he was telling a story to a woman who was trying to capture his interest. She could not imagine that she would end up on his bike, trying to get away form her ex.
Shine knows that there is something there with Iris. She consumes his thoughts and although he is a successful business man, he also has a darker side and is a biker. Iris though doesn't seem to care about any of that and the more time they spend together, the more determined he is to make her his. The only hitch though is a few secrets that are revealed and how that effects Iris.
Terrific book, exceeded my expectation. I loved the fact both Iris and Shine and are in sync with one another, soul mates destined to come together. So far loving this series. Anxious to see what is next.
Shine knows that there is something there with Iris. She consumes his thoughts and although he is a successful business man, he also has a darker side and is a biker. Iris though doesn't seem to care about any of that and the more time they spend together, the more determined he is to make her his. The only hitch though is a few secrets that are revealed and how that effects Iris.
Terrific book, exceeded my expectation. I loved the fact both Iris and Shine and are in sync with one another, soul mates destined to come together. So far loving this series. Anxious to see what is next.
October 3, 2022
2.5⭐
It was a good story, just didn't do IT for me.
I didn't feel anything while reading this book.
It was a good story, just didn't do IT for me.
I didn't feel anything while reading this book.
March 8, 2022
Eh
Ok so I am a huge llv fan, but this book was not what I was expecting. Especially after the 1st book in this series. The couple was OK, if not a bit boring. The sisterly drama didn't build up well. We got a great start in the prolog but then it went flat and the drama was thrown at us at the end of the book. The h's family dynamic wasn't hashed out either. Why did the sister kill the ex? There were many things that just didn't make sense. And the epilogue wasn't as fun as I'm used to for a llv book. And the story ends at 92% then proceeds to preview the next book in the series.
Ok so I am a huge llv fan, but this book was not what I was expecting. Especially after the 1st book in this series. The couple was OK, if not a bit boring. The sisterly drama didn't build up well. We got a great start in the prolog but then it went flat and the drama was thrown at us at the end of the book. The h's family dynamic wasn't hashed out either. Why did the sister kill the ex? There were many things that just didn't make sense. And the epilogue wasn't as fun as I'm used to for a llv book. And the story ends at 92% then proceeds to preview the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2022
Make Me Your Villain had me hooked from the start. Iris and Callum just had the kind of chemistry that is undeniable, insta lust. The moment when two complete strangers bond in one moment and everything alignes. Eyes are drawn to eachother, the chemistry thrums like a live wire crackling between them and a connection is made. Not love. Not over some fated nonsense. A true understanding, a knowing that that perfect stranger gets the weird parts of you that make you sing a Garth Brooks song across a bar. It was epic in the most real ways.
Iris and Callum made me cheesy smile and feel the butterflies of excitement for them. They just got eachother and it was easy. Bestfriends and lovers all in one. Their relationships
wasn't some instant gratification thing. It wasn't rushed or forced. They just met and honestly it felt like they had always been. They bantered back an forth. They found peace in eachothers silence and they seamlessly slid into eachothers lives without any push or trying. It works and it's hard to explain how it happened because one minute they were strangers and the next they were it for eachother.
I'm not a fan of instalove and this is not that. But I feel like we've all had that person in your life that your not entirely sure how they got to be such a important part of it. Or when it happened. But they are and you can't imagine life without them?. A friend and or lover. That's Iris and Callum. They just fit together.
Book 2 is a definite reprieve from the emotional rollercoaster that is Always Someone's Monster. This one set a lighter tone with a tonne of infectious laughter and feel good feels. Their journey is sweet and heartfelt for the most part but it does have its rocky moments though they are not as all consuming as the traumatic experience that is Haggard and Sophia's story. Funny thing is they actually made me reminisce on Max and Payton's story. It's not the same but with just how easy the connection between those characters is and how right it felt.. that's what I felt reading Iris and Callum's book.
Like with every Lani book.. she give us a whole slew of characters to love and so many personalities to spice up the pages and I am freaking loving the Crow brothers. She is teasing us with these characters and I am so ready to know everything Also.. side note... Brams book is last and I'm furious because she is waving him around and teasing us with his damage and I need to know more. I need to understand. I want Dorcas perspective. I am not a patient creature. Internally I'm dramatically crying. I recall her asking which of the books everyone wants the most and now I know she was teasing us knowing that Bram would be in this book heavily and we don't get to know until the end of the damn year!!!!. Evil. Genius.. but also so fucking evil.
These fellas are a naughty bunch and this series is shaping to be more dark and deprived than previous ones and my sinful soul is here for it all. All the nasty naughty shenanigans. All the temping and teasing and all the crazy. It's been a wild ride so far and Make Me You Villain did not disappoint. Shine brought his possessive secretive sexy self and demanded a place in Iris life and she did not disappoint in snatching up that fine Thor looking hottie and keeping him all to herself. They had me laughing so hard my gut hurt and really rooting for them. It's always an emotional rollercoaster with any Lani book and this one is no different.. it brought strong characters, a solid story line and a tonne of background nose that had me oh so curious and needing to know more. She seamlessly slotted the foundation of future possibilities in around this journey without taking away from the main characters and kept me engaged the whole way through. So freaking good.
I loved how this series is shaping up. Now if only I could have them all like now. I'd be living my best life.
Iris and Callum made me cheesy smile and feel the butterflies of excitement for them. They just got eachother and it was easy. Bestfriends and lovers all in one. Their relationships
wasn't some instant gratification thing. It wasn't rushed or forced. They just met and honestly it felt like they had always been. They bantered back an forth. They found peace in eachothers silence and they seamlessly slid into eachothers lives without any push or trying. It works and it's hard to explain how it happened because one minute they were strangers and the next they were it for eachother.
I'm not a fan of instalove and this is not that. But I feel like we've all had that person in your life that your not entirely sure how they got to be such a important part of it. Or when it happened. But they are and you can't imagine life without them?. A friend and or lover. That's Iris and Callum. They just fit together.
Book 2 is a definite reprieve from the emotional rollercoaster that is Always Someone's Monster. This one set a lighter tone with a tonne of infectious laughter and feel good feels. Their journey is sweet and heartfelt for the most part but it does have its rocky moments though they are not as all consuming as the traumatic experience that is Haggard and Sophia's story. Funny thing is they actually made me reminisce on Max and Payton's story. It's not the same but with just how easy the connection between those characters is and how right it felt.. that's what I felt reading Iris and Callum's book.
Like with every Lani book.. she give us a whole slew of characters to love and so many personalities to spice up the pages and I am freaking loving the Crow brothers. She is teasing us with these characters and I am so ready to know everything Also.. side note... Brams book is last and I'm furious because she is waving him around and teasing us with his damage and I need to know more. I need to understand. I want Dorcas perspective. I am not a patient creature. Internally I'm dramatically crying. I recall her asking which of the books everyone wants the most and now I know she was teasing us knowing that Bram would be in this book heavily and we don't get to know until the end of the damn year!!!!. Evil. Genius.. but also so fucking evil.
These fellas are a naughty bunch and this series is shaping to be more dark and deprived than previous ones and my sinful soul is here for it all. All the nasty naughty shenanigans. All the temping and teasing and all the crazy. It's been a wild ride so far and Make Me You Villain did not disappoint. Shine brought his possessive secretive sexy self and demanded a place in Iris life and she did not disappoint in snatching up that fine Thor looking hottie and keeping him all to herself. They had me laughing so hard my gut hurt and really rooting for them. It's always an emotional rollercoaster with any Lani book and this one is no different.. it brought strong characters, a solid story line and a tonne of background nose that had me oh so curious and needing to know more. She seamlessly slotted the foundation of future possibilities in around this journey without taking away from the main characters and kept me engaged the whole way through. So freaking good.
I loved how this series is shaping up. Now if only I could have them all like now. I'd be living my best life.
March 8, 2022
4 ‘My Love Language’ Stars
Well, I’ll be damned, these two were quite a surprise! With one of the best meet cut, opening scenes, Make Me Your Villain, hooked me up from that very first moment.
Plenty of insta attraction to sate my romantic ‘soulmates’ lover heart, Iris and Callum – aka Shine – truly were exceptional together. Ms. Vale once again gave us some hilariously down to earth moments, smoking hot chemistry, and a whole lot of exes – I was thrilled by how equally they were paired with annoying exes, lol – and family drama. One thing I have to say is that after dozens of LLV books read, I didn’t see one of the components of the closure coming, and was actually surprised, or dare I say a bit shocked…
Nonetheless, Make Me Your Villain was yet another deliciously addictive suspense read, that after all the teasing with the other brother’s stories, has me dying to see the next Crow fall. <3 <3 <3 <3
With one kiss, one press of our lips and touch of our bodies, we were each other’s.
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
Well, I’ll be damned, these two were quite a surprise! With one of the best meet cut, opening scenes, Make Me Your Villain, hooked me up from that very first moment.
Plenty of insta attraction to sate my romantic ‘soulmates’ lover heart, Iris and Callum – aka Shine – truly were exceptional together. Ms. Vale once again gave us some hilariously down to earth moments, smoking hot chemistry, and a whole lot of exes – I was thrilled by how equally they were paired with annoying exes, lol – and family drama. One thing I have to say is that after dozens of LLV books read, I didn’t see one of the components of the closure coming, and was actually surprised, or dare I say a bit shocked…
Nonetheless, Make Me Your Villain was yet another deliciously addictive suspense read, that after all the teasing with the other brother’s stories, has me dying to see the next Crow fall. <3 <3 <3 <3
With one kiss, one press of our lips and touch of our bodies, we were each other’s.
ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review
March 19, 2022
I really like Shine and Iris in this one. I liked how Iris called Shine on his shit before she even met him and how that just turned him on. Their first few interactions were interesting, but you could tell that as odd as they were, they were building something. I loved that Shine got Iris and knew when she needed some extra comfort, like after dealing with her family. And man, other than her brother, the family were huge POS's. She is better off without them! I really liked that Iris got to see Shine's family and how different they were, how they accepted her right away.
Glad to see that by the end Shine and Iris were living their lives happy!
Glad to see that by the end Shine and Iris were living their lives happy!
June 24, 2022
4.5 stars!
February 28, 2022
Wooowee, this book was a wild ride. I loved Shine and Iris were amazing. Right from the start I was drawn to them and loved seeing the drama that followed them around. I wasn’t sure where the story was going but boy did I love it. There were a few themes in the story and each one (ie:ex drama) drew me in. I loved seeing the characters navigate dealing with them. Loved seeing other characters who we will get story’s for and can’t wait for some of them. There were some unique aspects of the story that I loved (like what Shine found most attractive about Iris), there was some hot steam and even LOL moments. Very excited to see where this series will go. 5 stars #2OCCJD
March 13, 2022
What in the world did I just read?
In the past, I have seriously loved Lani Lynn Vale. However, with some of her latest series I have felt as though it wasn't actually her writing. Her stories have been confusing and disjointed. Sometimes I'm not even able to follow the plot. I had some hope with the first book of this series "Always Someone's Monster" because I felt like it was a return to the writing that I loved so much. However, this book was a backslide into the confusing and un-followable.
There were things that were so confusing in this book that I can't even explain them here as they are so convoluted and I can't make sense of them in my own head, let alone with words to someone who has not read the story. The characters jump to conclusions that haven't been made yet and then seem surprised when the same conclusion is drawn aloud a few pages later.
One example: When being questioned by the cops about the murder of Iris's ex boyfriend, the male lead, Callum, states that he was at the house of Iris's sister, who he says is the person the cops suspect of the murder. However, when the cops finish their questions and tell him that Iris's sister is their top suspect he seems surprised. This is a very minor example but there are much larger plot holes that would be too confusing to explain.
It is also never explained why Iris's sister wanted to kill Iris or why she killed Iris's ex other than that she is a psychopath. OK....but why only Iris and not anyone else in the family? Also why was the rest of Iris's family so mean to her? I know that they had to focus more on Abby (Iris's sister) because of her psych diagnosis, but why the animosity toward Iris?
There were just so many strange and unexplained things that happened in this book that I honestly feel that the only way to fix it is a complete rewrite. It feels very much like a rough draft in which the author went off on tangents as the ideas came to her but never went back over to fill in the gaps between the ideas. I do still love Lani Lynn Vale. Some of her first series are on my list of books to reread whenever I am in the mood for the bad boy romance. I hope that she gets back to that level of writing which was emotional, romantic, and sexy all in one. I will keep getting her books in hopes that anomalies like "Always Someone's Monster" happen again. Sadly I am a loyal sucker and I can't get over my love of her past books.
In the past, I have seriously loved Lani Lynn Vale. However, with some of her latest series I have felt as though it wasn't actually her writing. Her stories have been confusing and disjointed. Sometimes I'm not even able to follow the plot. I had some hope with the first book of this series "Always Someone's Monster" because I felt like it was a return to the writing that I loved so much. However, this book was a backslide into the confusing and un-followable.
There were things that were so confusing in this book that I can't even explain them here as they are so convoluted and I can't make sense of them in my own head, let alone with words to someone who has not read the story. The characters jump to conclusions that haven't been made yet and then seem surprised when the same conclusion is drawn aloud a few pages later.
One example: When being questioned by the cops about the murder of Iris's ex boyfriend, the male lead, Callum, states that he was at the house of Iris's sister, who he says is the person the cops suspect of the murder. However, when the cops finish their questions and tell him that Iris's sister is their top suspect he seems surprised. This is a very minor example but there are much larger plot holes that would be too confusing to explain.
It is also never explained why Iris's sister wanted to kill Iris or why she killed Iris's ex other than that she is a psychopath. OK....but why only Iris and not anyone else in the family? Also why was the rest of Iris's family so mean to her? I know that they had to focus more on Abby (Iris's sister) because of her psych diagnosis, but why the animosity toward Iris?
There were just so many strange and unexplained things that happened in this book that I honestly feel that the only way to fix it is a complete rewrite. It feels very much like a rough draft in which the author went off on tangents as the ideas came to her but never went back over to fill in the gaps between the ideas. I do still love Lani Lynn Vale. Some of her first series are on my list of books to reread whenever I am in the mood for the bad boy romance. I hope that she gets back to that level of writing which was emotional, romantic, and sexy all in one. I will keep getting her books in hopes that anomalies like "Always Someone's Monster" happen again. Sadly I am a loyal sucker and I can't get over my love of her past books.
March 8, 2022
Only LLV can make me obsess over MC romance. I loved every single one of her MC romances and I know I'll continue to read them. I loved that it's not an extreme take on MC clubs like other books. She still manages to make it sweet, romantic and swoony. Iris and Callum's story is no exception.
I feel like this is love at first sight for both of them and the connection between them was instant between them. I loved reading their story so much even though I'm not much of an insta-love fan. But it works for them, actually, it's perfect. I loved Callum for Iris and vice versa. Then there's Callum's family, the Crows who take Iris in immediately because they know she's it for Callum.
However, I do think the suspense part of the story was wrapped up too quickly. And the ending was a bit abrupt. I flew through their story and I can't wait for Bram's story. Though it's still so far away.
I feel like this is love at first sight for both of them and the connection between them was instant between them. I loved reading their story so much even though I'm not much of an insta-love fan. But it works for them, actually, it's perfect. I loved Callum for Iris and vice versa. Then there's Callum's family, the Crows who take Iris in immediately because they know she's it for Callum.
However, I do think the suspense part of the story was wrapped up too quickly. And the ending was a bit abrupt. I flew through their story and I can't wait for Bram's story. Though it's still so far away.
March 14, 2024
Iris Dalton and Callum 'Shine' Crow
What to say, what to say?
Meeting Haggard and then being introduced to his brothers in the previous book definitely made me want to know more about the siblings in the Crow family. Haggard's book was an emotional rollercoaster in a bittersweet way. I was in tears, and that doesn't happen often.
Now we have Shine's book, which has less of the emotional impact that the first book did, but the relationship between him and Iris was fun. I enjoyed their interaction immensely.
My problem with this particular book has nothing to do with the characters, at least the main two, but more to do with the writing. Parts felt choppy, and there seemed to be continuity problems. Ex. Iris says she doesn't have any ass or tits, but later she's talking about showing off her nice ass in her leggings. Then it was in one scene she said she had to go to work the next morning, but the next day Shine asks if she has plans and she says no. Another is when she's talking about her cat and during this conversation she says the cat's name, but when they actually get to the apartment, Shine asks if the cat has a name. Dude, she already told you. The last one I noticed was she didn't work, but the following day she has the thought that maybe because she had to work yesterday, go home, and grab a spare change of clothes.
At this point whoever is editing for her should be catching these types of things.
My other problem was with the way the family treated Dorcas. No one can say one thing that she has done wrong to Bram, but they all treat her like she's not a part of their family. And I also didn't like how Shine and Iris did Lindy. I didn't experience her do enough to make me dislike her enough for their behavior, especially as adults, to be okay.
Lastly, what was the point of that prologue when it didn't go anywhere and wasn't brought up again until the end. Plus, we never find out the why of Abby's behavior toward her sister and that just sucks.
What to say, what to say?
Meeting Haggard and then being introduced to his brothers in the previous book definitely made me want to know more about the siblings in the Crow family. Haggard's book was an emotional rollercoaster in a bittersweet way. I was in tears, and that doesn't happen often.
Now we have Shine's book, which has less of the emotional impact that the first book did, but the relationship between him and Iris was fun. I enjoyed their interaction immensely.
My problem with this particular book has nothing to do with the characters, at least the main two, but more to do with the writing. Parts felt choppy, and there seemed to be continuity problems. Ex. Iris says she doesn't have any ass or tits, but later she's talking about showing off her nice ass in her leggings. Then it was in one scene she said she had to go to work the next morning, but the next day Shine asks if she has plans and she says no. Another is when she's talking about her cat and during this conversation she says the cat's name, but when they actually get to the apartment, Shine asks if the cat has a name. Dude, she already told you. The last one I noticed was she didn't work, but the following day she has the thought that maybe because she had to work yesterday, go home, and grab a spare change of clothes.
At this point whoever is editing for her should be catching these types of things.
My other problem was with the way the family treated Dorcas. No one can say one thing that she has done wrong to Bram, but they all treat her like she's not a part of their family. And I also didn't like how Shine and Iris did Lindy. I didn't experience her do enough to make me dislike her enough for their behavior, especially as adults, to be okay.
Lastly, what was the point of that prologue when it didn't go anywhere and wasn't brought up again until the end. Plus, we never find out the why of Abby's behavior toward her sister and that just sucks.
March 10, 2022
I just don’t know what to say here....LLV does drama in the worst and best ways. This one had some of the worst. Actually it’s worse because it goes on without explanation or any context. It’s confusing because by the end there is no unraveling of the issues written throughout. It’s like a bell rang that indicated time was up!pens down, don’t write anymore.
The start was fine. Then the end was rushed. I’m sorry editors but maybe you’re becoming too used to reading LLV you don’t pick up on things. Possibly it’s me. There was a scene in the house the morning after dragging a drunk Bram back to sleep in the kitchen. The heroine leaves the hero in bed, goes to the kitchen and starts talking to Bram. All of a sudden the hero is there. She left him sleeping. Then there is this dialogue that includes him. Yes, I realize people can just appear but it was weird ...I just read back the page before kept looking there was no greeting or background acknowledgement 🤷🏻♀️
The titles showing who’s POV for the chapter...is it his alter ego? One minute referred to as Shine next Callum. Yes, again I know he had the two names but for the sake of consistency wouldn’t he be referred to as the same throughout chapter headings?
Editing can cause distractions. So can just not writing things. Why is the sister this way? Why did she come out hating Isis? Why did the parents treat her as if she were he problem and not the sister. Why did the sister kill a certain someone? Why?why?why? No answers I’m afraid because it wouldn’t make sense to stick it in another book as sometimes happens.
She was renting a place for three months and with the landlord for five months where he cheated on her, I don’t understand why the inheritance? He has a best friend in her brother why wouldn’t he have left it to him? Again, just confusion.🙃
The start was fine. Then the end was rushed. I’m sorry editors but maybe you’re becoming too used to reading LLV you don’t pick up on things. Possibly it’s me. There was a scene in the house the morning after dragging a drunk Bram back to sleep in the kitchen. The heroine leaves the hero in bed, goes to the kitchen and starts talking to Bram. All of a sudden the hero is there. She left him sleeping. Then there is this dialogue that includes him. Yes, I realize people can just appear but it was weird ...I just read back the page before kept looking there was no greeting or background acknowledgement 🤷🏻♀️
The titles showing who’s POV for the chapter...is it his alter ego? One minute referred to as Shine next Callum. Yes, again I know he had the two names but for the sake of consistency wouldn’t he be referred to as the same throughout chapter headings?
Editing can cause distractions. So can just not writing things. Why is the sister this way? Why did she come out hating Isis? Why did the parents treat her as if she were he problem and not the sister. Why did the sister kill a certain someone? Why?why?why? No answers I’m afraid because it wouldn’t make sense to stick it in another book as sometimes happens.
She was renting a place for three months and with the landlord for five months where he cheated on her, I don’t understand why the inheritance? He has a best friend in her brother why wouldn’t he have left it to him? Again, just confusion.🙃
March 9, 2022
We loved Shine and Iris's story, we could not put it down as it was fun and engaging and filled with wonderful characters.
The more stories I read by this author, the more we fall in love with her works. Each and every time, the author makes us fall in love with her characters, and we just loved that.
Loved Shine and how he took a shine (giggles) to Iris pretty much right from their first chance meeting. Loved Iris's sense of humor and out going personality, we thought she was a riot and that shine would never be bored with her.
We loved Shine too and how possessive and how so in sync he was with Iris, they made the perfect couple. Their chemistry off the charts, they sure did shine brightly together.
Just one of those feel good story that make you smile and happy, and we loved it.
The more stories I read by this author, the more we fall in love with her works. Each and every time, the author makes us fall in love with her characters, and we just loved that.
Loved Shine and how he took a shine (giggles) to Iris pretty much right from their first chance meeting. Loved Iris's sense of humor and out going personality, we thought she was a riot and that shine would never be bored with her.
We loved Shine too and how possessive and how so in sync he was with Iris, they made the perfect couple. Their chemistry off the charts, they sure did shine brightly together.
Just one of those feel good story that make you smile and happy, and we loved it.
Read
April 3, 2025I’m gonna have to DNF this one. I’m just bored… I gave book one in this series 5 stars but this one is not doing it for me…..and I have too a giant of a tbr list to read books that are bland….So… later gator!
July 10, 2024
Far too rushed with WAY too many plot holes. Disappointing
August 5, 2022
I'm truly not sure how I feel about this. I mean, the first one... that , but this one? It was an odd read, to say the very least.
I felt that that I didn't really get to know any of the characters... even the ones that I had already met! I think this felt more like a set-up for the other brothers, rather than Shine's own tale. It seemed that we learnt more about the other characters and their backgrounds than we did about Shine and Iris. And I really didn't get the whole thing with Anderson... he was good friends with Teller and might've taken his side over Iris's? That didn't make any sense at all...
And then... that ending? So... strange. Not epilogue, the previous couple of chapters. It was just so... odd. It felt like there was a huge amount of red herrings being chucked into the pond and very few having a point or meaning. I get that that is part of the LLV vibe, but recently we haven't had so much of that.
This was just... bizarre. Having said that, my whole relationship with LLV's books is a bit bizarre. Some, for me, totally hit the spot... others miss it. This one? Not totally sure!!
05/08/22 Read better for me this time around. Although... I do feel the same about the non-story-ness of this.. and, the whole set-up with Bram/Dorcas/Mimi is so weird. Like, they all hate Dorcas at the race and totally love Mimi... then later on... it seems to have been flipped. All I can imagine is that Mimi was somehow culpable for whatever happened with Dorcas's brother in high school?!! It is definitely a wait and see...
I felt that that I didn't really get to know any of the characters... even the ones that I had already met! I think this felt more like a set-up for the other brothers, rather than Shine's own tale. It seemed that we learnt more about the other characters and their backgrounds than we did about Shine and Iris. And I really didn't get the whole thing with Anderson... he was good friends with Teller and might've taken his side over Iris's? That didn't make any sense at all...
And then... that ending? So... strange. Not epilogue, the previous couple of chapters. It was just so... odd. It felt like there was a huge amount of red herrings being chucked into the pond and very few having a point or meaning. I get that that is part of the LLV vibe, but recently we haven't had so much of that.
This was just... bizarre. Having said that, my whole relationship with LLV's books is a bit bizarre. Some, for me, totally hit the spot... others miss it. This one? Not totally sure!!
05/08/22 Read better for me this time around. Although... I do feel the same about the non-story-ness of this.. and, the whole set-up with Bram/Dorcas/Mimi is so weird. Like, they all hate Dorcas at the race and totally love Mimi... then later on... it seems to have been flipped. All I can imagine is that Mimi was somehow culpable for whatever happened with Dorcas's brother in high school?!! It is definitely a wait and see...
April 11, 2023
As much as I love Lani Lynn Vale’s book, this one was very, very disappointing. There will be spoilers and I am too lazy to mark them.
First, I really hate when main characters are put in the same “social” situation. Both lived with their exes who gave them hell in their own way.
Second, the heroine had not only one but two exes who basically stalk her, even though the second one was mentioned just like an afterthought… For whatever reasons I did not comprehend.
Third, the family dynamics. She was talking about her family and from what it sounded, she had a great brother, sister-in-law… and later on, it was all shit onto, so it felt like I was getting whiplash.
Fourth, the psychopathic sister pretending to be schizophrenic. Well, both issues were skirted over. Nothing had any substance.
Fifth, so many loose ends and unexplained behavior. I know that you usually don’t get those explained, but this is a fiction. And there were just to many. With the sister, with the ex…
Sixth, the characters felt flat and lukewarm, even though the words wanted me to believe otherwise.
I was very disappointed after loving the first book in this series.
First, I really hate when main characters are put in the same “social” situation. Both lived with their exes who gave them hell in their own way.
Second, the heroine had not only one but two exes who basically stalk her, even though the second one was mentioned just like an afterthought… For whatever reasons I did not comprehend.
Third, the family dynamics. She was talking about her family and from what it sounded, she had a great brother, sister-in-law… and later on, it was all shit onto, so it felt like I was getting whiplash.
Fourth, the psychopathic sister pretending to be schizophrenic. Well, both issues were skirted over. Nothing had any substance.
Fifth, so many loose ends and unexplained behavior. I know that you usually don’t get those explained, but this is a fiction. And there were just to many. With the sister, with the ex…
Sixth, the characters felt flat and lukewarm, even though the words wanted me to believe otherwise.
I was very disappointed after loving the first book in this series.
March 23, 2022
It seriously pains me and saddens me to write this review. I'm a huge Lani Lynn Vale fan and most of her books are 4 and 5 star reads for me. I LOVED the first book in this series - was filled with so much emotion and depth, but this one completely missed the mark. There were so many issues that it feels like we got a version before editors or betas weighed in. Some were little things like Iris referring to her brother as her adoptive brother, but he is actually her half brother and not adoptive at all. Then there were bigger issues, like never really understanding why Iris's sister was the way she was or did what she did. There was also the fact that towards the end of the book we learn that one of Shine's brothers had his wife leave him, but meanwhile in parts of the story there are references to Shine and Iris having been around her at family get togethers and earlier in the story they were at a picnic with her, but then supposedly she left her husband before the picnic took place. It just didn't make sense, or wasn't explained well. There were also weird character actions that made them not so appealing at times- Iris telling Bram after knowing him and his wife for only a few hours that they need to be divorced, to Shine sending his ex to live on the property of a man who has just told Shine he is in serious danger.
I know Lani Lynn Vale uses an editor and proofer and betas, all of these things should have been picked up by any one of them along the way. Was there just so much with the original manuscript that these things were left in? Or were they just not honest with her about where the inconsistencies and plot holes were? Or is it possible that the version we got was an unedited version for some reason? Lani Lynn Vale is incredibly talented, and despite this book I'm still excited to see what happens next with this series!
I know Lani Lynn Vale uses an editor and proofer and betas, all of these things should have been picked up by any one of them along the way. Was there just so much with the original manuscript that these things were left in? Or were they just not honest with her about where the inconsistencies and plot holes were? Or is it possible that the version we got was an unedited version for some reason? Lani Lynn Vale is incredibly talented, and despite this book I'm still excited to see what happens next with this series!
August 25, 2022
Shine and Iris are amazing together. Though their romance wasn’t the most favourite one of mine from LLV; I still enjoyed it! And I honestly just jumped into the third book immediately.
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March 8, 2022
This is the second book in the Battle Crows MC series. This is a complete stand alone. But the previous book was awesome and had me feeling so much. This is definitely a series you don't want to miss.
This is Callum "Shine" Crow and Iris' story. And what a story it is.
I loved how their story starts, and ends. Both are stuck living with exes because there is nothing to rent or buy where they live.
This story Shine told some random bar fly was hilarious, especially if you know Garth lyrics. I was laughing so hard I woke my kiddo up.
Don't worry, there is drama. I was thinking it would be from one of the exes, but I was surprised!
Iris kicked some butt though.
I am curious about Bram, dorcas, and Mimi now. Especially since Shine thought things went down one way and Price saw it another way. Can't wait for his story!
And we get a small, tiny glimpse of Dixie!!!!
"You are the light of my life, and you don't even know it. I didn't realize all I saw was darkness until you were there lighting the path back to reality."
This is Callum "Shine" Crow and Iris' story. And what a story it is.
I loved how their story starts, and ends. Both are stuck living with exes because there is nothing to rent or buy where they live.
This story Shine told some random bar fly was hilarious, especially if you know Garth lyrics. I was laughing so hard I woke my kiddo up.
Don't worry, there is drama. I was thinking it would be from one of the exes, but I was surprised!
Iris kicked some butt though.
I am curious about Bram, dorcas, and Mimi now. Especially since Shine thought things went down one way and Price saw it another way. Can't wait for his story!
And we get a small, tiny glimpse of Dixie!!!!
"You are the light of my life, and you don't even know it. I didn't realize all I saw was darkness until you were there lighting the path back to reality."
August 19, 2024
"Whoa, heaven let your light shine down." -Collective Soul & Iris (probably)
Iris...Iris what? Why don't I have a last name for her? Does anyone know? It's not even on LLV's book list, and I'm not going back through my audiobook for this review round. lol
Well, well. *Rubs hands together.* I'll be nice because I adore LLV, and this was a good book. I actually needed this book after the last one. Make Me Your Villain (I have no idea why the title is the way it is) is a fairly light, contemporary piece with some suspense around a family issue, but otherwise, it's pretty chill. The characters were great together. Overall, the story was decent.
But, you know, I can't let it slide with the schizophrenia thing. I just hate it when people with severe mental health issues are demonized. It's a tired trope that needs to be retired. I also don't like the idea that taking medication for said issues automatically makes you better or "normal" (it doesn't). It might help, but it's doubtful that someone will be in full remission (although this was later clarified at the end, which I did appreciate, so kudos there). But the thing that got me the most was Iris' notion that she couldn't have kids because they might end up getting that gene because it runs in the family. You know, people have kids with family histories of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, substance abuse, even depression and anxiety...all sorts of nasty things, and they don't blink an eye. But if it's crosses the line to bipolar or schizophrenia? It's an issue. I just read about a couple who wished they'd never had their kid because he had it and committed suicide (long story about donated sperm and whatnot, but it was horrible to read). It's like people with these issues are the scum of the earth and not worthy of being alive. So when Iris was having that discussion, I just flashed back to that article.
Sigh. Holy cow...where did I just go with that? Okay, some of that isn't LLV's fault, but I wish she hadn't have started with that trope (although again, there were some things in the end that made it different that would be spoilers). I'm done. I promise.
So, Iris has a s%!t family. Like, total horrible people. She's the forgotten child in favor of her sister (the one with the mental health issues) and her brother (the genius millionaire). They forget her constantly, but for whatever reason, Iris still keeps coming around. SMH. After a long day at work (she's a flight attendant), she ends up at a bar where her stalking ex-boyfriend finds her. A quick trip out the window and a jump on the back of some random guy's motorcycle starts something amazing with a guy named Callum (Shine). He's a member of the Battle Crows MC--a hard-a$% motorcycle club that has a reputation around town as dangerous. Iris doesn't care. Shine treats her like a queen, but when someone close to her is killed, the bliss of a new relationship suddenly comes to a halt.
Shine (not to be confused with Seanshine) is an entrepreneur. He's got businesses all over the place, including a lawn care business and a tree farm. (Me: A tree farm...that's interesting. Me: *Learns why he really has a tree farm.* What the f%#k, Shine.) He's hard working, but he'll never be a super rich guy. He just enjoys enjoying life. When he meets Iris, he immediately lets down his guard, which is odd because he's been burned by women in his part. In fact, he's still LIVING with an ex-girlfriend because there are no apartments in the town available. (Me: You own multiple businesses, Shine. It's to the point where you can slack off whenever you want. You can't get a down payment on a small house? No?) Iris might be the one, but he hates to see her in pain from her family drama. It keeps getting worse and worse until one day, the police knock on their door about a murder.
For the most part, I would say this is actually a cute book. Mostly. Except for the tree farm. *shudders* Yeah, Shine's MC gets down and dirty with some things, but overall, the actual romance is pretty darned cute. Iris and Shine were a great couple. I thought the plot moved well. But you know what? I NEED TO KNOW what's going on with Bram & Dorcas. Like, I see that they are a book for Never Trust the Living, but it doesn't come out UNTIL OCTOBER. WHY?!!?!?! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? Hmph. Anyhow, it is a good book. Read it. Don't worry about my mental health rants. I don't have schizophrenia, but I do suffer greatly from severe issues...and I might just be having one of those days.
Battle Crows MC Series
-Review of Always Someone's Monster
(Battle Crows MC #1)
-Review of Make Me Your Villain
(Battle Crows MC #2)
-Review of Rattle Some Cages
(Battle Crows MC #3)
-Review of Not a Role Model (Battle Crows MC #4)
-Review of Get Tragic (Battle Crows MC #5)
-Review of Strange and Unusual (Battle Crows MC #6)
-Review of Never Trust the Living (Battle Crows MC #7)
Iris...Iris what? Why don't I have a last name for her? Does anyone know? It's not even on LLV's book list, and I'm not going back through my audiobook for this review round. lol
Well, well. *Rubs hands together.* I'll be nice because I adore LLV, and this was a good book. I actually needed this book after the last one. Make Me Your Villain (I have no idea why the title is the way it is) is a fairly light, contemporary piece with some suspense around a family issue, but otherwise, it's pretty chill. The characters were great together. Overall, the story was decent.
But, you know, I can't let it slide with the schizophrenia thing. I just hate it when people with severe mental health issues are demonized. It's a tired trope that needs to be retired. I also don't like the idea that taking medication for said issues automatically makes you better or "normal" (it doesn't). It might help, but it's doubtful that someone will be in full remission (although this was later clarified at the end, which I did appreciate, so kudos there). But the thing that got me the most was Iris' notion that she couldn't have kids because they might end up getting that gene because it runs in the family. You know, people have kids with family histories of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, substance abuse, even depression and anxiety...all sorts of nasty things, and they don't blink an eye. But if it's crosses the line to bipolar or schizophrenia? It's an issue. I just read about a couple who wished they'd never had their kid because he had it and committed suicide (long story about donated sperm and whatnot, but it was horrible to read). It's like people with these issues are the scum of the earth and not worthy of being alive. So when Iris was having that discussion, I just flashed back to that article.
Sigh. Holy cow...where did I just go with that? Okay, some of that isn't LLV's fault, but I wish she hadn't have started with that trope (although again, there were some things in the end that made it different that would be spoilers). I'm done. I promise.
So, Iris has a s%!t family. Like, total horrible people. She's the forgotten child in favor of her sister (the one with the mental health issues) and her brother (the genius millionaire). They forget her constantly, but for whatever reason, Iris still keeps coming around. SMH. After a long day at work (she's a flight attendant), she ends up at a bar where her stalking ex-boyfriend finds her. A quick trip out the window and a jump on the back of some random guy's motorcycle starts something amazing with a guy named Callum (Shine). He's a member of the Battle Crows MC--a hard-a$% motorcycle club that has a reputation around town as dangerous. Iris doesn't care. Shine treats her like a queen, but when someone close to her is killed, the bliss of a new relationship suddenly comes to a halt.
Shine (not to be confused with Seanshine) is an entrepreneur. He's got businesses all over the place, including a lawn care business and a tree farm. (Me: A tree farm...that's interesting. Me: *Learns why he really has a tree farm.* What the f%#k, Shine.) He's hard working, but he'll never be a super rich guy. He just enjoys enjoying life. When he meets Iris, he immediately lets down his guard, which is odd because he's been burned by women in his part. In fact, he's still LIVING with an ex-girlfriend because there are no apartments in the town available. (Me: You own multiple businesses, Shine. It's to the point where you can slack off whenever you want. You can't get a down payment on a small house? No?) Iris might be the one, but he hates to see her in pain from her family drama. It keeps getting worse and worse until one day, the police knock on their door about a murder.
For the most part, I would say this is actually a cute book. Mostly. Except for the tree farm. *shudders* Yeah, Shine's MC gets down and dirty with some things, but overall, the actual romance is pretty darned cute. Iris and Shine were a great couple. I thought the plot moved well. But you know what? I NEED TO KNOW what's going on with Bram & Dorcas. Like, I see that they are a book for Never Trust the Living, but it doesn't come out UNTIL OCTOBER. WHY?!!?!?! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME? Hmph. Anyhow, it is a good book. Read it. Don't worry about my mental health rants. I don't have schizophrenia, but I do suffer greatly from severe issues...and I might just be having one of those days.
Battle Crows MC Series
-Review of Always Someone's Monster
(Battle Crows MC #1)
-Review of Make Me Your Villain
(Battle Crows MC #2)
-Review of Rattle Some Cages
(Battle Crows MC #3)
-Review of Not a Role Model (Battle Crows MC #4)
-Review of Get Tragic (Battle Crows MC #5)
-Review of Strange and Unusual (Battle Crows MC #6)
-Review of Never Trust the Living (Battle Crows MC #7)
March 13, 2022
Loved Shine and Iris!
"You are the light of my life and you don't even know it."
This was a fab story! I adored Callum AKA Shine Crow, and Iris Dalton was pretty kickass. All of LLV's heroines are tough, sassy and brave. I loved the instant connection between Shine and Iris - the way they understood each other so well, in such a short space of time, was heartwarming. They were fun, amusing and sweet together, as well as passionate. As usual, the story took a turn for the unexpected and, frankly, also left a couple of questions unanswered, so I'm really hoping we'll find out more in the books to come in this series. This was an easy, sexy, intriguing read.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2AHQZS...
"You are the light of my life and you don't even know it."
This was a fab story! I adored Callum AKA Shine Crow, and Iris Dalton was pretty kickass. All of LLV's heroines are tough, sassy and brave. I loved the instant connection between Shine and Iris - the way they understood each other so well, in such a short space of time, was heartwarming. They were fun, amusing and sweet together, as well as passionate. As usual, the story took a turn for the unexpected and, frankly, also left a couple of questions unanswered, so I'm really hoping we'll find out more in the books to come in this series. This was an easy, sexy, intriguing read.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2AHQZS...
March 1, 2022
I continue to be impressed with each and every story Lani weaves. I look forward to each one knowing that I'm going to laugh out loud multiple times. Shed a few tears (maybe 1 or 2 gut wrenching sobs) And nod my head emphatically at situations that mirror a personal experience. Lani allows me to take a break from the day to day and live in a world of spectacular alpha men and their amazingly spectacular better halves. Iris and Callum/Shine are just what I needed today and I thank you Lani, for helping me escape for a little while. Their story is one of instant attraction that turns into all consuming love in a short amount of time. Lots of family and crazy exes tend to be the norm for LLV, and they manage to round out the storyline perfectly. Another one outta the park. 5 stars.
March 9, 2022
Make Me Your Villain is book 2 in Battle Crows MC series by Lani Lynn Vale. We get Shine and Iris' story. Shine is Haggard's brother and Cannal's is his sister. Iris is just perfect for Shine. Theirs is an unusual meet type from the get go yet red-hot chemistry. Oh and Garth Brooks worked into the story! A+. I will say Iris doesn't have anything good in her life(nasty fam, bad boyfriend, and the nasty sister drama) . So the sweet, hot, feelgood banter between Shine and Iris immediately elevates the read then add action, excitement, suspense, intrigue, drama and romance all while the MLs are trying to figure out whose after her/him/them. The ending was just WOW GOOD.
My Rating: 4.5 stars **********
My Rating: 4.5 stars **********
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