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Howlers MC #1

Axle's Ride

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18 and up, adult language & situations
Ashlyn Taylor had no idea what she was doing when it came to raising her sister, but that didn't matter. When their mother died, she knew she had to come home and take custody of her teen sister, Georgia. Working as a waitress at Bobby's Bar, her world takes another crazy turn when a group of men come in wearing MC cuts and took over a corner of the bar. The man she assumed was the leader kept eyeing her. She didn't know what to do with that. Not to mention, the last thing she needed was more complications.

Axle Weber, president of the Howlers MC of Michigan, had never had a problem going after what he wanted. And he usually got it. When he and his club stopped by Bobby's Bar for drinks, after a long ride and a tense meeting with an ally club, he saw something he just had to have. Rather, he saw a someone he just had to have. Their waitress was gorgeous in a way that caught his attention and wouldn't let go. He wasn't one who usually latched on, not for long anyway, but everything in him wanted to grab hold of Ashlyn Taylor and never let go. Rival clubs, drugs, and murder plots, Axle already had a lot on his shoulders, but none of that was going to stop him. Problem was... Axle had a secret that could destroy any chance he had of finding happiness with Ashlyn. He was a wolf shifter.

Will the truth drive Ashlyn away or will a woman finally settle down Axle Weber, biker and ladies' man?

281 pages, ebook

Published December 11, 2021

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T.S. Tappin

24 books49 followers

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5 stars
148 (47%)
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97 (30%)
3 stars
56 (17%)
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10 (3%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for CYNDY.
1,150 reviews35 followers
October 5, 2023
3.5

This is not my usual read, but it wasn't too bad. Can't wait to see how everyone else plays out.
Profile Image for Mel D.
18 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2026
3 words Shifter Motorcycle Club

This book masterfully blends the thrilling world of shifters and motorcycle clubs, exploring multiple relationships seamlessly. The characters are developed, and are so easily liked.

With engaging pacing and heartfelt moments, this feel-good read offers an enjoyable escape filled with adventure and camaraderie. Perfect for anyone seeking excitement and connection!
Profile Image for Chrystal_K.
585 reviews
December 20, 2021
Great start to a new series. I loved the multiple POV’s and look forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,757 reviews45 followers
December 17, 2021
Axle

The president of Howlers and a wolf shufter. But hes found his human one and shes blond and gorgeous. And all his
1 review
Read
December 14, 2021
Great book

I loved this book. It gets your attention. I didn't want to put it down. Well written. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Shelly Rogers.
336 reviews17 followers
August 1, 2023
I have multiple comments to make on this. First, I'm mad that I waited so dang long to read this series, well to start it at least. But I'm going to be finishing what's available for sure.

I love MC Romance. It's literally one of my favorite go to. And this, this book, I needed in my life. It is everthing! I love the way the story flows and the multi-pov. While the "main" focus is Axle and Ashlyn, you get soo much more.

This is more than just an MC, because they are more than just bikers. They are shifters. Axle is the president and sexy AF. He gets around because he has no commitments and he enjoys his life. Until he lays eyes on the new girl at Bobby's Bar (well new to him because he hasn't seen her before).

Ashlyn moved back to the town after her mom passed to take care of her sister Georgia. She is working hard and trying to save money to buy Georgia a car and just survive. As she is starting her shift one night, her friend Dani seems to be acting unusual. She won't give Ashlyn any indication on why. Then the MC walks in and heads straight for the table that she will be serving for the evening.

Ashlyn and Axle have sparks from the start, but Ashlyn isn't in his club and doesn't do well being pushed around. Their story was easy to fall into because she didn't just fall at his feet. She made him work, apoligize even. Axle is very protective in all the right ways and I was here for it.

In the "background" you have Georgia (Ashlyn's little sister) and her guy Emerson. While they aren't the main characters, there is a story there as well. They are young and in love. But it's more than that. And those two are just so darn cute!

Another BIG part of this book is family. This isn't your typical biker gang. They are truely a family and really do depend on one another. They are loyal. You start to get bits and peices of some of the other guys, so when this book ends, you're ready to move on. There is a small teaser to lead into book 2. Which, I ran too! There are so many background people that I'm hoping ALL get their own story.

There are trigger/content warnings, so check those out before proceeding. Make sure you're comfortable with it all.

Happy Reading Ya'll!
Profile Image for Tara Tappin.
Author 10 books21 followers
March 23, 2022
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
32 reviews
August 11, 2025
Axle’s Ride by T.S. Tappin
4/5 stars

Axle’s Ride delivers a spicy, action-packed, and emotionally satisfying biker romance with a paranormal twist that definitely kept me hooked from start to finish.
The story centers on Ashlyn Taylor, a young woman who’s doing her best to hold it all together after her mother’s death, suddenly finding herself the guardian of her teenage sister, Georgia. Between the emotional weight of family responsibility and working long shifts at Bobby’s Bar, the last thing she expects is to catch the eye of a dominant, leather-clad stranger, let alone the president of a motorcycle club.
Enter Axle Weber, alpha in more ways than one. He’s the head of the Howlers MC, a wolf shifter with a strong presence, a rough edge, and a soft spot for a fiery waitress he can’t seem to stay away from. What I really enjoyed was the “he falls first” energy, Axle is absolutely smitten, and it shows. While he’s dealing with club tensions, rival threats, and the burden of keeping his supernatural identity a secret, his growing connection with Ashlyn starts to become just as important as keeping his pack safe.
The spice level? Solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, intense, and perfectly matched to the gritty MC atmosphere. But the heat doesn't overpower the emotional arcs. There's real depth here: Ashlyn’s protective love for her sister, Axle’s loyalty to his club, and a great “found family” dynamic that comes through with the Howlers.
T.S. Tappin does a great job building out both the characters and the world. The MC lifestyle feels authentic without being overwhelming, and the shifter element adds an exciting twist that raises the stakes. The plot moves at a solid pace, it’s easy to follow, and the dual POV format gave me a clear view into both Ashlyn and Axle’s struggles and desires.
While it didn’t quite hit 5-star perfection for me (I would’ve loved a little more detail on the shifter lore), it absolutely left me wanting more. If you like your romance with motorcycles, growly alphas, strong heroines, a touch of danger, and a whole lot of heat, Axle’s Ride is a great pick, and I’ll definitely be riding along for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Tinsley.
6 reviews
December 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my first book by T.S. Tappin, and I can confidently say I’m obsessed. Motorcycle club romance and shifters? Immediate yes—and this book delivered on every level.

Axel and Ashlyn pulled me in right away. Their connection is intense, emotional, and beautifully layered. Axel is everything you want in an MC alpha—protective, loyal, powerful, and carrying the weight of responsibility—while Ashlyn is strong, compassionate, and grounded in a way that makes her impossible not to root for. Both are dealing with real struggles, and watching their relationship unfold felt natural and earned.

The chemistry between them is undeniable 🔥—the spice is chef’s kiss without overpowering the story, and the emotional tension kept me turning pages late into the night. I also really loved how the shifter element was woven into the plot, especially the secrecy and trust issues it creates. It added depth and stakes without feeling gimmicky.

What truly sealed it for me was the world-building and side characters. I loved getting glimpses of the larger MC family and knowing this is just the beginning of their stories. By the end, I wasn’t just satisfied—I was excited.

I went into this book curious and came out a full-on fan. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series and see what T.S. Tappin has in store next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
35 reviews
May 4, 2022
Bikers
Shifters Romance
Multiple POVs
Spicy

You will meet Ashlyn, a college dropout that moves back home to care for her little sister when their mother dies. Who gets noticed by Axle the president of the MC biker club. He knew her mother and little sister, because the club would take care of them when she was away at school. This soon turns into a romance with ups and downs. Follow along for a romance filled with some spice and shifting.


Review:
I love shifter romances, so this was exciting for me, but I was sad. I felt like there could have been so much more to add and create more depth. There wasn't really a development between Ashlyn and Axle before a relationship was created and anytime they had a conversation it would end in sex. There was hardly any background to any of the characters besides a quick summary. I think I was expecting a little more or closer to a slow burn shifter romance. I'm not sure, but I just wanted more depth. I feel like it was also more spice than plot. Mild spice though.
Profile Image for Heather Nonna’s Book Nook.
43 reviews
August 6, 2023
I’m HOWLIN’ for more!

I love me some spicy MC romance, as well as Shifter romance and T.S. Tappin combined the two beautifully!

In this story we follow Axel, MMC, who happens to be a wolf shifter and the Prez of the Howlers MC. He's fierce, protective, loyal, cunning, caring and sexy as hell.
Everything an Alpha & Prez should be! I absolutely LOVE him! Then we have Ashlyn, FMC, who is human and recently returned home to take care of her teenage sister after their mother passed. They meet and their chemistry is off the charts! Lust at first sight and it doesn't take long for Axel to realize Ashlyn is his mate. It takes a little longer for Ashlyn, especially since she knows nothing about the existence of shifters.

This book has many POVs and I'm so happy the author did this. I love knowing what's happening with all of the characters and not just the main couple. Congrats on pulling that off fabulously. You have a new fan in me and I can't wait to read more of the Howlers and the Claws!
Profile Image for Miranda.
439 reviews6 followers
November 12, 2024
The narrator surprised me with his variety of accents and personalities. There was no doubt in knowing which character was talking, even if their name wasn’t mentioned. He brought alive the characters to a whole new level.

Ashlyn is a woman who’s trying to work to support her sister. She never assumed working at a bar would be the answer to all her problems. Only issue is, she doesn’t want someone to take care of her. She wants to be independent and work for her money. Little does she know, Howler’s MC Leader is a natural Alpha protector. He craves to give Ashlyn everything she needs and more.

Axle is a lot to handle and that’s not just because he is a protective leader. He has a feral secret he doesn’t know how to tell Ashlyn about.
The need for Axle to claim his mate all while trying to run his club, protecting others, and keeping his people alive makes this relationship a challenge.

It was easy to be sucked into the story, especially with PJ narrating. This was well performed, well written, with a lead up to the next story.
Profile Image for Tawnya L.
339 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2021
Not even close to being the book I thought I was going to be reading.

This is the first book so far in the series, you wouldn't think so as you start reading it.

Ashlyn comes back to her home town, because her mother died and left her teenage sister alone. This is what we're told and led to believe, until a chance encounter with the local MC at the bar Ashlyn is working at.

Supposedly, as we find out a litt ways into the book, the MC knew Ashlyn's mother and sister. Supposedly the MC considered them "family" but Ashlyn never heard of them or how close they all were. She came home to take care of her sister and had to sell everything, leaving her and her sister loving in a slumlord's building.

I normally will finish the book I'm reading before I go to bed. Last night, I did not. I grew bored with this book and they juvenile way the story is written. Not even enough interest for me to read the next book when it comes out.
Profile Image for Jessica Penley.
89 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
Oh my gosh, I'm absolutely obsessed with MC and shifter romance, and T.S. Tappin did an amazing job combining the two in this story...

🏍️❤️‍🔥 Axel, the MMC, is a wolf shifter and the Prez of the Howlers MC, and he's everything an alpha and Prez should be - fierce, protective, loyal, cunning, caring, and hot. I totally love him!

🏍️❤️‍🔥When he meets Ashlyn, the FMC, who's a human recently back home to care for her teenage sister after their mom passed away, their chemistry is instant and intense. Axel knows right away that Ashlyn is his mate, but it takes Ashlyn a little longer to figure it out, especially since she's clueless about shifters.

🏍️❤️‍🔥 I love that this book has multiple POVs because it lets you get inside all the characters' heads, not just the main couple's. T.S. Tappin did a fantastic job, and I'm definitely going to be reading more from the Howlers and Claws series. @t.s.tappin
Profile Image for Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour).
1,266 reviews8 followers
May 19, 2026
This is just so much fun to read!!! It’s an MC club full of wolf shifters, The Howler’s, who are big on found family, all about protecting, totally unafraid to wolf out in the name of a woman’s safety or keeping drugs out of their territory, and they’re allies with other clubs full of other predator shifters. It’s literally impossible not to love this book just based on the MC club alone! Then Axle and his wolf stumble upon the woman who is without a doubt their mate in a bar and look out Howler’s because Ashlynn does not like being told what to do, will absolutely stake her claim in front of whoever, and with a big heart, a sweet smile, and a need to handle things without violence, keeps Axle, his wolf, and the whole club on their toes. A completely enjoyable read from start to finish that is perfectly cute, sweet, and spicy, with a hit of touch her and there’s a good chance you won’t have a throat anymore!
Profile Image for Momof3.
254 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2022
Holy cow the steam these two had was very hot. Once I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down. Ashlyn comes back to take care of her mom and sister and after her mom passes she is there for her sister. She wants to get her sister a car so her friend Dani tells their boss to give her the big parties. Ashlyn then meets Axle who just about jumps her then and there lol. He knew when he first saw her she was the one for him but now had to convince her of that. The biggest problem is she doesn't know he is a shifter and his unwillingness to share his secrets almost causes some issues along with her own issues. I really enjoyed watching their story unfold while also getting to know some of the other characters. I can't wait to read their books. If you like shifters, steamy romance, and mates this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Katelyn.
250 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2022
Introduction to the Howler MC

This was a great first book in the series. I will admit at first I was taken aback by the multiple story lines but they all came together nicely and I think it will really help give the other books some headway.

So in this one our main interests are Axle the Pres and he's soon to be old lady Ash or Gorgeous as he calls her. They call fast for each other.

This was a MC shifter romance so we had the alpha maleness of the MC and then the fated mates with the shifter aspect.
I do hope the other books explore the shifter aspect of things a little more but even if they don't the MC world is interesting enough to have me starting book 2.

There were some plot holes for me but knowing this is part of a larger seriesI'm sure they will be answered. Looking forward to Tripps book next!
Profile Image for Marci Soloway.
28 reviews
May 15, 2026
This book was a pleasant surprise, especially as it was my first real dive into the MC (motorcycle club) genre. It offered a fresh experience compared to what I typically read.
The character development is solid, giving readers a good sense of who the characters are and what drives them. One thing that stood out was the spice level—it’s definitely on the higher side and jumps in quicker than the slow-burn romances I’m more accustomed to. For readers who enjoy a more immediate intensity, this will be a plus.
While I didn’t have much background knowledge of MC culture going in, Axle’s Ride serves as a great introduction to the genre. It blends romance, tension, and a glimpse into that world in a way that’s accessible for newcomers.
Overall, it’s an engaging read that opened the door to a new genre for me, and it makes me curious to explore more within this space.
604 reviews20 followers
June 5, 2026
As a huge MC romance fan, this book had everything I love—great pacing, multiple POVs, and characters that kept me invested from start to finish.

Axle and Ashlyn’s chemistry is undeniable, but what made their relationship stand out was that Ashlyn didn’t make things easy for him. Their romance felt earned, and Axle’s protective nature only made him more appealing.

The shifter motorcycle club concept was a unique twist, though the paranormal aspect felt minimal for much of the story. The wolves are mentioned early on, but the shifter side doesn’t really come into play until around the halfway mark. Because of that, this felt more like an MC romance with shifter elements rather than a true paranormal romance.

The side characters, especially Georgia and Emerson, added depth and charm to the story, and their subplot left me excited to see where the series goes next.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,470 reviews28 followers
September 28, 2023
Loved this

A good book, easily to read and follow as the time goes by also i thoughly enjoyed the whole story. The only thing that really put me off a small bit was the POF from other characters, which is why i have given one less star in the ratings.
Axel, the president of the Howlers Mc, took one look at Ashlyn and knew he was his, she was gorgeous and that is excatly what her nick name is. Ashley has come back to look after her sister, one look at Axel and she wants him. It takes her a bit to trust him, they have a few tiffs, but soon she is on board with it all.
Secrets are revealed and theres a war brewing with another club. A story not to be missed.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,194 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2025
axle & Ashlynn: triggers- loss, domestic abuse, violence, drugs, underage sex. actually a pretty good and very, very naughty shifter/mc romance book. it's insta everything. I really enjoyed it. what I didn't really care for were all the different POV 's in the story, which it seemed like every character ended up having one. I wish that the author focused solely on the main characters because the other pov's had really nothing to do with that actual story. I also listened to the audio version of the book, I'm not too excited that there are no more audiobooks for this series and the other books are not on KU but it's whatever.
Profile Image for Heather Reifinger stoudt.
5 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2026
A paranormal romance novel about Axle Weber, the president of the Howlers Motorcycle Club, and Ashlyn Taylor, a waitress who becomes his love interest. As if that isn’t enough, this happens amidst the dangers of the MC world, including rival clubs, drugs, and murder plots, with the added twist that Axle is a wolf shifter with a secret that could jeopardize their relationship.
There is also the background story of Georgia, Ashlynn’s sister, and her main squeeze, Emerson. The young love is so darn cute it leaves a smile on your face.
All readers just need to be aware of the trigger warnings and proceed with caution before diving in.
Profile Image for Elaine Tocco.
62 reviews
July 10, 2022
Loved it!

As a Michigan girl, loved the story location. The characters were great, believable, and well thought out.

This is my first shifter novel, and I almost didn't go through with reading it. Boy am I happy I did. Axle and Ash were adorable. Story had spice, attitude, blood, shifting, and excitement. Sexy sitches were hot 🔥 🥵

Absolutely recommend 👌. Can't wait to finish the series. Thankfully, the series is being offered for free (limited time) in KU.

MC shifter romance...hooked!
Profile Image for Natalie.
209 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2025
T.S. Tappin is the author of the Howlers MC series

Axle's Ride is a motorcycle club (MC) romance novel that is generally well-received for its "spicy" scenes, romance, and themes of "family" and brotherhood within the club. I love that they are all against women abuse Note the strong chemistry between the main characters, Axle and Ashlyn, and find the plot engaging despite being a quick read. I did find the depiction of the MC brotherhood to be a bit disconnected, but overall, I would recommend the book for fans of the MC romance genre.
Profile Image for Kaylee Dufault.
10 reviews
May 7, 2026
Axle’s Ride was a fun shorter read, I enjoyed the MC side of the book where the shifter side did not seem to have much action. I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if it stuck to the main characters and not kept switching up the story it made it hard to follow at times and did not feel like it added much to the story besides giving more information on characters that are not relevant to what is happening in the man story line, I understand it was setting up for the remaining books but I felt like we needed more time to fully explore Axle and Ashlyn’s relationship.
Profile Image for Megan Kenna.
45 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2022
I absolutely loved thos book. Axle is the president of the Howlers MC and a wolf shifter who falls instantly in love with Ashlyn (Gorgeous) when he sees her working at Bobby's bar. This book is the perfect pairing of sexy, badass bikers, and paranormal . The MC is mixes the badass and the protective perfectly while keeping the characters real. I read all three books to this series in 2 days and am now going to patiently wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Allie Hohn.
79 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2023
Shifters and bikers together!! I absolutely love that. The world building is really good.
Ash and axle met at the bar she worked at. He knew her younger sister Georgia and her mom, but she didn’t know him. Her mom had died and she came back to take care of her sister. I loved the story, loved the plot. And I loved that it wasn’t a complete slow burn like to the end of the book slow. I also loved that we got to see some of Georgia and Emerson’s story too. They are so freaking cute!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
5,101 reviews137 followers
December 2, 2025
My first read by T.S. Tappin, and I loved it. but then again, it comes with my faves. MC and shifters. double win.
but I absolutely loved both Axle and Ashlynn. both had things going on in their lives and Axle especially wasn't sure if ashlynn would accept him for what he was.
but this book had a great story, great plot, and just the right amount of spiciness.
I can't wait to read this entire series.
Profile Image for Kearston McQ.
167 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2022
Good Foundation...Needs Depth

This was a good read. Not normally what I go for but still a good story. I just think it lacked the depth that would have taken it to the next level. Also I know this book was setting up the spin offs but I wish it stayed from 2 perspectives. Overall still a good book.
Profile Image for Cathleen Cole.
Author 32 books594 followers
September 17, 2022
Shifters and bikers? Yes please!

I love Mc romance, and I equally love shifter romance. So to add them together was perfection!

The chemistry between Axle and Ashlyn was phenomenal and had me eagerly flipping pages to see what happened.

This book has a little bit of everything angst, romance, steamy scenes, and action! It all adds up to a very fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews