Lesleigh

by K.O. Newman

Lesleigh Hicks has suffered through a broken mating bond for years. One day he had everything, and the next he was adrift, and had been ever since. The frayed edges of his bond we're slowly driving his bear--Titan--mad and he was doing everything in his power to keep it together long enough for the Lords of Khaos to overthrow their toxic leadership and settle, before he positioned his alpha and best friend Malachai to put him down. It's a losing battle, but either the return of his mate or the oblivion of death are his answers.

Sophia "Cherry" Fox had put Ironwood Heights in her rear view mirror, she thought for good. But when a too good to pass up an assignment to interview the illusive proprietor of House of Ink, she takes it. What else can she do? With no other prospects Cherry packs her bags and heads straight into the bear's den, and her cheating ex husband.

But when confronted with the pink haired hussy Cherry is filled with rage and second thoughts. Surely she can find something to pay her bills other than crawling back to Les's cheating ass. Can she suck up her hurt and get the job done? And what happens when all the heat of their mating bond flairs to life and tries to pull them back together? Can they mend their broken hearts and find the HEA they were promised all those years ago?

Lesleigh is a paranormal MC romance. It’s a full on steamfest with growly bear shifters and a heroine who loves adult language. If you have read K.O. Newman before you know her books are full of sexually explicit content, a little bit of blood and violence, and fated mates who are ready to throw down to keep their loved ones safe.

*** This book also contains themes not suitable to all audiences such as human trafficking and is intended for readers 18+ only. ***

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2021

About the author

K.O. Newman is a neurospicy author of steamy, panty-melting paranormal romance. A lifelong reader who overcame dyslexia to bring sass and sizzle to your shelves. Her queer-inclusive books include motorcycle clubs of monsters, aliens, and bearded bad-boys.

Outside her life as an author, Kat is a mom of two brilliant children, and wife to a supportive husband. She lives in the Midwestern U.S., but Kat's heart truly lies in a little town in Vermont, home of her Lords of Khaos series.

Reviews

[Shanna Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look out, panties! Because Les is about to soak 'em.

Just when I thought Ironwood couldn't get any hotter (because Malachai was super yummy!) Les comes in and blows me away.

This second book in the LOKI series is just as good as book 1, but in new and different ways. It's a second chance biker romance with all the steam and suspense you need to get you revved and ready.

I loved getting Lesleigh and Cherry's story, as I really felt for him--and all the LOKI characters--in book 1. Les gave me those broody biker vibes and was a TOTAL alpha when it came to his mate, especially in the bedroom. I'll say no more ;-)

Cherry was immediately likable (she's an author and an artist!) and their love story was so endearing that I fell hard. I loved getting the snippets with the LOKI crew and see the other side to what was going on in book one.

But whoa, I was not ready for the ending. NO SPOILERS... BUT I NEED MORE. Can't wait for the next one!!!

Keep them coming, K.O. Love me some LOKI, lady!!

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'K.O.Newman continues to wow and impress and this time, its Lesleigh's turn to growl and prowl his way to the fore'

Thank you to K.O.Newman for sending me her latest novel as an ebook to read and review as a part of her ARC team. You're the loveliest person and I'm super proud to call myself both a firm K.O.Newman reader!
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Okay so first of all, if you've stumbled upon this read first I recommend that you press pause, backspace and hit up Malachai first. Malachai is the first book in KO's 'Lords of Khaos: Ironwood' series. Lesleigh is an outstanding read, but for the full shifter effect Malachai is the place to start to get a feel for the series. When you're done with him, brace yourselves for the brash, broody, bear-shifter that is Lesleigh.

Now then, where should we start with this big boy? Yes, I have it. So we all love a good second chance romance, because there are SO many ways in which it could play out. Will there be an explosively steamy ripping-all-the-clothes-off moment? Will there be a sweet reunion? Tears? I was quite pleased with how KO played out Cherry & Lesleigh's second chance at romance, especially their first meeting and how that ended. One word, OOF!

There's no mistaking the amount of steam in this novel, either. Having read KO's stuff from quite literally the beginning, I've seen her come on in leaps and bounds when it comes to the hot-under-the-collar moments. Gone are the moments of safe, PG stolen kisses and cuddles, here are the days of hot shifters and their unbridled arduous. And I'm living for it! Lesleigh does too. Plenty of lip-biting went on when that side of him was let loose, and I'm not talking about his bear --wink wink--.

Honestly, I don't think I have even enough characters in this review space to fit in all that I wanted to say about Lesleigh. I knew her next novel and book in this series was going to be a good one, I just didn't know that it would be this good! Props to KO's 'book wife' and fellow author, Miri Stone, and Mariah Thayer her uber talented editor, for making this novel as best as it could be, highlighting and bringing out the best in K.O.Newman.

If you're looking for a read that will give you:

✔ Second Chance Romance
✔ Alphamales
✔ Romantic Suspense
✔ Fated Mates
✔ Motorcycle Clubs (MC)
✔ Smokin' Hot
✔ Shifter Romance
✔ Cliffhanger endings

then Lesleigh is for you! It sure was for me.

Be on the look out for the next book & an ending (hopefully that sweet, sweet Happily Ever After) that will round this couple's story nicely.

Proud of you my friend, what a thrilling read! Five stars for you, Cherry & Lesleigh.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this part of Les and Cherry story. I was great to see how this was happening along side Malachai's story and really enjoyed reading when Cherry went to visit Bella but that ending? OMG I was so not ready for it and now I am here biting my nails needing Cherry's book!!! The book is well written, all the characters we met and loved in Malachai are here and we get to revisit them. Titan, wow Titan!! Need to see him thru this!! Can´t wait for the next

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely action packed story! So many ins and outs. Characters and the story are very much interwoven with Malachi’s story.

It was a true nail biter all the way through!

[Maxine Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I fell completely in love with LOKI when I read the first book. I was excited to read Les' story as his character grabbed my attention from the start. His story didn't disappoint. I love a broken character and Les is as grumpy and broken, and loveable as they come. I'm not a huge fan of the dual single POV, which is why i only gave it four stars. But over all the story is great. 

[Rosa Dunahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesleigh is book 2 Lords of Khaos: Ironwoods series. This is a second chances/ fated mates romance. This is Lesleigh and Sophia “Cherry” story. You will get both of their view. Lesleigh is a grizzly bear shifter and Sophia is a panda shifter who are bonded mates. But when the book start, we will find Cherry has left Les for 5 years only to return because of a story she needs to write. But the bond between her and Les was always there and at times made her sick. She left because of something she thought happens. And now that she is back, Les and his bear Titan is not planning to let her go again. Both Les and Cherry have been broken but not only do they need to fix this. But there is a problem in the MC and there is a threat against Cherry. Plus, Les’s bear Titan is sick, and they are trying to figure out how to fix him. Their emotional rollercoaster will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. But prepared yourself this book will end in cliffhanger.

This book has some incredible characters. But Cherry Lesleigh and Whisper is by far my favorite. The way the author writes their story is amazing. Would I recommend Lesleigh without a doubt. I love their story and can’t wait to finish it in the next book Cherry.

[B.B. Florine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m totally sucked into the world of Newman’s shifter biker club books! It’s dark, raw and gritty and has a whole host of intriguing characters. Les and Cherry’s story is a second chance romance with flashbacks to their first meeting that endeared me to both of them. If you love gruff alphas, feisty sweet females and boatloads of steam and intensity, you’ll love this book. It’s a cliff hanger—so be warned. I actually read the second book first and, I gotta say, I’m kinda glad I did because I didn’t have to worry too much and could enjoy soaking up all the tidbits of info that pieced Les and Cherry’s back story together. I really enjoyed both books.
I’m also a big fan of Whisper. I find the way the author writes the clan relationships of these shifters really engrossing and I can’t wait to read more about them.

[Shelly Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Pants.
Not going to lie I read this book in one sitting and ignored all of my adult responsibilities while I did it.
Cherry is perfectly imperfect. I was rooting for her the moment she got the call from her boss.
Les is just well Les. His bear is broken, he is holding on by a thread, and he wants his woman.

If you like a gritty motorcycle romance with shifters who aren't afraid to take care of business you need to read this book.

Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger but Cherry's book is coming out soon and I can't wait.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Lesleigh by K.O. Newman is book two in the Lords of Khaos: Ironwood books. This one follows the story of bear shifter Lesleigh and panda shifter Cherry. The books is a fated mate motorcycle club romance. This cliffhanger honestly broke my heart. These two have fought to get back to one another. I really can't wait for the next book, I NEED it now.

[Michelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and heartbreaking scenes

Wow this book is action packed with many intense, heartbreaking and loving scenes. Les and Cherry have a rough ride in his story and it isn’t over yet.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les

You find the back story of Les and his missing mate Cherry. Who comes back just as the club explose in all directions. But will Les and Cherry survive.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gutwrenching

Loved this book, even though it was a bit confusing at times. Great characters, dragons included. No hea in this book. Also no ending which I hate.

[Maycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesleigh is book 2 of K.O. Newman’s Lords of Khaos: Ironwood series. This book is told in dual POV and is Lesleigh and Sophia’s (Cherry) story. This book ends in a cliffhanger and no where near a HEA or even a HFN, reader be warned this book will wreak havoc on your emotions!
Holy cannoli the emotional roller coaster! Kat is absolutely phenomenal at writing amazing characters with insane chemistry and a gritty storyline that pulls you in from page one. This book is no different. The world building in this series is so well done and you instantly feel like you are in the middle of Ironwood Heights. I love these characters. Cherry is so likable and relatable that she would easily be someone you would want as a friend in real life. Les is a growly alpha (literally and figuratively) with a soft spot for the women in his life. The protectiveness and possessiveness Les shows are total panty melters - So Dang Hot! As bonded mates Les and Cherry should’ve been in wedded bliss and living their happily ever after, but this book starts with their world shattered and a broken mating bond that is driving them both mad. When they are thrown back together for a second chance at forever Les and Cherry realize there is way more to the situation. Your heart will break for this couple and everything that keeps getting thrown at them. I couldn’t put this book down. The steam will melt your kindles, and the twists and turns of the plot will keep you on the edge of your seat and glued to the pages. If you love a dark and intense romance with both smexy times and violence this is your book! This paranormal MC romance will tick all of your PNR boxes, I cannot wait for Cherry’s book and the conclusion to this couple’s storyline! Great job Kat, this book is freaking amazing!
ARC graciously given by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading this part of Les and Cherry's story. I was great to see how this was happening along side Malachai's story and really enjoyed reading when Cherry went to visit Bella but that ending? OMG I was so not ready for it and now I am here biting my nails needing Cherry's book!!! The book is well written, all the characters we met and loved in Malachai are here and we get to revisit them. Titan, wow Titan!! Need to see him thru this!! Can´t wait for the next