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Masters of Mayhem #1
Wraith
Mayhem made me a delinquent.
Gomorrah made me a monster.
I'm an Unholy. An enforcer for Pennsylvania's most feared gang. Trust me when I tell you I'm the last person you want to be locked in a cage with. David Crane saw the damage I can do, and that's the reason he added me to his stable of captive fighters.
I understand why Jamie Ellis married Crane. And if it weren't for her, I'd be dead. Problem is, now that Jamie is back in my life, I have no intention of letting her slip away twice.
Gomorrah made me a monster.
I'm an Unholy. An enforcer for Pennsylvania's most feared gang. Trust me when I tell you I'm the last person you want to be locked in a cage with. David Crane saw the damage I can do, and that's the reason he added me to his stable of captive fighters.
I understand why Jamie Ellis married Crane. And if it weren't for her, I'd be dead. Problem is, now that Jamie is back in my life, I have no intention of letting her slip away twice.
Unknown Binding
First published December 15, 2020
202 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
Renee Rocco
16 books273 followersRenee has always loved villains more than heroes, and although ‘spooky season’ is her time to shine, she enjoys lazy summer days spent poolside listening to podcasts. When not dreaming up ways to torment the characters who inhabit her mind, she’s a working mom who lives near the infamous Jersey Shore.
Find Renee around the internet:
Website: www.reneerocco.com
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Find Renee around the internet:
Website: www.reneerocco.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/reneeroccoauthor/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@reneeroccoauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorreneerocco
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
December 14, 2020
4.5 stars!
Wow. This book just blew me away! Renee Rocco is a new-to-me author who has been out of the writing world for a long time, but she’s back, and she’s delivered an exciting, raw and gritty dark romance with fantastically sarcastic humour, a badass antihero, a strong yet damaged heroine, and a heartfelt second-chance-romance that completely captivated me. It has vibes of the King series by T.M. Frazier and the Scarred Souls series by Tillie Cole, but it also has a feel and a story that is all its own, and I loved it!
In a United States set in the not-too-distant future, a second civil war has seen cities crumble and vigilante gangs rise to power. Civilisation and government still exist, but in the small town of Mayhem, the town is ruled by the Unholy, who keep the peace and dole out punishment as and when required. There’s not too much detail given on this, just enough to set the scene, with the focus very much on the characters and their story, but it adds a unique twist which I thought was really interesting.
Eric and Jamie grew up in Mayhem and met as children, but they didn’t really become friends until they were teenagers, when she was living a hellish life, and Eric was her one protector and the shining light in her life. At 16 she was sent away, and it’s not until eight years later that they see each other again, when everything has changed.
Eric is now a grown man, and is an enforcer for the Unholy, going by the name Wraith. But he has been captured and is being held prisoner as a fighter in a deadly underground fighting ring. Subjected to unending torture and held at the whim of a sadistic psychopath, his very existence is hell, until Jamie steps back into his life – beautiful, bright, and married to the monster that holds him. But not all is as it seems, and Jamie has her own plans to tear down her husband’s empire. But first, she is determined to save the man she’s always cared for so deeply, and she’s prepared to put her own life on the line to do it.
It’s a great set up, and the drama and intensity of it all instantly sucks you in, but damn, some of those early scenes are scarily dark. The torture and violence plays out graphically on the page, and I have to admit, some of it is pretty stomach churning. But it sets the scene well, and leads to the part we’re all waiting for – Wraith and Jamie’s second-chance-romance.
It’s not exactly a second-chance-romance, because what they had as teenagers wasn’t really a relationship, but the feelings were there in the past, and they are definitely there in the present. Wraith and Jamie have never forgotten about each other, and they each hold a piece of the other’s heart, so when they finally get the chance to come together as adults, all of that anticipation, chemistry and sexual tension is just waiting to explode.
It’s not an easy ride for them though. They’ve got things they need to work through, and there’s some angst as they figure it all out, but it makes sense for them and their story, and the banter, teasing and joking is highly entertaining. I wasn’t expecting to laugh so much in this book, but Wraith, Jamie, and especially Wraith’s best friend, Jester, are sarcastically hilarious, and the back-and-forth is just awesome. It brings much-needed levity to the violent world that they all inhabit, and I loved those fun moments between them.
And at the heart of it all is this beautiful love story that is hard-fought-for, passionate, and beautifully emotional
Jamie is a great heroine. She has been scarred inside and out, and she understandably has fears and insecurities, but she’s all in for her man, and I loved her strength and bravery, and I loved seeing her come out of her shell the more comfortable she became. And Wraith… *sigh. There’s something so awesome about antiheroes, when you see these big, badass, violent men literally brought to their knees by the women in their lives, and Wraith is no different. He goes through so much in this book, and there’s no doubt he’s a scary dude, but his tenderness and protectiveness with Jamie is just gorgeous and I loved him so much.
But they still have a mission to accomplish, and the danger isn’t through with them yet. It’s an exciting ride with a satisfying finish, and Wraith and Jamie get the happy ending that they deserve, with great closure for their story, and more books just begging to be written for the rest of the Unholy guys. Jester gets the next book, and I’m so freaking exited for that! He’s the rude, crude, filterless joker who would do anything for his friends, and we get a hint of what is to come for him, and I cannot wait!
I loved this book. It’s a great start to a new series, and I’m fully on board for whatever comes next.
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. This book just blew me away! Renee Rocco is a new-to-me author who has been out of the writing world for a long time, but she’s back, and she’s delivered an exciting, raw and gritty dark romance with fantastically sarcastic humour, a badass antihero, a strong yet damaged heroine, and a heartfelt second-chance-romance that completely captivated me. It has vibes of the King series by T.M. Frazier and the Scarred Souls series by Tillie Cole, but it also has a feel and a story that is all its own, and I loved it!
In a United States set in the not-too-distant future, a second civil war has seen cities crumble and vigilante gangs rise to power. Civilisation and government still exist, but in the small town of Mayhem, the town is ruled by the Unholy, who keep the peace and dole out punishment as and when required. There’s not too much detail given on this, just enough to set the scene, with the focus very much on the characters and their story, but it adds a unique twist which I thought was really interesting.
Eric and Jamie grew up in Mayhem and met as children, but they didn’t really become friends until they were teenagers, when she was living a hellish life, and Eric was her one protector and the shining light in her life. At 16 she was sent away, and it’s not until eight years later that they see each other again, when everything has changed.
Eric is now a grown man, and is an enforcer for the Unholy, going by the name Wraith. But he has been captured and is being held prisoner as a fighter in a deadly underground fighting ring. Subjected to unending torture and held at the whim of a sadistic psychopath, his very existence is hell, until Jamie steps back into his life – beautiful, bright, and married to the monster that holds him. But not all is as it seems, and Jamie has her own plans to tear down her husband’s empire. But first, she is determined to save the man she’s always cared for so deeply, and she’s prepared to put her own life on the line to do it.
It’s a great set up, and the drama and intensity of it all instantly sucks you in, but damn, some of those early scenes are scarily dark. The torture and violence plays out graphically on the page, and I have to admit, some of it is pretty stomach churning. But it sets the scene well, and leads to the part we’re all waiting for – Wraith and Jamie’s second-chance-romance.
“You bust me out, and it doesn’t end there. You understand what I’m telling you.”
It’s not exactly a second-chance-romance, because what they had as teenagers wasn’t really a relationship, but the feelings were there in the past, and they are definitely there in the present. Wraith and Jamie have never forgotten about each other, and they each hold a piece of the other’s heart, so when they finally get the chance to come together as adults, all of that anticipation, chemistry and sexual tension is just waiting to explode.
“My arms? These arms? They’ve always been open for you.”
It’s not an easy ride for them though. They’ve got things they need to work through, and there’s some angst as they figure it all out, but it makes sense for them and their story, and the banter, teasing and joking is highly entertaining. I wasn’t expecting to laugh so much in this book, but Wraith, Jamie, and especially Wraith’s best friend, Jester, are sarcastically hilarious, and the back-and-forth is just awesome. It brings much-needed levity to the violent world that they all inhabit, and I loved those fun moments between them.
I back-crawl up the bed, every part of me aching for every part of him. A predator, he follows me, and uses his weight to press me down on the mattress. I graze my nails down his back, over thick cords of muscle and newly healed scars.
I cup his taus ass, and he notices the grin I can’t hide.
“What’s with the smile?”
I squeeze his cheeks. “You have a nice butt.”
“Thanks. Squats. You got nice everything.” He grins himself against me, a wicked gleam in his dangerously dark eyes. “I’m going to light you up.”
And at the heart of it all is this beautiful love story that is hard-fought-for, passionate, and beautifully emotional
“Why me?”
I stroke his face, my fingers tracing the silvery scars… “The truth?”
“Always.”
… “It always had to be you, Wraith.”
Jamie is a great heroine. She has been scarred inside and out, and she understandably has fears and insecurities, but she’s all in for her man, and I loved her strength and bravery, and I loved seeing her come out of her shell the more comfortable she became. And Wraith… *sigh. There’s something so awesome about antiheroes, when you see these big, badass, violent men literally brought to their knees by the women in their lives, and Wraith is no different. He goes through so much in this book, and there’s no doubt he’s a scary dude, but his tenderness and protectiveness with Jamie is just gorgeous and I loved him so much.
“We should’ve done this eight years ago.”
I shake my head, remembering myself as a fractured teenager. “Back then, I was too broken.”
“Nah. I would have held you together.”
But they still have a mission to accomplish, and the danger isn’t through with them yet. It’s an exciting ride with a satisfying finish, and Wraith and Jamie get the happy ending that they deserve, with great closure for their story, and more books just begging to be written for the rest of the Unholy guys. Jester gets the next book, and I’m so freaking exited for that! He’s the rude, crude, filterless joker who would do anything for his friends, and we get a hint of what is to come for him, and I cannot wait!
I loved this book. It’s a great start to a new series, and I’m fully on board for whatever comes next.
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2021
This was Ok, as far as 2nd chance romances go. Not my typical read, but I didn't die. 🤷🏼♀️
What I liked:
- the h, Jamie (24 yrs) is vulnerable but strong. She's still a virgin. An effing miracle, really 😏, since she's married to a monster and had a lecherous father before that.
- The H, Eric aka "Wraith" (24 yrs) is a j/p alpha - he's a captive forced to fight to the death in a brutal underground fighting ring. 🖤
- I liked their story of young love - where he was her protector when they were kids and he was devastated when she disappeared 🖤
- I liked the plot about rescuing the H from the fighting ring and going back for revenge for both the h and H.🖤
- I liked the hulked out jealous/possessive reaction Wraith had when he first realized Jamie is the girl he's been pining for and that she's married to the monster who has him caged.
🔥🔥🔥
- there's a decent OW scene that causes some angst. It's the kind of OW scene I like... it's not what it appears, and is used to bring the situation to a head, without any actual cheating. 🖤
What I didn't like:
- 8 year separation 😐 ... we don't experience it along with the MCs, thank gawd, as the book starts at the end of the separation, but that's a LONG EFFING time. It's a long time for the h to remain a celibate virgin. Not very realistic, considering the kind of life she's been living. 😒
- the h and H don't spend much time together or do much talking, making it difficult to connect with them, as a couple. The h spends quite a bit of time alone and looking out on the world and contemplating her life. 🥱😴 I did a lot of skimming to get to some dialogue.
- the H was always thinking these really aggressive thoughts about the h and his "beast" inside. 🥵 I was hoping that would mean we were eventually going to see the "beast" set loose, and the H would go all feral on the h 😏😍... but it never happened. 😩 The H is NOTHING but sweet and respectful and gentle and consensual with the h, after their initial reunion. 🙄 There was a scene that had tons of potential for the H to let The Beast out to play... I thought FOR SURE that's what we were building to... The H was angry and basically was daring the h to have sex with his friend (the h is still a virgin at this point), to prove a point... the scene doesn't go much past partially undressing and passionless kissing (while the H seethes in the corner looking on and goading the h), but we never got the explosion I was hankering for... the OM just sort of saunters out and the MCs sit down and discuss the situation calmly. 😑😴😴😴 #wompwomp.
- the H kept thinking about how he was gonna make the h stay with him and how he HAD to have her as soon as possible... but when the opportunity presented itself, he never took action. He always deferred to her. It took a ridiculous amount of time for them to finally get to the smexx (75%), especially with all his agressive thoughts. I really don't enjoy a passive H, particularly one who is bulldozery in his head but ends up just being a tease. Very disappointing. 😩
- both the H and h are all over the place with their feelings for each other. Tons of back and forth and just general wishy-washyness. It was exhausting, and at times confusing.
- the H was routinely forced to have sex with strange women who visited the fighting dungeon while he was held captive, but there is never talk of any sort of concern for the h's sexual health. I like it when the couple intentionally forgoes condoms, but I was a little grossed out with this scenario, since the danger was never addressed. 😐
- there is extensive and detailed very brutal torture in this book - the H is mutilated in a horrific way. It was a lot.
Bottom Line? I was a bit disappointed but didn't hate it. I’m unlikely to revisit this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating (there's a scene where the H makes the h THINK he cheated - cleared up the same night)
- no sharing (there's a scene where the H acts like he's gonna share, but it's a test, and he never intends to follow through)
- OW drama - not a huge part of the book, but it does cause a pivotal scene
- the H is NOT celibate during the 8-year separation
- the H was having sex with other girls when they were younger, while claiming (after the fact) to love the h - he was “protecting her” from himself. 😐 They were only officially friends as kids, but they had an “understanding” (according to him) and she had to watch him be with other girls until they were separated at 16.
- torture scenes and descriptions of rape and attempted rape
- domestic abuse (not between the MCs)
- no dubcon/noncon between the MCs
- drugging of both H and h
What I liked:
- the h, Jamie (24 yrs) is vulnerable but strong. She's still a virgin. An effing miracle, really 😏, since she's married to a monster and had a lecherous father before that.
- The H, Eric aka "Wraith" (24 yrs) is a j/p alpha - he's a captive forced to fight to the death in a brutal underground fighting ring. 🖤
- I liked their story of young love - where he was her protector when they were kids and he was devastated when she disappeared 🖤
- I liked the plot about rescuing the H from the fighting ring and going back for revenge for both the h and H.🖤
- I liked the hulked out jealous/possessive reaction Wraith had when he first realized Jamie is the girl he's been pining for and that she's married to the monster who has him caged.
🔥🔥🔥
- there's a decent OW scene that causes some angst. It's the kind of OW scene I like... it's not what it appears, and is used to bring the situation to a head, without any actual cheating. 🖤
What I didn't like:
- 8 year separation 😐 ... we don't experience it along with the MCs, thank gawd, as the book starts at the end of the separation, but that's a LONG EFFING time. It's a long time for the h to remain a celibate virgin. Not very realistic, considering the kind of life she's been living. 😒
- the h and H don't spend much time together or do much talking, making it difficult to connect with them, as a couple. The h spends quite a bit of time alone and looking out on the world and contemplating her life. 🥱😴 I did a lot of skimming to get to some dialogue.
- the H was always thinking these really aggressive thoughts about the h and his "beast" inside. 🥵 I was hoping that would mean we were eventually going to see the "beast" set loose, and the H would go all feral on the h 😏😍... but it never happened. 😩 The H is NOTHING but sweet and respectful and gentle and consensual with the h, after their initial reunion. 🙄 There was a scene that had tons of potential for the H to let The Beast out to play... I thought FOR SURE that's what we were building to... The H was angry and basically was daring the h to have sex with his friend (the h is still a virgin at this point), to prove a point... the scene doesn't go much past partially undressing and passionless kissing (while the H seethes in the corner looking on and goading the h), but we never got the explosion I was hankering for... the OM just sort of saunters out and the MCs sit down and discuss the situation calmly. 😑😴😴😴 #wompwomp.
- the H kept thinking about how he was gonna make the h stay with him and how he HAD to have her as soon as possible... but when the opportunity presented itself, he never took action. He always deferred to her. It took a ridiculous amount of time for them to finally get to the smexx (75%), especially with all his agressive thoughts. I really don't enjoy a passive H, particularly one who is bulldozery in his head but ends up just being a tease. Very disappointing. 😩
- both the H and h are all over the place with their feelings for each other. Tons of back and forth and just general wishy-washyness. It was exhausting, and at times confusing.
- the H was routinely forced to have sex with strange women who visited the fighting dungeon while he was held captive, but there is never talk of any sort of concern for the h's sexual health. I like it when the couple intentionally forgoes condoms, but I was a little grossed out with this scenario, since the danger was never addressed. 😐
- there is extensive and detailed very brutal torture in this book - the H is mutilated in a horrific way. It was a lot.
Bottom Line? I was a bit disappointed but didn't hate it. I’m unlikely to revisit this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating (there's a scene where the H makes the h THINK he cheated - cleared up the same night)
- no sharing (there's a scene where the H acts like he's gonna share, but it's a test, and he never intends to follow through)
- OW drama - not a huge part of the book, but it does cause a pivotal scene
- the H is NOT celibate during the 8-year separation
- the H was having sex with other girls when they were younger, while claiming (after the fact) to love the h - he was “protecting her” from himself. 😐 They were only officially friends as kids, but they had an “understanding” (according to him) and she had to watch him be with other girls until they were separated at 16.
- torture scenes and descriptions of rape and attempted rape
- domestic abuse (not between the MCs)
- no dubcon/noncon between the MCs
- drugging of both H and h
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2021
Loved this book so hard!! Completely captured by the first page and couldn't put it down. Wraith and Jamie's romance was beautiful and heartbreaking with what they went through to find their HEA. Can't wait for the other "Masters of Mayhem" men to have their stories. Bring on Jester!
July 16, 2025
This book was fantastic. I’m obsessed with the unholy crew. These men will protect you at all costs. I loved Jamie and Wraith in this as they have know each other from high school. After an incident happed to Jamie, Wraith stepped in and protected her at all costs. But that soon changed when Jamie was lead away in handcuffs one day. It’s now 8 years later I’m a fighter for an underground ring and Jamie’s husband is the one who has me locked up and tortured.
I loved the plot it kept me gripped, all the characters I met in the unholy crew were fantastic and honestly I can’t wait to read the next few books. This book has dark subject matter so please check triggers before diving in!
The only thing is I thought the reveal of why Wraith was there would play out differently and the chapters are super long.
If you love:
🔹Dark
🔹Strong Characters
🔹Past Connection
🔹Both Need Healing
🔹MMA Fighter / Survivor
🔹Great Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 384
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone & Book 1 in The Masters Of Mayhem Series.
Tropes or Themes: Dark Content, Friends To Lovers, Toxic Relationship, Drugs and Alcohol
Check Triggers ⚠️
Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Amazon Reviews 💫
I loved the plot it kept me gripped, all the characters I met in the unholy crew were fantastic and honestly I can’t wait to read the next few books. This book has dark subject matter so please check triggers before diving in!
The only thing is I thought the reveal of why Wraith was there would play out differently and the chapters are super long.
If you love:
🔹Dark
🔹Strong Characters
🔹Past Connection
🔹Both Need Healing
🔹MMA Fighter / Survivor
🔹Great Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 384
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone & Book 1 in The Masters Of Mayhem Series.
Tropes or Themes: Dark Content, Friends To Lovers, Toxic Relationship, Drugs and Alcohol
Check Triggers ⚠️
Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Amazon Reviews 💫
December 15, 2020
Loved!
Renee Rocco is a new to me author, who is back after a 13 year writing hiatus. And what a comeback!
Wraith is a dark romance - be prepared for kidnapping, detailed torture, mention of rape, forced drug use, cage fighting, murder.
It's a very well written, slow burn, dark story of Wraith and Jamie - two beautifully broken people who find each other after years apart. Outside forces won't allow their happiness though...
I loved the relationship between Wraith and Jamie. I'm wondering where I might buy my own Wraith? I can't seem to find him in stock anywhere. 😉 The 90's references...loved! And the bedroom scenes were nice and steamy.
I had a very difficult time putting this book down, I was fully hooked from the start, and very much invested in both the characters and the story. I always am partial to dark themes, especially with revenge motives...and this didn't disappoint. I can't wait for Jester's story! ❤
Renee Rocco is a new to me author, who is back after a 13 year writing hiatus. And what a comeback!
Wraith is a dark romance - be prepared for kidnapping, detailed torture, mention of rape, forced drug use, cage fighting, murder.
It's a very well written, slow burn, dark story of Wraith and Jamie - two beautifully broken people who find each other after years apart. Outside forces won't allow their happiness though...
I loved the relationship between Wraith and Jamie. I'm wondering where I might buy my own Wraith? I can't seem to find him in stock anywhere. 😉 The 90's references...loved! And the bedroom scenes were nice and steamy.
I had a very difficult time putting this book down, I was fully hooked from the start, and very much invested in both the characters and the story. I always am partial to dark themes, especially with revenge motives...and this didn't disappoint. I can't wait for Jester's story! ❤
March 20, 2022
We followed Wraiths journey home in book one, and Jester being his best friend was a big part of that. So I was happy to read more about him!
Naturally when Jester was in school, he was the king and his queen was Faith. but she was being sent to a posh school in brighton. Jester does something to make sure Faith goes..
Seven years later both of them are still hurting because of it. Now, Jester is an enforcer in the Unholy, and Faith has just returned home for good to live.
Jester is determined to win Faith back. He's never stopped loving her, and won't give up. He believes she still loves her too and sets about wearing her down.
A new lethal drug, onyx, is suddenly having an influx in Mayhem and the Unholy are having trouble finding the dealers and maker.
Faith is a relatable character! She is determined to hold on to the hatred for Jester, especially on the outside - because that's what she thinks others think she should be feeling. But really, she doesn't. The relationship with her mother is familiar and watching her battle with herself is heartbreaking. She can't win.
But when she's with Jester...it's literally like the clouds disappear and the sun comes out!
Jester idolises Faith. And one of his best redeeming qualities is he's not afraid to show it. Anywhere, anytime. He really does love with his whole heart and if you're lucky to be granted a pass to his heart, a better friend you won't find. Even if he's a big bad enforcer...
Onyx is still sneaking in the town, until they receive the news they'd been waiting for...
Now....can everyone get thru this in one piece?
So, I'm straight up in love with Jester. He's tough but soft, mischievous yet a stone cold killer, loyal, wears his heart on his sleeve, his morality meter is perfectly balanced, and while he has gentlemanly manners in public, in private it's a very different matter!
This series is addictive. Its written exceptionally well, the storyline is well thought out and paced well. The characters were likeable, loveable, relatable or a love-to-hate, each one written to elicit feelings.
I can't wait for the next one!!!!
I received a copy of the ebook in return for an honest review
Naturally when Jester was in school, he was the king and his queen was Faith. but she was being sent to a posh school in brighton. Jester does something to make sure Faith goes..
Seven years later both of them are still hurting because of it. Now, Jester is an enforcer in the Unholy, and Faith has just returned home for good to live.
Jester is determined to win Faith back. He's never stopped loving her, and won't give up. He believes she still loves her too and sets about wearing her down.
A new lethal drug, onyx, is suddenly having an influx in Mayhem and the Unholy are having trouble finding the dealers and maker.
Faith is a relatable character! She is determined to hold on to the hatred for Jester, especially on the outside - because that's what she thinks others think she should be feeling. But really, she doesn't. The relationship with her mother is familiar and watching her battle with herself is heartbreaking. She can't win.
But when she's with Jester...it's literally like the clouds disappear and the sun comes out!
Jester idolises Faith. And one of his best redeeming qualities is he's not afraid to show it. Anywhere, anytime. He really does love with his whole heart and if you're lucky to be granted a pass to his heart, a better friend you won't find. Even if he's a big bad enforcer...
Onyx is still sneaking in the town, until they receive the news they'd been waiting for...
Now....can everyone get thru this in one piece?
So, I'm straight up in love with Jester. He's tough but soft, mischievous yet a stone cold killer, loyal, wears his heart on his sleeve, his morality meter is perfectly balanced, and while he has gentlemanly manners in public, in private it's a very different matter!
This series is addictive. Its written exceptionally well, the storyline is well thought out and paced well. The characters were likeable, loveable, relatable or a love-to-hate, each one written to elicit feelings.
I can't wait for the next one!!!!
I received a copy of the ebook in return for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2021
Dark, gritty and tortured.
Triggers- childhood abuse, attempted rape of child/children, murder, torture with whips/drills/knives, cattle probs & so on. Captivity!
This sucked me right into the store and refused to let me go. I didn’t even put this down to go to sleep and here I am hours past my bedtime getting just done with it and not I need to sleep. This book is pages after pages of action, suspense, blood and tame sex, but it’s soo good!,!
Eric ‘ Wraith’ Shaw and Jamie Ellis know each other since kindergarten As well as Wraith’s best friend Luke who will be Jester and well as Malice, didn’t catch his name. But they all know of Jamie’s home life and not really once person helped her, just Eric was there as a friend. Until one day when they were 16 she was arrested for murder.
8 years later Wraith is a prisoner in a fighting/ prostitution ring and is tortured every day all day for 6 months before a ghost of his past shows up with a plan.
Will her plan work and they both gain freedom or will both their lives become just names to be forgotten as every day passes???
Triggers- childhood abuse, attempted rape of child/children, murder, torture with whips/drills/knives, cattle probs & so on. Captivity!
This sucked me right into the store and refused to let me go. I didn’t even put this down to go to sleep and here I am hours past my bedtime getting just done with it and not I need to sleep. This book is pages after pages of action, suspense, blood and tame sex, but it’s soo good!,!
Eric ‘ Wraith’ Shaw and Jamie Ellis know each other since kindergarten As well as Wraith’s best friend Luke who will be Jester and well as Malice, didn’t catch his name. But they all know of Jamie’s home life and not really once person helped her, just Eric was there as a friend. Until one day when they were 16 she was arrested for murder.
8 years later Wraith is a prisoner in a fighting/ prostitution ring and is tortured every day all day for 6 months before a ghost of his past shows up with a plan.
Will her plan work and they both gain freedom or will both their lives become just names to be forgotten as every day passes???
March 15, 2023
“Mayhem made me a delinquent.
Gomorrah made me a monster.”
First of all, these covers are absolutely stunning😍😍
Definitely one of my favourite covers of a series I’ve seen.
I loved this book right from the start. I haven’t read a MC Dark Romance in a while and Wraith didn’t disappoint.
Our boy Eric (Wraith) is a cage fighter who’s life hangs in the balance. He is an animal in the cage and must fight to the death. But not all is what it seems. He is an Unholy and whoever fucks with one Unholy, you fuck with them all.
Thank you Renee for pushing yourself to write and publish this book. I can’t wait to read Jester.
Wraith is a MC Dark romance that contains triggers. Take these triggers seriously. Your mental health matters 🖤
Contents and triggers ⚠️
- MC
-Friends to lovers
- MF
- Cage Fighter
-Graphic References to ch!ld abu$e/SA
- Torture
- 🔥🔥
- Violence
- Captivity
- Domestic Abu$e
- Forced drug abu$e
- Coarse Language
Gomorrah made me a monster.”
First of all, these covers are absolutely stunning😍😍
Definitely one of my favourite covers of a series I’ve seen.
I loved this book right from the start. I haven’t read a MC Dark Romance in a while and Wraith didn’t disappoint.
Our boy Eric (Wraith) is a cage fighter who’s life hangs in the balance. He is an animal in the cage and must fight to the death. But not all is what it seems. He is an Unholy and whoever fucks with one Unholy, you fuck with them all.
Thank you Renee for pushing yourself to write and publish this book. I can’t wait to read Jester.
Wraith is a MC Dark romance that contains triggers. Take these triggers seriously. Your mental health matters 🖤
Contents and triggers ⚠️
- MC
-Friends to lovers
- MF
- Cage Fighter
-Graphic References to ch!ld abu$e/SA
- Torture
- 🔥🔥
- Violence
- Captivity
- Domestic Abu$e
- Forced drug abu$e
- Coarse Language
November 30, 2021
Mafia, gang type style read?
Yes pls!
This book had me hooked from the start!
It’s DARK so be warned but it has a tortured main H.
And he’s in a gang so 🙆🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ (what else can we expect 😂)
It gave me raze and reap (Tillie Cole) vibes.
But I liked the writing in this more.
I feel like the message of the story is just that you can achieve anything! (Even in your darkest times if you believe in yourself and keep fighting you will come out ok.)
And you are still beautiful and Lovable with physical and mental scars.
4.75 stars ⭐️
Yes pls!
This book had me hooked from the start!
It’s DARK so be warned but it has a tortured main H.
And he’s in a gang so 🙆🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ (what else can we expect 😂)
It gave me raze and reap (Tillie Cole) vibes.
But I liked the writing in this more.
I feel like the message of the story is just that you can achieve anything! (Even in your darkest times if you believe in yourself and keep fighting you will come out ok.)
And you are still beautiful and Lovable with physical and mental scars.
4.75 stars ⭐️
September 29, 2024
Not for the faint of heart, Wraith opens the Masters of Mayhem series in all its dark, violent glory. Woven into the brutality is a second-chance love story that will leave you with all the feels as Wraith & Jamie fight for each other (literally).
I could not put this one down and will immediately be starting Jester after I hit post on this review.
🌶️🌶️
*Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
*Touch-her-and-unalive antihero
*Street justice
*Found family
*Damaged MMC
*Tormented + strong FMC
*Gang
ETA: Do not judge this book on the goodreads cover displayed. That man does not depict the MMC.
I could not put this one down and will immediately be starting Jester after I hit post on this review.
🌶️🌶️
*Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
*Touch-her-and-unalive antihero
*Street justice
*Found family
*Damaged MMC
*Tormented + strong FMC
*Gang
ETA: Do not judge this book on the goodreads cover displayed. That man does not depict the MMC.
May 7, 2021
Is it wrong to say I loved this book when it’s full of some of the darkest torture scenes I’ve ever read?? Well I did love it🖤. There is so much heartache, pain, torture and love all bundled in this book which will leave you feeling every emotion going🤯. The strength Jamie & Wraith show and how much they go through for each other is insane. I adored the side characters. Jester gave some light in this dark book and had me laughing at the things that he said. Malice, Havoc & Discord also drew me in and I’m really intrigued to find out more about them👀. I am so excited for Renee’s next book, Jester, which is out in October.
December 9, 2020
After 13 years off Renee is back to writing and what a treat it is to us readers! She blew me away with this amazing book. I was captivated from the prologue and enjoyed every single page til the HEA the characters deserved. Renee created a gritty world, post Civil War II and did it in such a real, believable way. The amount of detail put into everything from the intense torture scenes to the long lasting, deep connection between the characters, and subtle humor, and passionate romance was incredible. We get a heroine that’s a strong, resilient fighter and a hero that’s the definition of hot powerful alpha beast! They fight so hard for each other both emotionally and physically. The supporting characters will make you glad this is the first of a series because you’ll need more of them. Just wait until you meet Jester!
Clearly I have nothing but praise for this book but I have to mention my absolute favorite thing about it. Renee is such a balanced writer. She gives the perfect amount of time, attention, and detail to every scene and I never felt like I needed more or less time spent on any one situation.
This is a beautifully dark, unique book and I cannot wait to see what happens with the rest of the Unholy men in the Masters of Mayhem series! Read this ASAP!!!!!
Clearly I have nothing but praise for this book but I have to mention my absolute favorite thing about it. Renee is such a balanced writer. She gives the perfect amount of time, attention, and detail to every scene and I never felt like I needed more or less time spent on any one situation.
This is a beautifully dark, unique book and I cannot wait to see what happens with the rest of the Unholy men in the Masters of Mayhem series! Read this ASAP!!!!!
November 26, 2020
Renee Rocco is a new to me author, who is back after a 13 year writing hiatus. And what a comeback!
Wraith is a dark romance - be prepared for kidnapping, detailed torture, mention of rape, forced drug use, cage fighting, murder.
It's a very well written, slow burn, dark story of Wraith and Jamie - two beautifully broken people who find each other after years apart. Outside forces won't allow their happiness though...
I loved the relationship between Wraith and Jamie. I'm wondering where I might buy my own Wraith? I can't seem to find him in stock anywhere. 😉 The 90's references...loved! And the bedroom scenes were nice and steamy.
I had a very difficult time putting this book down, I was fully hooked from the start, and very much invested in both the characters and the story. I always am partial to dark themes, especially with revenge motives...and this didn't disappoint. I can't wait for Jester's story! ❤
Wraith is a dark romance - be prepared for kidnapping, detailed torture, mention of rape, forced drug use, cage fighting, murder.
It's a very well written, slow burn, dark story of Wraith and Jamie - two beautifully broken people who find each other after years apart. Outside forces won't allow their happiness though...
I loved the relationship between Wraith and Jamie. I'm wondering where I might buy my own Wraith? I can't seem to find him in stock anywhere. 😉 The 90's references...loved! And the bedroom scenes were nice and steamy.
I had a very difficult time putting this book down, I was fully hooked from the start, and very much invested in both the characters and the story. I always am partial to dark themes, especially with revenge motives...and this didn't disappoint. I can't wait for Jester's story! ❤
January 10, 2021
Awesome story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wow! This book was great! A quasi post-apocolyptic of the indomitable spirit you have within you and the love that will feed and support it. Very well written, loved the characters nd their stores. Will definitely be reading the next book!
Just wow! This book was great! A quasi post-apocolyptic of the indomitable spirit you have within you and the love that will feed and support it. Very well written, loved the characters nd their stores. Will definitely be reading the next book!
June 20, 2021
This one was wow!
It's set in the not too distant future, in a post second civil war America, where the government and way of life has gone to sh*t.
It's a friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, with Eric "Wraith" and Jamie growing up together in a little town called Mayhem. However, life throws them curve balls and they are estranged for several years and lots has happened - one of them being that Wraith is kidnapped, held in captivity and forced to fight in death matches. This story picks up when Jamie, now married, appears at one of these matches. This does not shy away from violence with some of the most graphic torture scenes I've ever read. But the violence is so integral to the story.
I really loved Wraith and Jamie, they are both so brave in their vulnerability. They're a solid match with great chemistry. But they were giving me some grief with their angst! There's lots of pain and suffering in this, both physical and emotional so it is a ride on the emotional roller coaster.
Wraith is part of an organization which reminded me a bit of a MC, but it's not. It's a militarized criminal brotherhood of sorts called the Unholy. The world building of Mayhem and Unholy is amazing and it's full of great supporting characters. This is another one of those books that reads like my favorite kind of action movies. I can't wait for Jester's book now!
I received a copy of this book and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
It's set in the not too distant future, in a post second civil war America, where the government and way of life has gone to sh*t.
It's a friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, with Eric "Wraith" and Jamie growing up together in a little town called Mayhem. However, life throws them curve balls and they are estranged for several years and lots has happened - one of them being that Wraith is kidnapped, held in captivity and forced to fight in death matches. This story picks up when Jamie, now married, appears at one of these matches. This does not shy away from violence with some of the most graphic torture scenes I've ever read. But the violence is so integral to the story.
I really loved Wraith and Jamie, they are both so brave in their vulnerability. They're a solid match with great chemistry. But they were giving me some grief with their angst! There's lots of pain and suffering in this, both physical and emotional so it is a ride on the emotional roller coaster.
Wraith is part of an organization which reminded me a bit of a MC, but it's not. It's a militarized criminal brotherhood of sorts called the Unholy. The world building of Mayhem and Unholy is amazing and it's full of great supporting characters. This is another one of those books that reads like my favorite kind of action movies. I can't wait for Jester's book now!
I received a copy of this book and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
August 28, 2021
What an incredible read that had me on the edge of my seat. The author did an amazing job of her descriptions and bringing the terrible city controlled by David to life. The survival instincts needed by the characters and their strength left me speechless. I am not sure what this book didn't have in it besides the angst between Jamie and Wraith, the suspense of what was happening and how they were going to escape, the light humor from the secondary characters and of course there may have been a little steam too.
I am so glad I fell into the world of the Unholy and cannot wait for more reads from this author
I am so glad I fell into the world of the Unholy and cannot wait for more reads from this author
March 16, 2023
After reading the Grimm Tower Series by Rene, I had to read her book catalog and I was not disappointed!!
Wraith and Jamie were best friends before she left. 8 years later they are reunited in not the best circumstances. Wraith is a prisoner who is forced to fight by a War Leader and then he finds Jamie’s as the War Leaders wife.
This is a dark romance, friends to lovers. This books is filled with trigger warnings through out the entire book. This book drew me in from the beginning. Rene knows how to draw you in from the beginning and you can’t put it down.
Her books are too long so you don’t feel it’s bragging through out the book series. This is a slowish burn romance. You can feel the love and chemistry from both the characters.
Trigger Warnings
Detailed Torture
Rape (only mentioned)
Drug use
Cage Fighting and Murder
Wraith and Jamie were best friends before she left. 8 years later they are reunited in not the best circumstances. Wraith is a prisoner who is forced to fight by a War Leader and then he finds Jamie’s as the War Leaders wife.
This is a dark romance, friends to lovers. This books is filled with trigger warnings through out the entire book. This book drew me in from the beginning. Rene knows how to draw you in from the beginning and you can’t put it down.
Her books are too long so you don’t feel it’s bragging through out the book series. This is a slowish burn romance. You can feel the love and chemistry from both the characters.
Trigger Warnings
Detailed Torture
Rape (only mentioned)
Drug use
Cage Fighting and Murder
December 28, 2021
Was a decent read overall. Could have used a little more action in the plot though.
February 12, 2021
3.5 Stars!
Wraith is the first book in the Masters of Mayhem series and follows the story of Wraith and Jamie. Their story is gritty and intense and is anything but a fairytale. This is my first book by Renee Rocco and it won’t be my last. Renee Rocco delivered a dark, second chance romance that sucks the reader in and has them unable to put Jamie and Wraith’s story down.
As I previously stated, Wraith is a dark and gritty story. It is descriptive and intense. It might be too much for some viewers. I’m not gonna lie, some of these scenes were even hard for me to read. Intensity aside, I think this book was well written and will definitely intrigue the reader. Wraith and Jamie are beautifully broken and are in for the fight of their lives….
Overall, I thought this book was crazy and intense. This is my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to discovering more of her books.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Wraith is the first book in the Masters of Mayhem series and follows the story of Wraith and Jamie. Their story is gritty and intense and is anything but a fairytale. This is my first book by Renee Rocco and it won’t be my last. Renee Rocco delivered a dark, second chance romance that sucks the reader in and has them unable to put Jamie and Wraith’s story down.
As I previously stated, Wraith is a dark and gritty story. It is descriptive and intense. It might be too much for some viewers. I’m not gonna lie, some of these scenes were even hard for me to read. Intensity aside, I think this book was well written and will definitely intrigue the reader. Wraith and Jamie are beautifully broken and are in for the fight of their lives….
Overall, I thought this book was crazy and intense. This is my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to discovering more of her books.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
May 8, 2021
Wraith is without a shadow of a doubt one the friggin darkest, tortured books i have ever friggin read. My heart is still in my throat as i process all this but that ending definitely had me thankful and i sighing in relief. 🙈
𝕋𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖. ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕟. ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜. 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖. ℙ𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟.
We are introduced to Wraith who instantly pulls your heart strings & leaves you swooning with how he protects & feels towards Jamie! (It's every girls dream!) Jamie is a strong resilent badass chick much different to who we originally meet. Jamie begins to hold her own from dealing with a very haunting and tortured upbringing definately makes her the fierce BADASS we all love. My heart broke for her. 💔
When Jamie's life continues to spiral what could this mean?
Fast forward eight years when Wraith is kippednapped & held in a captivity & Jamie is no where to seen leaves your mind racing!!
The way Renee has captivated the readers with the detailed torture and his pain literally pulled all the air from my lungs!! I felt every moment of Wraith's pain, heartbreak, torture and yet his arrogant alphaness still left me being sucked in to LOVE him. Now a man who can withstand this level of pain AND still be able to feel emotions... GAHH I think I fell in love with Wraith and i struggled to breathe throughout until i knew the ENDING!!
But when Jamie and Wraith cross paths in the most darkest way possible, it can only meam one thing ... the drama, the trauma, the torture and passion HEATS UP!! MY MY MY there are some saucy as heck scenes and it will make you blush or need air 🥵🔥
The way their romance grows is beautifully captivating in a heartbreaking way and leaves you unable to put the book down.
I LOVE JESTER - for me his behaviours, persona & triats are the lightness you need in the darkness!
I am super buzzed for his book & this is my first read by Renee and it sure as heck won't be my last!!
𝕋𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖. ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕟. ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜. 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖. ℙ𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟.
We are introduced to Wraith who instantly pulls your heart strings & leaves you swooning with how he protects & feels towards Jamie! (It's every girls dream!) Jamie is a strong resilent badass chick much different to who we originally meet. Jamie begins to hold her own from dealing with a very haunting and tortured upbringing definately makes her the fierce BADASS we all love. My heart broke for her. 💔
When Jamie's life continues to spiral what could this mean?
Fast forward eight years when Wraith is kippednapped & held in a captivity & Jamie is no where to seen leaves your mind racing!!
The way Renee has captivated the readers with the detailed torture and his pain literally pulled all the air from my lungs!! I felt every moment of Wraith's pain, heartbreak, torture and yet his arrogant alphaness still left me being sucked in to LOVE him. Now a man who can withstand this level of pain AND still be able to feel emotions... GAHH I think I fell in love with Wraith and i struggled to breathe throughout until i knew the ENDING!!
But when Jamie and Wraith cross paths in the most darkest way possible, it can only meam one thing ... the drama, the trauma, the torture and passion HEATS UP!! MY MY MY there are some saucy as heck scenes and it will make you blush or need air 🥵🔥
The way their romance grows is beautifully captivating in a heartbreaking way and leaves you unable to put the book down.
I LOVE JESTER - for me his behaviours, persona & triats are the lightness you need in the darkness!
I am super buzzed for his book & this is my first read by Renee and it sure as heck won't be my last!!
November 30, 2020
Wraith • Masters of Mayhem Book 1
*ARC Review*
@reneeroccoauthor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My heart is all kinds of twisted up after finishing this book. Jamie & Eric are pretty close to becoming high school sweethearts when Jamie unexpectedly leaves & never returns. During which time, Eric becomes "Wraith"- an enforcer for the gang, Unholy. Eight years later, Wraith finds himself held captive & is tortured relentlessly. Jamie & Wraith's paths cross and they form a plan for escape & revenge.
This story is so beautifully tragic. It was hard for me to read at times & made my stomach drop on numerous occasions. There were extremely dark & gruesome scenes involving abuse, torture & murder, as with any gang/MC/mafia book. Regardless, it is an amazing story of fighting back, never giving up, & finding your way back home. Renee's writing style is phenomenal. She paints a vivid, detailed picture of the people & places in her story. This may be Renee's debut book after at 13 year hiatus, but you would never know it. She knocked it out of the park!
*ARC Review*
@reneeroccoauthor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My heart is all kinds of twisted up after finishing this book. Jamie & Eric are pretty close to becoming high school sweethearts when Jamie unexpectedly leaves & never returns. During which time, Eric becomes "Wraith"- an enforcer for the gang, Unholy. Eight years later, Wraith finds himself held captive & is tortured relentlessly. Jamie & Wraith's paths cross and they form a plan for escape & revenge.
This story is so beautifully tragic. It was hard for me to read at times & made my stomach drop on numerous occasions. There were extremely dark & gruesome scenes involving abuse, torture & murder, as with any gang/MC/mafia book. Regardless, it is an amazing story of fighting back, never giving up, & finding your way back home. Renee's writing style is phenomenal. She paints a vivid, detailed picture of the people & places in her story. This may be Renee's debut book after at 13 year hiatus, but you would never know it. She knocked it out of the park!
March 2, 2023
Holy wow!! This was not what I expected ..in the best way! This is dual POV between Jamie & Wrath, they’ve been close since Kindergarten but never confessed their feelings. An unfortunate turn of events separates them for 8 years when they’re in high school. The world is a now upside down & become a dystopian society. Wraith has been taken in as a fighter by powerful and evil men who torture & drug Wraith and the head of these evil men is now Jamie’s husband!!! After 8 years Jamie & wrath still have feelings for each other but so much as changed & there seems to be no way for these two to end up together…unless there is a way? 🤷♀️ This moved so fast & had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! These two are fantastic together & Wraith is so loyal to Jamie & willing to do whatever it takes for them to be together. It’s so spicy & I had so many butterflies. It has a virgin main character which I love along with funny and twisted side characters who made this book so deliciously wild.
November 30, 2020
Oh. My. God! This book was AMAZING! It is a deliciously dark and exciting ride sprinkled with sarcastic humor that had me so intrigued I kept reading even though I should have been in bed sleeping. I couldn't put the book down. I LOVED Wraith. He was bada** in every way possible and Jamie was the perfect blend of strong and sassy. This was a perfect second-chance romance. Even the secondary characters were amazing. I felt a connection to every single character in this book. Bravo, Renee. Bravo. If you want a captivating read, This. Is. It. I LOVED IT!
August 22, 2021
I love this book
Renee really went all out with this book. I love how dark the character is and how much he had to fight to survive. I love the amazing relationship between Wraith and Jamie and how they got their second chance. Highly recommended
Renee really went all out with this book. I love how dark the character is and how much he had to fight to survive. I love the amazing relationship between Wraith and Jamie and how they got their second chance. Highly recommended
May 17, 2021
So, I'm kind of conflicted after reading this book.
I liked it, but it had some mayor issues throughout.
Would still give it a solid 3,5 stars.
Here’s what i liked:
It was at times suspenseful and fast paced enough to keep me captivated. And i am an extremely picky reader when it comes to DNF’ing a book when it gets to be too boring or if the story gets sluggish.
(Truth be told however, I was mainly invested in wanting the bad guys to get their a**es kicked and for them to get what was coming to them - which is what kept me going till the end)
So hooray for me for finishing a book for once :)
I also liked the "broken" nature of both MC’s. It was their own imperfections that made them perfect for each other. Though both endured hardship, they still found beauty together.
And even though the book is labelled a dark romance, for me, the "dark elements" merely limit themselves to the situation the H found himself in, than there being a "dark romance" between h and H.
Now before i launch into what i didn’t like, i just need to get something off my chest.
for a book that only has 25 chapters, there were AT LEAST 10 mistakes in the writing in each chapter. After a while, it gets freaking frustrating to the point of my wanting to stop reading all together.
Proof it before you publish it!
I beg you, please!
So here are my thoughts on what i didn´t like:
At times it felt like i was reading 2 different books. The book starts in the gladiator-ripp-off world where the H is forced to fight to the death; which was really exiting tbh.
Then it bounces to a renegade society where the story slows down and it changes to your basic second chance romance between h and H; only for it to switch back again to gladiator territory for the final chapters.
Just. No.
If you want to write two stories, then write two books. This strange and awkward concoction did not work. At all.
Then we have the love connection that just did not do it for me. The main characters were flat and I didn’t feel for them as a couple at all. As a reader, you are forced into an instalove bond super fast. After 3 chapters it’s over and done. No buildup, no chasing eachother. Just BAM. Love.
On top of that, as a reader, you don’t even know the characters or who or what they are about yet.
Then, in the renegade part of the story, it’s almost as if the writer forgot about the instalove connection and assaulted us with all the typical thropes in existance of a love that is yet to form. From miscommunication to alledged cheating and a bimbo OW to round it all up.
And what was with that whole scene in the back rooms with jester?? Cringe worthy and super awkward. The only reason i could continue on after that, is by pretending i didn’t just read that scene and blocking it out of my mind. It just did not fit.
So all in all not a bad book, but defenitely not a great one.
I don’t think i will be reading another book of Mrs. Rocco as i am afraid of being assaulted again with soooooo many typo’s. That’s a dealbreaker for me.
I liked it, but it had some mayor issues throughout.
Would still give it a solid 3,5 stars.
Here’s what i liked:
It was at times suspenseful and fast paced enough to keep me captivated. And i am an extremely picky reader when it comes to DNF’ing a book when it gets to be too boring or if the story gets sluggish.
(Truth be told however, I was mainly invested in wanting the bad guys to get their a**es kicked and for them to get what was coming to them - which is what kept me going till the end)
So hooray for me for finishing a book for once :)
I also liked the "broken" nature of both MC’s. It was their own imperfections that made them perfect for each other. Though both endured hardship, they still found beauty together.
And even though the book is labelled a dark romance, for me, the "dark elements" merely limit themselves to the situation the H found himself in, than there being a "dark romance" between h and H.
Now before i launch into what i didn’t like, i just need to get something off my chest.
for a book that only has 25 chapters, there were AT LEAST 10 mistakes in the writing in each chapter. After a while, it gets freaking frustrating to the point of my wanting to stop reading all together.
Proof it before you publish it!
I beg you, please!
So here are my thoughts on what i didn´t like:
At times it felt like i was reading 2 different books. The book starts in the gladiator-ripp-off world where the H is forced to fight to the death; which was really exiting tbh.
Then it bounces to a renegade society where the story slows down and it changes to your basic second chance romance between h and H; only for it to switch back again to gladiator territory for the final chapters.
Just. No.
If you want to write two stories, then write two books. This strange and awkward concoction did not work. At all.
Then we have the love connection that just did not do it for me. The main characters were flat and I didn’t feel for them as a couple at all. As a reader, you are forced into an instalove bond super fast. After 3 chapters it’s over and done. No buildup, no chasing eachother. Just BAM. Love.
On top of that, as a reader, you don’t even know the characters or who or what they are about yet.
Then, in the renegade part of the story, it’s almost as if the writer forgot about the instalove connection and assaulted us with all the typical thropes in existance of a love that is yet to form. From miscommunication to alledged cheating and a bimbo OW to round it all up.
And what was with that whole scene in the back rooms with jester?? Cringe worthy and super awkward. The only reason i could continue on after that, is by pretending i didn’t just read that scene and blocking it out of my mind. It just did not fit.
So all in all not a bad book, but defenitely not a great one.
I don’t think i will be reading another book of Mrs. Rocco as i am afraid of being assaulted again with soooooo many typo’s. That’s a dealbreaker for me.
June 2, 2022
Entering Mayhem, we are introduced to chaos, pain, and so much more. It grips your heart, shreds your soul, and leaves you breathless. I admit I first started my Mayhem journey with Jester then Havoc, but I always knew I would make time to venture back to Wraith’s story because I fell in love with every character instantly and knew I had to get to know them from the start. I was never lost or confused by doing this to myself and starting with book two, but I am so glad I finally got to hear Wraith’s story. Wraith and Jamie have known each other all their lives and at some point, Wraith becomes super protective of her and wants nothing more than to take her away from her horrible home life. Throughout the years as they become closer, and feelings seem to be changing to more life throws them a curve ball and tears them apart. For years Wraith’s heart is shredded as he continues to search for Jamie, but it’s as if she disappeared into thin air and he has no choice but to keep her as a memory in his heart. Wraith ends up in Gomorrah a very dark and sadistic place that feeds off others fears and pains. The torture, the pain he endures day after day is slowly changing him into a monster that feeds on the will to survive, but how long can one endure so much without breaking? This story has some dark elements and isn’t for the faint of heart but makes the journey well worth it. Jamie comes back into his life when he is at his lowest and while he is in this place, she knows she must save the only man she has ever loved no matter the consequences, but will her plan work and if it does where will this leave them? Can they have future beyond what they had in the past or will the demons they both carry eat them alive and leave to drown in their pain? This book was such an intense and amazing journey that I could not stop reading and didn’t want it to end, and while their journey to be free of the pain of the past may not be easy it is one of healing and love, to me that is perfect!
“Mayhem made me a delinquent. Gomorrah made me a monster.”
“Mayhem made me a delinquent. Gomorrah made me a monster.”
April 29, 2025
So sad to say but, this was really an underwhelming read/listen. Now let me tell you why…
I’m such a lover of the post-apocalyptic “broken future” so sure, my expectations were high. Loved films and books like Mad Max and 12 Monkeys, The Maze runner, The Hunger Games and Divergent. Sure, there is quite a scale to the darkness and vibe of these but I was truly expecting something dark AF from this blurb.
This kicked off in just that dark and harsh vibe I was expecting. The start, build up and premise seemed to be on point. The MCs dynamics was electric and seemed to send sparks of hate bouncing off the prison walls.
The cruelness and blunt portrayal off the MMCs situation and the FMCs home life as a teen before being arrested and dragged out of town is true to form. Her backstory of life on the streets, living “off the land” in a national park and finally, her sham-marriage to the districts warlord-ish tyrant King of Gomorra, comes off just as harsh.
But then there’s the storytelling and here’s where it gets unexpectedly plain, flat and dull-at least for me.
As soon as the MCs start to get closer it’s all push and pull, wishy washy with “I’m not worthy”-vibes and random acts of cringe. The all-over feel is like a high school-drama set in a zombie-free post-Walking Dead town with lots of weird inconsistencies and odd details. Like a functioning and well stocked library in downtown hellhole-central and yeah, a whole lot of other crap.
One anticlimax after another and the prolonged tension of these HUGE horrible and soul-shattering secrets that are hanging over them terrified they’ll be “too much to bare” for the other. Nope, poof, not worth the grief.
As previous reviewers mentioned, the hard-ass MC who constantly threatens to “release the beast” and seems to want to pound the FMC through the wall, he suddenly becomes a well groomed sweetheart teenybopper as soon as the jealousy bs has cleared.
So yeah. Not my jam.
I’m such a lover of the post-apocalyptic “broken future” so sure, my expectations were high. Loved films and books like Mad Max and 12 Monkeys, The Maze runner, The Hunger Games and Divergent. Sure, there is quite a scale to the darkness and vibe of these but I was truly expecting something dark AF from this blurb.
This kicked off in just that dark and harsh vibe I was expecting. The start, build up and premise seemed to be on point. The MCs dynamics was electric and seemed to send sparks of hate bouncing off the prison walls.
The cruelness and blunt portrayal off the MMCs situation and the FMCs home life as a teen before being arrested and dragged out of town is true to form. Her backstory of life on the streets, living “off the land” in a national park and finally, her sham-marriage to the districts warlord-ish tyrant King of Gomorra, comes off just as harsh.
But then there’s the storytelling and here’s where it gets unexpectedly plain, flat and dull-at least for me.
As soon as the MCs start to get closer it’s all push and pull, wishy washy with “I’m not worthy”-vibes and random acts of cringe. The all-over feel is like a high school-drama set in a zombie-free post-Walking Dead town with lots of weird inconsistencies and odd details. Like a functioning and well stocked library in downtown hellhole-central and yeah, a whole lot of other crap.
One anticlimax after another and the prolonged tension of these HUGE horrible and soul-shattering secrets that are hanging over them terrified they’ll be “too much to bare” for the other. Nope, poof, not worth the grief.
As previous reviewers mentioned, the hard-ass MC who constantly threatens to “release the beast” and seems to want to pound the FMC through the wall, he suddenly becomes a well groomed sweetheart teenybopper as soon as the jealousy bs has cleared.
So yeah. Not my jam.
March 16, 2023
Title: Wraith
Author: Renee Rocco
Series: Masters of Mayhem #1
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Danger.
Hell.
Prison.
My angel.
This story had me wrapped around its finger before I knew it. This story of pain, hell and a daring rescue. I couldn't believe some of the stuff Wraith went through when he was taken from Mayhem. There were points when I thought I would bite my nails to the quick from how badly he was beaten and tortured. An endless hell he thought he would die alone in. Never to be found and for his friends in Mayhem to never know what ever happened to him.
His angel, Jamie. She was a true warrior. I couldn't believe all she had been through and still she didn't let it consume her and drag her to an abyss of depression and psychosis. I'm not sure I could have gone through all she endured from the time she was a young girl until she found Wraith again. Wraith and Jamie together again... was it fate? Was it by chance?
I absolutely adored this book. I love me some bad guys and Wraith was a proper bad guy but still a sexy gentlemen with a heart he thought he no longer had. I was consumed by this book and their story. I couldn't believe everything that happened in this book. But that's what makes it that much more enjoyable. Renée is a great author who knows how to weave a hell of a tale. I couldn't put this book down from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to my fellow readers. It's dark, full of danger and bad, bad men.. but there's a light that stands out amongst the dangerous demons in this story... Jamie. 🤍🤍🤍
#Wraith #ReneeRocco #MastersofMayhem #booktour #instabook #bookishcommunity #booksofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #darkromance #bookforme #bookpost #readandreview #kindleunlimited #Amazon #booktok #review #helpauthorsbeseen #helpauthorssuceed #favoriteread #fivestarread #triolgy #firstbook #goodreads
Author: Renee Rocco
Series: Masters of Mayhem #1
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Danger.
Hell.
Prison.
My angel.
This story had me wrapped around its finger before I knew it. This story of pain, hell and a daring rescue. I couldn't believe some of the stuff Wraith went through when he was taken from Mayhem. There were points when I thought I would bite my nails to the quick from how badly he was beaten and tortured. An endless hell he thought he would die alone in. Never to be found and for his friends in Mayhem to never know what ever happened to him.
His angel, Jamie. She was a true warrior. I couldn't believe all she had been through and still she didn't let it consume her and drag her to an abyss of depression and psychosis. I'm not sure I could have gone through all she endured from the time she was a young girl until she found Wraith again. Wraith and Jamie together again... was it fate? Was it by chance?
I absolutely adored this book. I love me some bad guys and Wraith was a proper bad guy but still a sexy gentlemen with a heart he thought he no longer had. I was consumed by this book and their story. I couldn't believe everything that happened in this book. But that's what makes it that much more enjoyable. Renée is a great author who knows how to weave a hell of a tale. I couldn't put this book down from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to my fellow readers. It's dark, full of danger and bad, bad men.. but there's a light that stands out amongst the dangerous demons in this story... Jamie. 🤍🤍🤍
#Wraith #ReneeRocco #MastersofMayhem #booktour #instabook #bookishcommunity #booksofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #darkromance #bookforme #bookpost #readandreview #kindleunlimited #Amazon #booktok #review #helpauthorsbeseen #helpauthorssuceed #favoriteread #fivestarread #triolgy #firstbook #goodreads
March 7, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️
How to begin?
I enjoyed the majority of this story, but the beginning of the book was a little rough with world-building. It really throws you in the story and you go from there. There's some pretty dark stuff, so as always, I definitely recommend checking the warnings before reading this book.
Wraith has been kidnapped and forced to fight to the death in a fighting ring ran by David Crane, and when not in the ring, is tortured and sold to others. After one fight he sees Jamie, the girl he was super protective of during their high school years and who he hasn't seen in 8 years.
Jamie lets him know that she has a plan to get him out and he is able to escape with her, reuniting him with his Unholy brothers, Jester and Malice. From there the four are able to return to their home town of Mayhem and are able to return back to a somewhat normal life, until Jamie is kidnapped by one of David Crane's crew.
Between the return and the kidnapping, you get to see how life for Jamie and Wraith (Eric) evolves. Jamie lets Wraith in and tells him her darkest secrets, while Wraith is able to let her in in his own way. The characters have some great growth and realize that the relationship they had when they were in high school can become more.
It was good, but as someone who has read her other series, I noticed a lot of similarities between the two series. 3 male MC and 1 female MC, and the personality types are pretty much the same. I do plan to continue with the series since they are all based on individual members of the Unholy.
How to begin?
I enjoyed the majority of this story, but the beginning of the book was a little rough with world-building. It really throws you in the story and you go from there. There's some pretty dark stuff, so as always, I definitely recommend checking the warnings before reading this book.
Wraith has been kidnapped and forced to fight to the death in a fighting ring ran by David Crane, and when not in the ring, is tortured and sold to others. After one fight he sees Jamie, the girl he was super protective of during their high school years and who he hasn't seen in 8 years.
Jamie lets him know that she has a plan to get him out and he is able to escape with her, reuniting him with his Unholy brothers, Jester and Malice. From there the four are able to return to their home town of Mayhem and are able to return back to a somewhat normal life, until Jamie is kidnapped by one of David Crane's crew.
Between the return and the kidnapping, you get to see how life for Jamie and Wraith (Eric) evolves. Jamie lets Wraith in and tells him her darkest secrets, while Wraith is able to let her in in his own way. The characters have some great growth and realize that the relationship they had when they were in high school can become more.
It was good, but as someone who has read her other series, I noticed a lot of similarities between the two series. 3 male MC and 1 female MC, and the personality types are pretty much the same. I do plan to continue with the series since they are all based on individual members of the Unholy.
May 25, 2025
5⭐|2🌶|9%🌶frequency
OMG... 😱
Yes, this one is dark!!!
In most books I've read, there is the MC who is tortur!ng someone (or more). But not here (at least not at the beginning). It's the MC who gets tortured. And I mean REALLY tortured 😱😱😱 I can't say how much I felt sorry for Wraith. Yes, he isn't a saint, but he didn't deserve all that. It's so horrible 😭
And he isn't alone with this whole thing. No, Jamie isn't with him and she doesn't get that kind of torture, but still... 😭
Maybe I'm sick 🤣 or I'm sick 🤣 But I loved this book 😎 Of course I didn't love the torturing of Wraith and Jamie's past and present, but it's also a wonderful story 🥰
I haven't read any dystopia books yet (except for one paranormal), but I loved the way the author created a world. I think it's low in the dystopia part, but to start this, it's perfect. But still it's very dark, so not for dark beginners 🙈
Wraith is definitely obsessed with Jamie and not just recently. They've known each other since forever.
The Unholy isn't a typical motorcycle club. It's definitely more of a gang. And they drive all kinds of vehicles. Yes, also motorcycle, but dirt bikes 😎
It really is a different read, and I'm so excited to read more 🤩 I loved all the members of the gang. Especially because all the enforcers are all friends since kindergarten. I'm not trying to have a picture of them in the sandbox and starting to be bad boys 🤣🙈
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
OMG... 😱
Yes, this one is dark!!!
In most books I've read, there is the MC who is tortur!ng someone (or more). But not here (at least not at the beginning). It's the MC who gets tortured. And I mean REALLY tortured 😱😱😱 I can't say how much I felt sorry for Wraith. Yes, he isn't a saint, but he didn't deserve all that. It's so horrible 😭
And he isn't alone with this whole thing. No, Jamie isn't with him and she doesn't get that kind of torture, but still... 😭
Maybe I'm sick 🤣 or I'm sick 🤣 But I loved this book 😎 Of course I didn't love the torturing of Wraith and Jamie's past and present, but it's also a wonderful story 🥰
I haven't read any dystopia books yet (except for one paranormal), but I loved the way the author created a world. I think it's low in the dystopia part, but to start this, it's perfect. But still it's very dark, so not for dark beginners 🙈
Wraith is definitely obsessed with Jamie and not just recently. They've known each other since forever.
The Unholy isn't a typical motorcycle club. It's definitely more of a gang. And they drive all kinds of vehicles. Yes, also motorcycle, but dirt bikes 😎
It really is a different read, and I'm so excited to read more 🤩 I loved all the members of the gang. Especially because all the enforcers are all friends since kindergarten. I'm not trying to have a picture of them in the sandbox and starting to be bad boys 🤣🙈
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
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