Luca Undertaker Stone isn't looking for love. He already had his love of a lifetime and lost her a decade ago. Now his darkness keeps women at a distance. He likes it like that. Running a self defense and cage fighter training gym keeps him busy. Well that and his side job as a contract killer. Soft and sweet has no place in his world.
That's good because Honor Williams is anything but soft and sweet. She's a verifiable badass who put a violent sexual predator back behind bars. Ok so maybe he's out now and stalking her. Maybe she's on the run. And maybe she's not quite so much a verifiable badass as she is telling herself she's one until she believes it. She doesn't date criminals and she sure as hell doesn't date sexy badass ex military contract killers.
They have no business hooking up. Honor needs to lay low and steer clear of trouble. Luca never dates and certainly doesn't sleep with a woman more than once. Honor just needs to learn self defense so she doesn't end up dead. Luca just wants to help her stay alive. It's not like they're going to fall in love.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Jennifer Marcia for the opportunity to review this book. This was an enjoyable read. This is book 1 of the Brotherhood MC series. I thought the story and characters were great. Luca Undertaker Stone is a great character. I thought he was possessive, protective and sexy. He has a lot of pain and PTSD from the things that he went through. However, Honor Williams is my favourite character. She is strong, beautiful and courageous. She is trying to reclaim her life after the things in her past. I love how she wanted to stop thinking of herself as a “victim” and more “badass chick.” I loved the romance and I thought that the ending was great. Overall, a great read.
Steamy and drama packed dark romance with protective and possessive bad boy Luca, and courageous Honor who is on the run from a deranged stalker and trying to start a new life. Luca and Honor's attraction is sizzling and magnetic, and they bring out the best in each other. It's fast paced, intense and full of spice. I loved the character development and Honor's bravery of going from victim to badass, and Luca's change from arrogant hookup to protective partner. The found family elements were great with her new group of supportive friends and all the help from the Brotherhood MC crew.
✨Small town romance ✨Stalker ✨Possessive MMC ✨Gangs and Violence ✨Trauma and mentions of S.A ✨Mentions of PTSD and grief
This was the first time reading this author and I have to say I will be following her after reading this book. I loved the strength of Honor and how she wanted to be able to take care of herself and not rely on anyone else. She has a man after her after putting this degenerate behind bars so she’s on the run and happens to be in the Brotherhood MC territory.
Luca is a man with his own demons and he makes sure not to get attached but that all changes when Honor comes to town. I loved the dynamics between these two and the storyline made this book a big page turner for me.
This book was good!! I love the characters honor and Luca especially. But the whole story and all the characters were great!! I love motorcycle club books. This was different in a good way!! Not the typical Mc story. It didn’t center around them and I liked that.
Honor helped to serve up justice when she was part of a jury who helped place a dangerous sexual predator in prison! Only a couple years later he's no longer behind bars and Honor is on his list. . . Fleeing because he was getting too close Honor finds herself in a small-town. Something about this town really ignites a spark inside Honor and she decides it's time to stop running.
She refuses to be the victim any longer and with some help from newfound friends Honor builds up her courage. Will that be enough to take on her stalker? Maybe some self-defense classes will help to solidify her new badass persona! Only the local gym is run by someone Honor knows she should avoid more than her stalker. She doesn't date and she certainly doesn't date criminals or people associated with a biker gang! Yet Luca's a flame that draws her in even if Honor knows she will inevitably get burned. . .
"Maybe my life didn't have to be all darkness all the time." - Luca
Luca's set up rules as well, the main one being he doesn't date or see the same woman twice! He's suffering from some past grief and because of it he has sealed off his heart. Though when a certain bombshell rolls into his small-town, he can't help but feel his walls cracking just a little. The dual POVs really helped to show all the pining and the wavering feelings.
I really enjoyed Honor's character and how she grew throughout the course of this book. Honor's been through a lot and her past is very dark. This book does touch a lot on SA and mentions of rape. Honor has had to deal with disgusting men taking advantage of her almost all her life, attempted SAs that didn't go all the way. Now her stalker is the icing on the cake and she's tired of having "victim" written across her forehead!
This may be a spoiler but the men in the Brotherhood MC stand up for women. Protecting them and helping to be their biggest cheerleaders. Refusing to deal with anything illegal/legal that involves mistreatment of women in any kind of way. And people wonder why we love dark romances?!
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the MCs and just the crazy tension being built! Miscommunications galore and understandings of they shouldn't be involved with one another. Luca's professional and very respectful of boundaries. Ensuring that everything's consensual with Honor before he proceeds. Honor admiring that a lot but knowing she shouldn't go down that rabbit hole.
Was refreshing how Honor didn't want a man to save her. She wanted to become independent and no longer be her past self. It was no longer working for her or benefiting her in the slightest. Honor takes control of her life but maybe overcorrects in the opposite direction. Even strong Queens need someone to watch their backs and stand by their sides.
The women of the town who soon become involved with Honor are incredible! Loved their dynamics and how they were so supportive. Chuckled at how open they were with one another and the topics they had no issue discussing out loud. I am really excited to read the next book featuring Aurora! Lily's another of my favorites and I can tell somethings going to come about with her!
This book does contain language and depictions of violence, bloodshed, and some gore. Dealings with a SA predator and some of his intentions on what he wants to do. . . Feelings of grief and mention of War Vet PTSD. This series is about a biker gang and there's talk of some of the things they have to face and "deal" with. The books are a part of a collection but can be read as standalones, they end on HEAs!
There's some MF action that happens pretty quickly but then we have some slow burn drama. Very much enjoyed the frustration and build up between the two as we fell into the enemies to lovers trope. The MMCs rather possessive and very much touch her and die. Luca gives hand necklaces and Honor is very much about it and his dom side. There are several yummy MF action scenes.
Do enjoy the dark romance and don't forget to give the author some stars!
Character Development: In "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" by Jennifer Marcia, readers are introduced to Luca Undertaker Stone, a complex and brooding character whose past tragedies have shaped him into a hardened and enigmatic figure. Despite his dark and dangerous profession as a contract killer, Luca's internal struggles and vulnerabilities add depth to his character, making him a compelling and multidimensional protagonist. Alongside him is Honor Williams, a fiercely independent and determined woman whose resilience and strength shine through in the face of adversity. As the story unfolds, Marcia skillfully explores the emotional complexities of their burgeoning relationship, allowing readers to witness their growth and transformation as they navigate the challenges of love and redemption.
Themes and Exploration: At its core, "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" delves into themes of love, redemption, and the pursuit of justice in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty. Through Luca and Honor's tumultuous journey, Marcia explores the intricacies of trust, loyalty, and the healing power of human connection. Against the backdrop of Luca's dark past and Honor's harrowing experiences, the novel examines the complexities of forgiveness and redemption, challenging readers to confront their own perceptions of morality and justice. As Luca and Honor grapple with their inner demons and external threats, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and confront the truths that threaten to tear them apart.
Plot and Pacing: The plot of "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" unfolds with gripping intensity and suspense, drawing readers into a world of danger, intrigue, and forbidden passion. From the gritty streets of the Brotherhood MC to the seedy underbelly of the criminal underworld, Marcia weaves a tapestry of suspense and romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The pacing is brisk and relentless, propelling the story forward with heart-pounding action and unexpected twists and turns. As Luca and Honor's lives become increasingly intertwined, the stakes are raised, and the tension mounts, creating a riveting reading experience that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages until the final, electrifying climax.
Writing Style: Marcia's writing style is atmospheric, evocative, and brimming with raw emotion, immersing readers in a world of danger, desire, and redemption. Her prose crackles with intensity and tension, capturing the dark allure and seductive charm of Luca and Honor's tumultuous relationship. With its vivid descriptions and vivid imagery, "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" transports readers to a realm of forbidden passion and forbidden secrets, where the line between right and wrong blurs and the true nature of love is put to the ultimate test. Marcia's masterful storytelling and deft characterizations ensure that "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" is an unforgettable reading experience that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.
Conclusion: In conclusion, "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" is a riveting and emotionally charged tale of love, redemption, and the power of second chances. Jennifer Marcia has crafted a novel that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking, inviting readers on a roller-coaster ride of suspense and passion through the shadowy depths of the criminal underworld. Whether you're a fan of romantic suspense or pulse-pounding action, "Luca: A Brotherhood MC Novel" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be swept away by its gripping narrative, spellbinding characters, and unforgettable twists and turns as you embark on a journey into the heart of darkness where love and danger collide in a battle for the soul.
*I was very kindly sent this by the author in exchange for an honest review, so a very big thank you to her*
I really loved this - which isn't surprising because I love me some MC romance! The humour was just up my street, I was audibly laughing. It was carried so well by the writing style which was kind of internal monologue/talking to themselves. The chemistry between the characters was insane. It was a really well paced build with some awesome sexual tension just ready to explode! I loved the subplots that were running through this that differed slightly from the usual MC rival gang (although that did feature mildly), I did really enjoy that it was honors past catching up to them and not all about MC life. The spice...just to give you an indication - I was reading this in the airport on my way back from a business trip (because yes I am now a girl boss who goes on business trips and drinks cocktails in rooftop bars with CEOs...who would have guessed - Not me that's for sure haha!). Anyway! Reading in the airport lobby waiting on my flight and I got to an especially hot scene in his truck, where the tension was just so palatable, I audibly gasped and everyone turned to look...so yeah. It was great, but also dealt me on of my more embarrassing life moments. What dropped this from a 5 star to 4 for me was 2 things, 1. there were quite a few typos which I mentioned to the author so hopefully this will be updated and changed. 2. I felt that some of the writing was talking down to me as a reader in parts. Often overdescribing/infodumpy in sections. If there was dialogue then the writing was brilliant. (ESPECIALLY THE DIRTY TALK...believe me - it was WOW!) but some of the longer sections of description/monologue left me feeling like I was being babied, explaining their past when it could have been told in a more dynamic way etc.
Overall I would 100% recc0mend this book. I really liked it, it was hilarious with incredible dirty talk and sex with a fun twist on the MC tropes. I plan to read the next in the series Donnie (which comes out on Tuesday, but was also sent to me in advance by the author tomorrow)
“Luca” follows the story of Honor, a woman who becomes the target of a convicted sexual predator, prompting her to relocate and settle in Whispering Pines, a seemingly idyllic small town. There, she encounters Luca, a mixed martial artist, along with a diverse array of characters.
The central theme revolves around Honor, a resilient yet damaged woman, meeting Luca, an elusive and tough man who has remained unaffected by the women he encounters—until he meets her. This premise, though tried and tested, unfortunately falls into cliché territory. To advance this plot and the ensuing sexual tension, the narrative often sidesteps the authentic humanity within Honor. Her seemingly eager and unflinching pursuit of sexual intimacy with a stranger, given her history of sexual abuse and the primary reason for fleeing her previous home, feels peculiar.
The lack of literary depth in Honor’s behavior makes it seem as if any semblance of genuine humanity within Luca is purely incidental. Scenes of gratuitous sex between Luca and Honor overshadow plot points that could add depth to the narrative. For instance, while the novel starts swiftly, the majority of the middle section revolves around Luca’s affiliation with the Brotherhood and their sexual encounters, sidelining the involvement of Gallows, who only re-emerges towards the end.
Despite this, the town and its characters create a warm and familiar backdrop, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Honor’s newfound life, filled with passion and friendships. The sensuality in the novel is well-crafted, yet a more dedicated and genuine exploration of the characters’ authenticity could elevate the story, offering a captivating blend of lust and adventure.
This is a new author to me, and I enjoyed this book. There was some unnecessary repetition when switching POV, and once where the timeline was off-kilter, but otherwise the story flowed smoothly and was an absorbing read. It does deal rather explicitly with the issue of SA and molestation (caution if these are triggers). Violence and gore are also present, I mean come on Y'all it's a dark MC romance! Now, on to the juicy stuff. 😋
Honor comes to Whispering Pines running scared and vulnerable. Luca is the one person who can prepare her to stand on her own. There's one tiny problem though. They have chemistry that is utterly undeniable, and they do try to fight it (oh, they try!). She wants to stay as far away from bad boys as humanly possible, but is like a moth to a flame with Luca. For him (a certifiable bad boy contract killer), his 1-and-done is up-and-gone when she enters his world. Heck, they aren't even on speaking terms when he bans other men from touching her (does she know this🤨). Neither is looking for love, or anything even resembling it. Does Fate and their small-town really care about their plans though?
Trigger Warning! Stalker and threats to women. May cause triggers for some. Honor has been a victim for far too long. On the run from a CRAZED stalker/predator. She stops in the small, close-knit town and decides to stop there and get a job at the local bar. She runs into the perfect man to help her, in more ways than one. When Luca lost the most important person in his life, he promised never to love again. The pain led him to a life that fed a dark side in him and when he returned home, all he wanted to do was run his gym and train his fighters. With the occasional "job" on the side. No more love or dating! Then, he sees her. Luca is a dirty talking, alpha who can not only talk the talk but can back it up and Honor loves him. I really love how she came out of victim prison and found her strength! Intense and steamy with action and suspense plus a skin-crawling villain! Yes, I do recommend this one.
Honor Williams has been a victim before but when she meets the eyes in court of a violent predator she makes sure she does what she can to get him convicted. When released from prison he stalks Honor and she leaves town and moves to Whispering Pines thinking to start a new life and job as a bartender for the MC establishment when she meets a man who rocks her world he doesn’t date or do relationships so she is good to go until she finds out who he is, Luca Stone ex-military, ex-special ops and a killer. But his legal business is a gym owner for self defense classes as well as cage fighting. Luca teaches Honor self protection. Things seem to be good until the evening the alarm goes off at the gym. Every thing changes. A MC brotherhood romance suspense. A dangerous story with strong characters. I read a review without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.
Luca happily single has no plans to settle down. He lost the love of his life a decade ago and is happy with one night only. That’s fine until he meets Honor, and everything changes for him. He just needs to get her to agree. He might have a chance now he knows about the psycho who’s stalking her.
This is a new author to me, I enjoyed this read, and look forward to hearing more on the guys in the MC. It’s a bit darker than my usual MC as this bunch don’t run a clean house except for skin trafficking. The storyline has plenty going on to keep you engaged. However, for me I felt there were a few to many bedroom scenes.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.
💀 Motorcycle club 💀 Strong FMC x Possessive MMC 💀 Forced proximity 💀 Woman on the run 💀 PTSD representation 💀 Small town 💀 Romantic suspense
This was my introduction to this author and I really enjoyed it, the writing style flowed beautifully and was gripping from start to finish. I raced through this book desperate to find out what happened next.
Luca is your typical extremely guarded MMC whose world gets turned upside down when the perfect woman walks into it. Whereas Honor is such a feisty badass, desperately trying to assert her independence and stand on her own two feet, all whilst being chased down whilst she’s on the run from her own demons.
I received an advance review copy to read and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.
Luca was my first time to read author Jennifer Marcia. I enjoyed this book and will be reading more from her. Luca is a man with his own demons-PTSD. Honor is trying to be a strong woman but a predator/stalker is making it tough.
These characters are well-developed for a first in a series. I am really interested in the whole MC and to find out what makes them tick. Their world is also filling out. I think this is important so readers can get into the story.
Luca is a dark romance all the way. There is plenty of steam but lots of triggers. I recommend Luca.
Honor and Luca's love story is firey, magnetic, and against the odds. And that's why it's also intoxicating and hotter than hot. Danger and loss are part of their everyday world, but so is the rock-solid support of the MC brotherhood.
As their growing bond is threatened by a predator closing in, Honor becomes part of Luca's world in a way that will change it for good. Highly recommended for readers who crave dark and steamy love stories with high stakes and unbreakable bonds.
Great book! When Honor put a predator behind bars she assumed he'd stay there but he is out now and coming for her. She goes to a gym wanting to learn self defence and meets ex military gym owner, Luca.
These two are so explosive, it was an intriguing read. I enjoyed the push pull of the relationship and how they push foot around each other, not wanting to fall. But can't help it.
Well written, with engaging characters that I really enjoyed and a suspenseful plot that grabbed on and didn't let go.
This was my first book by Jennifer Marcia and I have to say I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read more from her. I found this one to be of the following tropes: MC Romance, and Romantic Suspense. Luca was well written with strong characters. There are Triggers for Stalking so beware of that. I found that Luca happens to be one of the more memorable Heros I have read in a while.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luca couldn't date after loosing Jenna. It didn't feel right have a relationship with someone. Along comes Honor and kinda changes his mind.
Honor is running. She is running for her life from an abusive stalker. She had been a victim all her life and he knew it. He was coming for her. The problem becomes, she never told anyone about her past or her stalker.
Luca is my first read by this author and I'm excited for more. I love Luca and Honor. They provide for each other what's always been lacking in their lives. Chemistry is palpable between them and I love that he's so possessive and domineering and has no problem taking care anything or anybody that's a threat to his own. And whether she knows it or not, Honor is his!
3.5 stars Luca & Honor This was MC adjactent & steamier than expected given Honor's history. I found it hard to tell who was speaking often & that pulled me out of the story along with a few pov issues. There was quite a bit of repetition of scenes in each pov which was frustrating but I liked the the plot & characters themselves.
Luca is a fighter and killer trained by the military. He runs a gym to help teach others . But his biggest battle will be the new bartender in town. Whose running from a stalker. An exciting new voice in mc romance and looking forward to reading more from this author.
First time author for me and though I thought it started off slow I soon got into the book after chapter three and guess what, there are at least another three books to read after this and honestly they are going straight onto my TBR list. Loved this.
This is a romance about a military guy so for all you badge bunnies this is for you! The story was well developed and I enjoyed meeting and learning about each character. This was a quick read meaning I read it in one day but I will likely read this again because it was such a good book!
Very rarely do I read Brotherhood MC-based books, and I am glad to have dived in to read Luca. The alternating POV's is a favorite of mine, getting to know the thoughts and actions of Luca and Honor is lovely.
This book was everything I look for in a MC romance. I could not put it down once I started reading it. Great suspense and great chemistry between the lead characters. 100% recommend! I can't wait to read more about the Brotherhood MC!
Luca is book one in A Brotherhood MC series. 18+ Read warnings
I absolutely love this book! I was hooked from page one, and couldn't put it down until I read it all! I love the storyline, and the characters are fantastic. I really love Luca & Honor's characters. I can't wait to read book 2!
I enjoyed Luca's character. The aspects of his multiple lifestyle was interesting & was done well. Refreshing that he didn't beat himself up about moving on or protecting Willow. I like that Willow wanted to become stronger but did find her fustrating & took me awhile to like her. An enjoyable book & secondary characters. Honest review of my ARC.
Cat’s Stats MMC/FMC- Luca and Honor POV- 1st person dual Genre- MC Romance Lite Heat- 🌋🌋🌋🌋 They do the things and use the P word whilst naming the bits. Series? Y Safety- Y with caveats. There’s no cheating or S.A., but there is discussion of S.A. and the FMC is a former victim. Other triggers include- Stalking, Kidnapping, Threatened S.A., Violence, Language, Explicit Erotic Content. Tropes- My Name Is Luca/I Live On The Second Floor, One Night Stand, Damsel in Distress Becoming Badsass (you wouldn’t believe some of the words that review sites consider to be profanity), Love After Loss, Commitment Issues, Hitman Baby One More Time. Mewsings Why I liked it- The heroine wanted to be able to save herself instead of waiting to be saved, and she didn’t want to be perceived as a victim ever again. So she starts making changes in her attitude and physical appearance, and she starts taking Krav Maga and self defense classes. The hero never looks at her as if she were a victim. I enjoyed the love story and found it believable. Great world building and good side characters. I found the book empowering. I was fortunate enough to receive an advance review copy for free and I am voluntarily choosing to leave this honest review.