The Taste

Black Coyotes #2

by Ruby Bloom

A SILENT ASSASSIN.

A WIDE-EYED CAFE OWNER.

CAN THEIR PASSION MASK THE BITTER TASTE OF DEATH?

They called him Phantom. Because he was exactly that. Not a man, a ghost of the darkness. Unable to speak. Trained to kill. Conditioned not to feel. To laugh. To love. People screamed his name in fear.

Until a local business owner awakens something human within him.

New to town, Sophie has set up an ice cream parlor, and is struggling under the weight of trying to think with a commercial head on her shoulders. She’s used to seeing the best in the world around her, but her sunny attitude isn’t enough for running a successful business, she needs to be more cut-throat. She sees him watching her from across the street as she serves up huge scoops of silky, vegan ice cream, his eyes hungry. Why won’t he come over and have a taste?

He knows he can never have her, he doesn’t trust himself. He could never hold her, feel her fragile pulse fluttering against his violent hands. Yet it doesn’t stop him from wanting her, wanting to hear her scream his name, not in pain, not in fear, not because death was coming. But in pleasure. Wanting to hear her whispering his name as he fulfills her fantasies.

She has never been able to resist temptation. Because truthfully, even though she finds out he is a member of the notorious Black Coyotes Motorcycle Club, and does not speak, she still wants a taste of him too.

But his past is a graveyard of poisonous secrets. Before he was rescued by the MC, he was a slave in a nefarious Mexican drug cartel. And when one of those secrets from that dark past is reincarnated, will Sophie run back to the land of the living? Can she find the sunshine and sweetness within herself to forgive? Can she move forward without bitterness or has she spent too long with a ghost and become dead inside too?


Note: This book contains adult scenes and language that some readers may consider offensive or triggering.

Genres: Dark

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2022

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

It’s hard to know where to start with a book like this which only means it was that good that it takes my words away. It’s dark, intense and chemistry is abounding. You wouldn’t expect it between a woman who owns an ice cream shop and the dark brooding assassin. Phantom doesn’t speak but his actions can be deadly. Sophie is a breath of fresh air.

This is a book you don’t want to miss. I will keep a close eye on this author in the future.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is the owner of an ice cream parlor. She's used to sunshine and kindness but she needs to get tougher to survive in a business world. Phantom is part of the Black Coyotes MC and has a rough past as a slave for the cartel before joining the mc. He doesn't speak but he watches Sophie and she notices him. The two end up in a hot and steamy relationship and this is their story.

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS
This book has a very unique style of storytelling, intriguing characters and it’s definitely different for a dark(er) MC romance. I really liked it. It took a bit of an adjustment for me to relax into the descriptive, lengthy scenes. I was a bit unsure of the pace at first. I adjusted and enjoyed the easy pace and attention to details.
It’s told in third person and I felt I understood the characters well. That’s not always the case for me and third person stories. It’s especially impressive as the main character, our anti-hero Phantom is Mute. Sophie (our heroine) is very chatty and verbal and Phantom isn’t almost at all.
They are the quintessential opposites, the Yin to their Yang type of couple. I loved the big, scary and silent biker with the bubbly, chatty ice cream store owner. So cute!
Phantom is a damaged, tortured character that has a lot of darkness. There’s not graphic details of his past, there’s enough to understand his trauma and feel empathy for him.
The writer doesn’t include very descriptive scenes that are disturbing, for some it will be dark still so heed the warnings.
I enjoyed the primal ways about Phantom and his sexuality/relationship side especially. The two characters have amazing chemistry and a strong connection. It’s very hot, super intense and I will say the sex scenes are a bit dark(ish). There’s also a lot of emotions. I really liked the unique primal ways of Phantom and the way Sophie is so in tune with him.
The storyline moves a bit slow, yet I was kept interested because so much detail is given. I felt connected to the characters and their journey. I loved knowing their thoughts all along the way.
The secondary characters are really great, there’s a bit of mystery and some dangerous elements.
I enjoyed this very unique, gritty MC romance with one of a kind characters.
I’ll definitely read this author again.

[Beki Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom is my new favourite book boyfriend of the year. Guaranteed to get you hot under the collar from the go. The heat, the spice, the filth. Chefs kiss.

Written from the perspective of both Phantom & Sophie, you’re taken on this pairs delicious journey, from agonising starts to agonising finishes. Character development is second to none. And now I need a boat load of ice cream in my face.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

The Taste follows Phantom and Sophie a different couple from The Chase the first book. This book can be read as a standalone but I read the first book before cuz that's a very me thing!

I have to say I loved reading every moment of this book! Phantom and Sophie were perfect! I enjoyed every chapter of this book and the story was always moving. The plot was great with its twists and turns!

A trained assassin that doesn't speak to anyone and a cute ice cream parlor owner! So cute! There were cute and sexy moments! Moments showing loss, loyalty, and family! Sophie accepting Phantom for who he is without listening to the rumors about him and standing her ground, speaking up! I absolutely loved that was a character who she raised her voice and didn't just blend in! Is a HEA and complete with epilogue/prologue!

I'm looking forwards to reading more books in this series!!

Tropes:
- Motorcycle Club Romance
- Erotic Romance
- Trauma
- Beauty & the Beast
- Alpha hero
- Revenge & Betrayal
- New Girl in Town/Girl Next Door
- Kidnap/Power play
- Knife play
- Wrong side of the tracks
- Grumpy/Sunshine.

Triggers:
- Minor references to knife play (no blood)
- Self harm
- Kidnapping
- Terminal illness
- Dubious consent
- Profanity
- Violence
- Death

Author's site if y'all wanna have a closer look!
https://www.rubybloomauthor.com/my-bo...

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*While not required, I recommend reading the first book of the series before reading The Taste. It picks up right where The Chase ended.

Phantom is a mysterious biker taken in by the Black Coyotes. He has never spoken to the brothers, and outside of texting, grunts and body language are his only means of communicating. His lack of verbal speech leaves his past a mystery, but he has earned the love, respect, and fear of those around him. He is an asset with nothing but the MC and revenge on his mind. That is until he meets Sophie.

With the help of her cousin, Sophie was able to get her new business off the ground quickly. She is excited to finally see her dream of opening a vegan ice cream parlor/cafe realized. New to town, Sophie doesn’t know anyone, but a man she has noticed has caught her and piqued her curiosity. A one-sided first conversation with the mysteriously quiet biker is about to change things unexpectedly.

Attempting to sum up my thoughts and feelings on this one is difficult without spoilers. I will say that I am absolutely loving this series. I continue to love Colt and April the more they appear, and I am smitten with Shadow. I feel as though Phantom is so misunderstood yet lost, even to himself, yet finds a way to open himself up to his brothers and Sophie. I love that he was comfortable enough to be vulnerable with her and do the two things he hadn’t done in some time.

I enjoyed The Chase, and reading The Taste was a no-brainer. I will be impatiently awaiting the arrival of The Deal.

Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of Foreward PR & Marketing and the author, Ruby Bloom.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second installment of Black Coyotes MC was filled with endearing characters and an engaging story line that kept my attention from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Black Coyotes MC series. It's a fast-paced and standalone book .
There's action, drama and a lot of twists and turns but that is expected from MC theme
She is the owner of Ice cream parlour and he is a trained killer .
Combination really explosive.
The storyline is very engaging and pulling you right in.
Enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story to be intriguing. I really enjoyed these characters and their world. The author puts her readers right inside the story. I enjoyed the passion. I liked the dialogue. The author made everything real and it entertained me.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Tina Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So The Taste follows Phantom and Sophie's story. And let's say this one really is an unusual story. And I really enjoyed it. Phantom doesn't speak at all. He talks by grunts or head tilts or sometimes texts. He is also a trained assassin. And he kills up close and personal. Sophie is completely the opposite in everyday you can imagine. Like she is rainbows and sunshine and is talktalktive and so naive to the fact of who she befriends. And she has opened an ice cream shop. And she gets the attention of none other than Phantom but they get to know each other on such a deeper level. And she brings him out of his shell. But it's only mostly for her. But of course when he targets someone she loves and things take other turns will they work through all their obstacles other than him not speaking? I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book!!! 

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

So The Taste follows Phantom and Sophie's story. And let's say this one really is an unusual story. And I really enjoyed it. Phantom doesn't speak at all. He talks by grunts or head tilts or sometimes texts. He is also a trained assassin. And he kills up close and personal. Sophie is completely the opposite in everyday you can imagine. Like she is rainbows and sunshine and is talktalktive and so naive to the fact of who she befriends. And she has opened an ice cream shop. And she gets the attention of none other than Phantom but they get to know each other on such a deeper level. And she brings him out of his shell. But it's only mostly for her. But of course when he targets someone she loves and things take other turns will they work through all their obstacles other than him not speaking? I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book!!! ~By Tina

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Taste is the 2nd book in the Black Coyotes Series. This MC dark romance will have you at the edge of your seat. Dark pasts, demons, lies, deception, the emotional charge that is with in these pages transports you into that world. Phantom and Sophie are polar opposites. He’s a trained killer, with no voice, with no emotions, and she is rainbows and sunshine. But they have trouble resisting what they can’t have, each other. Their chemistry is intense. You will definitely be on a roller coaster ride. The story is complex, sexy, gut wrenching, loving and understanding. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complementary copy of this book

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read written by Ruby Bloom; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Black Coyotes MC Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Sophia & Phantom.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is a happy FMC and a chatterbox, Phantom is not lol, far from it in fact. However he is a likeable character. These two are an unlikely couple. There is violence, and darkness but also an intriguing read. It is an easy read to get caught up in. Phantom and his grunts were the highlight lol, making him an interesting character you couldn’t help but be drawn to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phantom and Sophia’s story was an opposites attack kind of read with him being a mute assassin and her being a ray of sunshine ice cream shop owner. He finds himself drawn to her and she is intrigued by him. It has her understanding him in ways no one else does but will these two stay together after the drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tinna Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the second book in the Black Coyotes MC Series. Phantom does not speak and prefers to communicate via texts and head gestures. Sophie is the exact opposite; she is chatterbox owns an ice-cream shop and befriends everyone she meets. Se=he is exactly what Phantom needs to come out of his shell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phantom

Phantom lives in the darkness but has found his light in Sophia the vegan ice cream shop owner. In the latest Black Coyote book. We're the dark meets light and all lines are blured in this latest book.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract between Phantom and Sophie, a grumpy/sunshine, adsassin/Baker, with steamy desires, action and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RedFlower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to start reading this love story, the big moment when Phantom spotted Sophie accidentally, their first encounter was something special, I was not expecting it to be that way, and oh boy I was hooked by it!
Their emotional conflict, inner thoughts and desires were so intriguing and kept me gripped with every word and every page. I wanted to know more and more about these amazing characters and how their love would blossom for each other!

It was so exciting to devour this beautiful love story, it has lots of passionate moments and it was wonderful to experience the character's true emotions and love for each other throughout it.

Phantom is a damaged soul, super dangerous and mysterious whereas Sophie is innocent, and has a good heart and soul. Despite all of this, Sophie felt a strong pull toward Phantom from the first moment.

I really enjoyed the monologues and daydreams that both characters had toward each other, so heart-warming!!!
I also found compelling the way the writer positioned these two marvelous characters as the monster and the angel and fairy of light!

This is a beautiful long and detailed story, it's a page-turner with lots of sweet and witty moments. The writing in this book blew my mind, you absolutely feel everything, every word, the tension of every encounter, every moment felt, what a thrilling ride this book was!!! Get ready for steamy, sizzling scenes between them!!!

Superb storytelling and style of writing and I 100% recommend this mind-blowing MC love story to everyone into this genre!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was intoxicating, darkly erotic, and disturbingly addicting. I could not put it down.

This story packs a punch. You may think you have read this particular trope before, trust me, you haven't read one quite like this.

Phantom and Sophie couldn't be more unalike, but it's like they've each breathed a piece of themselves into other and have won in love and life in the end.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is assassin Phantom, and Sophie, who is a café owners’ story. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, and intriguing, with secrets, emotions, trauma, betrayal vengeance, angst, violence, drama, danger, suspense, twists, mystery, family, friendships, conflict, tension, turmoil, and love, which leads to a riveting and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Spooky Spicy Scorpio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book in this series (The Chase) because I don't tend to read a lot of motorcycle club (MC) books (I have a strong visceral reaction to the term "old lady", especially that it's allegedly a term of endearment). I thoroughly enjoyed this MC romance. It's dual POV, so some of the internal dialogue of the FMC and MMC got a bit repetitive, especially since the MMC primarily does not speak (he communicates in other ways, i.e. texting, gestures).

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by Ruby Bloom. I will look into her other books as I really enjoyed this one.

The Taste follows the relationship of Phantom, an assassin for the MC and Sophie, the sweet owner of the local ice cream parlor. This one is steamy!! And dark. And so good.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cow!!! This story was so riveting, that I just couldn't put it down. This story is also very emotionally charged, caused by both heart-warming and heart-wrenching situations, so you'll want to have plenty of tissues handy before you start. There is also a lot of twists and turns in the story, that I guarantee you'll never see coming--- which at least for me--- made this an excellent read. The main characters were both very well developed & the story moved along at a good pace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Black Coyotes MC series each book can be read as a standalone with a sexy with issues and the girl who makes them complete. Phantom sexy as all get out silent usually goes unnoticed by most (which he likes) assassin, he doesn’t speak at all just grunts and every now and then texts. Sophie is sweet always bright no matter what’s going on she is like a ray of sunshine, is everyone’s friend or tries to be and running her own ice cream shop catching the attention of the silent man. The moment they meet the attraction is there even if he refuses to acknowledge it but the magnetic pull between won’t allow him to stay away so spending time with her learns there is so much more to her then her sunny personality and she learns there is so much more to him than his broodiness even getting to give her a half smile sort of but what happens when he goes after someone she loves will she understand it, will that be the end of his sunshine, will they work through their issues and can they find happiness despite is inability to speak?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom is definitely the star the of this book. He says literally nothing the first half of the book. And only seems to talk when he and Sophie does the do...and then and only then cause she can't speak.

When I tell you the thrill of this entire book is the mystery surrounding Phantom. As you learn his past, and why he does what he does you start to not only understand him but you see the truth of his pain and how his only true cheerleader for him and only him is Sophie. Now let us not forget or ignore Sophie, she is a force all on her won but together they are the epitome of what you want your relationship to be.

Phantom doesn't speak cause he doesn't have anything to say to anyone but Sophie and Sophie is a chatterbox all on her own. They both are the yin and yang to each other..her light to his dark and they absorb each other...true example of what a soul mate is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Miss SHF Urquhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom escaped the Mexican cartel and killed the leaders and has slowly been removing the remaining members. When he first escaped he was saved by the Black Coyotes MC who took him in after he ended up in hospital. Phantom doesn't talk but is fascinated by Sophie who has a Vegan Ice Cream Parlour.

This story contains action, adventure, suspense, angst, romance and a grumpy assassin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[loubie bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the first book was brilliant and couldn’t be improved upon and then I started reading this book! Who was I kidding! Yes this book obviously has a different story but wow it’s amazing. These men are beyond dark and dangerous and obviously live on the edge between good and bad but the women they meet! The way it changes them is quite spectacular to read. I’m seriously hooked on this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is your not typical dark tale. This story is not your happy I will say but in a dark twisted way. I spent the entire time on the edge of my seat. Phantom and Sophie aren’t your normal average couple. They had your not typical relationship that keeps you going. This has to be my favorite couple in the series. I want them to find their happily ever after. I absolutely adore this epic series.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? Dark? Sexy? Heart breaking? Heart warming? Funny? It is all that and more. Not your normal but normal is overrated. Do venture into the world of these bikers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.