Chasing Simone

Mercy Ravens MC #5

by M.J. Marino

Shawn "Chase" Brighton, head of intelligence for Mercy Ravens MC Security, is an ethical hacker who forages the dark web for predators and corruption. No one is safe from his cyberstalking skills as he tracks those who do evil things to innocence or have wronged his club.

The hipster biker loves his MC brotherhood as much as he loved being a Navy SEAL, content to live the rough and notorious playboy lifestyle. However, even bad boy heartthrobs can fall in love, and Chase has fallen hard for a woman he's only seen on his computer monitors.

Simone Holland was out of his reach until the day the sassy yet sophisticated accountant arrived at Mercy Ravens' headquarters, looking for a fresh start after a painful breakup. That day, Chase laid a silent claim on her—she would be his old lady, come hell or high water.

It doesn't matter if Simone is high-maintenance or as opposite to Chase as positive is to negative. When they come together, they mix better than cool ice and smooth bourbon. Their chemistry burns as much as it soothes.
The problem is Simone's unable to commit to a new relationship until she has moved on from the last. Chase has given her space and time, but the wait has ended. Simone is as good as his.

With a relationship forming on the horizon, Chase sees no harm in asking Simone to join the club's latest security case, where her accounting skills will help investigate a pilfering operation. But all goes belly-up when the accounting firm's liaison is none other than Simone's cheating ex-boyfriend.

Will old feelings resurface for Simone? Can Chase keep himself in check while Simone works closely with her ex? Does an edgy biker stand a chance of winning the heart of a white-collar queen?

Chasing Simone is a contemporary, steamy, instalove, opposites attract, Dom/brat, protective biker romance where the hero will go to great lengths to have his happily ever after with his woman. This is a Standalone novel within the Mercy Ravens MC Series, and book #5 in the series. Reading the previous four books in the series is not necessary, but is recommended. There are dark elements and strong language in this book. Therefore, it is intended for readers 18+ years. Full content disclaimers are listed at the front of the book and on the author's website for reference.

465 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2022

About the author

M.J. Marino—the quirky steamy romance author in the white glasses with the hankering for dirty jokes. M.J. writes steamy insta-love romance novels with strong-willed females and OTT-protective males. She focuses on the love story, and adds plenty of spice, suspense, and comedy, bringing it all together with a happily-ever-after and a teaser for her next book. M.J. lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin with her family. Aside from writing, M.J. is often found reading a juicy romance, cursing up a storm as she rips weeds out of her garden, listening to music while singing along, chugging coffee to stay focused at her computer, and enjoying a bourbon—lots of bourbon.

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

It's been ages since we were in the Mercy Ravens world, and we're back!!!

Now you have seen these characters in the last books they were biting eachothers heads off with the snark and sass, but deep down, Chase was already obessed over Simone when he was hacking and getting info for there president. Now she's staying with them and he's mad, knowning he wants something with her but she doesn't want to be in any relationship since she's still recovering from heartbreak and the damage From the last relationship she was in. Chase is giving her space, but he's still going to bug and use every move he has to win her. Now it's present time Chase has been pinning for a year, and now he's showing more and letting Simone on a case little did he know the company involves her ex. Messy already, and these two are butting heads because of how protective and jealous Chase is that causes some tensions between them. But no matter how much they argue, the chemistry Simone and Chase have is so 💦💦 you'll die of how much this man loves her. I'm glad that Simone took her time letting in Chase she wanted him to have her fully no half or a rebound. I respect that from her.

The drama was good. I kinda figured who was the bad guys lol. As much as I wanted Chase to end the creep, it was a perfect ending for the creep to die.

We get some great secondary charas and couples to come. I can't wait to see how the next couple handles that bomb.


Low angst, ow/om drama ( crazy chick and ex bf), mentions of cheating (not between the mains), secondary characters, drama, sexy times, no virgins wad a manwhore (but stop when he found h)


Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶


Prologue
Slowburnish
Pinning
Push away from h
Mentions SA & past rape
Dom/sub&brat undertones
Spanking
Bondage
Flashbacks
No condom
Praise kink
Anxiety
Edgying
Public sex
Exhibitionism
Domestic Abuse
Vigilante justice/violence
Poisoning
Murder
Hea
Epilogue

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my Chase. This guy. Those glasses. That hair. His piercings. Mercy. He is an in love, overprotective, alpha male for his lady, Simone and can’t nobody tell him differently. Won’t nobody tell him differently. He knows Simone is the only one for him and he plans to wait her out until she comes to the same understanding: that they are made for one another.

I love that Chase waits for Simone. I don’t agree that it should have taken her this long to figure her crap out. But I understand her reasoning, too. She needs to make sure she is not making the same mistake she did with her lying, cheating, jerk of an ex. Only then, can she give her whole heart to someone else. And that someone is definitely Chase. So to say this book is a slow burn is definitely an understatement. But, man. Was it so very worth it and so very delectable.

Marino is an absolute genius when it comes to her books and I wish I could cozy up into this amazing MC world she has created. I want to be a part of their club. I wanna be one of theirs’ old lady. I don’t care which one. Love them all. Cannot wait to see what adventure finds us next in this series. 5 Stars.

[KitKat821 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much. I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for Chase and Simone’s story to be told. As usual this author did not disappoint! Chase is a play boy dream, combined with quite the brain. He’s a fascinating character. Simone is have a lot more time liking. I haven’t liked her very much since the first book in the series where she treated Jo quite dismally about leaving her job due to a horrible breakup. I was even less impressed, at first, by her fighting with Jo and attitude towards Punk. Simone really grew on me during this book, though I felt like she kept Chase waiting around too long. The over arching embezzlement plot was interesting; however, at some points it was dragged out a little too long for my tastes and the plot slowed. Chase and Simone are combustible together, though I did want to see more brattiness. To say I’m HIGHLY intrigued by the epilogue with Butch is an enormous understatement. The brothers in this MC just keep getting better and better and even more intriguing.

[MJ (BookBirches) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much!!! I have been a fan of this series since book one and I thought no one could compare to my love for Atlas but I was so wrong! I mean call a man biker
Thor and he is automatically my favorite. Chase is so protective of Simone even if she doesn’t want it. Simone is a very hard headed, stubborn, independent woman and I think that’s what made me love this book so much. She never backed down from anything thrown at her. You can definitely see the family resemblance between Jo and her.

This isn’t just a regular MC book, you have mystery, twists turns, and lots of spice(hello pool scene)! I couldn’t get enough of Chase and Simone and cannot wait for the next book in the Mercy Ravens!

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! The men in this MC are HOT and Chase is no exception. I have a soft spot for the sexy geeky type and Chase is right up my alley! It took me a little while to warm up to Simone due to her attitude and the way she treated everyone especially her sister and Punk. I did understand her reasons for not wanting to jump head first in with Chase but she could have gone about things a little better. When the two of them get together though...that conference room scene...SO HOT!!
I can't wait to get my hands on Butch's story!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when authors portray women as intelligent and strong and where the alpha male isn't apossed to letting the woman be the leader. Chasing Simone is perfectly describe with the following line taken from chapter 7 depiction with a "kinky fantasy where the hipster, bad-ass biker pursues the woman of his affections while obeying her orders" . Chase describes Simone as "a boss on the streets, and a brat in the sheets" and MJ Marino delivers ten fold with a "chefs kiss" on the spicy conference room interlude.

[Readiculous 📚🖤👱🏼‍♀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read December 2025: I love a man obsessed and boyyy is Chase obsessed! ❤️

Original review:
I just can’t get enough of these books! It was finally Chase’s turn to claim his woman, and claim he does 😅 just like the other heroes in these books Chase is super possessive, bulldozer, OTT protective and jealous. I love it :-) Simone took a bit too long to give into Chase, but luckily most of that time is before the start of this book. We get a lot of scorching spice, an intriguing plot, some sugary sweet romance and some action. I couldn’t stop flipping the pages!

Safety:
- No OW (H was a giant manho before h. Celibate as soon as he saw a picture of h. He was a saint even when she rejected him).
- OM: h’s ex wants her back and goes everything in his power to make it so. Pisses H off and sometimes makes him a bit insecure, but he is eventually dealt with.
- No cheating between MCs
- No separation / no third act break up

[Erika Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Engaging Opal and loving it so much, I was excited to curl up with Chasing Simone. From chapter 1, I thoroughly enjoyed this opposites attract, steamy, sometimes lol romance.

Did I mention how steamy it was?

God, I loved Chase so much. He made possessiveness so freaking sexy. I love that he's totally hardcore but he can switch to teddy bear mode in a heartbeat.

But only for Simone.

I love when my heroines are sassy and independent, and Simone did not disappoint. It was so entertaining to read her saucy exchanges with the tall, muscular alpha biker, because I doubt Chase had ever met a woman who went head-to-head with him like this, especially a woman he could lift with one hand.

After getting her heart broken by that dickhead Trent, Simone didn't want to rush into another relationship, but Chase was hellbent on changing her mind. And oh, did he try! That steamy night after Jo's wedding 👩‍🍳💋 But even after a toe-curling night in Chase's bed, and even though the chemistry between them was level 10🔥 Simone still didn't back down. She still wanted time to grieve her lost relationship. I loved that about her!

Cue one year later, and Chase is still trying to win Simone's heart. Now, he has to contend with Simone working close with her ex, Trent, when the MC gets hired to investigate fraud at Trent's workplace. Will Simone and Trent rekindle thier old romance? Or has Chase done enough to convince Simone to give him a chance?

Chasing Simone is book 5 of the Mercy Ravens MC Series, but it can be read as a standalone.

[Marilyn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase is my favorite character of MJ Marino’s Mercy Ravens MC. I was thrilled when Chasing Simone was announced. The cat-n-mouse relationship between Chase and Simone had been brewing throughout the first two books, teasing readers with the delicious story to come. This book has it all—witty biker bickering, corporate mystery, twisting plotline, and all the steam I’ve come to love in MJ Marino’s books. While I love the entire series, this book is my favorite.

Simone is the “uptown girl” who nurses a broken heart. I love her sassy clapbacks almost as much as our hero, Chase. I couldn’t predict what would fly out of her mouth next and if I would roll or cry with laughter. She’s strong, feisty, and everything an ‘Old Lady’ must be with a sophisticated education and talent for accounting. Not to be outdone, Candy joins the office drama toward the end of the book and terrorizes Simone’s old employer. Between these two ladies, I had a laugh per page. Absolutely comic gold…but no spoilers here.

Chase is everything you want in a blue-collar hero—sad backstory, genius, great hair, and dom tendencies. Marino’s heat level creeps up another notch. Chase was already in my book-boyfriend collection from his involvement in previous books, so my expectations were high. Phew! Have a fan handy when you read Chasing Simone!

Overall, I can’t recommend this series enough. Chasing Simone had me laughing, sighing, and swooning from start to finish. This is Marino’s best work…until the next one, I’m sure.

[Elle Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exhilarating, and I'm not surprised.

First of all: glasses. What is it with heroes wearing glasses that make us weak in the knees?
Well, to be honest, I'm not sure it has that effect on other readers, but I can attest my knees are weak and I blame it on Chase's glasses.
Seriously, glasses. Glasses for everyone. Gimme more heroes wearing them.

That being said, Chase and Simone made one electrifying pair.
Their fight over control was addicting. Their give and take made so much sense for their relationship and I loved how balanced it was.
They were two alphas leading their lives and feelings, forcing both of them to learn how to give in, compromise, and be vulnerable.
In hindsight, they were stronger when they let the other one take the lead.

And talk about chemistry. Damn, it was scorching hot. Either when they jumped each other, or when they were just gravitating toward the other's orbit, the crescendo in their feelings and desires led into a beautiful explosion.

Chase and Simone's story was wonderful.
Their blossoming love left my heart warm and cozy and the pace made everything even more enticing.
Once again, the characters (main and secondary) were magnetic.
I loved reading about Chase and Simone, just like I loved reading about their family.
I'm already biting my nails waiting for Butch and Candy's shot at love (I can feel it's gonna be epic).
And Punk. Oh Punk, I yearn for your HEA.

[T Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEA
Series, interconnected characters in series
Book 5
*over 18 readers only *
Mercy Ravens MC

Multiple POV

Trigger warnings and things
Orphanage childhood with abuse
Cheating (on not by mfc)
SA
Stalker
Pierced mmc
Dom/brat
Mild BD SM
Violence against mfc (not by mmc)
Hostage
Murder
Poisoning


Chase saw Simone through his computer while investigating Jo's life. Simone is a strong, independent woman whose world crashed when she found out the man she was dating was cheating on her with her boss. Now she's in his space, but Chase knows he has to proceed with caution. He convinces her to allow him to show her a good time, but the next morning, she sneaks out and then avoids him. They spend the next year in a weird push/pull relationship until a new assignment sends Chase over the top. Simone and Chase are about to head back to her old stomping grounds to investigate her former company. That's where the "fun" really begins. But is it her ex-boss or her ex that is the culprit? Or was it both?

The hair mask aftermath scene - so funny. That bathroom catfight scene - ouch.
But the scene in Vegas... wow

I know Candy and Butch are next. This book starts her redemption. I can't wait to see how MJ redeems her for all her crap. But above all, I really hope Punk gets a good woman and his ex is never a second chance story.
Each book gets a little longer but progressively better.

[Nicola Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered the Mercy Ravens MC a couple a months ago, and was immediately enamoured with MJ’s wit and seemingly effortless ability to weave an engrossing story. Chasing Simone delivers all the things you expect from an MJ Marino book - an immaculately paced plot, peppered with soul-stirring angst and unremitting hilarity. Such is her skill, that the cast of characters who make-up the Mercy Ravens feel like old friends.

From first sight Chase is unrelenting in his pursuit of Simone, but she’s clearly reticent. Still recovering from a failed relationship, Simone isn’t quite ready to take-the-leap, so she persists in holding Chase at an arms length. When they are thrown together to investigate financial discrepancies at her old company - where Simone’s ex works - she has to steel herself to face things she’s been determined to bury for so long, including her true feelings for Chase.

Beautifully poignant, with a sophisticated execution, Chasing Simone is a high octane and totally addictive read. I swear I went through the full gamut of emotions reading this story, and it’s left me thirsty for more!

[Janice Kellam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicted To Chase and Numbers!! 💯

Five scorching stars for Chasing Simone!!!! I always struggle with reviewing books I love because I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers - ugh!! Once again MJ Marino has given us two leading characters that are dynamic and could light fires with the sparks flying between them. Chase and Simone lead a small crew heading out to tackle a security case for the club. The duality for the reader as we follow Chase’s hacking/tech guru angle of the case versus Simone’s accounting and keen attention for detail are enthralling, not to mention the team adroitly fielding interference and animosity from Simone’s ex-boyfriend along with her former supervisor.

To sum it up, book five contains all the elements you’ve come to expect from Ms. Marino: humor, wit, angst, intrigue, depth, action, hot scenes, alpha bikers and strong women; plus those amazing playlists to enjoy in the future while re-reading Chasing Simone. Cheers! 🥃

[Rose Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Simone (A Mercy Ravens Novel Book 5) By M.J. Marino is an instalove, opposite attract, dom/brat, protective biker romance. This book can be read as a standalone.

Chase is head of intelligence for the Mercy Ravens MC Security as a ethical hacker and fell for Simone as soon as she appeared on his monitor. Simone is the accountant for the Mercy Ravens and has great chemistry with Chase, but doesn’t want to rush into a relationship since getting over a break up.

I loved this story. This story is hot and sexy from the beginning to the end. I found the instalove sweet and thankfully did not come across creepy. The banter between all the characters is great. Simone and Chase being opposites have great chemistry. Chase is skilled with his dirty talk. I’m curious about the next book with Candy and Butch, and hoping Punk will get a book of his own in the future.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this series. I loved loved loved Lips on my Heart. Lips on my Soul and Lips on my world.
Then came Engaging Opal who’s was sublime in on fantasticness (it’s a word I said so).

I have been eagerly ok impatiently waiting for this book. To say I love chase is an understatement. This book was beyond good. There wasn’t edge of the seat drama of kidnappings and mob bosses but there was edge is the seat love and passion between Chase and Simone and the angst with Trent and Cynthia was just so well done.

Another fantastic book my MJ Marino and the final chapter with Butch (and him being a sub is awesome) is brilliant.


But I NEED PUNK TO BE MY BOOK BOYFRIEND AND GET HIS HAPPY EVER AFTER!!

[Azalea Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Simone is book 5 in the Mercy Ravens MC series. Chase is the head of intelligence for the club, which is formed by ex-Navy SEALs. They take on many jobs, including mercenary ones, but always for a good cause. They are all growly, possessive men when it comes to their women and their needs, and Chase, the hipster hunk, is no different.

Simone is an amazing accountant, gifted with numbers. It took her a year to get over her cheating ex, and Chase patiently—well, not quite patiently—waited for her. The club gets a job with Simone's last employer to find out who was embezzling the firm’s money, and much to her surprise and Chase’s fury, she’ll be working daily with her ex. That’s when the fun really starts.

Chase is a giant blond guy full of piercings and sporting a man bun. He’s a genius behind a computer but clueless when it comes to reading people, especially the love of his life, Simone. His insecurities around her make him mess up a lot, which brings out Simone’s bratty side. Throwing Punk, another feisty MC member, into the middle of the mayhem cracked me up with their antics and banter.

The nicknames they came up with for Simone’s ex-boyfriend had me laughing out loud. Their way of communicating with one another is priceless, and it shows the brotherly relationship and dynamics within the club. Not to mention, Chase and Simone’s chemistry is hotter than an erupting volcano, and her bratty attitude adds fuel to the fire.

As sure as the sun rises, I recommend this book. It’s a standalone, but your experience will be even more thrilling if you read the entire series, since all the MC characters are involved in the stories.

[Debbie Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really loved how patient Chase was with Simone. And although I didn't really warm to Simone in the other books by the end of this book I really felt for her and wanted to hug her.

I have to say the snippets we saw of butch were fantastic and I can not wait for butch and candy book.

One if my fav scenes was when butch did the knock and run on chases door and left simone standing there.

There are so many lol lines.
As frustrated as an armless man watching porn.
Literally had me pmsl

The reoccurring theme that I absolutely adore with all your books is the family unit that all the characters create.

Thank you for another amazing book M.J. Marino Books

[Kim Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, well written story.

I absolutely love this series.
Reading the dynamic between a straight laced Simone and the hipster biker Chase is brilliant. Not wanting to give her heart away too easily, after having it bruised recently, Simone holds Chase at arms length. Then she has to go back to work with her ex. Chase is there, through it all. You can see from very early on that Chase is completely gone for Simone. He loves when her bratty side comes out.

The whole book is really well written and edited, as what's with books from this author. An absolutely fantastic addition to the series.

[Surrender2silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book five in the Mercy Ravens Mc series. Chase is the security for the Mc and a man wh@re. When he saw simons picture he knew she was made for him. Simon is the sister of the President ollady. She came tot the Mc flyer she walked in on her boyfriend and ex boss. She ready to start a new life. When chase lets her know he wants her she tell him no . She’s not ready to start anything with nobody. Especially chase. His big in life, hot sexy biker is so hard to resist. Chase won’t give up easy. His on a mission to claim all of Simon body, mind and soul. Perfect as to this epic series.

[Heather Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Simone is such a bratty girl perfect for Chase to reign in, but darn if he can't see the forest for the trees. The two characters are wonderfully written. Their love story is slow moving in the beginning, but once the heat gets turned up, it really gets turned up. The twist and turns their relationship and the story takes will have you guessing the whole time. I'm ready for the next book in this series to be released!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I abolsutely LOVED Chase and Simone! I have been waiting for their story since book 2 in the series when we first met Simone! Chase is EVERYTHING! Poor Simone didn’t stand a chance! 💕 I love the Mercy Ravens and cannot wait for more!

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely amazing!

I have loved this series since the beginning. It just keeps getting better and better. I have been looking forward to this book since we met Chase and Simone. M.J. did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this book!

[VicciReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Good

A wonderful thrilling read. I love Chase and Simone! Such fun couple. I love the back and forth between these two. It is so hot and steamy. Punk is hilarious and then you thrown in Candy and you find yourself giggling your way through the book. Fun read

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Simone and Chase.

4.25/5

Love Simone and Chase! Their relationship build up throughout the series has been fun. They are both hot and heavy once they cross that line. Her strong bratty side is perfect for his dominance.

[jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the all her books

I can read these books over and over. My favorite author!! I can't wait to get the MC collection with her signature. Thats what i asked my husband for my birthday. He always comes through so I'm so excited!! Please keep them coming, you rock

[S Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 MC, mercenaries
🖤 Instalove
🖤 Opposites attract
🖤 Persistent ex
🖤 Determined and possessive MMC
🖤 D/s energy
🖤 Multiple fun piercing

Every book in this character series just gets better.
I love Simone and Chase. They have amazing chemistry despite being so different.
Chase gives her space to get over her ex boyfriend while remaining diligent and loyal while he waits. Simone is a tough cookie but allows herself to be vulnerable with Chase.
Excellent plot, compelling characters and very well written. 🖤

[Anne Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[tee ✧˖° · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trent deffo watches fresh and fit.

[Greta West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase & Simone = COUPLE GOALS.
That is all.
🔥🔥🔥

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byeee why don't many people know about the existence of Mercy Ravens???? This series is top freaking tier. And this book own my entire heart.