We had an arrangement. That’s all it was. All it ever could be. Just fun, casual.
I even tried to convince myself that it was all I wanted from him—the scarred, rough-around-the-edges outlaw biker with “bad news” written all over him—but as time went on, there was no denying that I started to want more.
I just couldn’t have it.
Until my past suddenly came back to haunt my present, sending me into the arms of the only man I knew that could help me…
-- Every book in this series can be read as a standalone --
Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
Like anyone who has enjoyed reading 📚 Shady valley Mc , I was curious about both characters in this book and their back story’s..... so, imagine how happy I was seeing that these two were together finally out in the open instead of hiding in the shadows
Slash is the Prez of the Shady Valley Henchmen and He was tall, dark-haired, with a short-ish, cultivated beard, and lots of ink. But it was the scars that scared everyone off. There was one that split his left brow. Another cut through his lips. But the biggest of them, the one that likely gave him his road name, was long, wide, and deep, running from his temple, through his brow, over the bridge of his nose, narrowly missing his eye, and then down the other cheek before it disappeared off the edge of his jaw. If, somehow, the woman could get past the scars, his voice was something like gargling rocks.
But with all that said Nyx seen Beneath all that , and seen the man he was …… kind, caring and most of all Trustworthy.
Nix grew up with a alcoholic mother, so that should explain a lot of her Bad decisions in the beginning when she first left home Let’s just say Nix’s made some Improvement over the years and became this fiercely independent woman, but every woman has needs……… And those needs, somehow turn her in Slash’s Direction. Two badly broken people They had an arrangement. That’s all it was. All it ever could be. Just fun, casual sex And this went on for years
They both had built some really high walls around their hearts, but they all came crumbling down when Nix’s past came calling
I knew that Nyx and Slash Chemistry would be off the charts, but damn JG you did Spectacular job on this one
Slash is definitely my favourite book in the Shady Valley Henchmen series thus far. The previous two books left me completely invested in the mystery surrounding Nyx and Slashs' relationship and eager to dig deeper into it, so I am very glad to report that their story did not disappoint. Nyx is a kickass heroine. Flawed, but feisty, capable and resilient. Stubborn and independent, possibly to a fault at times, but intelligent and strong. Guarded and skeptical, but a good friend. Slash played my heartstrings like a guitar with his vulnerability and lack of confidence when it came to his appearance and his belief that nobody could ever look past his scarred exterior to really get to know him. It made me want to wrap him up in a giant hug and hiss at everyone who was ever mean to him. Their relationship was one of growth and despite their history spanning several years and being the definition of a slow-burn, it was a fast paced read and didn't ever feel dragged out or unnecessary, which can be a flaw in some books with the same sort of relationship timelines. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in this one. Coach and his petty revenge on the COs had me snorting and cheering him on, willing him to think of more outrageous ideas. I felt like I wanted to dive right in there and help him mess with them. As for Czar, I don't think I was supposed to love him but considering how psychopathic and toxic we were brought to believe he was in the beginning and how sweet he turned out to be, I can admit I have a little bit of a crush on him, drug lord or not. To be honest, I'm pretty invested in the rest of the Henchmen and the Murphy brothers and pretty much everyone else in this world and am waiting somewhat impatiently for their books to be released.
Why are books I love the most always over so fast? It's like that with every book by Jessica Gadziala. I'm super happy when she's written a new book again and then in no time at all, the book is over 😞 I swear I read her books 10 times faster than other books.
This is the third book in the series and once again my favorite book (yes, I write this after every book of hers 😂). I love MC romances, and Jessica's books have just that certain something that makes the story simply irresistibly perfect.
Slash is the president of the Shady Valley Henchmen MC. He's not the warm and flirty type like the other bikers. His many scars and tough grumpy character makes people who don't know him keep their distance. He has long since found his peace with it, although it's not always easy when you keep in mind that they may feel threatened or disgusted by his appearance. But those who know him know that he is a loyal friend and has a calm demeanor when not provoked.
Nyx is an independent and fierce woman. She has to be when she works in the Mob bar and often has to work with drunks and arrogant customers. She learned at a young age that showing emotions made her vulnerable. So her appearance is always flawless on the outside, but what happens on the inside is her own problem that she doesn't share with anyone, ever. She fights her demons in her own way.
It's just that she's lonely, and her way of fighting the demons requires sometimes a man 😉
They've known each other for years. It's only one bar in Shady Valley where she works after all. However, what begins as a distraction in Vegas should actually only remain that, but many unpredictable events lead to more than one-night stand or monthly distraction.
This book is an action-packed, fast-paced page-turner romance. Hence why I've read it in record time. It's not always sweet and swoony what happens in the story. This story has a lot of "kaboom" and brutal situations. I loved every second of it ❤️ Definitely a must-read for all lovers of outlaw bikers, badass heroines, and amazing HEA's with a glimpse in the future.
Excellent read! JG never misses she lands her mark every time and Slash and Nyx’s story was no different. I loved the dialogue and inner monologue in this book so much. Slash is a man of few words but his body language and loyalty made up for it. As with all her books we were introduced to new characters that have piqued my interest so I can’t wait for their stories!
Well Miss Jessica coming in hot in the first chapter with all kinds of dirty all up in the elevator, against the wall... several rounds in the bed kind of dirty, shenanigans. What a treat.
Ok going in I was a biased bitch. I knew it. I was ok with it. You see, the thing is, Nyx straight up snatched my attention the minute her feisty ass dropped in this world. And well Slash, Common. I needed to know EVERYTHING. So I knew I'd love them. I also knew they had some kind of history. What I didn't know was all the juicy details of such bountiful history. IT WAS JUICY.
We knew Nyx was a badass. It was obvious with her confidence. Her pride and her ability to control the room. She was fucking gorgeous but she could also take a man down with a stiletto to the eye and not think twice about it. It's also what made me more invested in her character because lets face it, most of the time, those are the characters with dusty ass skeletons laying in wait. Oh I was not disappointed. Nyx's past is rich in all things Czar and boy am I intrigued. Don't judge my whore arse for wanting more of the ex, that man is a damn snack I can feel it as well as I can invasion him in leather pants. Anywho.. I digress, Nyx is locked up tighter than fort Knox and eventually that dam had to break. I loved her though. She did not have an easy life an trusting was damn near impossible when everyone in your life has proven how untrustworthy they are. Despite is all though she still managed to be a little sweet and loving when she let her guard down and even in trying times, she would protect those she loved. She really was a great character with fantastic development and relatability.
Slash is and will always be one of my absolute favourites of Jessica's hero's period. This damn man is a snack!. He's sweet without trying and even when awkward and not as outwardly affectionate as others. He still had me swooning real hard. That opening scene with him showing some vulnerability and a little defeat at something he had no control over had me a damn broken woman I tell you. I loved how hard he loved. How loyal he was. How he never understood just how special he was. Despite his big bag PRES persona he was nothing like I expected. The patience of a saint. Forgiving even when he could of harboured a judge. And the best thing was the time he gave Nyx. He let her be, Let her have her room to grow and in the end gave her a safe space to be vulnerable. Also he was just hot as hell. That edging?!!!!!! EXCUSE ME SIR!!!!!
I loved them and the fact that their history whilst vast really had little to do with how their eventual relationship developed. I really enjoyed them both getting to let their guards and be good with each other. The tension is crazy and the chemistry palpable but more than that.. the connection they had despite their big personalities, really was something so damn sweet.
Of course this goes without saying, the side characters are giving me INEEDTHEM NOW!! vibes. I love them all and i really love what they add to this world and dynamics between them all. It's safe to say this world is expanding in a real exciting way and I'm very intrigued to see where it goes.
ALSO....CZAR. Like I cannot get him outta my mind. As well as Erion. Ok and maybe a few others. Damn it . Now I have to wait.
Fiercely independent Nyx is determined to make her own way, be her own woman and not take any guff from any man. But when it comes down to it, the only man she comes to trust is the tough head of the Shady Valley Henchmen – Slash. Covered in scars and tattoos, Slash is an intimidating enigma, but he GETS Nyx, in spite of the impenetrable walls she throws up against everybody else. Those walls that she built due to her past, which has suddenly come back to haunt her with a vengeance.
Suffice it to say that this is another cracking book by the brilliant Jessica Gadziala, who miraculously manages to make every story new, exciting and unexpected.
We finally get to find out what these two had going on all these years. We knew Slash and Nyx had some sort of "arrangement" but not the specifics. They also both had very interesting childhoods/backgrounds that made them into the two strong but yet venerable people they are today.
Loving the Shady Valley world and its growing cast of characters. Can't wait to see what's next.
Nyx!!!! I was intrigued buy her first entrance in this series. Slash definitely made the story even better. JG just left me wanting more. More of this Shady Valley world!
I was pretty hesitant to keep going with the Shady Valley series only because I didn't care particularly for Judge or Crow's books. They're okay I just didn't love them as much as I thought I was going to. Slash on the other hand and Nyx's were fantastic I read theirs in one sitting and let me tell you there are some secondary characters that had better get books otherwise Jessica might have anarchy on her hands.
I will admit that I have a little bit each time I read a book from a different universe where I have to figure out what the other back stories were. It's not a bad thing especially with a catalogike Jessica has full of excellent books
I loved Nyx and Slash's story. Nyx tried to keep her hook ups Slash a secret for fear something mysterious would happen to him. But eventually after finding herself in serious trouble Nyx finally decided to trust Slash and ask for his help. Hopefully he can protect her and find out who is out to harm her. I especially loved the final chapter and the 11 years ahead.
This book was different and I loved it. Both Slash and Nyx were stubborn and independent. They has faith in themselves and struggled with letting people in and asking for help. Learning to trust Slash was key for Nyx to survive what was coming. I loved how they fell. Great book.
Enjoyed it and was not disappointed. I really loved Nyx’s character- strong willed, determined, and vulnerable. I hope we get Riff and Raff’s story. Those two are interesting and comical enough that I would like to read their books.
Slash is covered in scars. He has some wicked ones on his face that scare a lot of people off at first sight. Clearly they’re weak. Slash has no weaknesses… until Nyx. Nyx is a really loyal friend and yet at the same time a loner. She holds so much of herself back, no one really ever knows all of her. The heat factor is high, 8 out of 10. Their relationship is interesting and compelling 10/10 I don’t like the whole Erion, he’s a problem for me and I don’t like how it wasn’t delt with. 5/10
Slash is the third book in the Shady Valley Henchmen series by Jessica Gadziala. This is a great book!
In the earlier books, there are a few hints that Slash and Nyx have something going on. We learn that not only have they been casually seeing each other for years, but they have both developed stronger feelings neither expected.
I absolutely adore Slash! He’s such a wonderful sweet man. His appearance makes him come across as hard and tough, but Nyx sees beneath the scars and witnesses how vulnerable he truly is. Nyx is also a great character. She has just the right amount of sass and tender, earning my respect for her determination to take care of herself. It was super heartwarming watching Nyx allow Slash to take care of her while watching them both fumble around exposing their feelings towards each other.
There is some action, some surprises and a number of sweet moments. A couple of new characters are introduced that I’m pretty sure we’ll be seeing in the future. In summary, this was another great book by this author.
Nyx and Slash had a on again off again sexual relationship but things change when Nyx finds herself stuck in the middle of something she didn’t know how she got there. Turns out someone she knew and thought she knows and trusted was using her for his own personal and financial gain. Things escalate and Slash becomes more protective and fierce when it comes to Nyx both realizing they are meant for a future together.
I was very much looking forward to Slash's story! Since he was first introduced as a side character way back in Navasink Bank. Then all the build up from the first couple Shady Valley books made it even more anticipated. Jessica did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the development and suspense of their relationship and the expansion of the Shady Valley universe.
I liked this book what a nice addition to the shady valley henchmen series Introducing new players and world building Hope it’s as big as the nave sink bank universe
Intrigue and drama abounds in this story that starts with the scarred Slash being rejected due to his appearance but Nyx seeing beyond the superficial. Unfortunately she’s had secrets of her own and as she and Slash form a ‘relationship’ it’s one of that had both hiding their secrets until they finally come out. Great story and characters and wonderfully written
I hardly ever write reviews because I am lazy..(self awareness is important) but man o man I love this author. All her MC books are a special kind of awesome. The steam the angst the humor it is all just perfect! Female is feisty and independent male is not super pushy but just alpha enough to make you go mmmmhhhh .
Nyx was a very interesting character who you knew you'd want to be friends with! Slash was interesting too so it was no surprise when they got together. As usual, I love this author's writing and this book didn't disappoint.
Loved these two, they were perfect for each other... Good storyline with just enough drama and blood to make it darn good. As usual I can't wait for Jessica's next book!!
Seriously - Wolf may always have my book boyfriend heart, but Slash... who knew the kind of sweet hidden there?! Quick summary - Nyx has a past and refuses to build a real relationship until her past makes her turn to the one man she really wants a relationship with. Of course, Slash, our taciturn, scarred leader of the shady Valley henchmen, is there. The epilogue. Once again, the queen of the epilogue!