Rylee Adder is a struggling college student desperate to reconnect with the only family she has left. She finally has her chance when a late-night phone call sends her rushing to Eden, West Virginia—a small mining town with a veiled past.
She arrives ready to console her grieving sister, but instead discovers a distant, secretive woman she hardly recognizes, and Colton Archer, a tattoo-covered troublemaker with a knack for pushing her buttons.
As Rylee battles her growing attraction to Colton, who is as infuriating as he is handsome, she comes face-to-face with a shocking discovery that has her questioning everything.
When danger closes in, she must decide what rules she is willing to break for the ones she loves or risk losing them all.
Emmerson Hoyt lives in Central Texas with her husband and a small horde of animals. When she’s not writing, she’s getting floral tattoos or playing video games.
I’ve always wanted to read a reimagining of Robin Hood and I’m so glad I discovered this one! This is an adult contemporary romance, with some dark themes, a lot of family drama and a sizzling romance! It gave me Twilight vibes but spicier, darker, and without the supernatural element.
Rylee comes to the small town of Eden in hopes to help and support her sister, and soon discovers that everyone in this mysterious town seems to be hiding something from her. There are whispers behind her back, odd gang-like behaviour, almost everyone seems to have lost someone… and to top it off, a tattooed badboy who infuriates her as much as he attracts her. The combination of suspense with a slow burn romance is so addictive!
Perfect for fans of small town romantic suspense ❤️
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
The FMC’s sister’s husband dies unexpectedly, and in order to support her, she travels to Eden, West Virginia—a small mining town. There, she discovers that her husband was a member of a so-called “club,” the Jackals, who steal from the rich and give to the poor—so the story definitely has Robin Hood vibes.
In this town, the FMC also meets a tattooed guy who fights for justice as well, and she falls for him almost instantly.
I really liked the beginning—I felt the chemistry between the main characters. But the further I read, the more the story started to revolve around the Jackals and their fight against “evil.” By the end, it even took on action-movie elements. I have to admit, that’s not really my cup of tea.
The heroine’s sister also irritated me with all her secrecy. She invited Rylee there for support but didn’t even try to spend time with her.
Overall, my favorite part was the relationship between the main characters. I especially felt for the MMC, particularly when it came to his past.
I also want to add that I listened to the audiobook, and I really loved the narrator, Marie Hawkins!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: ✓ enemies to lovers ✓ small town romance ✓ Robin Hood reimagined ✓ found family ✓ morally gray characters ✓ tattooed bad boy ✓ secret society/motorcycle club
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media (Tantor Audio) for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book might be not my cup of tea. I see everyone liking it but to be honest I was already 80% deep into the book and I am still not sure what it is about. I feel like the middle part is too long with no contribution to the overall story but it is used to develop Rylee and Colton's relationship.
The background characters are great though I find Holly kind of uninteresting and at some point, annoying. She was strange because she asked Rylee to come to her since she needed support and then warned her not to get close to the boys when she herself is close with them and not only thay, she often leaves Rylee alone in a place she calls dangerous. They barely see each other throughout the story so yeah, I was kinda annoyed with her character.
I like the first part of the story, I really thought it had potential until I got into the middle and felt like everything was dragged out to make the story longer than it should.
The ending felt rush though. After all of that build explaining what their group is about and trying to define what they are trying to fight for, the ending was very bland. Logan is an uninteresting villain and I really didn't feel the 'villaness' in the story because there was no rush on anything.
On the better side, I really liked Colton and Rylee. I think their relationship progressed naturally and I really think they are a perfect fit.
💎 Received as an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily
"Never in my life did I think I´d find someone like you. Someone passionate, strong and generous. Someone so beautiful and fierce."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Rylee.
I liked Rylee´s character a lot. She is somebody who is always there for others, who put her sister first even though it might have affected herself negatively. Who fights for what she believes in and who is so kind to others at the same time. Colton is definitely her grumpy counterpart who is soft only for her. He is kind of mysterious and closed off in the beginning but later on so loving and so protective of Rylee. Definitely gives "touch her and I´ll kill you" vibes.
I really liked Danny, Colton´s brother, who slowly became like a brother to Rylee as well. I loved their banter in the group and how they all slowly formed a bond. Kind of made it feel like Found Family vibes as well. I liked Holly and her story and I often understood where she came from.
I really enjoyed the plot. The vibes are kind of smalltown with secrets and MC club. I loved the slowburn romance, it was beautifully heartbreaking. I loved how his nickname for her is "Tiger" because she is so fierce. I liked that he picked something strong for her and not some cutesy stuff. I loved the chemistry between both, the tension is definitely there from the beginning. The pacing of the book itself was good, it never felt too slow or too quickly. The only thing I would have wished for is Colton´s POV, because I´m sure it would have been absolutely beautiful but maybe we get to see that in the second book.
Overall it was an amazing read that I truly enjoyed.
trigger warnings: death/murder, loss of loved ones, police brutality/abuse of power
“Ahem” 🗣️..*taps mic* 🎤 *feedback* “I’d like to sincerely and formally apologize to [redacted] for thinking you were the opps. I did not trust that your intentions were pure and that’s on me..but hey..you were acting a little sus, like what was up with—*clears throat* Anyways. I hope you accept my apology and do not charge it to the game.
Warm regards,
A book girly who has trust issues from suspicious characters after having her heart broken one too many times from fictional characters.
Anyways..
Hey there! Emmerson! 🥰✋🏾 hey!..Emmyyyy..hey!…um 🙂…You’re so insane for that 😃 Because what the actual f— was that last half? 😟 you ate babe. As SOON as I turned that final page I had to just sigh and nod 🙂↕️ “life is worth livingggg 🎶😝” I feel like I can do anything. Conquer worlds, finally start my workout plan, do my taxes, idk I mean..y’all might wanna watch out 🤫.
Seriously, a time was had indeed. The storyline was hitting from page 1, never lost my attention, every character felt real, the setting, plot, ugh! Everything I didn’t know I needed until now. Also that one scene (I don’t even need to specify) with Colton and Rylee? Yeth. Absolutely and hell yes. This was like that one book Flock’s chill older sister who has some crazy ass lore but you fell in love with her, ever since you first laid eyes on her.
I think this is probably fine - but I don't like college-age romance. It just annoys me because the characters are too young to seem big and bad, lol - especially the male characters.
That ending 😭😭😭😭😭 My poor little heart. I loved this book! I had the opportunity to complete an immersive read and it made the experience even better.
Despite this audio not being dual narration, Marieh did an outstanding job with her narration bringing to story to life for the listener. Her performance truly enhances the emotional depth and made me fall in love with all the characters.
This book is packed full of twists and turn you don't see coming and all of the characters are so incredibly lovable (aside from a few who deserve to rot) While the book does end in the middle of the story, the cliffhanger isn't terrible and left me eager for more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and was thoroughly impressed with the audio.
I feel like Bella from Twilight, watching the Cullens at the cool kids' table on her first day of school.
This book is a mix of Sons of Anarchy, Riverdale, Twilight, and Lana Del Rey's songs (specifically Ride and Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost to me personally).
I would not say this book is perfect. There were plenty of moments when I questioned the word choices the author made, and besides, the book was a bit too descriptive in places, focusing on the details of the scene, rather than feelings and emotions.
But all that said, I ate this book up. I have seen the artwork for the duet, and uploaded it into my e-reader right that second, because the guy looked JUST like I wanted a hero to look like. The Robin Hood vibes were indeed present, just like it had been promised, but still the story was original, thoughtful and well-structured, the pacing was marvellous, and I liked it that the book was edited thoroughly enough that I found no plot holes.
The heroine has her own personality, and she was a complex person with her own opinions and ideas. She was independent enough, but not to the point when she would simply make decisions to contradict and do the opposite thing. She had her motivation, and I respected her for that.
The hero!!! He was not exactly what I have been looking for, but it's for the best, actually. Again, he had a personality, not just a set of traits slapped together. AND he drove a 1970 Chevelle with the original green paint. I would have ridden them both so hard.
Certain scenes mostly focused on the development of the relationship between the hero and the heroine, but they followed the logic of the narrative and did not seem artificial. Enough time was dedicated to their emotional connection, although the physical connection was present as well (the 'she fucked me so good I almost said I love her' situation happened... I LOVED it).
Nothing else to say, that was exactly what I have been looking for. I am starting the next instalment right now.
Wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into with this but I’m so glad I did! Modern robin hood reimagining with small town/SOA vibes. I was immediately hooked. Colt and Rylee have my entire attention, and I love the found family.
This was my first Emmerson Hoyt book and it did not disappoint! Fans of The Ravenhood trilogy by Kate Stewart should definitely pick this up! There is a lot of mystery and being kept in the dark, which you see start to unravel by the end of this book as some questions start getting answered. I am very excited to continue onto book two and find out even more information. By the way that this one ended, I have a feeling the next book is going to be quite the ride!
I apologize in advance to anyone who loved this book. This is zero reflection on you, but I feel it is my civic duty to let people know my thoughts. This might not be kind. I won't know until I get there. You have been warned. Also VERY spoiler heavy.
I’m conflicted about this one. I enjoyed it for the most part and feel like I got through it fairly quickly, but I didn’t love it. My biggest issue is this felt soooo much like The Ravenhood series. So many similarities that it was hard not to compare them. I’ll probably try book 2 at some point but it’s also 700 pages and I’m not ready to tackle that right now. It was enjoyable enough while reading, but I don’t think it will be memorable. The writing was good though.
Ahh-mazing !! I couldn't put this book down. It was well written and the characters were loved except for Knott lol with good reason. I enjoyed the small town & Robin hood vibes to this. Honestly for a debut novel it was consuming and really great, I cannot wait to read more by this author. Colton and Riley had a burning instant attraction, I loved the way it develops and the enemies to lovers energy.
September Doves, book one of the Jackals and Vipers duet by Emmerson Hoyt- Rating: 5 ⭐️
Well, hot damn. This is the first book I’ve read by Emmerson Hoyt and it’s the debut novel and what an incredible book as their debut! This is a contemporary retelling that’s loosely based on Robin Hood and I’m telling you, it gave me Ravenhood vibes…only BETTER.
This story is plot heavy and driven, sucking you in immediately. There isn’t a twenty chapter build up to the good stuff, it is good from the word go. It has an impeccable cast of characters, all playing a vital role in the story. There’s 1 % MC club mentality with The Jackals, but they take from the rich to give the poor. There are lies and deceit, mystery, secret society esque dealings and traditions. The found family trope hits so damn hard and I was here for all of it. (Found family is my favorite trope.) There is also a lot of love in this story. Love in the family, for your brothers and sisters, for your town, for the community…and the love story between Colton and Rylee was spectacular. The pace was on point, never a point of stagnation in the story. It kept me turning the pages throughout the entire story and I finished it in less than a day. So many twists and turns and that ending!!! Ugh. I mean, it made sense but was upsetting at the same time?
This book is easily the best book I’ve read this year. (It’s only February,) but I’ve placed this book on a pedestal and I don’t see it being replaced very easily. I’m moving on to the second book immediately.
Wow! I went into this completely blind & it was so good! Small town romantic suspense, a motorcycle club with Robin Hood vibes, very well written, and a fast moving and twisty plot. Colton is the tattooed bad boy that you can’t help but fall for & I loved Rylee as a heroine. This story is told from her single POV and it was a fantastic way to consume this story. I love that Colt calls her Tiger and the meaning behind it—these two have such electric chemistry and the tension was so good! We leave off on a cliffhanger so of course I’m diving into the second book in this duology right away!
Narrator, Marie Hawkins did a fantastic job!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Oh boy, that was so fun. Admittedly it started off interesting but it wasn’t REALLY loaded with page turning excitement until the 65% mark. But once I got there I just could NOT stop. Colton is the best bad boy that you can’t help falling for, he was giving Jay Hernandez vibes from Crazy Beautiful IYKYK 😮💨
For the first time this also got me interested in starting Sons of Anarchy. I had a feeling this story would be good, I didn’t expect it to be this good 🔥
I’ve changed it to 5 stars because I can’t stop thinking about it.
Okay, I had NO idea I would love this as much as I did…
An adult contemporary romance with Robin Hood vibes and extremely high stakes? Not my usual, but have I discovered a new treat? Yes, yes I have.
A girl travels to her sister after her sister’s husband dies to help take care of her. She then encounters various individuals in said town who seem to have secrets of their own…
To say I love Colton Archer I feel isn’t enough. The way this man needs to be protected at ALL COSTS. He’s a savage but has a heart of fucking GOLD. I would sell an organ to get a glimpse of this man. I am sat. A tatted up bad boy with a vibe more in tune with a teddy bear.
Rylees growth in this book was precious to witness. The found family was found family-ing. Rylee and her big ol’ heart and her finding her own way in the world to a group of people who are so lovable I cannot EVEN.
This was such a fun and wild ride and totally unexpected. A spicy good time with plot twists. A few things I found to be a tad bit predictable, but I don’t even give the slightest fuck, the vibes were immaculate.
Absolutely freaking loved this one! Def one of my favs of 2023.
The characters were all likable. I was obsessed with Colton’s bad boy demeanor but he has a past I was clinging on to for dear life. The eerie vibes and dark atmosphere gave suspense and thriller… which just pulled me in even more.
Rylee was that girl that we all look for in books, struggling but not giving up and definitely not putting up with crap. Loved her resilience and the bond she had with her sister although it was a bit challenging due to their family history.
The relationship development between Colton and Rylee gave me life. Loveeee them together. The steamy scenes were luring. I loved the details and how it was all played out.
I’m looking forward to the next book after that HUGE cliffhanger and twists!
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.
I was so very excited to read this book since a lot of my friends enjoyed it, and I was especially excited to go on this journey with the Read Indie With Me Readalong group! The quotes and art I’ve seen the author share also didn’t hurt.
The beginning of the story hooked me immediately. I was intrigued by Holly’s disappearance—and sudden distressed reappearance when she begs Rylee to come to Eden because her husband Jeremy is dead. Murdered. When I read that word, my mind immediately starts going in investigation mode.
However, once we arrived in Eden, it’s not Holly that held my interest, but the Jackals. Colton, Danny and Minho were all amazing and my favorite part about the story altogether. I loved the brotherly bond between them, and of course I was intrigued to find out more about them and the Jackals. As for Holly, she irritated me most times. I didn’t like how she treated Rylee, and I understand that she was grieving her husband’s death, but even the things that are said to have happened before, the way she completely left her sister to her own devices in her time of need and yet immediately called upon her for help rubbed me the wrong way—though things are revealed later that explain her attitude.
I loved the small-town atmosphere and enjoyed Rylee and Colton’s dynamic. Most of my highlights in the book are things Colton has done and said that have made me swoon and—oh, look! He’s blond, once again proving my theory that book boyfriends don’t necessarily need to be dark haired. I do wish Rylee would have asked questions sooner, about the Jackals but especially about Jeremy, in order to have elements to start making theories about his death. It might be my murder mystery-loving self that would have wanted the story to concentrate a little bit more on what happened.
Oh My!! I loved this book! This definitely gives “Flock” by Kate Stewart vibes, and I am here for it. This had just the right amount of smut and mystery to keep me hooked. I need the next book NOW! I love the strength of the FMC and I am invested in this small mining town and cant wait to see what the next book brings. I listened to this on audio and the narrator Marie Hawkins did a great job of bringing all these characters to life.
Um okay. Move over Ravenhood, the Jackals might have you beat. 😂 No but seriously. If you loved The Ravenhood trilogy, I definitely recommend you check this book out. I was GLUED to the pages. Every free minute I was opening my book just to sneak in a few words. The plot, tension, secrets, angst, and twists!! SO DAMN GOOD!! I literally finished the book and went to Amazon to buy the duet in paperback then went to a book box to order the special edition set they are doing of the duet. To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. And to think, this is a debut. This author is going to be filling up your book shelves, guaranteed!! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this duet. I was mindlessly scrolling tick tok and heard someone say it was their favorite read. I normally don’t buy into that but I downloaded the sample and devoured it in one sitting so instantly jumped in head first. It takes A LOT to hook me and I start probably 20 books or more every time I go to my next read and this one just instantly sucked me in. Emerson’s writing is smooth and easy to read. It just flows and makes it impossible to put the book down.
This is why I always try new to me authors. You never know if they’ll be your next favorite and Emmerson Hoyt is officially on my radar!!!
I don’t have words for this book. I picked it up out of curiosity, and I typically don’t enjoy contemporary romance. The immediate mystery aspect to the book drew me in from page one and from there I was a goner. I think Colt may be my new favorite book boyfriend (did I mention I usually hate blondes in books? What did this book do to me?!) every character was so lovable, the spice was fantastic and had me blushing and giggling. By the end I was a blubbering mess and had to immediately download book 2. Couldn’t recommend this book enough.
What an ending!! I was literally in tears and gasping as I read the last few chapters. If you’re a fan of the Ravenhood series definitely check this out! I was hooked from the first chapter and the secrets from the club had me desperate to figure out what was going on. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I was absolutely immersed in this story! Honestly, I saw many comparisons to the Ravenhood trilogy when reading this. and if you enjoyed that story-you will LOVE this. The characters had so much depth and devestation, and who doesn't enjoy some crazy plot, mystery, and a tension filled love story. Perfection.
I’m obsessed. I AM OBSESSED. This novel! Ahhh! First things first, I knew first hand that this book was inspired by the themes of Robin Hood. But, I didn’t know how original it was going to be until I finished reading the last page. For a moment, I was like “ohhh that’s where Robin Hood got that from…” but I had to check myself before I wrecked myself and remind myself that September Doves just came out this year. 😂😂
Okay, secondly, this book is about a girl so desperately trying to connect with her estranged sister after the news that someone close to her sister died. She sets out to find her but little does she know, she finds even more secrets about how her sister has been living and it’s up to her to piece them all together.
Emmerson Hoyt is a debut author, but honestly, I felt like this book was the fourteenth in her catalog. The writing is so well done and I’m having a hard time picking my jaw up from the intense chemistry Hoyt created between Riley and Colton.
COLTON CAN HAVE ME. Okurrrrrr!?
This book was filled with mystery, angst, and romance. I’m beyond excited and looking forward to book 2!