Emotions run high in this fast-paced, suspenseful, and steamy tale of second chances set in Ms. Earl's gritty MC world. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Raven by D.M. Earl, along with getting my impressions of it, then be sure to add this sixth installment in the Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber Ghost, Montana Chapter series to your bookshelf!
A second chance may hurt worse the next time around...Funny and vibrant Brenna "Raven" O'Brien has experienced her fair share of pain and loneliness. She's always used humor to hide her true feelings of rejection and loss. Always the jokester, Brenna brings joy to those around her. Being needed in IT for the Devil's Handmaidens gives her purpose and a sense of belonging. After being betrayed by the only man she's ever loved, Raven guards her heart from pain at all cost.
But when she comes face to face with the man who destroyed her, everything changes...Ash Sterling has loved Raven his entire life. He'd do anything to repair the broken shards of her heart. But Raven's pain runs deep, and her pride won't be crushed again. However, when her sister comes back into her life, and the Handmaiden's realize more danger and darkness loom, Raven knows that Ash is the one man who can help her seek the justice her family needs. When boundaries blur and passion ignites, will the pain of the past subside for both of them to find a future together?
EXCERPT:
“Brenna, my life’s been shit since we broke up. The only thing I have is the ranch and even that is a pain in my ass most days. I did build a house, one I thought you’d like. Besides that, I live, breathe, and almost die for that ranch. I’ve not been a saint since we broke up, I’ll be honest, but I’ve never had another girlfriend or fiancée. Best I could call it was hookups when I needed, you know, some relief.”
I can feel my face getting hot and she’s looking at me, trying not to laugh at my discomfort.
“Go ahead and laugh. Not only was it far and few between, I’d drive into the city so it wasn’t someone from around here. Mom has been on me to try and find a bride to help me, but there’s only one woman I want as my bride. No, I won’t put any pressure on you, Brenna. I’m just trying to be honest and upfront. Now, I know you’ve had a really long day, I’ll get outta your hair. Maybe we can grab a bite to eat sometime. Your call. I’ll leave the ball in your court.”
BUY THE FIRST BOOK IN THIS SERIES, TINK, here.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
When it comes to the MC world, D.M. Earl has proven herself to be a master in the genre. The Devil's Handmaidens MC series continues to exhilarate readers, presenting tough as nails heroines not afraid to show their softer sides to those men worthy of them. With this latest release, readers are pulled into the suspense and danger of a villainous gang trying to take over a town while continuing to destroy the club standing in their way. Amidst this pulse pounding backdrop is a second chance romance between a woman who for years has been hiding the pain caused by a man hoping for redemption. He's a man teeming with family secrets, who left her behind on the verge of them startling a life together, who's hoping to prove herself worthy of the woman he let get away. With a town and a family caught in the crossfire, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats while holding on for dear life.
Brenna ‘Raven’ O’Brien came to the Devil's Handmaidens at the lowest point in her life, heartbroken and alone, and found a new family. For years she's hidden that pain away behind humor and laughter, supporting her MC sisters while they find love, as they strive to save other women from physical and emotional pain. As the war with the vile Thunder Cloud Knuckle Brotherhood continues, as the battle lands in their backyard, she finds herself colliding with her past as he tries to prove himself worthy of her this time around. Years ago Ash Sterling had found his reason for living, until on the eve of his HEA, family secrets forced him to leave her behind. He's ready to reclaim her though, if only he can navigate the dangers from his father's legacy and the threats made by the Brotherhood.
This is a raw and gritty tale, one that touches on some uncomfortable topics. The danger from the Brotherhood feels very real, with serious consequences that left lives hanging in the balance. Along with heart pounding action was an equally emotional and tender romance between a couple trying to find happiness the second time around. Their scenes are at times intimate while being balanced with moments of them showing fortitude in the eye of danger. Along with this formidable couple, a pair deserving of their HEA, were the colorful and eclectic couples who've inhabited the series thus far. The costs became much higher with this installment and those who showed up proved their worth in another immensely satisfying story!
My rating for this is an A.
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
USA Today Bestselling author, D. M. Earl creates authentic and genuine characters while spinning stories that feel so real and relatable that the readers plunge deep within the plot, begging for more. Complete with drama, angst, romance, and passion, the stories jump off the page.
When Earl, an avid reader since childhood, isn't at her keyboard pouring her heart into her work, you'll find her in Northwest Indiana snuggling up to her husband, the love of her life, with her seven fur babies nearby. Her other passions include gardening and shockingly cruising around town on the back of her 2004 Harley. She's a woman of many talents and interests.
Earl appreciates each and every reader who has ever given her a chance--and hopes to connect on social media with all of her readers.
