Wicked and Bare (Matt & Madison, Part Two)

Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire #8

by Shayla Black

The exciting continuation of the Wicked Soldiers For Hire series, Wicked and Bare (Matt and Madison, part two) available June 27, 2023.

**Wicked and Bare is part of the Wicked Soldiers for Hire romantic suspense series. Stories in this series are told in a duet of two full-length novels. Each duet can be read as a standalone. Includes strong language, sexy times, alpha male attitude, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Enjoy!**

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Erotica, Emotional

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2023

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[Shayla Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Bare by Shayla Black is LIVE!

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[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge Is a Dish Best Served...

4.5 stars - While 'cold' would usually be what completes that sentence, there's a better word in this situation. Oh, Lordy is there!

The challenges and how Madison Archer-Pershing and Matt Montgomery at the hands of her evil, pitiful excuse for a human being husband, Toadstool... err... Toddhole... err... Todd Pershing kept me intrigued. That heaping load of comeuppance is magnificent! It's so good that it almost made what they had to go through worth it. Almost.

I love the allies that show and provide support on both sides of this couple. It's heartwarming. 💙

The world as he knew it stopped. She was his light. His reality. His pleasure.

His everything.
-- Matt Montgomery,

They don't get everything right on their second go-round, but they do get plenty right. 🔥🔥🔥 Even though I still think the transition to Dominant was too quick, I love them together and how each grows and flourishes since identifying the crux of Matt's concerns.

Yes, there's cheating - on both sides of her marriage. Given what drove her to seek out Matt, I don't hold her affair against her. Not even a little bit.

I was disappointed that there wasn't an epilogue. I was hoping for at least one intimate connection where her husband and in-laws weren't causing them anxiety.

FYI - This is the second part of a duet, so the first should be read before this. This duet is part of a larger series that you do not need to read to keep up with Madison and Matt's story, but be aware that there are some updates on characters from prior books (in this series and others).

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT AN ENDING!

I have been enjoying this series, and each couple's duet gets better and better, but I've got to say that Matt and Madison have slipped into the top couple spot. We learned a lot about Matt's past, and why he took a step back when it came to his attraction to Madison, but when she needed his help, he was there from the moment she sought him out. In the first book, we were left with a cliffhanger, and Shayla Black did not disappoint with the follow-up to their story.

Continue reading my Review here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewWaB



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**I also pre-ordered a kindle copy
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels like this book was cut into thirds. One third with Matt and Madison having lots of hot sex, a second third where after a deal was made with the devil they all had to deal with Todd and what a repugnant person he and his family are. Some of the things that happened were so horrible! Then we had the last third, but it was the best and I have never wanted to be at a political event more than the one that happened at the end. Whoooooo baby, what a ride that was. All the tea being spilled, live...in color and with sound. It was glorious as long as you weren't a Pershing. I love how this was executed and didn't mind the collateral damage that happened. It made the ending all the sweeter.

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, this was a conclusion that went out with a bang. Matt and Madison's story has been an intense one from the get go, and it didn't let up in this book at all. We pick up right where we left off in Wicked as Secrets, and this book will have you biting your nails while you devour this story. It's spicy intense, and one hell of a duet. I'm not gonna give away anything, because you need to read these for yourself. They are so good, and will have you devouring them just like I did.

[Megan Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought I couldn’t love this duet more, Shayla writes this book. This book picks up exactly where Wicked as Secrets left off. We find out that Todd has found Madison and Matt and is forcing Madison to come home. However, Matt is not going down without a fight. Matt is determined to keep Madison safe from Todd and is willing to help her get out of her marriage any way he can. Madison had learned to stand up to Todd more since reconnecting with Matt and is determined to fight her way to freedom. This book literally left my jaw hanging as we uncover more of Todd’s secrets as well as the secrets from the rest of the Pershing family. This duet is so good! I’m going to have to go back and read the rest of the crew’s stories snd how they all got their happily ever agrees.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion to this duet! Shayla never disappoints and my 330 am bedtime is proof because I couldn’t make myself out it down! I devoured every spicy scene, every nail biting moment with the wanker that is her husband and screamed at the in justice of people with power. I loved this story! Can’t wait for audiobook to come out so I can listen to it all over again.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Wicked and Bare is the explosive conclusion to the Matt & Madison duet and as such should be read in order but you won't regret it!

This story picks up exactly where the other ends, with Madison's godawful ex negotiating on the many ways he gets to ruin her life for the next few months. Although they didn't take my advice to feed the despicable excuse for a man to the hungry gators, they start planning a way to take he, and his morally bankrupt and corrupt family down. But first Matt and Madison have to survive. Matt is acting as one of Madison's bodyguards but her ex is making sure they barely see each other. With all their various trust issues, and Todd adding his own greasy toxic oil to the mix, will their relationship survive until they can dethrone the king of politics and lies?

This was a political thrill ride with a little romance mixed in. After every interaction with Toddhole, I needed a shower, he's so disgusting. But Matt proved time and time again he'd do anything for Madison. I also found myself frustrated with them a few times but the firework show at the end cheered me up beautifully! That was an epic takedown! After all this couple went through, I felt like we missed out on an epilogue though!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

We never know what goes on behind closed doors of the rich and elite especially the corrupt politicians.
Madison has been on the run from her husband Todd and his family, the Pershings. Then the ghost from her past appears making demands or else.
As Madison returns to her cruel and ruthless husband and his family Matt and Ethan are now her bodyguards.
Todd and his family make her life a living h€|| more so now since they are aware that she has brought her lover into the picture.
Madison gives back what is thrown to her not letting Todd get his way no matter how he belittles her or tries to manipulate her. She stand strong.
Todd and Madison appear like a happy couple in public for the senator's reelection campaign. Not getting his way like a spoilt toddler he does the unthinkable putting Madison's life on the line in a public atmosphere.
Matt and Ethan try their best to try to get damaging evidence against him. Then Matt realizes what he must do. He takes Todd's offer and leaves breaking Madison's heart again.
Then....
You just have to read to find out how all h€|| breaks loose!
Action packed drama, mystery, suspense, corrupt politicians, betrayal, bdsm and steamy scenes.
This is the second part of a duet so I suggest you read the first book Wicked as Secrets.
I highly recommend this series!

[✮ rach ✮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 60-something %
Made it past the halfway mark so it gets rated.

This author is definitely not for me. She writes brainless idiots as heroines. The hero fucked nearly 100 women (🙄) while they were separated? Fucking ridiculous 🙄 oh, but don’t forget, she got married…to a cheating creep fond of underage girls 🤢

Don’t even get me started with how a lot of the women he fucked were women she knew. But they get a HEA? Yeah okay 😂😂🤣

[Maryger Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Bare by Shayla Black, is the eighth book in the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire series, and the second and last part of the story of Matt and Madison, we pick up the story with Madison returning to live with her evil husband Todd, bringing Matt and Ethan as her bodyguards, this is what is making her life hell as Todd and his family know the feelings between her and Matt, but Madison is now a different woman than what her husband knew, she shows him that she is now a strong woman and doesn't allow himself to be humiliated or frightened by Todd's manipulations. Matt is determined to help Madison and protect her from this vile man, but when Todd puts Madison's life on the line in public, it leads Matt and Ethan to speed up the process of getting evidence to lead them to bring Todd and his family to justice, but for this Matt will have to make a great sacrifice, and that is to leave Madison, which will leave her heartbroken and unprotected, but nothing will be as it seems and this is where the story will take you on a very bumpy road.
This book is the perfect ending to the story of these two characters, you will be on the edge of your seat with this story full of action, mystery, suspense, corrupt politicians, betrayal, twists and turns, but also with a lot of passion and love. A story that you will not want to pass so go find this series that I'm sure you will enjoy. Highly recommended!
*Thanks to Shayla Black and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*

Wicked and Bare de Shayla Black, es el octavo libro en la serie Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire, la segunda y última parte de la historia de Matt y Madison, retomamos la historia con Madison retornando a vivir con su malvado marido, trayendo a Matt y a Ethan como sus guardaespaldas, esto vale para que le hagan su vida un infierno ya que saben los sentimientos entre ella y Matt, pero Madison es ahora una mujer diferente a lo que su esposo conocía, le demuestra ser una mujer fuerte y no se deja humillar ni asustar de las manipulaciones de Todd. Matt esta determinado a ayudar a Madison y protegerla de este vil hombre, pero cuando Todd arriesga la vida de Madison en público, lleva a Matt y a Ethan a acelerar el proceso de conseguir pistas para llevar a Todd y a su familia ante la justicia, pero para esto Matt deberá hacer un gran sacrificio, y es dejar a Madison, lo que la dejará con el corazón partido y ella se siente desprotegida, pero nada será como parece y es aquí donde la historia te llevará por un camino muy movido.
Este libro es el perfecto final para la historia de estos dos personajes, estarás al borde del asiento con esta historia llena de acción, misterio, suspenso, políticos corruptos, traición, giros y vueltas, pero también con mucha pasión y amor. Una historia que no querrás pasar así que ve a buscar esta serie que estoy segura la disfrutaran. ¡Altamente Recomendada!
*Gracias a Shayla Black y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars-WICKED AND BARE is the second instalment in Shayla Black’s contemporary adult duet, and the eighth instalment in the author's WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is the continuing story of thirty-three year old, security specialist Matt Montgomery, and twenty-seven year old, primary school teacher Madison Archer. WICKED AND BARE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of WICKED AS SECRETS.

NOTE: If you have not read WICKED AS SECRETS there may be spoilers in my review. Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Madison and Matt) WICKED AND BARE follows in the aftermath of our heroine’s witness to a murder, and her desperate attempts to flee the people involved. Married into a political dynasty, Madison has sold her soul to the devil but every attempt to leave is circumvented by the power elite. With the help of her former lover Matt Montgomery, Madison goes into hiding but threats against her family find Madison and Matt agreeing to a deal, a deal that would see Madison in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the ongoing relationship between Matt and Madison, and the potential fall-out as Matt’s past is revealed, and Madison struggles to trust the man with whom she has fallen in love.

The world building continues to focus on the political fight for power and control. Madison is arm candy; a trophy wife meant to give voters the image of stability but Madison’s life is on the line every time she is trapped behind closed doors. The Pershing family is a political dynasty where the dark and dangerous secrets, if exposed, would destroy everything. Madison is caught in the middle, when threats against her own family mean bowing to the people in charge.

The relationship between Madison and Matt is one of second chances but Madison struggles with issues of trust, and Matt suspects there is more going on behind the scenes than he could have ever imagined. With the assistance of the team at EM Security Management, Matt begins to unravel the true nature of the people in charge. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light bondage and discipline.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of powerful, questionable and dynamic secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met in the numerous Wicked Lovers instalments. We are re-introduced to several members of the EM Security Management Team including Nash Scott, Ethan Garrison, Pierce ‘One Mile ‘ Walker; Madisons’ best friend Haisley; as well as Madison’s soon to be ex-husband and inlaws .


WICKED AND BARE is a story of the political elite, power and control, secrets and lies, acceptance and forgiveness, betrayal and revenge. The dramatic character driven premise is haunting, tragic and edgy; the romance is provocative and emotional ; the characters are spirited, determined and destructive.

www.thereadingcafe.com

copy supplied for review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 if I could.

You HAVE to read the first part of this story before you read this story! This story needs all of the background in order for this to make sense.

Matt and Madison don't have any growth or change in this story. They are fully set in the first story, and they stay that way throughout. They both have damage from before the first story and it carries through everything. If you are annoyed by characters not dealing with their damage, this story isn't for you.

There is a part of the book that focuses on their special adult relationship (read between the lines about what the activities are). The way that Matt and Madison respond to each other as adults is critical to the outcome of the story. The author had to include details of those adult activities to show how they go from a one-night stand to the conclusion of the story BUT there are some aspects of this that made no sense at all. For example, how does Matt demanding absolute obedience from Madison and punishing her is she fails actually help her deal with her toxic family?

I gave this a 4-star rating because there is a big ending and there are good side characters. The author well and truly finished this story. The only thing I would have liked is if there was an epilogue because there is no way at all that the press is going to leave them alone after what happened. None. So I would like to know how they handle that.

Overall, I found these two stories very frustrating. There are some really interesting elements, some really frustrating elements, and some really over the top elements but there is good, smooth writing throughout. I generally like stories from this author so this one surprised me. There are a lot of people that will like this but there will also be a lot of people that will not like this at all. I will read more from this author in the future.

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

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked and Bare by Shayla Black is the conclusion of the story of Madison and Matt which began with Wicked as Secrets. In order to get the divorce she desired, Madison was forced back into the hornet’s nest for three months while her husband’s grandfather ran his Senatorial reelection campaign. This time she did not go alone. Matt and another EM Security employee went along as her bodyguards to protect her from her husband. What then ensued is a long, difficult road for both of them as they tried to maintain their bond, despite everything which happened around them, simultaneously looking for any leverage that would guarantee Madison’s exit from her marriage by the end.

As usual, the author created a incredibly well-written, riveting story full of suspense, intrigue, and plenty of alpha males and amazing women. This take regarding what happens behind the scenes in the political world was pretty cynical and a worst case scenario. It is unfortunately not hard to believe that elements of this story could exist in reality. I loved the way the story was tied up in a neat package, finished with a bow. While the resolution at the end was predictable, as romance novels have a happily ever after, the author didn’t focus on the planning of the op. This was different from the majority of the books in this series. What happens in the end is as much of a surprise to the reader as it was to Madison, who had been kept in the dark. I loved experiencing the plan with Madison as it unfolded. As fans of the author will expect, this book is especially steamy, touching on BDSM relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all Shayla Black fans as well as fans of erotic romantic suspense novels.

I am voluntarily submitting this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book via Booksprout.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. That was an excellent ending to the duet.
Both Matt and Madison are put through test and trials.
The story continued from where the 1st book ended.. Madison's estranged Husband Todd has turned and has given her a deal. 3 months as his wife for the campaigns before he gives her a divorce.
Madison and Matt need to strengthen their love an strength if they are to survive.
I loved the training Matt did with her (it was so hot) but it was him that struggled more..
Todd is really a nasty character. I almost ended him myself 🤣.
This book was so much more, There was so many secrets, high society 'privileges' scandals, bribery, sex scandals, drama angst, heartbreak, trust, love, witty banter and so much hot steamy love.
The ending was very highly anticipated and it was written so well. I honestly felt like I was watching it all live. High action and so many oh my gosh, noo moments.
Perfect ending to an emotionally testing Second book.

Favourite Quotes :

"As long as I protect you, you’re mine. That lush mouth. That sweet p#ssy. That pretty ass. Every thought, every wish, every ache, every heartbeat? Mine.”

“I can’t be yours when we’re under his roof.” He raised a brow, oozing displeasure as he grabbed her chin. “That’s where you’re wrong, honey. You’re always mine. Just because I may not be touching you, that doesn’t change.”

"No matter what happens. No matter where you go or what you do, you always belong to me. Don’t ever forget that."

"You’re my everything. I tell you all the time that you’re mine, but do you need to hear that I’m yours, too? I am. Totally. Always. Forever."

[Maria L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayla Black is like a fine red wine, she just keeps getting better and better! The conclusion to Matt and Madison's story is so tense, from the first page all the way to the last, it kept me flipping pages well into the night.

Todd is a Toddhole from h3ll, and he has the power of his corrupt senator grandfather behind him. Madison made the grave mistake of marrying him at a time in her life when she was vulnerable and needed someone to pay her some attention. Matt was going through tough times and needed to get his head on straight before committing to Madison. A day late and a dollar short, he decides she's the one on the same day she accepts his marriage proposal.

After a harrowing escape from Todd, Madison is blackmailed into returning to DC and back into the Pershings' dirty lives for 3 months, just until Senator Pershing gets reelected. What ensues is nothing short of drama, intrigue, suspense, and incredible chemistry. A great story all around! At every turn, Todd was causing havoc because of his childish attitude. He would not stop at anything to ensure that if he couldn't have Madison, nobody would. Matt and his colleague Ethan have a hard road ahead to ensure Madison's safety and lock in Matt and Madison's HEA.

Thank you Shayla Black and ValentinePR for this ARC. The above is my own and personal opinion.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In case you didn't get the memo, Wicked and Bare is the concluding chapter to Matt & Madison's journey, so you cannot start here, nope, you MUST read Wicked as Secrets (Book 1) FIRST! The previous book ended on a cliffhanger so it seemed like forever before this book was released so when I got it in my hot little hands, I didn't move until I devoured every last page in one sitting. Madison has had to return to her cruel husband & his awful family for the optics (and more) because of a political campaign, but behind closed doors, Madison has come into her own and she's not about to give in to Todd (horrible husband) which had me cheering out loud more than once. It didn't hurt that Matt is one of her bodyguards but it is super complicated since she has feelings for Matt so I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through since her husband's family is shady, shady and shady. My heart raced throughout with all the twists coming in hot as Matt & Ethan are trying to find anything damaging to the husband/family to get her released from it all. The heat is on point again which had me all kinds of anxious since there was no way Matt & Madison could stay away from each other. This duet has had suspense in spades, super sexy times, and maybe just maybe a happily ever after! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passion & betrayal ... unputdownable

Oh, WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!

The twists and turns from Part 1, Wicked as Secrets, continue in Part 2 WICKED And BARE, the suspenseful story of Madison Archer and Matt Montgomery. From beginning to end Shayla had ne on the edge of my seat while navigating all the secrets, passion, suspense, intensity, and twists and turns.

Madison's douche ex-husband, Todd Pershing, has found her, and she's been for to return to him due to family political reasons. Returning to the hell she once escaped, Madison is no longer the woman Todd thought she was, instead, is a sassy, strong woman who is willing to stand up and fight him at every turn. Having Matt and Ethan acting as her bodyguards, she knows that whatever she faces she won't be alone, and they'll keep her safe.

WICKED and BARE is a story of strength, passion, emotions, and a thrilling ride to love and freedom. There are so many layers to this story involving incredible characters, corrupt politicians, betrayal, and some delicious steamy scenes.

Another unputdownable read from Shayla.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE THRILLING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the conclusion to a duet. You have to read Wicked as Secrets first or you will be lost trying to read Wicked and Bare. We are back with Madison who has been on the run from her husband Todd and his family, the Pershings. Now she is back with him and let me say that if i could have jerked him out of that book and kept him away from Madison I would have. She now has two bodyguards Matt and Ethan. Life for her is beyond miserable and gosh it just broke my heart. Always the happy couple in public for the senators reelection campaign but behind closed doors life just is getting worse and worse until he does the unthinkable and puts her in more danger than maybe he even realizes in a very public way. Matt and Todd meanwhile have their hands very full trying to get evidence against Todd to no avail. But I sure was not expecting the bottom to fall out....and I can't say a word about it. You just have to read and find out what happens. This book is so good and I loved every single second of it even if my heart was in my throat more times than I can count. That just makes for the best reading though.

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked and Bare is the explosive conclusion to the Matt & Madison duet and as such should be read in order but you won't regret it!

This story picks up exactly where the other ends, with Madison's godawful ex negotiating on the many ways he gets to ruin her life for the next few months. Although they didn't take my advice to feed the despicable excuse for a man to the hungry gators, they start planning a way to take he, and his morally bankrupt and corrupt family down. But first Matt and Madison have to survive. Matt is acting as one of Madison's bodyguards but her ex is making sure they barely see each other. With all their various trust issues, and Todd adding his own greasy toxic oil to the mix, will their relationship survive until they can dethrone the king of politics and lies?

This was a political thrill ride with a little romance mixed in. After every interaction with Toddhole, I needed a shower, he's so disgusting. But Matt proved time and time again he'd do anything for Madison. I also found myself frustrated with them a few times but the firework show at the end cheered me up beautifully! That was an epic takedown! After all this couple went through, I felt like we missed out on an epilogue though!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review of Wicked And Bare (Matt & Madison Part 2, Wicked & Devoted #7) by Shayla Black

If you haven’t read Wicked As Secrets then STOP as this must be read before you read this book. After the rollercoaster and twists and turns in the first book, I could not wait to read the conclusion to Matt Montgomery and Madison Archer’s second chance at love story.

After escaping from her husband Todd and his corrupt family, the last person she expects to come face to face with again was Todd. However, Maison is the not the meek woman she once was and with Matt having her back, she has no problem standing up to Todd, even if it could eventually cost her life and those who she loves. Having no choice but to return to Todd and his horrendous family, Matt and Ethan accompany her as her bodyguards, knowing they will do any thing to keep her safe.

I was on the edge of my seat reading this book, the twists and turns were riveting and the passion sizzled. Will Mat be able to save Madison and get her forgiveness? The writing was strong, the characters easy to relate to and the storyline drew me in and wouldn’t let me go until the last word was read.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. This is a 2-part story so be prepared to get both parts. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.

The below is part one you have to that book first
Wicked as Seduction: Trees & Laila Part 1 (Wicked & Devoted #5)

This is Madison and Matt’s story. Madison walked away from Matt and broke his heart. He still has not forgiven her for that. She is married and believes that her husband is trying to kill her and she runs to Matt. He is going to use the time he is protecting her to get his revenge. He will get her to submit to his desires and leave her in the end. But what happens when danger is closer than they think and comes calling? Secrets will be revealed. This story ends on a cliffy but, not to worry your questions should get answered in the next story.

This is Madison and Matt’s conclusion. Madison has to go back to Todd, but will she be able to handle all that means? She will have to do everything he wants no matter what. Can she do it? Matt knows the only thing to do in order to help Madison is to take the offer and leave. He breaks her but is that the end of it?

I recommend this book.

[Deana-Coffee, Books, Life Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shayla Black gives us an epic conclusion to a very intense story. Wicked and Bare gets down to the nitty-gritty, reveals a lot of secrets, and finds a happily ever after for Matt and Madison.


I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger style stories. I want it all, every juicy detail all at once. Miss black made it very much worth the wait for the conclusion of Matt and Madison's story. Picking up exactly where we left off from part one. This is one of those stories that is very hard to give a review without giving any spoilers. However, let me put it to you this way when I say epic conclusion it was pretty epic. A lot of secrets are revealed. We see firsthand what Madison had to put up with on a daily basis, and the links that Matt goes to to keep her safe. They are tested on a daily basis, their foundation even gets a little rocky for a bit. In the end, love prevailed, Matt and Madison were able to find their happily ever after. The story has a lot going on and it’s very easy to find yourself wrapped up in it just as much as the characters are.

Shayla black never fails to deliver a story that’s entertaining and heats up the pages in more ways than one.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional ride with a heart-stopping ending!!

Jumping right in where we last left Madison and Matt. These two are now thrust deep into peril when Madison is forced to return to DC. Forced right back into the pit of snakes she left behind when she was running for her life...from her husband.

Both Madison and Matt would love nothing better than to run away and live their lives, but Madison also knows the reach of her husband and more importantly her in-laws. They will never be free unless she can actually get a divorce from the monster she is currently tied to. Following through with his sick demands and wading through the cesspool that is her life is currently the only way, even when it's currently breaking both of her and Matt's hearts in short term.

This book is emotional and much more of a mind bender than the last Wicked Lovers books in this series. It's very intense between Madison and Matt right up until the very end, but so worth the ending they waited years to get. Loved it!!

[Nickie Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to Matt and Madison's journey which is a rollercoaster ride. If you thought the first part of this epic journey was steamy plus plus or edge of the seat action, then be prepared because Wicked and Bare will knock you right out of that chair.

Madison's husband, Todd, is more than evil, worse than the most dispicable man you can think off, a dangerous and jealous man. Now Madison is forced to go back to him, act like the dutiful wife should, all so her Husband's grandfather can be re-elected as a Senator in the next election.

I have to take my hat off to both Madison and Matt, how they handled Todd was nothing short of amazing. I loved how Madison turned into such bad arse women with Todd and his family. Matt well he's every womens dream, tall, dark, handsome, sexy, but when it comes to Madison he's fiercely posessive, demanding (of her submisson), protective, yet his love for her knows no bounds. I do wish that we had an epilouge as I felt the ending was to sudden and needed just the extra bit rounding off all the different threads.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fast paced ending to their story.
I have eagerly been awaiting this book after have read the cliff hanger of the first part. Matt and Madison are put in a truly difficult - even evil - situation as they do what they must to be together. If Madison is going to get her freedom, she will have to play the dutiful wife to her hopefully soon-to-be despicable and murderous husband. And why? Todd, her husband, is the grandson to one of the most powerful, albeit corrupt politicians in Washington. The Pershing family will do whatever, to ensure the patriarch of the family gets re-elected. Matt will do what he must to protect Madison from the family and especially her husband Todd. Things will have to get very messy as Matt tries to protect Madison. Can the love they have found with each other survive the evil that is the Pershing family? Very fast paced and written in such a style that you just cannot put this book down. I loved it!.

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

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picked up right where part one left off so I recommend reading part one first.

Wicked & Bare was a great conclusion to this duet. It was exciting, had mystery, drama, angst and plenty of steamy times. I love the connection Matt and Madison have. They have a very romantic and sexy relationship. There were definitely ups and downs with them since Madison's husband tried to tear them apart but they always found their way back to each other. I also really liked Madison's development in part two. She really grows into her confidence and learns to stick up for herself. I was so proud.

The steamy scenes are good but could be a bit repetitive. There is some light BDSM too.

My only complaint is that the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but once they were in DC it picked up. And that ending was wild!

Overall I enjoyed this duet and would recommend if you enjoy romantic suspense, angst, second chance romance and steamy romances.

Rating: 4/5
Spicy Rating: 4/5

[Julie D (Audio and Book Jewels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation of Matt and Madisons much loved and very excellent story… it starts where Wicked as Secrets left off.. with Madison’s, oh so vicious, husband; who she ran from because she feared for her life, demanding that she come back to him until his grandfathers campaign is at the mid point so that he doesn’t loose votes because of the divorce.

During the time they are in his house, her husband does nothing but try to destroy them, and he does some horrible things… the family.. her husband and his family.. are despicable people. They are hateful, manipulative.. and just horrible… not saying more.

Shayla Black has a way of creating characters and stories that just make you want to dive in and NOT leave. Matt and Madison are that for me. I love their story, and the strength both of them showed during this trial.. and oh I LOVED seeing what happened to Todd and his family. I’m never disappointed when I read a book by Shayla Black and I always look forward to what’s next

[LaWanna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

[book:Wicked and Bare (Matt & Madison, Part Two)
WOW is all i can say about this second part of Matt and Madison's book. The ex husband is a total douche bucket and the way that Matt and Madison handled it was just a miracle. The crap that the ex husband did to Madison was just unreasonable and uncalled for, but then he is a spoiled brat.
The two (Matt and Madison) had so much to over come plus some patching up on their relationship, but it all ended with their HEA.
If you want to know what they went thru and why i called the ex husband a douche bucket, you need to get the book and read it for yourself. I'm not going to spoil it for you.
I fell in love with Matt and Madison after reading this 2 part story.

I received this book for free from the author, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

The page turning conclusion of Matt and Madison’s intense story…was definitely worth the wait. We pick up exactly where we left off….Madison has unfortunately agreed to go back to her husband and pretend to be a happy political family for his Grandfathers re-election. This family has so many secrets the closets are overflowing with skeletons. They have their hands in way to many illegal activities and a police officer or politician in every pocket. Matt and Evan are going with her to protect her and have her back in more ways than one. It’s for 3 months, get through the election and she gets her divorce…how hard can it be. To say Todd and his family are extremely rude and degrading to Madison is a major understatement. But in her mind, she sucks it up for a few months and she’s done with this family and she can love Matt and be supportive to her dad again. Matt and Madison have an undeniable connection and page turning chemistry. They belong together more than anything they just need to weather this bumpy journey they are currently on. This is a great layered book with amazing characters and a heck of a story. These characters had great depth and added so much personality to this already amazing story. This series has been an action packed emotional journey that I have Truly enjoyed. With such an intense read the banter between characters this is a nice break and added enjoyment. I’m already getting excited to see what is next for us written by Shayla, because she never disappoints.