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Book 4 in the Bestselling Storm MC Series by Nina Levine

BLOOD WILL BE SHED...

The ghosts of Donovan "Blade" Brookes' life are closing in on him.  

Hardened by an abusive childhood and haunted by the murder of his fiancé, Blade struggles against the dark forces threatening to consume him.  When he helps Layla Reed in her hour of need, he has no idea she will be the light to his darkness.  As they spend more time together, he is powerless to fight his desire for her.  Powerless to fight his need for her.  However, as his feelings deepen, he pushes her away, reluctant to drag her into his world.  With enemies coming at him from all directions, Storm MC needing his help to fight off a rival, and his father still causing him grief, Blade needs the love of a good woman now more than ever.  Can Layla push Blade to the edge and get him to admit to both of them what he wants?  Or will the darkness pull him under once and for all?

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First published November 19, 2014

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About the author

Nina Levine

87 books6,392 followers
ESCAPE WITH AN ALPHA

USA Today Bestselling Author Nina Levine is an Aussie author who writes alphas with a side of dirty and sassy women who don't hand their hearts over easily.

When she isn't creating with words, she loves to create with paint and paper. Often though, she can be found curled up with a good book and some chocolate.

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NINA'S LATEST RELEASES

Recklessly, Wildly Yours (Only Yours #3) by Nina Levine Yours Actually (Only Yours #2) by Nina Levine Accidentally, Scandalously Yours (Only Yours #1) by Nina Levine Owen North (Escape With an Alpha, #5) by Nina Levine Jameson Fox (Escape With an Alpha, #4) by Nina Levine Beckett Pearce (Escape With an Alpha, #3) by Nina Levine Wilder (Storm MC, #9) by Nina Levine Gunnar (Storm MC, #8) by Nina Levine Colt (Storm MC, #10) by Nina Levine

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 516 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,398 reviews326 followers
May 26, 2015
3 'thank fuck' stars

I really like #2 with Scott's story and love #3 with Nash's story. So it pains me that I ended up not really liking Blade's story as much as I'm supposed to. Blade's character was pretty hyped up since #1. He was the badass character that swoop in to save the day at all the crucial moments, which I'm not quite happy with because I felt that he stole the limelight away from the other heroes.

Back to Slay, we have Blade aka Donovan who was a gang leader and half brother to Scott and Madison. Three years ago, his fiance, Ashley was raped and murdered. To this day, he was still haunted by her memories.

The heroine, Layla is the owner of a bar that Blade had been frequenting for a year. Layla was depicted as this ball buster, a woman who is independent and able to take care of herself and others. She took it upon herself to save her cousin sister and took absolute care of her.

This book had all the recipes and words that should make this work for me. The tortured hero who think he can't find another woman who can accept his darkness and a gung ho heroine who is able to look past his scarred soul.

However, I just seems to have problem over problem with the way this book was delivered.

1. Blade killed people for Godsake. His is a badass motherfucker. So for everyone around him keep complimenting how he is a 'good man' just seems off. I just wish he is bad all the way and people should acknowledge that.

2. Layla is a selfless person. I get that. But I don't need everyone around her keep complimenting how she is a good person'. You see the pattern there? What's up with all these compliment throwing around.

3. Layla was portrayed as this totally understanding woman and I was cheering for her. But all of a sudden, there is a scene that she turned into a pouting teenager and give Blade the silent treatment just because he was busy to fuck her make me felt a whiplash of personality contradiction.

3. Merrick is Blade's right hand man. For him to keep dishing out relationship advise to Blade is plain weird. What's up with all these hard man talking about feelings.

4. The relationship between Blade and Layla is so intense from the beginning. Every time when they are alone, all they want to do is rip each other clothes off. The sex is intense and amazing, but it was getting old after a few times. It turned repetitive and I started to skim.

5. Too many 'thank fuck' in both Blade and Layla POV. I was surprised that they both cursed the same way in their mind. There is just something about overused words that annoyed me.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,157 followers
March 18, 2015
I'm scared to jinx myself when I say this but...I sure have read some awesome books lately! Nina Levine outdid herself with this fourth installment of the Storm MC series! This one is called "Slay" and it is about Blade aka Donovan Brookes. I think this description states it best when describing Donovan:

"He was danger in all its glory, and yet he was safety and shelter at the same time."

It really does depict exactly who Donovan is, and what really impressed me about him was that even though he was a very broken man because of the tragedies of his past; he was well aware that he needed to move on in life and fix himself. His dilemma was that he just didn't know how. He was drowning in all of this pain and anger and just couldn't seem to get over it or through it. That is, until Layla Reed comes into the picture!

Layla is partial owner to a bar that Blade has been visiting for the past year. He hasn't noticed her until one day when she is threatened and he steps in to save the day. Once Layla is on Blade's radar, he can't get her out of his head. He loves how she thinks of others before herself, and how she is the kind of woman that gets things done. Bottom line, Layla and Donovan together are:

"Passion and rage all rolled into one. Kindred spirits."

When Donovan realizes that she will accept him just the way he is; which includes his major darkness within, he knows he has to figure out a way to get his shit together. I loved when Layla told him:

"Donovan,sometimes you have to shatter to find strength, and sometimes you have to let someone in to help you put the pieces back together."

These two as a couple are just perfect in my opinion. They fit so well together, and when they got together in the bedroom these two rocked the house! Their sex was nothing short of primal, animalistic,passionate, and violent all mixed together! Half the time, I was left speechless after one of their sex scenes!! I kid you not...it was INTENSE! I loved every single word!!!

This is a MC series that I feel has been left under the radar a bit, and I'm not sure why. Truthfully, it just seems to get better and better. This one is hands down my favorite, and I have no worries that the next in the series will be awesome as well. I do feel that the reader benefits most by reading the series from the beginning. Mainly because there is an ongoing story line, and the characters show up in future books as well. I do love when that happens because then you feel like you have become a part of their little world! Plus, you get the updates on past couples etc..

Book five is coming out at the end of March, and I suggest if you are looking for a rough tough MC series...look no further! Give this one a try, as I do believe it is one of the better ones out there! Thanks again Ms. Levine for another entertaining and sexy read!♥
Profile Image for Nina Levine.
Author 87 books6,392 followers
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February 28, 2020
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TEASER FROM SLAY

I stood and watched as he stalked into my lounge room with a look of fury on his face. He stopped a little over two feet from me, his eyes boring into mine. “I’ve been calling you.”

“I know.”

“Why didn’t you answer?”

“I didn’t want to.”

He exhaled sharply. “F**king hell,” he muttered, pushing his fingers through his hair.

“I’m mad at you,” I blurted out, stating the fucking obvious.

“I can see that,” he said in a tight voice.

“I want you to leave.”

“No.”

“Yes, please go. I need to think.”

He came toward me with that intense look of his I knew well. Before I could stop him, he slid his hand around my waist and yanked me the rest of the way to him. Bending his face to mine, he growled, “No, you don’t need to think. You need to feel.”

His spare hand pressed against my stomach and then slid down into the shorts I was wearing. I sucked in a breath when his hand slipped inside my panties and he held my pussy in his hand and gripped tight. He moved so he could whisper in my ear, “Feel that, baby. Feel my f**king need for you.” - Slay by Nina Levine
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,407 followers
November 27, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

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Ummm...I think Nina Levine already knows my love for Donovan aka Blade. If she didn’t figured it out already with the messages I have been exchanging with her. She does NOW!! Nina Levine has managed to turn me into a BIG BIG Blade fan!! Right off the first page, I already loved this tatted up bad boy who has a heart of gold. It’s official Donovan Brookes is hands down my favorite!! <3 All I can say is that I have been #SlayedByBlade!

#SLAY

Slay is the 4th book of the Storm Mc Series and focuses on Blade aka Donovan Brookes. We all know from the previous books of the series that Blade is the other child of Marcus Cole. Blade didn’t have the best childhood since he had an absent father who was downright abusive to his mother. He watched as his father belittle, torment, and abuse his mother physically and emotionally. He was aware that his father had another family. In all sense, Blade hated his father to the core. The only good thing that came about his father was his half siblings, Scott and Madison. With these two siblings, he found friendship, loyalty, and family.

Since Blade didn’t have the best childhood growing up, he fell into hard times and met a group of bad people. Blade soon found himself immersed into a world of crime, drugs, and death. But when Blade met Ashley, he was willing to change but that came crumbling down when she was murdered. Soon Blade found himself surrounded by death, revenge and demons. Blade became lost in his world of darkness. His heart had no room to love any other woman because he lost the only woman who had the key to his heart.

#SLAY1

Layla Reed is one kick ass heroine. She is sweet, gentle, caring but one fiery woman who takes no bullshit. She is the girl who you would want to have your back because this girl has no problem busting your balls. Literally! Layla also has a heart of gold. She will help anyone who needs help. When Layla is confronted by a group of hooligans coming to collect a debt her business partner had accumulated, a stranger comes to the rescue and it so happens to be Blade.

Blade has been coming to Layla’s bar for years minding his own business. But on this rare day, he came to her rescue. Soon Blade found himself wanting to protect Layla Reed. As the two begin to spend some time together, a fiery connection soon begins to heat up. One touch. One kiss. And one night of passion was all it took for these two become inseparable. Literally, these two were heating up the pages of my kindle. As couple, Blade and Layla complimented each other well. They balanced each other and were a perfect fit. Layla accepted Donovan as he is. She didn’t want to change. She never saw his flaws but only saw his beautiful heart and soul. These two had no problems in the bedroom because the chemistry was sizzling. So can Layla Reed be the woman to unlock the key to Donovan Brooke’s heart? Can Blade’s heart beat once again or will his demons destroy his chance at love? Will there be light and love for Blade and Layla?

#slay2

Slay by Nina Levine was absolute PERFECTION!!! This book was my favorite of the series. I could not put this book down. Loved every aspect of this book. It had suspense, romance, and of course downright raw, rough, and sexy scenes. Slay had everything you would want in a MC Romance book. You want hot bikers. Check. You want a bad ass hero. Check. You want a heroine that you loved. Check. You want a book that has depth and substance. BIG FAT CHECKMARK. Slay by Nina Levine is a book to experience and fall in love with. The characters and story line are so raw and gritty that you don’t know what to expect. So if you are looking for a hot and sexy MC book that is raw and gritty then I highly suggest you read Slay and the Storm Series. Ms. Levine won’t disappoint you because her writing and storytelling will hook you from the start. Trust me when I say she will have you falling head over heels in love with Donovan.

Nina Levine

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Profile Image for Bj.
1,219 reviews256 followers
October 4, 2015
Slay, like the other books in the Storm MC series, is on the relatively light side of the gritty/dark spectrum as compared to other MC romances. I think this a great starter series for anyone who wants to try a MC romance, but is looking for something with more of a similar feel to a mainstream contemporary suspense romance or who likes their MC romances more on the lighter side of the violence/erotic scale. All that said, the romance and passion between the hero and heroine is well done and I especially loved the hero's alpha protective nature towards the heroine.

For those of you who are wondering whether this book can be read as a standalone, please note that while the romance between the main couple in this story can be read as a standalone, there is some continuation of club business and family relationships, as well as, continuing involvement of prior couple relationships. Therefore to appreciate the full effect, this series is best read in order.

Donovan "Blade" Brooks, the bastard son of the Storm MC President, knows what its like to be abused and neglected. While his father refused to completely abandon him and his mother, he stuck around long enough to abuse and traumatize them when his mood called for it. Otherwise he was generally nonexistent from the lives.

Blade has been planning his revenge on his father for a long time, a plan which his half-brother, the VP of the Storm MC has been in on. As if that weren't bad enough, Blade has also not completely recovered from the loss of his fiance, who was brutally raped and murdered by gang related members. In fact, he still is routinely plagued by horrible nightmares relating to her, and has been unable to move on emotionally to form any form of commitment with any other woman since her. Needless to say, Blade is a man plagued by multiple dark demons.

Then Blade meets Layla Reed. Layla has had her fair share of troubles too. Chief of which is the debt that her business partner, the co-owner of her bar, has saddled her with. When an unsavory character comes demanding payment, she counts her lucky stars that Blade just happens to be sitting at the bar and makes it clear that he has her back. When his altruistic measure, however, leads to feelings that go far beyond friendship, Blade must face his demons and decide whether he will allow Layla to usher him into the light, and allow him to feel once again, or whether he will nip his relationship with Layla in the bud before it has a chance to develop into something more that potentially may drag her into his darkness.

I found Slay to be a truly enjoyable read. I loved watching Blade's character develop as he became enveloped by Layla's goodness and love. There were also some steamy scenes that definitely amped up the heat level of this read, as well as, a decent amount of suspense surrounding the club business to keep me on my toes. All in all, this is a solid contemporary romance suspense series, and I look forward to reading more of Nina Levine's Storm MC series in the future!

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,064 reviews
November 24, 2014
Book 4 in the Storm MC series and set in Australia. Although the book could be read as a stand alone, a lot of the actions are based on characters and things that happened in the previous 3 books. The H, Blade, is not actually a member of the Storm MC but is the illegitimate son of the dastardly MC President Marcus. He suffered abuse, both emotional and physical, from his father and shows the long term psychological damage of that abuse. The h, Layla, is a strong woman who has lived through a lot in her life. This book is more about the love story between two damaged souls than the actual MC activities. It's about a strong woman and an alpha male who slowly learns it is Layla's love that will eliminate the demons in his mind from the horrible situations he has experienced in his life. It's also about the developing relationships between Blade and his half sister/brother. If you like a strong alpha male who shows a softer side and would lay down his life for the women he loves (h, mother, sister) this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews620 followers
April 12, 2021
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liked it!
=========================
UPDATE: Re-read 2021
UPDATE: Re-read 2017

“Donovan, sometimes you have to shatter to find strength, and sometimes you have to let someone in to help you put the pieces back together.”

"The pain of Ashley’s loss was never far away and I felt it as keenly these days as I did three years ago, but my work helped give my mind a break from it. And that was all I could ask for because I knew I’d never get over not having her in my life."

-----------------
==>2014:
Adorei a história e o personagem é maravilhoso!
Estou louca pelo próximo livro da série.
Altamente recomendado!
-------------
I loved the story and the hero is wonderful!
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Honey Warren.
761 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2014
"I''m not just any woman, Donovan. I'm your woman, and I don't desert the ones I care about in their hour of need."

Blade and Layla!! Loved them!!! She rocked the female lead character! I knew I was going to like her from her first introduction. Blade, bless his heart!! He had all the qualities I love in my "book boyfriends". He is a man of few words, tatted up, fierce protector, hot lover, calls his woman baby, has a dark side that comes out sometimes and OHHHH it's exciting=) I love the Storm MC series!!

Hello cover model Scott King!!
 photo PicMonkeyCollage-2.jpg

Profile Image for Shay.
1,269 reviews39 followers
November 18, 2014
I just finished Slay and I loved it! Im all about bikers and the grittier the better! This is apart of the Storm series and even though it could be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading it in order to get a full understanding of this MC club. Storm is first which gives you J and Madison. Fierce is next which is Scott and Harlow and then they all lead into Blaze (novella) and then youll end up with Revive which is Nash and Velvet. Just to kind of get an understanding, Madison and Scott are bother and sister. Scott is VP to the Storm MC club. Marcus their dad is a real douche canoe and he is President of Storm. Most of the brothers (J, Scott, Nash plus others) want Marcus out. He is dealing in crap that they do not want apart of. What you ending up finding out is that Marcus is a womanizing abuser and Blade is one of his sons from a previous relationship. He tries to help Scott(step brother)with his business but he does run his own show. This is his story on why he acts the way that he does. Just so you know with all the crap he has to deal with, he has been going to a seedy bar that Layla runs. He has been going their for awhile and one night she needs help with an over rowdy customer. He protects her even though should could have handled it but it starts a friendship between them. They both want each other and do act on it however how will Layla re-act when she finds out the Blade is not who she might think he is? Will she be surprised or will she be able to accept him for who he is, balls and all! Youll just have to read and see.

I really enjoyed the story line, I like where it is going. I thought that it flowed really well and love that it has kept up with the story line from previous books. I like how we get interaction from all the characters plus new ones! You know Im a biker girl so I am all for reading a biker story, but Nina has a way that keeps me riveted and I just do not want to let it go! It was a quick and sexy read and what you would expect in a biker story. Dirty and gritty.

Blade is one fine man. He is sexy and moody and we finally find out why he acts the way that he does. I felt bad for him. No kid should have to go through what he saw. He is such a strong man and I have nothing but love for him. Layla was a kick ass girl. Seriously. She is a bad ass that gives as good as she gets. She has experienced some things too and to be honest, that made them a good set up for me. They both were broken in their own way and needed each other to heal. One thing that is for certain, they chemistry was HOT! It just scorched the pages and made me envious! Seriously, HOT!

Im addicted to the Storm MC club and I cannot wait to see what happens.

Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5

Reviewed by Beggin (Shay) from Mommys a Book Whore
Profile Image for Rose.
1,449 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2014
Oh my, Nina Levine, you just keep getting better!!!! I have most definitely found myself a new book boyfriend!!!

To me the perfect embodiment of an Alpha male is one who is very protective of his woman without smothering her, thinks she's the sexiest woman on earth & is not afraid to let her know that, & most of all, can show & TELL his feelings without looking like a wuss. Blade (Donavan) Brookes is all those things. He knows he's broken & isn't afraid to let Layla see that. And when she tries to hold things in, he encourages her to let them out & to FEEL. And OMG, Layla is fantastic!!!! Such a perfect combination of tough as nails & sweet. She is exactly what Blade needs in his life. She does not judge him in any way, simply accepts him in all his complexity.

I've really been a little on the fence about Blade so far in this series. I have loved the way he was with Madison but he's always seemed kind of cold otherwise. And so much anger (not that he doesn't have plenty of reasons to be angry) but this book has brought me around & he is by far my new favorite!!!!

Anyone following the Storm MC series really MUST read this book. And if you haven't met them yet, you really should, especially since the first book in the series, Storm (Storm MC) is free!!!
Profile Image for Ani's  Reviews.
285 reviews10 followers
November 18, 2014
ARC for an honest review.

This book......

Ever since I met Blade I wanted to get to know him a lot better. He was the one who got my attention from the start and I just couldn't wait for his book to come out. Now that I have read it I have to say Nina didn't disappoint this time either. She made Blade som lovable everyone could fall in love with him.

He's that kind of guy we all want. Protective, sweet, hot, someone who can look into your soul and make you spill all the shit that's eating at you, because you know he'll be there later to pick up the pieces.

So if you didn't noticed before I absolutely adored Slay and I just can't even imagine what is ahead for Storm.

And no. I'm not changing my mind over Nash. Blade is delicious and hot and *sigh* but Nash is deep and wouldn't let go. Happy reading ladies!
Profile Image for Judith.
724 reviews2,924 followers
November 25, 2014
Have absolutely loved this series so far but this one just didn't do it for me

Have liked Blade in previous books but for some reason I didn't warm to him in this, wasn't really feeling the chemistry between him and Layla and ( my God ) I even skipped most of the SEX scenes !!!

Don't know why but it just didn't captivate me like the previous books did.
Profile Image for Cherry Pie.
930 reviews20 followers
Read
November 14, 2020
description

Lo ammetto, ai romance con bande di motociclisti cattivi e arrabbiati sul genere Sons of Anarchy non riesco mai a resistere. Anche se si somigliano un po’ tutti, anche se sono tutti piuttosto inverosimili, anche se Jackson Teller rimarrà il mio preferito da qui all’eternità nei secoli dei secoli e amen. Non posso farci niente, per me sono una droga tutti quei personaggi che indossano la maschera dei bruti senza paura, vendicativi e anaffettivi. E fisso sempre una sfida personale nel vedere fino a che percentuale del libro devo arrivare prima che il “finto cattivo” cali la maschera e riveli la sua umanità insieme al suo amore per l’eroina. D’accordo, ammetto pure di essere romantica, che male c’è?

description

Donovan, detto Blade, il protagonista di Letale, era già presente nei volumi precedenti che, ricordiamo, fanno appunto parte di una serie dedicata alla banda del Motoclub Storm a cui appartiene anche Blade. Bello, di poche parole, tatuato, muscoloso, per niente sorridente, ha vissuto un passato terribile con un padre padrone che puzza di letame da lontano due miglia.

Blade ha imparato le regole del club fin da ragazzino, sa combattere, uccidere, spacciare, essere spietato con i nemici ma è leale e sincero con gli amici, ha un rispetto totale per le donne e la pretesa segreta di aggiustare tutti i torti del mondo, il che fa di lui il mio splendido eroe.

La sua controparte femminile è Layla, spezzata ma mai piegata anche lei da un passato disastroso e da una famiglia disfunzionale, ama e protegge come una leonessa la sua cugina più giovane, insicura e dolcissima.

“Passione e rabbia divennero una cosa sola. Era la mia anima gemella.”


Due anime sole che vivono nell’oscurità, sempre pronti a sfoderare gli artigli ma che nel loro intimo anelano alla luce. E l’amore è luce per qualunque anima.

“Tutto accade al momento giusto. Dobbiamo essere pronti ad accettarlo così, quando succederà, riusciremo ad afferrarlo senza lasciarcelo sfuggire.”


Il migliore della serie per me con i protagonisti meglio delineati. Una storia di rinascita e di giustizia “personale”, da leggere per evadere e sognare un mondo in cui alla fine ogni torto subito viene riparato e ogni buon principio assecondato.

Grazie Nina!

Navillus.
https://www.thedirtyclubofbooks.it/le...
Profile Image for New Adult e dintorni.
1,274 reviews102 followers
November 24, 2020
CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA:

Nina Levine torna con la Storm MC Series e questa volta sarà il turbolento Blade a rubare la scena insieme alla sexy e peccaminosa Layla.

Layla Reed gestisce un bar in una zona tutt’altro che raccomandabile a Brisbane in Australia, è difficile arrivare a fine mese quando il suo socio in affari se l’è data a gambe lasciando debiti e loschi individui a terrorizzarla. Lei è la figlia dei ricchi Reed, conosciuti in tutto il Paese per la loro azienda mineraria, ma lei è scappata tanti anni prima insieme alla cugina Annie da quella vita fatta di false apparenze e di segreti inconfessabili.
Una sera mentre cerca di sedare l’ennesimo avventore del bar che con rudezza e volgarità la prevarica verrà salvata da quel cliente silenzioso che da anni frequenta il bar e vederlo da vicino in tutta la sua rabbiosa bellezza la manderà letteralmente in confusione.

‘𝑺𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒂 𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆, 𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒗𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒂̀ 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒊 𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒐.’

Blade è il nome di battaglia negli Storm ma il suo vero nome è Donovan Brookes, non guida una motocicletta come i suoi compagni ma una Jaguar nera e se all’apparenza gestisce un cantiere edile, l’illecito e la violenza fanno parte della sua vita. In quella ragazza forte che non ha bisogno di aiuto riconosce la sua fierezza e il suo bisogno di essere visto, da quella sera non potrà più lasciarla andare e proteggerla sarà il suo secondo obiettivo dopo averla conquistata e resa sua in tutti i modi possibili.

‘𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒗𝒂 𝒂 𝒏𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒍 𝒔𝒖𝒐 𝒅𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏 𝒍’𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒂 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒐, 𝒎𝒂 𝒍𝒂 𝒔𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒕𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒄’𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒊̀ 𝒄𝒉𝒆, 𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐 𝒅𝒊 𝒍𝒖𝒊, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐 𝒊 𝒔𝒖𝒐𝒊 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊.’

Blade è un personaggio complesso, sicuramente sofferente con un bisogno quasi fisico di infliggere dolore, lui che proprio nel prologo ci racconta cos’è stata la sua infanzia alla mercé di un padre violento che l’aveva sempre rifiutato.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,888 reviews159 followers
November 27, 2014
Nina Levine's Storm MC series is a set of seriously addicting books. As each biker's story is told, readers move through club business as well and watch the ins and outs of how business is run and what happens when enemies are out to get them and the payback they provide, even to the ones within their own circle. This time around in Slay, readers step outside the biker realm and get to know Donovan "Blade" Brookes, the man whose been quite the enigma since we were first introduced to him.

Being Marcus Cole's "other" son hasn't been easy on Blade, and he has the physical and mental scars to prove it. Without a father figure around, Blade did what he needed to do to help provide for himself and his mom, which lead him down a dark and dangerous path, one where there was no turning back from, especially when he lost the love of his life. Since losing Ashley, Blade's world has gone dark, and he finds comfort in the darkness. By not allowing anyone in, he can be at one with the monster within and not have to worry about tainting or losing anyone else. But if Layla Reed has anything to say about, she'll help Donovan slay his demons and find a way to help him carry his burdens and let a little of the light in.

As soon as Nina Levine introduced Blade into the storyline of the Storm MC series, I needed to know his story. I wanted to know what the darkness was that surrounded him and why he couldn't let it go, and Nina definitely shows readers the past that weighs him down and its debilitating effect on him, but she also shows Blade's other side - the side that wants to protect those he loves and find a way for them to be happy. Blade has a lot of anger inside and once it's lit, it's hard to shut down - that trait makes him extremely dangerous and deadly for that matter, but it also makes him someone you want in your corner. He's not a man of many words, but when he does say something, it's the truth, and his words usually lay out everything anyone needs to understand in order to make the best decision. Blade may be a bad man and have a laundry list of illegal and deadly deeds, but he's also a man that will put himself on the line for the people who matter most.

Nina Levine knows how to write kickass heroines. Layla is a great addition to Madison, Harlow, and Velvet. She's an independent, sassy woman who doesn't take shit from anyone. Her past is nothing like Blade's, but that's why they work because she's the light to his darkness, and she accepts every single part of him - scars and all. She gives Blade the peace that he needs even when he tries to push her away, which is exactly what Blade needs in order to let go of the past and try to move forward. She's a selfless woman who deserves the love of a man willing to give her everything, and she just might have found that man in Donovan.

Slay is a great addition to Levine's Storm MC series. It's a bit darker than the rest, but that's to be expected with the kind of past Blade has. The biker storyline gets a huge push forward in this story, so it will be interesting to see what the repercussions of events in this book mean for the future of the motorcycle club.

With steam, angst, danger, and sass, Blade and Layla's story is a must read.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Profile Image for Jax O.
1,737 reviews131 followers
September 7, 2015
My Oh My!!! When I read this summary for the first time I was on the edge of my seat. I absolutely could not wait for my chance to read about Blade. He has been a bit of an enigma with his deeply loyal dark and mysterious personality. A character with this passion hiding deeply in the shadows was guaranteed to rock any readers world. Donovan did not disappoint in offering a note worthy story. Layla is the perfect cohort for such a strong lead. Her take no prisoners, and cut straight to the bone kind of personality was the absolutely perfect combination of fire and gasoline. They are dangerous only if you get in the way! This would have to be by far one of my favorites to the series. There is not much more to add without given some of the spoilers away, so I can't let you know much more about the amazing continuation to the story line. It was well worth the wait for learning about the dark and brooding Blade.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
Profile Image for Sara M..
598 reviews20 followers
November 30, 2020
Il tipo seduto al tavolo da solo, al buio e nascosto da tutti non ha un’aria rassicurante. E seppur Layla lo vede ogni sera seduto al suo bancone del bar a bere scotch, lo lascia in pace. Capisce che è un uomo che ha bisogno dei suoi spazi. Un uomo difficile da decifrare e lei sembra più tormentata di lui quando lo guarda. Riesce a percepire quel contrasto interiore, il buio pronto ad inghiottirlo.
Senza nemmeno saperlo Layla sta per essere risucchiata nei bassifondi della malavita, al suo fianco però troverà Blade sempre pronto ad aiutarla, ad allungare una mano, a sorreggerla e alla fine a lasciarla fidarsi di lui.
Una protagonista che comunque risulta forte, tosta, che non si fa intimidire o retrocede alla vista di tatuaggi sexy. Non si lascia intimidire, ma non è nemmeno stupida. Sa quando deve farsi da parte e confidarsi con Blade chiedendogli aiuto. Layla, in questa serie, è nelle prime due protagoniste preferite!

E non mancherà un protagonista che ha affrontato il peggio dalla vita e sa quanto marciume ci si nasconde al di sotto. Blade è riuscito a risalire dalla strada, a farsi spazio a crearsi un rispetto rispettando le donne. Un gran punto a suo favore anche nella malavita che conduce.
Layla odia dover dipendere da qualcuno, è indipendentemente, ma capace di accettare (senza drammi) l'aiuto e il conforto di Blade, nonché anche ogni suo lato più oscuro e pericoloso.

Il club MC è confinato ai margini in questo volume, non lo definirei propriamente un MC romance per questo, anche se legato da un filo conduttore Blade non fa parte del club. E le scene all’interno di esso sono poche e molto scarne, per il resto le descrizioni sono accurate e la scrittura morbida e fluida.
La serie è composta da volumi autoconclusivi, ma essendoci una sottotrama comune vanno letti in ordine di uscita altrimenti si rischierà di non capire tutto in pieno.

Anche se la storia di Velvet, rimane la mia preferita, questa serie è stata veramente in crescendo come caratterizzazione ed emozioni. Sono felice di non averla abbandonata! 
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 5 books61 followers
May 19, 2021
So intense!

4,5 stars.

I'm crazy about this series and its characters. It's amazing and addicting and this book wasn't different.
Blade and Layla were so strong and resilient. But they also showed such a deep vulnerability that it was heartbreaking to watch.

They were constantly fighting their own demons and warring battles for their loved ones. This overwhelming way of living their lives was bound to take its toll on them one way or another.
But the good thing is that they found each other to share their burdens. And they had a lot.

It was so beautiful to watch how two strong people became partners and started trusting each other despite being so used to solving everything and relying only on themselves.
And the cherry on top: they were really, really sexy.

I'm addicted to this series.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews160 followers
November 17, 2014



Blade or Donovan as his woman likes to call him has manners which in this world, is s*** it's hard to find ladies, "he gave me a nod. "Yeah, thanks." Well at least he knew how to be polite even if he didn't speak much. It had become so hard to find men with manners these days." Obviously our boy has a decent body all of our Storm men do, "good," he murmured, and began to walk away from me. I let my gaze drop to his a**. He had a great a** and the jeans he wore hugged him, accentuating it." When in the bedroom with Blade you have to remember he calls the shots, actually I think all of the men call the shots in this series, but Blade is just more dominant, "I'm gonna place you on the bed, and then I'm going to eff you, but not with my c***. You get to choose, my tongue or my fingers." I think I need to mention again that he calls the shots in the bedroom, "we need to get one thing straight," he growled, tightening his hold on my neck. "When I'm in the middle of effing you with my mouth, you don't interrupt. You can have my c***, but it'll be when I decide it's time. Do you understand?" There was one scene I love and smiled from ear to ear it wasn't a bedroom scene but an after-the-next-morning-scene:
I grinned and laid a palm to his face. "That was happiness. And pure effing amazement that I finally found a man who knows how to use kitchen utensils."
He returned my grin, and eff me, there need to be more of that s*** in my life. Smiles from Donovan are my world. "I'm domesticated, baby. My mother taught me well," he said.
Sometimes Layla likes to get her man worked up but it may not be at the best of times, "depends on how you look at it. I'm sitting here with a effing hard-on at eleven thirty in the morning and no way for it to be taken care of. Doesn't sound effing lucky to me." Blade is the ultimate alpha male and he has manners and class and tons of hotness, "I stood roughly and pulled her to me. "Baby, if I wanted to eff you in public, there'd be nothing you could do to stop me," I growled before I crushed my lips to hers in a rough kiss." And I kind of lie there were two scenes in this book that made me grin from ear to ear:
"You stealing from my bar, baby?" I asked. "Cause if you are, I'll have to think of ways to punish you."
His nostrils flared and his breathing picked up. His face was a wild mask of desire as he growled. "If anyone's doing the punishing, it'll be me sweetheart."
I do believe this is the longest review I have ever written for Nina up to date but hell ladies it was Blade and let's face it the boy needed more attention than the others.
Profile Image for V.
367 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2014
Sigh. Another book I was looking forward to but didn’t quite work out for me. Why? The writing was noticeably different from the other three books, which I enjoyed. Either that or the incessant use of the same language was something that I missed the first three times. This time however, the constant use of the same cuss word just grated on my nerves. Let me be clear….cussing doesn’t bother me, especially when used correctly. But all the characters in this book only seemed to have the word ”Fu*k” in their vocabulary. And it wasn’t used in a funny way either…

description

No, it was more like ”Fu*k me” “Fu#k!” “What the fu*k?” “Fu#k” “Fu*k” “Fuuuuu*k”

To prove my point, I searched the word and it came up 500 times! In the end, I felt more like

description

Aside from that, the storyline was ok I guess. The hero, Blade had too many pity parties for himself and I expected more from him. The heroine started off all ’I don’t need your help’ to calling Blade whenever the shit hit the fan.
2.5-3 stars.
579 reviews17 followers
October 21, 2016
Oh boy. This is one of the reviews I hate to write. I love Nina, I love Storm. I don't love Slay.

The characters were good, the plot was good. The execution was, well, rushed. Pieces of puzzles were found and placed quickly and sometimes without a solid explanation. The two main characters connection was lacking. Too many of the events were convenient. Like, super freaking convenient. Over all, the book was OTT.

And never did I think I would say this... there's too much sex. Ok, not really too much, but there is so much, I never feel like I believe the H/h's connection. The sex was hot, as usual, but, I dunno, I kept thinking, "ok, they're having sex again. Can I get some dialogue?"

Even though I was disappointed with Slay, I am definitely reading the next in the Storm series. Not every book can resonate with every reader. This one did not click with me. However, Nina is extremely talented and my belief in her writing is not diminished.

I was given an ecopy in exchange for am honest review.
1 review1 follower
November 28, 2014
I was so excited for this book and feel disappointed. It felt rushed and a lot of talk used in previous books and I have struggled to read this book. The previous I couldn't put down.
I had a fantasy spot for Blade and thought he was darker and heavier and found his character in the book too light and soft. I felt Layla was too easy as well and I didn't feel the drive of romance like I have in the other Storm books. I also found I skipped most of the love making scenes as they didn't grab me like say J and Maddison or Scott and Harlow.
In saying it was rushed the Marcus scene was predictable and I was glad Griff was revealed as I had gathered it was Scott behind it as it was well written in previous book.
I do feel bad writing this as so many great positive responses though I have to be honest. I haven't given up on Nina and look forward to Griff's book.
Profile Image for Cristina.
341 reviews334 followers
December 2, 2014
5 Big stars for my favorite Storm book so far...

description

If you aspect a biker book than you will be disappointed but if you like a strong alpha man ("the arm porn dude" :P )and a strong woman that can kick any man's ass then you are about to read the right book...

This book can be read as a stand alone but I recommend that you read them in order because a big part of the action is tied to the rest of the novels in the Storm series.

Enjoy!
Profile Image for ⊱✿⊰ Alicia ⊱✿⊰ .
675 reviews462 followers
March 1, 2015
Well now I have finished SLAY I can honestly say that Nina has delivered a 5* series!!! This was Blades story and I found him the hottest so far and again I thought there was the right mix of club business and love business ;). I am so looking forward to Grif's story though as he has intrigued me the whole series.k
Profile Image for Clare.
1,310 reviews42 followers
December 2, 2014
Amazing out of all of these books this one was the most emotional for me to get through, I really love Nina's writing she has a way of getting you to feel what her characters are feeling. I can't wait to read Giff's book.
Profile Image for Meg.
1,324 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2020
recensione "a cura del blog Libri magnetici" by Meghan

In questa serie degli MC australiani, Blade era di sicuro il personaggio più atteso, poiché avevamo intuito avesse una sua storia tragica alle spalle, pur non essendo un membro effettivo del Club ma ci è solo collegato dagli affari e dal padre, dato che è il fratellastro di Madison e Scott.
Il libro, però, si apre subito su Layla, la protagonista, letteralmente una tosta, che tira pugni e botte a uomini violenti, uscendone vincitrice; ma poi scopriamo, nel corso della storia, che viene da un contesto completamente diverso, dove la ricchezza serviva a nascondere della atrocità impensabili.
La sua è una scelta totale di rifiuto emotivo e fisico: il suo legame con la cugina Annie, il modo in cui vuole aiutarla e proteggerla, ne fanno un bellissimo e coraggioso personaggio femminile, di quelli che non si dimenticano.
Per più di un anno, Donovan “Blade” Brooks frequenta il suo bar e a malapena la saluta.

«Non avevo mai incontrato un uomo come lui. Qualcuno che avesse la capacità di farmi desiderare di stare con lui ma allo stesso tempo non volere avere niente a che farci.»

Di lui ci era rimasta negli occhi la scena straziante in uno dei capitoli finale del romanzo sul suo fratellastro Scott (ma vi assicuro che questo nuovo capitolo può essere letto tranquillamente come uno stand-alone, a differenza degli altri).E’ l’immagine di un uomo distrutto, che viene dalla violenza della sua infanzia e vive nella violenza della sua vita da adulto, con un lato completamente nascosto, che riesce a colmare attraverso la violenza fisica estrema: ed è questo che lui offre a Layla, un’anima danneggiata che può solo essere accettata così com’è, e lei lo “sente”, lo accoglie, dando alla loro storia una svolta.

«Guardai Layla dormire mentre mi rivestivo.
……………..
Tutto ciò che la riguardava era spettacolare, ma la bellezza fisica impallidiva a paragone con quella interiore. Era gentile, affettuosa e resiliente e io ero attratto da lei. C’era un legame tra noi che non riuscivo a comprendere, ma lo sentivo.»

Questo nuovo capitolo degli MC è molto diverso dagli altri: è il cammino di Blade verso una possibilità di vita, è il suo trovare una compagna che capisce e accetta anche il suo lato più terribile, il suo finalmente perdonarsi per la morte del suo primo amore.

«Sarei stato pronto ad accettare qualsiasi cosa pur di non perdermi niente di quello che Layla aveva da offrirmi. Non mi sarei lasciato sfuggire la mia vita un’altra volta. Inoltre, anche se avevo ancora molti demoni da zittire, sapevo che sarebbe stata al mio fianco ad aiutarmi.»

Anche le scene “hot” qui sono solo un perfetto complemento ai sentimenti dei due, poiché l’evolversi della storia è incentrato sulle emozioni, sulla violenza che Blade cerca di nascondere e domare ma che Layla comprende e condivide accettandola fino in fondo.Insomma, questo capitolo su Blade doveva essere così: forte e straziante, ma capace di prenderci il cuore.

«Meritiamo tutti qualcuno che ci veda per quello che siamo e che ci accetti.»

Cinque petali.
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,823 reviews234 followers
August 19, 2021
Karin - per RFS
.
Tutto ciò che la riguardava era spettacolare, ma la bellezza fisica impallidiva a paragone con quella interiore. (Tratto dal libro)



Sono giorni che rifletto razionalmente su cosa scrivere in questa dannata recensione, e più passa il tempo e più le uniche cose a cui penso sono Mi sono innamorata di lui e della sua violenza, la sua crudeltà, la protezione che emana e la seduzione che esplode mi inchiodano al letto, con Blade. (Tratto dalla mente perversa e passionale di Karin)

Blade è un personaggio ipnotizzante che abbiamo conosciuto nei volumi precedenti alla serie, in primis come fratello di Madison, il cui legame è davvero disarmante ma anche come “fratello” di sangue di Scott. In questo libro potrete scoprire come si modifica il loro rapporto e come la famiglia finalmente si ricostituisca, ma soprattutto come verrà preso a calci Marcus, quell’essere maledetto che dovrebbe semplicemente morire nello sterco da cui è uscito. Violenta? Dopo aver letto questo romanzo ne capirete indubbiamente i motivi.

Il nostro protagonista nasce e cresce nella violenza, sopravvissuto a una vita di stenti in cui si è macchiato di molti crimini, tra cui l’omicidio. Un’anima con un passato travagliato che non ha ancora dimenticato, non è riuscito a superare ciò che è accaduto dieci anni addietro, sta per crollare…

In un locale come tanti, che frequenta da ormai un anno, la scintilla lo riaccende alla vista di Layla, la proprietaria. E vi chiederete voi, ma come va lì da un anno e non l’ha mai incontrata? Me lo sono domandata anche io all’inizio, ma probabilmente Blade si attiva di fronte alla minaccia e al pericolo; è un killer che cammina in un limbo, non interessato alle donne, non è in cerca di un paio di gambe a cui speronarsi. Questa volta Layla avrà bisogno di lui e non solo in quest’occasione; ecco che in lui senti il click con cui si aziona la furia cieca!

La protagonista femminile, Layla, è diversa da quelle incontrate finora nella serie, mi sono immedesimata tanto in lei, è una donna che proviene da una famiglia in cui l’apparenza vale più della sostanza. È una persona con forte empatia, che sa mettere gli altri davanti ai propri bisogni; non giudica ma accoglie. È bellissima, non tanto nell’aspetto quanto in quello che sa donare, ma non illudetevi non è un angioletto, tira fuori gli artigli quando serve come una vera femmina.

Insieme sono stupendi! Come in tutti i romanzi di Nina Levine la trama è molto semplice e lineare, senza grandi rivelazioni e colpi di scena, manca a volte quel qualcosa in più. Soprattutto con un protagonista così avrei voluto vivere ancora di più la forza, la violenza e la passione di un personaggio come Blade. Doveva eruttare come un vulcano e distruggere cuori come lava che scorre! È finito troppo presto, ho ancora bisogno di lui e mi ha già abbandonato?

L’altro aspetto che contraddistingue questo volume è la forza delle donne, la tenacia che le accomuna, sarà questo che le unirà sempre più. Due donne, entrambe legate a Marcus ma molto diverse, agli antipodi, unite da uno stesso destino e incatenate a un mostro, usciranno da un tunnel oscuro senza fine durato fin troppo tempo.

Consiglio il romanzo agli innamorati della serie Storm Mc e agli amanti del genere, quando entri nel mondo dei bikers non lo abbandoni più.
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