Haunted by the shadows of his own mind, Finn has no plans on getting involved with a woman. But Fate has other ideas in mind when a woman who was dragged to the clubhouse by her sister suddenly asks him to give her a ride home.
Just as he was about to deliver her safely home, though, a threat materializes, causing damage to them both that bonds the unlikely pair together.
While recovering physically, music becomes their refuge for their internal wounds, weaving an intimate connection between them.
But the man who attacked Lexy is relentless in his pursuit, threatening to shatter the fragile sanctuary they've built.
Fighting against both external threats and the internal struggles within Finn, they discover that love can be a powerful antidote to the darkness that surrounds them…
* All books in this series can be read as standalones *
Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks” and for any audiophile and lover of JG books - Finn’s story is a symphony.
In the shadow of his sister (see: Rise of Ferryn) and the less important role in the MC than that of his brother (see: Fallon) it was easy to almost forget about the third child of our beloved Daddy Reign (OG Prez, see: Reign) and his girl Summer - where all things Henchmen started.
Finn lost himself for a while too, and thankfully found the right woman to help him find his way out of that hole. Though giving credit where credit is due, he put in the work and found the right tools to battle with his bout of depression on his own. I think Finn’s story and personal struggles are relatable for many and touch on a topic that should be talked about more often…relatable I mean like therapy and depression are common and treatable, not relatable like it’s common to live in an illegal arms dealing way of life. For most of us anyway. If you’re an illegal arms dealer reading this, I would love to know how you got into reading romance! DM me!
Without a woman in danger it simply wouldn’t be a Henchmen romance however, and the audiophile who completes this couple, Lexy, is a joy. So open and honest about struggles she’s had but also just the right amount of gumption that she’s not a doormat. (You should always advocate for yourself.) Lexy is a great addition to the Girl’s Club collection with her eclectic music taste, dry humor, and ability to fit in with the less than legal crowd Finn calls family.
Jessie is quite possibly the best writer on the planet to bring in minor characters that grip you and don’t let go, and don’t forget about those epilogues!
Roderick’s (he’s got a book too) twins are back (why choose maybe? MAYBE?!), the Irish are making a stand in NB (throat tats and gun collections, with an attitude and NEEDS his own book), mentions of trusted neighbors as big as brick walls deserve to tell their story, and lots of little prospects running around needing their happy endings too. (Here’s where I am twelve, “happy endings made me snort when I wrote it) Oh! And can we talk about the new chapter in Texas? We might be losing Sutton in New Jersey but we are gaining a whole new sister chapter that will be sure to make up for it. (Also twelve…everything is bigger in Texas, eh eh…amiright?)
(I’m sorry)
As always, Henchmen books leave me feeling happy like someone gave me a pint of Dole whip ice cream and a fuzzy blanket. Highly recommend you keep on grabbing them as they release as you won’t be disappointed.
Someone once asked me how long a series can be without becoming annoying. The answer is simple. When the story is as good and as damn well written as JG books, then the series can be endless.
Her Henchmen MC series, the origins and the next generation, is like meeting with old friends. I'll never get enough because I just love the writing style, I love the story, and because I love the way the stories are told.
None of these stories about the bikers and their women repeat themselves. Each of these stories is unique and dramatic and action-packed.
Just like this book.
It's a wonderful, easy to read and also strong story about a young man who grew up in a house full of family and friends, and despite this, is feeling, in a way, alone. It describes how depression can affect everyone, even the most funny and entertaining people. I like that Jessica isn't afraid to address topics that aren't easy to describe.
So yes, ones again a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, sweet (despite a lot of angsty scenes and energy) and scorching hot love story ❤️ 😍
All of Jessica's books have an amazing HEA, and what I love is the insight into the characters' futures. It's so good to hear what happens to the character in 10 or 20 years.
Completely personal reaction to this book. Lower rating due to promoting a band whose lead singer is an alleged peadophile. Little bit shocked TBH with this type of genre that’s written by women for women. I used to be a huge fan of this band but wouldn’t ever suggest people listen to them and therefore provide financial gains for them. Unfortunately it’s put me off the rest of the authors work.
Having Reign as a father and Ferryn and Fallon as your older siblings has been a tough haul for Finn. Not that he doesn't love them deeply but he's struggled which has led to him being depressed. I love how the author presented this and addressed it. Lexy was perfect for him.
To be honest. I wasn’t excited for Finn’s book. He didn’t really capture my attention in the previous books so I was having trouble believing his book would keep my attention. Oh how wrong I was!
Finn turned out to be one of my favorites. His character has so much depth and emotion without feeling like he’s soft and shouldn’t be a biker. I love the way he was dominant in the bedroom too! HOT!
Jessica did a great job, as always, with allowing the reader to understand what it’s like to suffer from some type of mental disorder. She captured the true essence of the need to be alone but then feeling lonely and stuck in a dark hole. However, she didn’t give the impression of the character wallowing in their situation.
This had it all, action and suspense with intensity and levity. A definite must read!
I’ve read a lot of the Henchmen books and they all have familiar elements, but it’s when the story manages to give good chemistry and tweak the formula with real character development that I adore.
This one deals with depression and the ways the MCs find to deal with their mental health issues that bonds them that I love. There’s the usual trigger warnings (physical violence against the FmC and MmC, murder, etc please check before reading), and it’s still Ms G’s specialty -the damsel in distress trope- but the journey kept me engaged. Off to listen to that playlist….
I love Finn and from my past I can relate to how he felt. I love how the story started to pull him out of his hole but indicated there was more to be done. A lot of Lexy resonates with me. I really liked how Finn and Lexy came together and how they just work.
This was a thoughtful approach to describe and address depression and it's affects. I love the reference to music therapy since it has helped me out of the low times in my life.
What are you doing? Stop reading and just buy Finn! You know it is amazing JG wrote it! But seriously it was an amazing book. So glad we got to have Finn’s story, it may have taken a while but completely worth the wait!
Genre & Tropes : romance biker x suspense plot x forced proximity x depression x falling in love with music
Une romance de bikers que j'ai lu avec plaisir !
Cette romance pour moi est un peu différente des autres tomes car il y a également tout un cheminement personnel autour de la façon dont la musique peut aider les gens, la façon dont on peut gérer une dépression ...
Oui il y a une intrigue autour d'un groupe de voleurs de voitures hyper violents (mais très bêtes parce que sérieux qui s'attaque à des bikers ??) et un particulier qui fait une fixation su l'héroïne mais j'ai particulièrement aimé la façon dont les deux héros se complètent, avec toute leur noirceur !
Bref, une romance profonde et romantique que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir !
PS : je veux trop un tome sur Perish !
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A biker romance that I enjoyed reading !
For me, this romance is a little different from the other volumes because there's also a whole personal journey around how music can help people, how we can deal with depression ...
Yes, there's a plot around a group of hyper-violent car thieves (but very stupid because seriously, who attacks bikers ??) and a particular individual who is fixated on the heroine, but I particularly liked the way the two heroes complement each other, with all their darkness !
In short, a deep and romantic romance that I read with great pleasure !
Finn is the 10th book in the Henchmen MC New Generation Series. He is Reign (Book #1 original Henchmen series) and Summer’s third child.
Finn is an absolute sweetheart! He’s such a good man with a kind heart. He’s always been a little bit more quieter than some of the other kids in this series, which has only added to his charms and made him a tiny bit mysterious.
Lexy is gorgeous! She’s a really great female lead who does whatever she can to take care of her sister.
Finn and Lexy are brought together because of an experience they go through. There’s an attraction between them when they first meet, which only grows deeper the more time they spend together. I enjoyed their storyline regarding their love of music. While there are a lot of different types of music I don’t care for, the kinds I do like, I listen to often so I could totally appreciate their feelings towards it.
I loved getting to see/meet some of the secondary characters. I’ll be honest, I’ve had to start a cheat sheet of sorts in order to keep up with who everyone is. I’m liking Perish (the neighbor and future prospect), the prospects we already know (Callow, Brooks, Sutton, Sully, etc.) and the twins Rune and Croft (Roderick’s boys) who are new prospects that apparently have some secrets from their recent travels. A number of sisters/wives made appearances and it was nice seeing them welcome Lexy so quickly making her feel at home.
I always love Jessica’s books and cannot wait to see which story will be next and in which series.
First off, if you've not read the rest of Jessica's books, and there's a lot to catch up on - go do it! Starting with Reign - Henchmen book 1, you will get to see Finn grow up. This in the 10th book in the 2nd gen series. Finn is the younger son of the OG pres, and brother to the current boss.
Finn's has always appealing, in that he was somewhat over shadowed by his larger than life siblings. I was intrigued to learn more about his character and what sort of girl he would end up with. Lexy is a prickly lady - which I also appreciate. One who would rather be at home than out partying. She accompanied her sister to the club house and the rest is history.
Two main themes of this book, music and mental health, have been so important in my own life, so I really connected to this story in a personal way. Especially appreciated the rock / alternative slant to the playlist, as that's where my main enjoyment is based.
You get the usual excellent side characters, cameos from the other biker brothers and teasers for possible future stories that Jessica's books are known for.
Every time I read one of her books, there are at least 2 more characters introduced that I NEED the stories of - can't really think of another author crafted universe that I've ever been more invested in.
Navesink Bank always provides an excellent escape from the real world. Can't wait to go back, particularly for Perish, Brooks and Amos's stories!
I loved the mental health aspect to this story. It gave this MMC a certain depth beyond just a really great tough guy. Along with addressing the various usual ways to deal with depression, the music storyline was really great. The MFC gives him some playlists that help channel his emotions.
“Because, I mean, it wasn’t really possible for someone to be so into music without having lots of big feelings inside.”
And I liked this description of depression,
“I haven’t gotten to a place where life had no… no joy or no meaning anymore. Or where I felt like I was too overwhelmed to function. If any of that happened, though, I wouldn’t hesitate to get on the meds again. You gotta do what you gotta do to feel like life isn’t a slow slog toward death, right?”
I LOVE Finn & Lexy! OMH, they are perfect! For each other & for me, story-wise. From their first meeting to the ease of their relationship - outside danger excepted - their story made my heart happy.
I love the role music plays in the story through Lexy & how she's able to help Finn with it. They have some 🔥🔥🔥 going on as well, but the focus of their togetherness is on how well they suit.
Also enjoyed getting to know Perish, and the other new prospects, Lottie, and more from the club family.
This was a fun, quick read in the Henchmen universe. I love how Finn and Lexy connected through music and appreciated the authentic approach to mental health. And damn, for Finn being somewhat recluse, his dirty talk is 🔥🔥🔥
I enjoy everything by Jessica, but do think the series has become a little repetitive. Each story is unique and entertaining but the overarching framework and sequence of events is the same in every book, which makes it hard to keep them all straight.
It is funny how life can change when you make a small choice. Instead of calling a ride share or asking someone else for a ride, Lexy ends up asking the grouchy looking hot biker. Finn agrees, but little do they know what is in store. This choice changes so many things in both their lives. This story is refreshing, dives into different life aspects, and has great music. Finn is the youngest of Reign and Summer (1st book in the Henchmen series). We get glimpses of characters we know so well and introduced to new ones as well.
Seriously. I love the mental illness rep. The music recs. The THERAPY that’s never diminished or mocked. The book takes real world issues and handles them so respectfully but also its full of quips and banter and steamy scenes and so much heart and chemistry and characterization. Seriously, ever Jessica Gadziala book somehow is better than the last. Can’t wait to see where she’ll take us next!
Loved that the epidemic of depression and anxiety was addressed so tastefully. Finn suffered with depression and unknowingly found a girl with the same. Lexus had a passion for music and encouraged Finn to listen and reflect on songs that had helped her. On the first night they met Lexus and Finn were attacked and severely injured. She was attacked twice more but this last time was his last time.
I loved this story between Finn and Lexy! I appreciated how Jessica addressed depression in this book. Lexy’s understanding of depression from her own personal experience was a big support for Finn, along with his family. Exercise, getting out more, finding a passion (Lexy and their shared love of music) and therapy were all tools Finn used to get out of the “mental hole” he felt like he had been in for a while. Great story!
This story was so much fun! I really loved the h. I like the black cat energy she gives off. And Finn, ahhh it's so nice to read about the second gen. I loved seeing the siblings relationships. And Summer... ugh, the Henchmen is my comfort series. I am interested in who the h's sister ended up with... was it a biker? And the new prospects... yeah!
I loved everything about this second generation book, Finn and his lady are perfect for each other,their mutual love of music is awesome and as usual this is a sweet,lovely love story with a happily ever after that we have come to expect and love from Jessica, I highly recommend this author, this series, this book and everything this author has written 🖤❤️
Finn and Lexy are perfect for each other. Lexy totally understands what Finn has been going through as she had been there herself. And although he is taking steps to socialise more and find an interest or a hobby Lexy introduces him to music. And then there love affair begins.
How does Jessica do this to me every time? Every time I read a new book in this series I’m like I couldn’t possible love the next one more, but I do EVERY SINGLE TIME. Now I must grieve until another novel is released 🥲.
Such a phenomenal series. Just the right amount of struggle, pain, and spice.
This was an okay read. It definitely follows the same formula that the author laid out for the majority of books in her Henchmen MC Series. Basic character development, a smidge of suspense, a touch of action, requisite steamy scenes and that about sums things up. Nothing noteworthy or memorable. 2.5 stars.
I am so late in getting my thoughts together in regards to Finn; I have read this book twice now because I loved it so much! The music, the connections, the importance of mental health, new characters, old and beloved characters and so much more! I think this might be my favorite installment in the Next Gen Series! I could not have loved it more!
A but different with the mental anxiety angle, yet we didn't see it much, more like they cured each other when they met and he found the passion for music. Somehow, I feel that their recovery from the attack was quite fast . Didn't get how and why the guy went to her work . I wonder when we will see the girls' stories, as well if there is one for her sister. Good to see Perish
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ohhhh Finn and Lexy are the sweetest couple ever. If he hadn’t been depressed and staying at the clubhouse and she hadn’t felt obliged to watch out for her sister at a party at the clubhouse they would never have met. If they hadn’t been jumped when he gave her a lift home they would probably of gone about their separate lives but the university had plans .
Great read. I absolutely loved Finn and Lexi’s story ❤️❤️❤️ such a great couple, perfect for each other. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️you will not be disappointed 😎
Finn needed his mind and heart to find some peace and happiness and when he offers to help a woman home they connect in ways he didn’t see coming. Both of the same mindset can they figure out who has hurt them and find that peace with each other.
Read these book read all her Henchmen books . I. hate writing reviews but this is the only women that has wrote over thirty books and I have devoured every damn one. If that does not say something then nothing does.