Redeem Me

Backcountry Kings MC #1

by Bijou Hunter, Noelle Zane

HEAT ღ HUMOR ღ HEA

Natasha Kovak always knew she wouldn’t choose her husband. As the youngest daughter of Banta City’s crime boss, it was her duty to follow in her family’s tradition of arranged marriages.

Two years ago, she learned the Kovak Syndicate would strengthen their alliance with the Backcountry Kings Motorcycle Club by having her marry one of the bikers. To her relief, the club’s sexy road captain, Bear O’Malley volunteered.

The grumpy biker had long wanted the kind-hearted mafia princess, but he never figured he would get a chance to claim her.

Before they could be married, though, Natasha’s childhood friend was accidentally killed by Bear. Overwhelmed by grief, she fled the engagement, her family, and Banta City.

Now, a violent situation has forced Natasha to crawl back to her family for help. In doing so, she’ll need to fulfill her promise to the Kovak Syndicate and Backcountry Kings. But is it too late to rekindle the attraction she shared with Bear?

The Backcountry Kings MC series contains sexual content, harsh language, graphic violence, and drug use. This book is only suitable for readers 18+.

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Second Chance Romance, Crime, Abuse, Suspense, Second Chance, Romance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2024

About the author

Author of Contemporary ~ New Adult ~ Romantic Suspense

The Damaged series reading order
~ Beast
~ Knight
~ Cobra
~ Outlaw
~ Dragon
~ Bulldog
~ Saint

Little Memphis MC series reading order
~ Little Memphis
~ Broken Memphis

Standalone Romances
Gator ~ a story between an assassin and the woman he claims.
Used ~ ex con biker finds love and redemption with a club girl.

I love interacting with readers. Contact me here:

Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorBijouHunter
Twitter: BijouBooks
Mailing List: bijouhunterbooks.com/mailing-list

Happy reading!!!

Reviews

[Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 re-read: I still really liked this one. I re-read it because I finished the Steel Beserkers series and was curious if they wrote about Banta City only to find out I’d already read book 1 😅 now knowing the context of the city and characters from the last book of the other series I wanted to read this again before jumping into book 2 which features the sister of the heroine from the SB series. Anywho, at the end of this book there’s also a teaser for a spin off with Natasha’s mafia brother which is exactly what I’d been hoping for (!!!) only to find out this series ended at 3 books because it wasn’t well received enough so the Kovak mafia spin-off was scraped as well 😩 so sad. Hoping people get into this series and they change their mind 🥺 long shot but I’m so intrigued by the Kovaks! And this MC origin is very interesting with the band of foster brothers. Hopefully I like the next two books just as much, we’ll see. But no matter what that’s it so 😢

———
Original review:

This was such a fun read. It features a mafia + motorcycle club arranged marriage, a runaway bride (but not for the reason you’d assume) who returns years later with two toddlers in tow who aren’t her own. If you know me you know I looove a single parent romance and I especially love single parents that aren’t the biological parents so this was a treat. When she returns her marriage plans are back on with grumpy Bear O’Malley who finally gets the girl he’s been pining for plus an instant family. I loved seeing them all bond.

I will say the characters feel almost like rough drafts of real people, but not in a bad way, imo. They’re just odd, strange, and not quite real seeming. The humor in Bijou’s books is very dry and silly. Not laugh out loud funny, just amusing and odd. I don’t know, it really works for me though. In general Bijou Hunter is an interesting author. Her writing style is unique and probably not for everyone. She’s written a ton though and I’m surprised she doesn’t have more readers. I first came across her work in 2020 when I picked up a free book and I’ve liked everything of hers I’ve tried since then, admittedly not very many but after this book I think I’ll tackle some of hers that are on my TBR soon.

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump and this kept my attention really well so I’m happy I came across it. It was a quick and easy read. There were also about 10,000 side characters that could have their own story so I’m curious to see which ones get books and I’ll definitely be back to check out the future books in this series.

[Serialbookstarter:Marla]

DNF

I feel Like I’m missing all the back story here. Clearly this isn’t a stand alone. There’s a big information dump and too much going on that doesn’t make sense.

[~♥*Marianna*♥~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not bad but I stopped reading like half way or maybe even 75% in and haven’t wanted to pick it up again. The deal is that when the heroine was gone the hero made a bit of an idol out her but when she’s back he goes back and forth on whether to go for it. She’s the one who has to reassure him multiple times that it will work out even though he hurt her very badly by killing a friend. She has adopted kids and has to look out for their future and also he’s her best shot at an okay life because otherwise she will be married off in a contract marriage to a potentially dangerous stranger. In such a situation I would prefer the hero being 100% in, being the savior she needs despite her reservations, but instead this guy seems like another baby she needs to pacify in her life. I’m exaggerating a little but I think that impression is maybe why I haven’t felt the need to actually finish reading this book. I’m good, I got the gist of their dynamic and I’m satisfied.

[netty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cleary not stand-alone, huge info dump in the chapters and a choppy style not for me

[B.E.Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! this book blew me away, Bijou hunter's ability to create always astounds me and each new series and even book I am once again reminded why I love her so much. Her books are an escape and a way to just relax and enjoy. I know with all her books I will get that and more. And thats just what I got from this book

Natasha and Bear knew who each other where but it wasn't till Bear showed his compassion in front of Natasha that Natasha fell hard. So when their two families planned for the two to marry Natasha couldn't have been happier until one night everything changed and Natasha left. Now two years later Natasha needs her crime families help so she returns home and not alone. When Natasha comes home she knows her reasons for leaving were good but she also knows her family and what is expected of her. So when she is told a marriage must happen Natasha has to decide if the reason for leaving is a reason enough to find a new husband or if her love for Bear can heal what he broke.

Bear knew what he had in Natasha and their marriage was what he wanted then she left and he's tried to move on but Bear will always love and want Natasha, so when she comes home Bear has all these different feelings running through him but wanting her wins out. When Bear finds out a marriage may still be on the table he stops at nothing to claim what is his. Setting out to show Natasha he's the man she needs and always thought he was Bear does everything he can to get back what they had. There's a new mix to their relationship that Bear soon realizes is not a burden but a blessing and makes what they have even better. But with the MC and this crime syndicate we know it can't be that easy and soon Natasha and Bear realize that as well.

This book blew me away for so many reasons. Bear, done enough said. He is what we have come to expect for Bijou Hunter. I loved Natasha and her entire family. The MC and Natasha's friends aren't just side characters they add to this book. I really hope we have many more books not only of Natasha's friends and the MC but of Natasha's brothers. The big scene in this book, I don't know how to describe it, it was amazing but that word is used to often and doesn't describe how epic it was. This entire book from word one till the end I was hooked. From every aspect I am wracking my brain trying to think of one thing I didn't like and I can honestly say there wasn't one thing.

When read Bijou Hunter books I know I will always laugh, the hero will be not only memorable but the alpha hero I love and her epilogues aren't just endings to books they are the magical cherry on her beautiful book sundae! I can't recommend this book enough. If your a Bijou Hunter fan thats a no brainer, if you love MC books yes, crime boss books, yes, funny hot romance books yes. I guess if you don't love a great romance book and you hate happy endings this isn't for you, but everyone else get this book!

*Thank you Bijou Hunter for this Beta book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha is the youngest daughter of Banta City's powerful crime boss who had her eye on Bear from the jump, the road captain of the Backcountry Kings MC. They've lit up the sheets a couple times when it was decided that she would marry him. She was happy with that until an unfortunate event involving Bear sent her running for the hills, and she fell in love with two babies that kept her tied to a man who was abusive away from her family. Those babies were everything to her so when he finally turned his abuse towards them, well, she did a thing & called her family finally. Now she's back at home & she's going to have to be put up on the marriage auction block again, but luckily, Bear was fine with the old contract being fulfilled, however they have a long road ahead of them. The chemistry is still there but both are hurt from the past events so it's a lot of push & pull. On top of that, there's danger to them because another crime faction doesn't want this marriage to happen so there are plenty of twists coming in hot. Will Bear & Natasha finally forgive the past so they have a future together?! This story was so good making it impossible to put down for even a second. The heat, the angst, the suspense, and the humor because of the amazing supporting cast (OMG her bachelorette party LOL) which had me laughing a ton. I'm so excited for more of this series as it's straight fire that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Terri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two got me right in the feels. Natasha's grief and Bear's regret ate at them for two years and then the universe said nope, we've had enough of this, time to bring these two back together.

Natasha's family is mafia and Bear's is in MC and I was curious to see how these two organizations would come together. Hilarity ensued as usual. Bear bought a big empty house...

"Why is your house so big?" I ask Bear after he shuts and locks the door.
"What's wrong with it?"
"You live here alone?"
"No, I have cats."

Sure, bud. Bought your big empty house for "the cats".

It took some time for these two to trust each other but there was no question they never stopped loving each other. Bear had a traumatic childhood and his abandonment issues roared back to life when Natasha ran so there is a lot of soothing required to mend his heart and Natasha is PERFECT for this. I think she is one of my favorite Bijou h's. She is scared but strong, sweet, and funny. Once Bear starts to trust again there is lots of "MINE!" coming from him and I sure do enjoy some OTT possessiveness!

I loved the new world this series is set in - there are sooooo many possibilities with the different crime factions in Banta City and I freaking loved Natasha's brothers and want to see them all get a HEA!

5 Stars

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page-turner this one was it was a steamy page-turner that took you on an emotional roller coaster world win ride. The story was action-packed and drew you right in when you started turning the page you have to love a story where opposites attract and Bear & Natasha could not be more different she is a mafia princess and Bear is the grumpy/sunshine kind of character but, their chemistry was explosive and we loved them as a couple. We loved that this couple got a second chance to explore what was between them before things went south.

The characters in this tale were fantastic Natasha's friends were the bomb especially Siobian that woman made us laugh throughout the story. You want to admire Natasha a woman who stood by her beliefs and as a woman who took the chance to love and rear a couple of children when others discarded them. She endured much to protect the lives of those children that's the power of love.

We fell in love with these characters from the moment we started turning the pages the story was full of romance, suspense, loyalty, witty banter, a ton of family drama, tons of suspense, and dangerous situations entertaining characters although Natasha's brothers are questionable. Hector & Jacinda will steal your heart. We loved this story and the series is off to a great start as we thought this one was fantastic and can't wait to see what happens next in this series. This author duo was a first for us and we enjoyed our first read by them.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Bear and Natasha’s story.
Natasha is a mafia princess, who always knew she would marry the man of her family’s choosing, and for alliances an MC marriage is arranged, Bear, the road captain, volunteers to marry her. However, before the marriage can take place, Natasha runs after a tragic incident, until 2-years later she returns needing her family’s help, and the marriage takes place.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, loss, grief, regrets, alliances, an arranged marriage, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, loyalty, humor, witty banter, second chances, healing, romance, undeniable chemistry, violence, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel! I have read other novels by these authors and loved them, this novel did not disappoint. I love Bijou Hunter's novels so much. I loved this novel what a great way to start a new series. From the first chapter I was hooked. This novel reached out and grabbed ahold of my heart and held on tight. I loved Natasha and Bear, but honestly I loved all of the characters. From the first chapter I could not put this novel down because I need to know what was coming next. I loved Natasha and Bear. I just loved them together, their chemistry was so so good. I love when a novel can make me laugh out loud, almost bring me to tears and finally leaves me with a happy heart. This novel checked all of my boxes, I loved it! I did not want it to end. So good!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok. Not bad.
I liked Bear and the back story, and Natasha was ok, if not incredibly naive and dumb for taking abuse because she didn’t want Andrew to die. The whole way she ended up with him is so terrible and she really didn’t seem to take that the way a normal human would, seeing those two babies or not. So Natasha’s character was just odd at first. But she and Bear together was cute.
After the big incident Bear’s senses were on alert for the whole time, it pretty much jumps to the end with a brief HEA explained. Kids and more kids, and getting along.

Doesn’t give the MC romance or mafia romance vibes I’m accustomed to. It isn’t bad, but I won’t be continuing the series.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is fantastic! I loved Bear and Natasha’s story! Although a marriage was arranged between the two of them, they fell for each other. A mistake made by Bear sent Natasha running. Two years later Natasha’s back with two kids. I loved Jacinda and Hector! They were adorable! The marriage is back on. Will Natasha be able to forgive Bear so they can have their happy ever after? I loved this book! It grabbed me from the first page! I couldn’t put it down! It was filled full of amazing characters! Bijou and Noelle out did their self’s with Redeem Me! I can’t wait to read the rest of the Backcountry Kings MC series! They’re going to be great!

[Chrystal_K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Bijou and Noelle have outdone themselves with the Backcountry Kings series starter. I was a little bummed that the first book wasn’t Tack and Hunter - wrapping up the last string from The Steel Berserkers MC series. But Bear and Natasha did not disappoint. This book was filled to the brim with action, intrigue, explosions and lots of love. Natasha’s devotion to Jacinda and Hector was beautiful. And I loved Bear’s acceptance of the as his children and all he did to make them feel welcome. Who doesn’t love a big, gruff, tattooed biker who refers to his cats as ‘his boys’. I loved the characters the authors have created and can’t wait for the next in the series.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Natasha and Bear!! Natasha has a heart of gold I loved her from the start. And Bear! The big broody biker, he’s impossible to not love. When she runs from their arranged marriage, neither handle it well. For one, they really did want each other! That never made sense to me but oh well. When she finds herself in trouble and comes back with her two kids, Bear takes another hit to the heart until he talks to her. From there, things change between them. I have to say I really enjoyed this book! It didn’t drag out and tear your heart apart but you see what they are going through and you are cheering all the time for these two. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next story!

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Dog. I just love this book. The wit, the romance, the suspense and a bit of grit. It just works.

Natasha and Bear. They have something hard to explain, not over the top, but growing beneath the surface to a fever pitch. She has so much fear, because she has more to lose now than she did on the past… Bear is afraid to give his heart to her again. He has been broken too much…

I love the found family aspect in this book. The MC is primarily made up of a foster family and it is everything!! There are so many amazing characters… I look forward to their future paths. This was a stellar book!!

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Beautifully written and easy to read.

Natasha and Bear’s parents arranged for them to get married. Everything was great until Natasha left. Now, two years later, Natasha needs help from her crime family and she came not alone. Bear sees this as his second chance to claim her. He is determined to have her no matter what. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of second chance romance then you are going to love it.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)

Natasha and Bear had an arranged marriage that Natasha ran away from, now she is back, and Bear is determined that she will be his, he just has to get her to agree. Natasha may have ran from Bear but she knows that he is hers just as much as she is his. With some drama, danger, violence, and some ok naughty bits, the journey they take to finally be together is a bit of a roller coaster. This was a good start to the series; I loved the Steel Berserkers MC and I'm sure this series will just get better. I give this 4 stars.

[Sheri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm on my phone so don't mistake brevity for disinterest.

I scored an advance copy by whining and generally being a pest and I'm so glad I did. Bear and Natasha are a hot mess. Bijou writes the literal only children I can stand in fiction and Hector and Jacinda are new favorites.

The action is superb. Romance as always takes the fore, but the main action scene I felt like I was watching a movie. I'd love to see a movie of this one. Looking forward to more of the new crews!

[Becky Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed The Steel Berserkers MC series by the fabulous writing duo of Bijou Hunter and Noelle Zane, you will want to read their new series The Backcountry Kings MC. Redeem Me is book 1. This is Bear and Natasha's story. It was full of so many interesting characters. Lots of Mafia and MC action. Very spicy. As always we get a HEA for the couple after numerous bumps in the road back to each other. Looking forward to the next book. Double Kudos!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Natasha ran away from her life and Bear two years ago now she is back bruised and battered with two precious 3 year olds, Jacinda and Hector, she will do anything to keep them safe. Bear never got over Natasha but what will she do now that she is back. The characters are so amazing in the series, I loved Natasha and Bear's chemistry. Great start in this new series.

[Missy Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Bear and Natasha's story, who actually falls in love and lives happily ever after when your marriage is arranged? Even after 2yrs apart, because of a death accident caused by Bear, Natasha runs, when she comes back, Bear is determined to to through with the arrangement regardless of Natasha's feelings. Can they make a go and get their HEA???

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abso-freaking-loved this book

Natasha & Bear are amazing together. There is so much action and intensity that you can't put it down. You have to love the descriptions of the other characters personalities. I imagine them like " the Godfather" and every good biker club I've ever known. I definitely recommend this book!

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This book had heat, humor and a love that makes you smile. I really liked Bear and I loved his name. I was on the edge of my seat for this one. This book is the first book and I cannot wait for more.

[Gale Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like always these authors, create a world you just wish you could step into and live in. I love this book and I love the characters. It was also nice to step in and read about characters. We’ve read about before. It was fun!

[Kurtins R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series by this author. Felt a little stoppy starty in the telling but still a really good story. The way this author manges to tell angsty trauma filled character stories blows my mind.
Natasha and Bear are a great pair. Looking forward to more

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great start to a new series. And how Bear and Natasha’s road to a HEA went from me not knowing how they were going to make it to a beautiful place, to loving how they got there. I do enjoy the grumpy/sunshine aspect. I can’t wait for more stories in this new series.

[Googly55]

DNF @3%. It’s never a good sign when you want to start skimming in the first chapter! Huge info dump and the h’s situation is really odd. Hard to believe the same authors who wrote the Steel Berserkers series, wrote this.

[Diane Yoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read with lots of potential but there were so many other characters and their backstory that I felt like I was missing something. I actually went to see if maybe there was prior books in this series that I missed.

[Davina Purnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome start to a new series. Bijou and Noelle are always upping their game. Can't wait to read the rest. Fun with twists and turns lots of Easter eggs.

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. The story flows. These two are perfect for each other. Looking forward to more in this series.