Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated

by Kahlani B. Steele

Charly Sawyer is a young woman trying to find her place in the world when she meets Dominic Price, her boss and VP of the Iconic Sons MC. Despite her attraction to Dominic, growing up in the foster system has made Charly wary of men and relationships.

After a harrowing attack one night, Charly and her friend Jess seek refuge within the MC’s protective walls. At the clubhouse, she encounters Dominic’s charismatic cousin, Jax, and the air crackles with an undeniable spark.

When the men reveal their interest in her, Charly’s insecurities emerge. Soon, jealousies erupt from her coworkers, including Jess, prompting Charly to set aside her fears. She begins a journey of pleasure and self-discovery with Dom and Jax.

Unfortunately, their relationship is fraught with resentment, betrayal, and sabotage. And when her life is threatened, Charly’s only option is to escape.

Genres: Menage

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2024

About the author

Kahlani B. Steele's passion for reading was ignited at a young age when she fell in love with Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, a book that sparked her imagination and set her on the path to becoming a writer.

Kahlani has published two romance books. Book 1, "Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated," and book 2, "Courageous: She Will Not Let Fear Stop Her."

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book did leave a thought provoking impact on me, I found it to be longer than it should have been. I was not fond of the writing style of this book, which ultimately left me to not be fully engaged while reading it. Overall, I found this to be a reasonable read.

The book Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated is a fictional story about a young lady named Charly Sawyer. She had a lot of things that happened to her negatively in her past, leaving her to not trust guys. She grew up in a foster care system, which left her having turmoils about her future. She ends up having feelings for a guy at a motorcycle club. However, she is now faced with betrayal again in her life and needs to leave.

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

[Louise Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay… I’m a sucker for motorcycle men🤭 dom and charly there banter the tension

[Gem J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resilient
‼️‼️❌spoilers‼️‼️❌⚠️‼️ ⚠️⛔️CHEATING‼️❌⚠️


Good start very clear writing style, no dithering or going back and fore, Charly our heroine starts off with her childhood, extremely toxic,volatile and violent, we see how she’s growing and made a true friend with Jess she literally will put herself in front of her. The chemistry build up between charly and Dom the hero is lovely. Omg that was a twist! What a gut punch! Jess is so sly! Poor Charls! She’s so strong. Oh welcome Jax hero number 2! The bond between the two guys is amazing proper family unit. A reluctant h with trust issues and low self esteem but they build her up for a month or two, then the gut punch! The video evidence and there no way it’s fake surely? The tattoo WR….its not fake! 😳 apparently it meant nothing! Gutted for her! “You have our bodies” oh goodie! I’m not liking them atm! Multiple times 🤦🏻‍♀️ oh god! Now blaming the girl who showed her, it’s a proper rage read but I love it! Haven’t read such a good gut punch book in ages! Throw in a pregnancy and not with our h! I feel they tricked her, they knew about the pregnancy but she’s just accepted it and is still accepting it, he’s the Daddy! Things go from bad to worse! She leaves for 2 years tried to find herself but the pull is always there, major turn around on the guys part it’s one of those lightbulb moment for them. This book is the unicorn that we all look for in cheating/betrayl books I know I’ve given major spoilers but I have put enough warnings on the review, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year! Well done on a cracker!! Looking forward to many more!.

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

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so, this wasn’t a terrible book. There was just a lot of things that didn’t make sense. I hated the fmc. Idk I’m not really in the review mood so I’ll come back to this and try to review it better.

[Jen • jenteereads]

First book by this author and I really enjoyed the story. Definitely look forward to reading their next one!.

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

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When Charley was just 11 years old, she had already faced more hardships than many experienced in a lifetime. The most devastating event came when she lost her baby brother, a vibrant 10-month-old, to shaken baby syndrome. Despite her tender age, Charley understood that life demanded resilience. She learned to navigate her tumultuous environment on her own, realizing that the love and safety she craved were things she would have to fight for in Kahlani B. Steele’s “Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated,” the first book of the Iconic Sons MC series.

Charley has grown and is now employed at Brothers in Arms Bar and Grill. Dominic is the charismatic manager of the bar where Charley works. He is everything a woman might find appealing: tall with chiseled features, dark hair that falls effortlessly into place, and a confident demeanor that radiates charm. His reputation as a ladies’ man is well-earned, as he seems entirely at ease amidst the constant parade of women who frequent the bar.

As a member of the Iconic Sons MC, Dominic’s rugged persona only adds to his allure. Charley often finds herself feeling flustered and self-conscious in his presence. Perhaps it’s the way he effortlessly commands the room, or how his piercing gaze seems to linger on her a moment longer than necessary when they speak. Despite his attentive nature, which sometimes makes her heart race, Charley struggles with deep-seated insecurities.

She often feels overshadowed by the beautiful women who flocked to him. Her low self-esteem gnaws at her, convincing her that Dominic would never see her beyond the confines of her role as an employee. Charley believes she is just another face behind the bar, someone who will never catch his eye as anything more. Her heart longs for something more profound but fears it will always be out of reach.

However, one day, everything changes. Charley now finds herself torn between two romantic interests—Dom and Jax. Jax, a fellow motorcycle club member, has just returned from prison and is determined to win her attention, but so is Dom. Will Charley be able to choose between them, or will she be fortunate enough to have both in her life? Her resilience will be tested as she confronts challenges and makes difficult decisions. Will these changes lead to a brighter future filled with hope and companionship, or will history repeat itself, casting her back into the shadows of solitude?

“Resilient” is an enthralling romance that immerses readers in a world of passion and intrigue. Kahlani B. Steele skillfully introduces us to the first installment of an intense motorcycle club series where every twist and turn keeps you eagerly turning the pages. The characters’ connection is palpable, and their love story is heartfelt and tumultuous, allowing readers to feel the weight of their struggles and triumphs. As the story unfolds, their chemistry ignites with steamy encounters that will leave readers breathless.

For those who enjoy passionate romances featuring bad boys, thrilling adventures, and tantalizing encounters, Kahlani B. Steele’s “Resilient” delivers on all fronts, leaving readers eager for more of the journey ahead. This book is sure to satisfy your cravings for a gripping romantic tale set against the backdrop of a gritty motorcycle club.

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele’s inaugural book in the Iconic Sons MC series is a razor-sharp story of survival and betrayal, charting one woman’s dangerous journey through a world of passion and fractured loyalties. Charly Sawyer, a foster care survivor scarred by trust issues, finds herself drawn to Dominic Price, her boss and VP of the Iconic Sons MC. After a brutal attack leaves her shaken, Charly and her friend Jess seek refuge at the MC’s clubhouse, where sparks fly between her and Dominic’s magnetic cousin, Jax. As both men vie for her affection, Charly battles deep insecurities while contending with escalating jealousy from Jess and coworkers. Her tentative exploration of love and desire with Dominic and Jax soon unravels into a minefield of betrayal, sabotage, and resentment.

Steele excels at crafting characters that feel authentic and deeply human. Charly is a layered protagonist—resilient yet vulnerable, fierce yet tender. Her struggle to navigate the loyalties and dangers of the MC world, alongside her own insecurities, is both poignant and riveting. Dominic’s brooding complexity makes him an endearing hero. Steele avoids archetypes, crafting Dominic with nuance and vulnerability, while Charly’s quick wit and strength make her a match for his authority. Jax is irresistibly charming, while the richly drawn supporting cast—from the bruised yet resilient Jess to the swaggering Gun and manipulative Maxine—adds depth and texture.

The steamy love scenes are well-crafted, adding to the overall allure of the narrative without overshadowing the character development. The pacing is expert, balancing introspective moments with adrenaline-fueled drama. Steele’s attention to detail—from the evocative description of the lodge's history to the stark reality of Charly’s day-to-day struggles—lends authenticity to the narrative. The setting is richly described, and the dialogues crackle with wit and unspoken truths, drawing readers into the charged dynamics between Charly and the men vying for her trust and affection.

The novel explores the lingering scars of trauma, the search for belonging, and the quest for autonomy in a world rife with power dynamics. Steele deftly portrays the dichotomy of the MC culture, presenting it as both a bastion of loyalty and a domain of rigid, often dangerous hierarchies. Although the novel adheres to some conventions of the romance and MC genres, its originality lies in its refusal to shy away from the darker facets of its characters' realities.

The story does not offer easy resolutions or sanitized portrayals; instead, it leans into the grit and complexity of its world. The result is a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Readers will be eager to delve deeper into the Iconic Sons MC universe.

[Bela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book from booksprout for review.


This book had hero potential, even when they cheated her for the first time.
First cheating - they were together for like 2 months and the guys went to several MC runs. They cheated (each?) time. Some grab how heroine has all of them but the whores have only their dicks when they allow it. But heroine can get the D anytime she wants. Charming.
Heroine was strong and said she does not want "that kind of exclusive".
They stayed celibate and groveled for weeks or even like a month until she took them back. In the meantime one of the H learned he got a clubwhore pregnant. He never told h. h was blindsided few months into new relationship, but it was handled weird. h just shrugged and took it.
Then 6+ months into their relationship and the baby was born, there was another evil OW (a lot of OTT OWs) who ordered a hit on h. Hs found out and long story short, they dumped her to protect her. (Third act break up). h wallows in self pitty and sadness. Then she learns why they did it and takes off herself, because the guys did not trust her and she was tired of the MC following her around.
2y time jump and we get a lovely on page scene with OW and H. Turns out one H had sex with many many OWs, to forget h. Loved her so much and could not find her, so OW sex was his coping. It was hurtful and disrespectful, if he ever thought of having h back. h had mega hard time the first time with all the evil glares from the jealous clubwhores, but now she had to do it again. Being taunted by OWs. And maybe another oops baby with OW, since there were so many.
The other H with the baby was celibate.
heroine was 2y celibate.
BBS full swing, always thinking how pretty and hot they were and how her body tightened.
One they find her, 48h later they say they need to go back and "let her go" or some shit. So ofc h is paniced of them leaving and forgives them - like dont leave me again.
Screams manipulative, especially when the first time grovel was weeks and now days.

All times Hs fucked up, they said "we are new at this relationship stuff"

They had the MC hacker try to find her for 2y, but then finally started to search themself by visiting karaoke bars. She waa 2h away with a new time. And they then found her with like a week. Not sure how i feel about that.
They never had the talk about how H was not celibate or STDs, they fell into fucking daya after they showing up (third act break up)
Oh yeah, one of the evil OWs ex-boyfriends randomly killed the baby mama OW in the end. And kidnapped h. h managed to kill him. So the trio get to keep the kid full time. HEA

[Bruna Grandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just because it's my favorite plot, the book automatically receives 3 stars (sorry not sorry).
Cheating and HEA, I've read pretty much every book that has these stories and it's my guilty pleasure.
Okay, so I REALLY loved how the story was developing (including the first cheating), but I'm wondering how to consider that the Hs are potential heroes.
They are more anti-heroes, like there were moments when I wanted to take my kindle and throw it at the wall with all the anger I felt towards them both.
But back to the topic, h suffered a lot during her childhood and knows how to speak up and stand up for herself. She has a protective and caring personality. But life was unfortunately shitty with her, even her best friend turned against her. Sometimes the switch and she turns into a badass.
The only criticism I have about the character was the BBS and her celibacy for two years during the period when she was away while one of them couldn't keep it in his pants.
But I have a lot to say about the Hs but it all boils down to: they just didn't own up to their mistakes (oops sorry, they did the first one) and they HAD to have sex ALWAYS (yeah, I understand a book about bikers but always? really?) And the constant sex with other women without worrying about the health of the woman you say you love (STD's guysssss)? I don't get it...
I was constantly frustrated how h kept forgiving them, like, how many surprise babies are you going to forgive? How many times will they cheat on you and disrespect you?
Despite this, the betrayal scenes are *insert chef's kiss here* I love the moments of anguish and the scenes were VERY well written, in fact the entire book was!!

My criticisms are more related to my thoughts regarding books that involve cheating and HEA. Like, I always imagined there was a redemption arc and I kept waiting... but it never happened, like yeah you're sorry but how you're evolve from that and that's where the best plot of all comes in: grovelling (that's a MUST), so I expected so much more about this plot.

I will definitely check out this author's other books when they come out!!.

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

[Dionne Muller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kahlani B. Steele's debut novel, Resilient, the first in her Iconic Sons MC series, is a tale of survival, self-discovery, and the complexities of love.

The story revolves around Charly Sawyer, a 23-year-old woman who has endured a tumultuous upbringing marked by abuse and foster care. Despite her nomadic lifestyle, Charly finds a semblance of stability when she secures a job at the Brothers in Arms Bar and Grill. Under the guidance of her colleague Jess, Charly navigates the unspoken rules of working for the Iconic Sons MC. However, her newfound equilibrium is threatened by her undeniable attraction to her boss, Dominic Price, the vice president of the motorcycle club.
When Charly is assaulted by Jess's boyfriend, she finds herself seeking refuge at the MC's clubhouse, where she encounters Dominic's cousin, Jax. As the two men express their interest in her, Charly's deep-seated insecurities surface.

Steele weaves a web of jealousy and resentment among Charly's co-workers, including the once-supportive Jess, compelling Charly to confront her fears head-on. Embarking on a journey of sensual exploration and personal growth, Charly's relationship with Dom and Jax is fraught with challenges, including betrayal and sabotage from those around them. When her life is ultimately threatened, Charly is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision to flee.

Steele's novel is populated with engaging and believable characters whose perspectives are deftly woven into the narrative, offering a comprehensive view of the story's events. However, this multi-perspective approach, which includes insights from those who seek to harm Charly, may diminish the element of intrigue for some readers.

Additionally, given Charly's history, her capacity for forgiveness may strain credibility at times.

Despite these criticisms, Resilient remains a compelling and emotionally charged debut that explores the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resilient follows Charly, a young woman hardened by a brutal childhood, as she finds her footing in the gritty and dangerous world of the Iconic Sons Motorcycle Club. The book is about survival, longing, and the messy beauty of human connection. Charly’s path collides with Dominic, the imposing and magnetic leader of the club, and what unfolds is a mix of danger, desire, and a fragile hope for something better. The story swings between raw trauma and steamy intimacy, never shying away from either.

The writing pulled me in fast. The prologue set a heavy tone, and from there I couldn’t look away. The way the author builds Charly’s voice, tough yet achingly vulnerable, hit me harder than I expected. Some scenes had me clenching my jaw, especially when Charly’s past resurfaced. Others left me flushed, not just from the romance but from the sharp tension that hangs over everything. I appreciated the way the author blends grit and softness without ever letting one overpower the other. It gave the story bite, but it also gave it heart.

There were moments that made me stop and roll the words over in my mind. Sometimes it was the heat of a love scene, other times it was the sudden sting of a memory Charly couldn’t escape. I liked how the relationships, even the side ones, felt messy and real. At times, I found myself annoyed with Dominic, which I think was the point. He’s not the classic flawless hero. He’s complicated, rough-edged, and often infuriating, yet he’s magnetic all the same. That contradiction made the romance more believable for me, even when it was frustrating.

Resilient isn’t just a romance novel; it’s a story about scars and survival, and how people learn to keep going when the world keeps throwing punches. It’s raw and passionate, but it’s also about tenderness in unlikely places. I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes their romance intense, their characters flawed but resilient, and their stories with enough grit to leave a mark.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resilient is a unique romance novel that will introduce the reader to the protagonist of the book, Charly Sawyer, a young woman with a difficult past who finds her world turned upside down when she meets Dominic Price, VP of the Iconic Sons MC. Despite Charly’s attraction to Dominic, she chooses to stay away, as growing up in the foster system has left her with trauma and the fear of being hurt. However, when one night she is attacked, she and her friend Jess seek refuge within the walls of the Iconic Sons MC and it is then that her life will become even more complicated.

Within the walls of the MC, she meets Dominic’s cousin Jax, and there is instant chemistry, but both men are interested, and with that comes jealousy. However something is awakening within Charly and the reader will follow her as she begins to explore with both Dominic and Jax the result is a passionate affair, but Charly will face more than just this as her life is eventually threatened and the result is a shocking and unforgettable read that shouldn’t be missed! And this book lovers is the short premise of the incredible Resilient!

Kahlani B. Steele is an incredible author who has managed to transfix and entertain me with her beautiful literature. I am impressed by the amount of depth Kahlani B. Steele has managed to lace throughout her book; Kahlani B. Steele ensures throughout her book that her readers are entertained and thrilled from beginning to end, and Kahlani B. Steele does this by weaving twists and turns throughout her book which yes, are incredibly entertaining! As well as this, Kahlani B. Steele flawlessly weaves brilliant characterization and development of her characters that will keep the readers turning the pages from beginning to end.

[Jay Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential.

The MMCs are cousins and are in an MC. They begin a relationship with our heroine and she believes they are exclusive. They are seeing eachother for a short time, the MMCs are away on runs and cheat each time with the club girls. When the heroine finds out she ends the relationship. The MMCs say that veing exclusive means something different to them. The club girls only get what they give them but the heroine gets their feelings and full access to their bodies. The heroine says she doesn't want that kind of exclusive and ends the relationship.

The MMCs are floundering because they haven't had a relationship before. I was kind of like... surely you would know what she would think exclusive meant. It felt like they were being stupid on purpose. Also, if she was sleeping around would they be OK with that or was it one sided? It's like.. they weren't sorry they cheated they were just sorry she found out. They were so blasé about it "it meant nothing", "they are just bodies for us to use". As if that will make her feel any better. So they hurt her for their own selfish pleasure. They say she didn't make her boundaries clear but I felt like that was a cop out.

They decide they really like the heroine and want her so they stop sleeping around and start trying to prove themselves. There is some other woman baby drama with one of the club girls.

After they have the chat about being exclusive there's no more cheating but the MMCs break up with the heroine to protect her. Someone is jelous and wants her gone. They keep her in the dark and she's devestated. She leaves and there's a two year time jump.

The MMCs left it too long to get off their backsides to try to find her in my opinion.

This had so much potential, there were just certain parts I would have liked expanded or things explained a bit more. I would have liked the MMCs to grow and mature. A bit of redemption. I wanted them to own up to their mistakes.

When a FMC is celibate during the split.. big nono for me. Why should she be? Women have wants and needs and desires too. It's a bug bear of mines.

The book was well written and I will check out future works.

I received a free copy of this book on Booksprout for an honest review.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele’s debut in the Iconic Sons MC series is a taut, gripping exploration of human resilience set against the raw, unforgiving backdrop of motorcycle club life. The story centers on Charly Sawyer, a foster care survivor whose past has left her wary of trust and intimacy. After a brutal attack forces her to seek sanctuary at the Iconic Sons MC clubhouse, Charly finds herself torn between two powerful figures: Dominic Price, her enigmatic boss and VP of the club, and his magnetic cousin, Jax. What begins as a tentative attraction soon evolves into a tumultuous journey through betrayal, sabotage, and emotional vulnerability.

The prologue vividly captures Charly’s early trauma, offering a stark portrayal of abuse tempered by her fierce resolve to protect her brother. Steele’s writing brings to life the terror and defiance of a young girl shaped by pain but determined not to be broken by it. Charly’s journey from survivor to self-reliant woman is both poignant and authentic. Dominic is a compelling contradiction—protective yet distant, magnetic yet guarded. Their connection, built on a foundation of mutual respect and simmering desire, pulses with tension. The supporting characters—Jess, Gun, and Maxine—add further complexity to the narrative, each bringing their own motivations and struggles to the table. The MC culture is presented with unflinching honesty, its intoxicating appeal balanced by the harsh realities of power, loyalty, and its darker sides. This is a raw, emotionally charged exploration of identity, resilience, and the messy complexities of human connection. A must-read for those who crave romance with depth and an edge.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kahlani B. Steele delivers a gritty, emotional, and multi-layered story in Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated. This motorcycle club (MC) romance isn’t just a tale of adrenaline-fueled danger and forbidden love—it’s a deep dive into resilience, strength, and the power of a woman navigating a world often designed to break her.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its realistic and relatable main character (MC). Steele crafts a protagonist who feels authentic, balancing vulnerability with undeniable strength. Her journey is raw, inspiring, and emotionally charged, pulling readers into a whirlwind of betrayal, redemption, and personal growth.

The spice level in this novel is undeniably high, and Steele masterfully blends passion with tension to create an immersive experience. The romance is as intense as the action, giving readers the heart-pounding moments they crave in a great MC novel. Fans of Sons of Anarchy will feel right at home with the atmosphere, camaraderie, and danger that permeate the story.

What truly sets Resilient apart is its layered narrative. Steele doesn’t settle for a linear plot but instead weaves in subplots and character dynamics that add depth and complexity. Themes of loyalty, revenge, and self-discovery are seamlessly interwoven, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

For fans of the genre or anyone looking for a well-rounded, spicy read with a strong, dynamic heroine, Resilient: She Will Not Be Defeated is a must. Kahlani B. Steele has penned a standout novel that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Was it the best MC book I've read? No, but it was entertaining and had a lot of potential.

Resilient had me hooked pretty quickly in the beginning. It broke my heart to read about Charly's terrible childhood and when she, Dom and Jax got together, I hoped she would find her happiness. I believed the attraction between them - the chemistry was solid and I liked that they worked together to figure out their relationship. I also appreciated that Charly didn't completely change throughout the novel, but did grow into someone stronger and more confident. This all being said, I felt the overall feel of the book was a little "fan-fiction-y", if that makes sense.

There were a lot of plot twists / curve balls that stood between Charly and her men, but somehow, they were all conveniently resolved by the end. Single women were always jealous of Charly, which, okay, I understand, but the extent of their jealousy was a bit much. I also wasn't the biggest fan of how often she chose to forgive Dom and Jax because "it's their first time in a relationship and we're all learning". Exclusivity is pretty self-explanatory and despite vowing to communicate better, they really don't. All in all, I liked Resilient, but could've used some editing to help clean up the plot.

Thank you Voracious Readers and Kahlani B. Steele for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75☆ I liked the overall story. I assume they are British, i dont remember there really being any alluding to geography. Plus, the language threw me at first. I thought whinging was a misspelling, but after finally moving past it and reading the rest, the language seemed to be British or something, so the author should note that. We got a bit of the mfc's past, but i didn't feel like we really knew too much about it and got to know the mmc's too well. I would have liked more on them and their pasts. The mfc definitely was a trouble magnet. They guys didn't screw up by half measures. I was glad the mfc had boundaries and put her foot down when the guys did crazy stuff. I wasn't too crazy about their first major screw up and felt like she should have not only made them grovel way more, but set rules and boundaries before taking them back. She also took them back Way too quickly at the end. I thought shed make them do a long distance relationship for a bit, make them sweat while rebuilding trust and all that. I completely forgot the blurb with the spoiler about Jess, so it sucked to see her true colors and backstabbing actions, although she took things to a crazy extreme, and so did her ex. Nolan was my favorite character! Overall, it was a good read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resilient is the first book in the Iconic Sons MC series, and what an awesome start! This MC demonstrates family bonds in a fierce way throughout the story, and that is one of the many things that made me keep reading.

The characters are relatable and believable. I loved Charlys and love that while others saw her as a weak plain Jane, the men who fell for her saw her strength, compassion, and kindness as something worth the struggles. Charyls is the personification of resilient. Dominic and Jax are alpha males fighting for her trust, which leads to a lot of angst, betrayals, and relationship issues. The drama is so intense at times that it is palpable. There are moments in the storyline that make you laugh, those that make you shiver, those that make you roll your eyes and shake your head, and those that make you tear up.

The book is a page-turner with intense drama, betrayals, action, suspense, tragedy, steamy hot romance, and lots of love and close family vibes. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.

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

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a book everyone should read! I was hooked from the start and absolutely loved Carley. Everyone should have a Carley in their life! What a woman and what strength she possesses you can't help but love that character so much. She had to endure so much, but at the end of the day, she stood strong with her back straight. I think there's a lot in this character that people, myself included, can relate to.

Then there's her and Dom's chemistry ..oh my god! They are like opposites, but somehow they need each other to balance out life. And Jax? He was truly the last puzzle piece they needed. His lighthearted manner, despite the seriousness of the situation, was like a breath of fresh air amidst the heavy topics the book sometimes addressed.

I could probably write a novella about this book, but one thought strikes me: why haven't I read it before? Everyone should read this book... The only negative thing about it is that I feel it was far too short; I would have wanted it to be twice as long. I'm not ready to let go of the characters yet.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Charly had a tough life growing up with an abusive stepdad and drug taking mother, eventually leading to her being put into the foster care system. As an adult, she lives on the bare minimum to get by always moving from job to job. When she helpfully takes out the rubbish for a colleague at the Bar and Grill where she works, she becomes the sole interest of Dominic, the owner who also happens to be the VP of Iconic Sons MC. Unfortunately, this causes problems for her with the other female workers there who see it as favouritism.

I loved Charly’s strength and tenacity. Our heroine is put against the odds on many occasions and comes out as a stronger person. She has a big heart and more than once, has forgiven Dom and his cousin Jax for their indiscretions as this is a new relationship for all parties. A great first book of a series from a new to me author.

I received an ARC from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charly’s story is heartbreaking: never having the love every child deserves and even worse she’s left with guilt. Dominic is sex on stick, her boss, and an Iconic Son. She’s attracted by his swagger, his bossiness, and his unapologetic attitude. I love the emotional energy between them, but at times Dom is brusque and dismissive of her that seems cold. Jax is more likable, but even more driven by their MC lifestyle.
Kahlani B Steele is a new author for me and this story feels real, the characters have faults, and the situations create depths of feelings. Charly, Dom, and Jax need each other in so many ways. I enjoyed their emotional journey as they make mistakes, learn how to trust each other, and show each other how much love they share. The pacing, passion, and growth is phenomenal!.

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

[Amber Daulton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charly works at a MC-owned restaurant where she meets her boss, Dominic, and later Jax, his cousin. After she and her friend are assaulted, she finds comfort and solace in the men’s arms. With the memory of her troubled childhood always in the back of her mind, she has difficultly trusting men, but she gives Dom and Jax a chance. Then the unthinkable happens.
I don’t read motorcycle club romances often, but the cover and blurb snagged my attention. Unfortunately, this book has everything that I dislike. Cheating. Other woman/baby drama. Weak heroines and stupid heroes. Cheating is a pep peeve of mine. I’m all for angst, but betrayal is where I draw the line. And that Charly forgave each of her lovers was just a no for me.
What’s so bad is, I actually liked this story at first, and I enjoyed Ms. Steele’s writing style. It’s just too bad the book went downhill.
2 Stars

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to be introduced to a new author and their work! Resilient is absolutely fantastic! These characters and their story (stories) will completely pull at every emotion there is, sometimes all at once. I LOVE that Charly is a take no nonsense, tough as nails woman, but there were times I wondered where all that toughness was when she was the center of attention for the "mean girls". Then Dom and Jax's stupidity really got me in an uproar. Oh and I can't forget Achilles, im on the fence about him and I can't wait to see what this author does with his story as well as a few others. I thoroughly love a book that evokes emotion, leaves me spent and takes me a minute to regroup. This book did it all. Well done!

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ARC, through Voracious Readers. I did not finish this book.
Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me.
There were so many contradicting parts, and I just couldn't with the FMC. She started out ok, but just got weaker as the story went on.
At one stage I wanted her to just run far, far away from the cousins who were grooming her to be their little sex slave. But by half way, she became TSTL and I just couldn't care less what she did. Also, the cousins, who were in an MC never gave her a heads up about anything!!! They just left her to find out on her own, and they were just lame.
I gave up reading at chapter 10 of 18 before I got even more angry with the characters.
Three stars is a stretch, but the book has potential, if rewritten.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book puts you through all the emotions. Charly is a girl who has suffered a lot in life. All she was trying to do was survive and working at Dom's diner helped her get by. Dom is a biker who runs the diner and has kept his feeling for Charly under wraps for a while. Lots of drama bring them in close spaces where they have to think about their feelings for each other. While they are figuring it out, in walks Dom's cousin Jax fresh out of prison and eyes on Charly. Can Dom share her affection? The ups and downs of this book will keep you engrossed from the first page. Charly goes to show that strong women can over come a lot and still keep their hearts open. Great book.

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

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a valiant effort for a first-time author! I felt it was a bit to drawn out in some areas and not enough explanation in others, but the plotline and characters were fantastic. The mean girls are definitely some of those you love to hate! Charly was an amazing heroine and her nickname from Jax was appropriate. Dom and Jax are your typical overprotective alpha males, but you can see Jax has a much softer side. I am so looking forward to the next book because I think Gun and Vin's story is going to be spectacular.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This empowering story had me from the prologue until the very last page of the epilogue. Charly is one of the main characters of this story whose life has been one of chaos and dysfunction. She made the most of her life and trust doesn't come easy for her. When she took the chance on Dominic and Jax it started them along their path. Along the way Charly's life transforms with each tragic twists it takes up until the very end. This is a well written story that is emotional but is inspiring and had me cheering Charly on to finally getting her chance for happiness.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Resilient, I was impressed to learn this is a first time author. The book had a lot of moving parts between character interactions, trust and past histories. Despite her circumstances, I loved how Charly kept moving forward. She didn't whine or accept second place in life. It is a well written story and you can't help but want the best for her.

The only drawback was the nature of the Iconic Sons needed more definition. They are described as an honest club with legitimate businesses, but sometimes it seemed questionable. Almost like the author couldn't decide what she wanted the MC to be or how the club officers or members should be acting.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ready by Kahlani Steele and I was not disappointed. I read through it fairly quickly. I really liked Charly. I love to see my female characters stand up for themselves and not just roll over the for the alpha. I liked Jax. He seemed to understand Charly's needs a bit better than Dom. I started off liking Dom, but he lost me in how demanding he was and not taking he time to actually listen to what Charly was telling him.

I will say that I would have liked more of the Sol story. I felt like that was rushed. That should have played a larger part for me.

I will definitely read Kahlani again.

[M Schroeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Charly's childhood was awful and when I learned what happened to Fabien, I cried. Even after going through all of that, she was never bitter. Charly did have trust issues and getting involved with Dom and Jax, who belong to the Iconic Sons MC, didn't help. It really hurt when early on in their relationship, the boys made a huge (and stupid) mistake. Charly went through so much because of jealousy from the club "women", yet still managed to stay true to herself. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of Kahlani's books.

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