What do you think?
Rate this book
Stray
My name is Striker Malone but that hasn’t always been the case; I was forced to change it. Well, actually the state changed it when my father was imprisoned and killed after he was unjustly prosecuted for a string of serial murders.
Life wasn’t great before that defining moment but it was majorly fucked beyond repair afterwards… and so was I. That guilty verdict, that decision, made me the man I am today.
I’m not a good man and whether or not I can blame that on nature, I’m not sure. I do not doubt, however, that it is based on nurture or, at least, the lack thereof.
I do not hold anyone but myself accountable for the decisions I have chosen to make. I do, however, blame the parties involved in my parents’ deaths for putting me in the position to make those hard decisions. Had it not been for their deceitful lies, my life would have taken a much different course.
No man should be led down that path where he struggles with the choice of whether to stalk or kill. I suppose the fact that I have enjoyed stalking the daughter of the judge who sentenced my father does say something about my dark nature though. Perhaps that darkness within is a mixture of nature and nurture; I quit trying to figure it out long ago.
I’ve embraced my dark, sadistic nature. Like anything in life, it has been a journey and this is the documentation of that journey—a journey of revenge, murder, and my quest to avenge the death of my parents.
My choice was taken away years ago when my father was made a pawn in a game that the rich and elite played. Now, I’m the master of my own destiny and though they are unaware, I am now the master of theirs. Yes, I have to agree with that old saying. Revenge is most definitely a dish that’s best served cold.
Life wasn’t great before that defining moment but it was majorly fucked beyond repair afterwards… and so was I. That guilty verdict, that decision, made me the man I am today.
I’m not a good man and whether or not I can blame that on nature, I’m not sure. I do not doubt, however, that it is based on nurture or, at least, the lack thereof.
I do not hold anyone but myself accountable for the decisions I have chosen to make. I do, however, blame the parties involved in my parents’ deaths for putting me in the position to make those hard decisions. Had it not been for their deceitful lies, my life would have taken a much different course.
No man should be led down that path where he struggles with the choice of whether to stalk or kill. I suppose the fact that I have enjoyed stalking the daughter of the judge who sentenced my father does say something about my dark nature though. Perhaps that darkness within is a mixture of nature and nurture; I quit trying to figure it out long ago.
I’ve embraced my dark, sadistic nature. Like anything in life, it has been a journey and this is the documentation of that journey—a journey of revenge, murder, and my quest to avenge the death of my parents.
My choice was taken away years ago when my father was made a pawn in a game that the rich and elite played. Now, I’m the master of my own destiny and though they are unaware, I am now the master of theirs. Yes, I have to agree with that old saying. Revenge is most definitely a dish that’s best served cold.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
20 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Steele
77 books615 followersTo keep up with all things Suzanne Steele you can find her on Facebook and her wordpress blog. Everything there is up to date. She loves her beautiful readers.
Suzanne Steele is an Amazon Bestselling Author and television host for a TV program in the Charlotte NC area. She focuses on volunteer work and is very heavily involved in giving back to her local community. The month of October will be spent focusing on breast cancer awareness.
Suzanne has a penchant for writing about dark characters with twisted behavioral patterns. If you're looking for the typical romance, this is probably not the author for you. Her characters are very alpha in nature and many times they operate under obsession for the object of their affection; rather than love. Though she does believe in happily ever afters, her characters many times have a bumpy ride getting there.
She also writes under the pseudonym Stormy Dawn Weathers for her writings that aren't so darkly laced with a true realism of shock and awe. Suzanne Steele does not believe in holding back when it comes to writing about how dark and depraved her characters are in the core of their primal natures.
Suzanne Steele is an Amazon Bestselling Author and television host for a TV program in the Charlotte NC area. She focuses on volunteer work and is very heavily involved in giving back to her local community. The month of October will be spent focusing on breast cancer awareness.
Suzanne has a penchant for writing about dark characters with twisted behavioral patterns. If you're looking for the typical romance, this is probably not the author for you. Her characters are very alpha in nature and many times they operate under obsession for the object of their affection; rather than love. Though she does believe in happily ever afters, her characters many times have a bumpy ride getting there.
She also writes under the pseudonym Stormy Dawn Weathers for her writings that aren't so darkly laced with a true realism of shock and awe. Suzanne Steele does not believe in holding back when it comes to writing about how dark and depraved her characters are in the core of their primal natures.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 28, 2015
Oh so good!!
"All those dirty, nasty, little secrets, that you work so hard to keep hidden" Striker- his dirty mouth is oh so yummy and to top it all...he's a ruthless underground fighter. After a crap life growing up Strikers main focus is revenge, but then there's Claire.. Suzanne has a way with alpha men they aren't just possessive they are obsessed with their love and addiction and Striker is no different. She did a wonderful job with Strikers character. Claire is a strong female but submits to Strikers (and her) dirty little needs/fantasies. But then again, everyone has needs right? This is some what of a dark read with dual pov, and some smokin hot moments, oh and can't forget one sexy alpha male. If you don't like a little kink with possessive( sometimes) jerk alpha men I wouldn't recommend but if your looking for an awesome obsessed love.. this is one hell of a good read. Another great job Suzanne!
"All those dirty, nasty, little secrets, that you work so hard to keep hidden" Striker- his dirty mouth is oh so yummy and to top it all...he's a ruthless underground fighter. After a crap life growing up Strikers main focus is revenge, but then there's Claire.. Suzanne has a way with alpha men they aren't just possessive they are obsessed with their love and addiction and Striker is no different. She did a wonderful job with Strikers character. Claire is a strong female but submits to Strikers (and her) dirty little needs/fantasies. But then again, everyone has needs right? This is some what of a dark read with dual pov, and some smokin hot moments, oh and can't forget one sexy alpha male. If you don't like a little kink with possessive( sometimes) jerk alpha men I wouldn't recommend but if your looking for an awesome obsessed love.. this is one hell of a good read. Another great job Suzanne!
Read
January 18, 2016I do like that the author tried to go outside the box and have a pouty, rich, successful female and the male be the scorned, underprivileged, and underemployed one. The cover is smoking! But, I just couldn't make myself continuing reading the nonsense.
Ill Conceived & Not Believable
Her dad is a high-profile judge. She's single and lives alone. She has a limited relationship of do-gooder for a guy, the MC, that sits in front of her building everyday and whom she assumes is homeless.
When she finds him all busted up, she just brings his ass home, offers him a job, & buys him everything from CK undies to Timberland boots. A day later, she's all 'hey, let's buy you Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock 4x4.' Let's have unprotected sex. Let's 'assailant' role play with a knife as I'm internally questioning if your effing sane or not. Uhm, no, no, no!
She notes, but ignores, a "malevolent" feeling to his demeanor, the "ruthless sadism" on his face, etc etc. the magic pecker wins again over common sense. ~ sighs~
The whole thing feels weird and just unbelievable that any female of her standing would just being a street fighter home with her to just stay indefinitely because she's "an angel of mercy."
Btw wtf kind of sociopath calls himself a sociopath?!?
Dude all but tells her 'hey I'm a bad mfer planning to hurt you and fucking with your head' as he screws her... But, dont worry she's too busy organisming to pay it any mind; he's revenge secret is safe. Lol. <<< shit is just beyond believably.
Voices Mimic Internal Dialogue ...
He has internal thoughts about being a feral stray. A few paragraphs later she, too, uses the word feral to describe him. That would be fine if he had acted feral at that point, but he hadn't. Lol
Show Me Don't Tell Me
Everything from the sex scenes to the plot is 80% tell and 20% show. That's just not my flavor of writing:/
DNF
I made it to 37%. I like the fast pace the author abides. I like the premise. Sadly, the writing 'telling' style isn't to my tastes. And the goomba revenge and romantic plot isn't to my standards.
I'd recommend a sample of this book before committing.
Ill Conceived & Not Believable
Her dad is a high-profile judge. She's single and lives alone. She has a limited relationship of do-gooder for a guy, the MC, that sits in front of her building everyday and whom she assumes is homeless.
When she finds him all busted up, she just brings his ass home, offers him a job, & buys him everything from CK undies to Timberland boots. A day later, she's all 'hey, let's buy you Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock 4x4.' Let's have unprotected sex. Let's 'assailant' role play with a knife as I'm internally questioning if your effing sane or not. Uhm, no, no, no!
She notes, but ignores, a "malevolent" feeling to his demeanor, the "ruthless sadism" on his face, etc etc. the magic pecker wins again over common sense. ~ sighs~
The whole thing feels weird and just unbelievable that any female of her standing would just being a street fighter home with her to just stay indefinitely because she's "an angel of mercy."
Btw wtf kind of sociopath calls himself a sociopath?!?
Dude all but tells her 'hey I'm a bad mfer planning to hurt you and fucking with your head' as he screws her... But, dont worry she's too busy organisming to pay it any mind; he's revenge secret is safe. Lol. <<< shit is just beyond believably.
Voices Mimic Internal Dialogue ...
He has internal thoughts about being a feral stray. A few paragraphs later she, too, uses the word feral to describe him. That would be fine if he had acted feral at that point, but he hadn't. Lol
Show Me Don't Tell Me
Everything from the sex scenes to the plot is 80% tell and 20% show. That's just not my flavor of writing:/
DNF
I made it to 37%. I like the fast pace the author abides. I like the premise. Sadly, the writing 'telling' style isn't to my tastes. And the goomba revenge and romantic plot isn't to my standards.
I'd recommend a sample of this book before committing.
March 12, 2015
"Always remember, my little angel of mercy, it's the strays that are feral...."
♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆ 5 Sexy Revenge Stars ♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆
Oh Striker.....my sexy Striker. What can I say.....you top the list of walking sexiness!! Blunt and says exactly what he means.....my kind of man.Striker Malone is an upfront, this is how it is, MMA fighting, takes what he wants and you have no choice in the matter, walking sexiness of a man. His personality is dominating and in all control with no excuses for anything less than all in. If Striker grows to love you....WATCH OUT...it is over....no words need to be said to change his mind.
"You're marked now. You belong to me and if I find you anywhere near that pansy motherfucker I just kicked out, neither of you will be safe."
Miss Claire...you are one of my faves....Angel of Mercy. I love your fierceness and head strong demeanor. Just the type of strong woman I want to read about.Growing up with money and a protective daddy. Claire is the princess of the story. Although, if you call her princess....she may attack!!
This story of revenge is action packed and full of secrets that you don't see coming. Secrets, lies & sex = FANTASTIC!! Now if only I had another 300 pages of this one!!
Suzanne Steele is a definite fave! ♡♡
♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆ 5 Sexy Revenge Stars ♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆♡☆
Oh Striker.....my sexy Striker. What can I say.....you top the list of walking sexiness!! Blunt and says exactly what he means.....my kind of man.Striker Malone is an upfront, this is how it is, MMA fighting, takes what he wants and you have no choice in the matter, walking sexiness of a man. His personality is dominating and in all control with no excuses for anything less than all in. If Striker grows to love you....WATCH OUT...it is over....no words need to be said to change his mind.
"You're marked now. You belong to me and if I find you anywhere near that pansy motherfucker I just kicked out, neither of you will be safe."
Miss Claire...you are one of my faves....Angel of Mercy. I love your fierceness and head strong demeanor. Just the type of strong woman I want to read about.Growing up with money and a protective daddy. Claire is the princess of the story. Although, if you call her princess....she may attack!!
This story of revenge is action packed and full of secrets that you don't see coming. Secrets, lies & sex = FANTASTIC!! Now if only I had another 300 pages of this one!!
Suzanne Steele is a definite fave! ♡♡
February 27, 2015
This was my first book by this author and I loved it! The storyline was great! I loved the characters, Claire and Striker! Story had a great flow, was well written and had great twists. Keep me on the edge of my seat. Awesome must read.
February 28, 2015
Great one, so far the best one I have read from this author . Striker was very alpha but also sweet to Claire. I could bring home this stray any day.
February 27, 2015
*Received copy in exchange of an honest review*
~Review~
Dominant. Sexy. Dirty mouthed. Ruthless.
These words encircle the brutal Striker Malone. As an underground MMA fighter he came to know how to play without emotion, strike to shatter bones and triumph with the blood of his challengers soaking his skin. He is unmerciful. And he is a man with a single purpose. Revenge.
Every piece fall to place, except one. Claire. His merciful angel. And as a man with many hungers, there’s no pleasure as devouring the beautiful, Claire and submitting her to his every filthy-dark-fantasy. As well carrying out his revenge. Call it, double diligence.
The story is dark, but fast paced and very easy to read. Striker is a very hard character and with his background story you get to know the why’s and how’s of his life. You get to see his demons and his reasons to achieve his goal. And the sex scenes are kinky and hot! (Wish they were longer!) Overall, it’s a unique hot story!
To this know more of this review, click the link:
https://intellectualvixens.wordpress....
~Review~
Dominant. Sexy. Dirty mouthed. Ruthless.
These words encircle the brutal Striker Malone. As an underground MMA fighter he came to know how to play without emotion, strike to shatter bones and triumph with the blood of his challengers soaking his skin. He is unmerciful. And he is a man with a single purpose. Revenge.
Every piece fall to place, except one. Claire. His merciful angel. And as a man with many hungers, there’s no pleasure as devouring the beautiful, Claire and submitting her to his every filthy-dark-fantasy. As well carrying out his revenge. Call it, double diligence.
The story is dark, but fast paced and very easy to read. Striker is a very hard character and with his background story you get to know the why’s and how’s of his life. You get to see his demons and his reasons to achieve his goal. And the sex scenes are kinky and hot! (Wish they were longer!) Overall, it’s a unique hot story!
To this know more of this review, click the link:
https://intellectualvixens.wordpress....
March 11, 2015
Suzanne Steele has YET to disappoint! I love the characters in all of her books, the storylines, the alpha male dominant rough around the edges take no crap male leads are the BEST by far!! I love how she gives you different viewpoints from different characters through out the book it gives you a more 360 degree view of what is going on in the story. I have read all of her books, and I can't wait for more!!!
Read
March 10, 2015dnf @ 37% this book was just way to 1 dimensional for me. I am just too bored to continue. its a pity as the cover looked so promising
March 3, 2015
Stray, is another quick enjoyable story with the super alphas turned up to ten. However, I must say that the heroine and the hero’s roles are reversed when it came to the monetary wealth Striker and Claire, she was independently well of because of her success in real estate and striker was your average Joe money wise, but not so average in any other aspect.
I also like the fact that Claire was a strong take charge character, she in essence rescued Striker from himself, although the original reason for them coming to know one another was nothing like what actually happened in their relationship. Yes, Striker was an ultra-alpha to the bone but Claire made it very clear that she submitted only because that she wanted and she enjoyed giving up a part of her control in certain aspects of their relationship, but she would never cower for him and to Striker’s credit he actually respected that about her and that made her even more attractive to him.
This was also a definite steamy read, and of course the recurring characters of Agent Turner and Renee are always a treat, but I’m definitely looking for Ms. Steele to actually give these two their own story, it’s begging to be told through all of the glimpse of development shown when they are interwoven with the main characters of other stories Ms. Steele has written.
This is a definite quick read that can be enjoyed and knocked out in about 1 ½ 2 hours, just enough time to decompress from a long day, I recommend this story for someone whose looking for a little heat, a little spice and a bit of suspense. Happy
I also like the fact that Claire was a strong take charge character, she in essence rescued Striker from himself, although the original reason for them coming to know one another was nothing like what actually happened in their relationship. Yes, Striker was an ultra-alpha to the bone but Claire made it very clear that she submitted only because that she wanted and she enjoyed giving up a part of her control in certain aspects of their relationship, but she would never cower for him and to Striker’s credit he actually respected that about her and that made her even more attractive to him.
This was also a definite steamy read, and of course the recurring characters of Agent Turner and Renee are always a treat, but I’m definitely looking for Ms. Steele to actually give these two their own story, it’s begging to be told through all of the glimpse of development shown when they are interwoven with the main characters of other stories Ms. Steele has written.
This is a definite quick read that can be enjoyed and knocked out in about 1 ½ 2 hours, just enough time to decompress from a long day, I recommend this story for someone whose looking for a little heat, a little spice and a bit of suspense. Happy
April 18, 2016
I give this book an A for effort.
I tried to enjoy this. I really did. But it was all over the freaking place. Nothing was cohesive. Nothing made sense. It was beyond unrealistic to me. I'm still flabbergasted as to what the freak I just read?!
It wasn't even hot. There was sex all over this book and none of it was sexy. NONE!! The suspenseful plot wasn't even grabbing me. I couldn't care less whodunit. I was so over this book from within the first few chapters. I think I'm going to have to break my promise and start DNFing books because I just cannot take it anymore!!
So I gave it two stars because I could see the potential for a good book. The story idea was great but the carry-through needed a lot of work.
Enjoy!
I tried to enjoy this. I really did. But it was all over the freaking place. Nothing was cohesive. Nothing made sense. It was beyond unrealistic to me. I'm still flabbergasted as to what the freak I just read?!
It wasn't even hot. There was sex all over this book and none of it was sexy. NONE!! The suspenseful plot wasn't even grabbing me. I couldn't care less whodunit. I was so over this book from within the first few chapters. I think I'm going to have to break my promise and start DNFing books because I just cannot take it anymore!!
So I gave it two stars because I could see the potential for a good book. The story idea was great but the carry-through needed a lot of work.
Enjoy!
March 22, 2015
I kind of have a love hate relationship with this writer and I'm torn between a
3 and 4 stars. I love Suzanne's story line, each and every time she draws me in. however her stories lack so much detail and move a long far too fast. so, I keep reading because they are good, but they need so much more. Suzanne, take the time, write one story. detail it out, build it up, draw it out. make me fall in love, then make me want to submit. your stoutly storylines are great I just want to beg a little for the climate. you have a lot of stories out there and a lot of readers who love you. I just need one book from you that leaves me on the edge.
3 and 4 stars. I love Suzanne's story line, each and every time she draws me in. however her stories lack so much detail and move a long far too fast. so, I keep reading because they are good, but they need so much more. Suzanne, take the time, write one story. detail it out, build it up, draw it out. make me fall in love, then make me want to submit. your stoutly storylines are great I just want to beg a little for the climate. you have a lot of stories out there and a lot of readers who love you. I just need one book from you that leaves me on the edge.
March 3, 2015
I really gave this 3.5 stars because the story deserved it. I couldnt give it higher than that because it felt so rushed! The characters had no time to develop..the story had such potential and to have it suddenly appear so obvious to everyone and get solved so quick just ruined it for me. If this was spread over 2 books, i wouldve loved it! But with such an intense plot and such interesting characters, it was robbed of what it couldve been. Definitely a little disappointed
March 1, 2015
nice!
I really liked the flow of this story! Striker and Claire and even the two FBI agents...loved that parallel. Interesting twist in the story that did make for a more captivating ending...thought the ending was rushed but really liked it too. Thank you!
I really liked the flow of this story! Striker and Claire and even the two FBI agents...loved that parallel. Interesting twist in the story that did make for a more captivating ending...thought the ending was rushed but really liked it too. Thank you!
January 8, 2016
Addictive.
I loved this book, I got through it pretty quick but loved every minute of it.
The cover grabbed me and the story was great.
I loved this book, I got through it pretty quick but loved every minute of it.
The cover grabbed me and the story was great.
April 27, 2015
Hot read, but I've never read a book that climaxed (no pun intended) so quickly. The real killer, the truth to why and FBI agents all come to a head on literally one page. Literally. End of story....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
This was honestly like a wattpad dark romance fanfic, plot was so obvious and the characters were boring.
It could’ve been so much better because the storyline had so much potential.
It could’ve been so much better because the storyline had so much potential.
May 29, 2015
I liked where it was going... Maybe 3.5 stars?
I liked the all alpha male that was Striker. Finished it in one day. It's not bad but towards the end it just falls kinda flat. He is hardcore MMA fighter, falls in love with the judges daughter and it goes down hill from there. Whenever the FBI get involved it seems the story gets rushed, throw in his dominate girlfriend "mistress." It Just gets well... out there, rushed. Felt like background info was just thrown in there and leaves you scratching your head.
Could be worse I guess.
I liked the all alpha male that was Striker. Finished it in one day. It's not bad but towards the end it just falls kinda flat. He is hardcore MMA fighter, falls in love with the judges daughter and it goes down hill from there. Whenever the FBI get involved it seems the story gets rushed, throw in his dominate girlfriend "mistress." It Just gets well... out there, rushed. Felt like background info was just thrown in there and leaves you scratching your head.
Could be worse I guess.
May 28, 2015
despite having the worlds shittiest day, i finished this book and i really liked it, but wanted more in the epilogue.. Hope the author is going to write another book about these 2!! When i thought the cat was dead i almost started crying but soo glad he was ok :p what can i say, im an animal lover. The one thing i didnt really like is that they never really showed much affection, no kissing or anything but the love was there which i liked. Cant wait to read more from this author
March 7, 2015
So-So
This story was liked a filled out out line. It was choppy and jumped from one place to another. It had potential that was just forced into rush job. Striker an MMA fighter is trying to get revenge on his fathers wrongful conviction. He goes from stalking the judges daughter to living with her and being her assistant/ body guard / lover. This story was all over the place and then solved in two seconds.
This story was liked a filled out out line. It was choppy and jumped from one place to another. It had potential that was just forced into rush job. Striker an MMA fighter is trying to get revenge on his fathers wrongful conviction. He goes from stalking the judges daughter to living with her and being her assistant/ body guard / lover. This story was all over the place and then solved in two seconds.
June 4, 2016
This book was great for it remains me of the lovely TV show Revenge the only difference is the plot is not extended and long going it ends and I really enjoy the read.
I guess since right now I'm binge watching this show and the fun thing is I was not looking for this book I just ran into book and I have enjoyed it.
I guess since right now I'm binge watching this show and the fun thing is I was not looking for this book I just ran into book and I have enjoyed it.
July 7, 2015
Compact story packed with enough plot to not feel like porn. Stryker, oo la la, oozed domination and hotness over an easily manipulated Claire.
Not as dark as other Steele books, which I love and would have liked to have seen more.
Not as dark as other Steele books, which I love and would have liked to have seen more.
January 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this love story with a dark twist. I wish it would have been longer because I was really into the story. We get a peak at Agent Turner and Rene. This love story is a bit different then others by this author (which I am a big fan of).
March 26, 2015
Couldn't feel an emotional connection to any of the characters...sorry
June 6, 2015
This was a different read I am glad it ended with a good HEA but wow lots of twists this was a dark read
January 20, 2016
Very good
I really enjoyed this book very much and more, it was very exciting and kept you guessing, I really like this authors books
I really enjoyed this book very much and more, it was very exciting and kept you guessing, I really like this authors books
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews