Helpless

Belial's Disciples #1

by A.J. Adams

Fracas Macintyre has been in and out of trouble all her life but this time it’s worse than ever. In debt to a loan shark, she’s caught up in a war between the Alistairs, nicknamed The Irish Mob, and Belial’s Disciples, England’s nastiest MC. Kidnapped and at the mercy of Caden Winslow, Fracas is convinced that life is going to get very nasty indeed.

Caden Winslow is an ex soldier used to taking care of business. When an Alistair henchman steals his beloved Busa, he simply takes one of theirs hostage and expects a simple trade will solve the problem. However, Caden is about to be pulled into a war.

Warning: This book is a dark romance. It contains explicit scenes of dubious consent, graphic violence and sex. It is for adults only.

Genres: Dark, Romance, Suspense, Dark Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Abuse

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2016

About the author

AJ Adams married her best friend and moved to the tropics where they are living their own Happily Ever After. She believes writing is not so much a passion as an obsession.

She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.

When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.

She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)

Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Adams has officially been added to my must-read list. She took a story that was dark, twisted and heartbreaking and infused it with enough laughs, optimism, heroics, and hope to make it heartwarming.

Likes:
✿ Fracas: she was dealt a shitty hand, was labeled and persecuted for what was done to her, and was still able to hold onto hope. No one heard her. No one really saw her. No one helped. She was called horrible names, she was treated with disgust, but her heart was still open enough to give and receive love with Caden.
✿ Caden: my favorite character! He was a military hero with a strong code of honor, ethics, right and wrong. He recognized that the system didn't always get it right and aimed to mete out justice as he saw fit. He was fair. He was kind. He was extremely intelligent. He carried around a lot of guilt for many things that were beyond his control. He had no problem admitting when he was wrong. He also had a huge heart and soon came to realize that he and Fracas, though they led vastly different lives, were kindred spirits. His love for her knew no bounds.
✿ the side characters, especially Rex and Crush. I liked how the MC club was shown under a different light, with intelligent men at the helm running legitimate (and illegitimate) businesses.
✿ the British slang. Fracas and Crush taught me many new words with their potty mouths.
✿ the plot: it was an intriguing whodunit chock full of rape, murder and mayhem. Don't worry, the acts themselves weren't explicit, but they were discussed and they weren't pretty.

Dislike:
✿ the ending. I was greedy and wanted more of an epilogue :D

Release Date: December 16, 2015
Genre: Romantic Suspense with touches of darkness
POV: Dual - 1st person
Steam: 1 out of 5 (there was a descriptive scene in the beginning but the scenes that followed weren't as detailed)
Series or Standalone: Standalone
HEA: Decent epilogue (no exact timeframe)

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – Helpless
Author – A.J. Adams
Series – None
Cliffhanger? - No
Publication Date – December 16, 2015
Genre – Romance
Type – Stand Alone
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story
I honestly thought this book was going to be more like the prior books that Ms. Adams wrote but I was pleasantly surprised when this turned out to be such an entertaining read. Ms. Adams has such a great way of writing dark scenes without setting off triggers to the reader. This is one of the reasons why I love reading her books so much!

This story? I have to save that Caden is my most favorite character and I absolutely fell in love with him. I felt so sorry for Fracas.

Reason for Reading – Blog Tour/Author Request
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? Yes
Recommend To – Lovers of light dark romance

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did i not leave a review for Helpless before??
I’ve read it at least 3 times,and still i manage to forget to say how much i loved it??
What was i thinking??
Scratch that,i clearly wasn’t!!
It’s one of AJ Adam’s stories,and if you know her a little,you know you’re in for one hell of a ride.
With a heroine that’s been kicked down for most of her life,but that never gives up.
That still sees a silver lining,even if things look bleak….
With a hero that’s not afraid to kick ass when the villains need to be taken down.
But one that needs the right kind of woman to show him he’s doing the right thing.
They both need someone to show them they’re worth loving.
Even if everyone thinks she’s a tart,and is asking for trouble.
Even if he thinks that everyone will look differently at him because of what he’s done.
But he’s a softy,deep down,determined to keep the woman he loves safe at any cost.
And she’s determined to fight for the man that showed her there ís someone that can make her happy.
The road towards that happiness is paved with danger and villains that don’t hesitate to do evil things to get what they want.
So,you’ll have to brace….but it’s só worth it!!
And AJ doesn’t just give you that rollercoaster ride….no,she gives you all the emotions.
You’ll laugh,you’ll cry,you’ll brace,you’ll worry…..but you’ll love every second,trust me!!

[Glynis Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I hated the way this story was being told , so fast , from first person that it was hard to keep up. Once my brain adjusted to the writing style, and Fracas enters the picture it takes a turn for the better and keeps on going. It is not dark , but mentions dark happenings. Caden is easy enough to fall for as the war torn hero, but Fracas steals the show. I wanted to see her overcome the nasty town she grew up in. I wanted Caden to fall for me. So the book was a light read in genre, but still fleshed out for me to keep reading. I would give it 3.9stars. Received my copy through Twisted Sister Book Reviews Blog for an honest review.

[Raisa Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all the AJ Adams story I read HELPLESS is by far the best one yet. Set in England with Russian Mobs and MC, Fracas and Caden (odd names for characters and I tend to interchange genders more than once while reading this book) are one heck of a couple.

Fracas being known as a very low person in the society doesn't care about hearsay even and just wants to leave it all and start anew but along the way, be it legal or pure that she did, she is still judged. It wasn't easy life for her and when she met Caden, a 6 foot 2 ex military with a past so dark, everything she ever worked for would go down the drain. Caden plans to live a normal life after his vendetta but that all change when his bike was stolen and met Fracas, a feisty girl with a pure heart. One lived a life full of joy and smiles and the other lived a life of pain, suffering and judgement.

At the start of the story, I was lost because I was not much of a fan with mafias and mobs story but AJ Adams story makes it easy for me to understand the flow even if I don't understand the terminologies of the mafia/mob world. I felt the regret Caden feels towards Fracas that I was gripping to every word. I like Caden because:
1. He is hot
2. He gives princess treatments
3 He is smokin hot :D

The story in the end was a bit confusing but I got the gist after reading it again. Like I said I am not accustomed to plots like this and I was only looking forward to how Caden and Fracas will go until the last chapter. Yeah I am a romantic.

This book needs to be a series because I can see a lot of potential characters needing stories. The plot is nice and somewhat new and I like that it switches from one POV to the next. I'm hoping more POV from male characters because they are more entertaining to read TBH.

Like I said the best one so far so go ahead and read HELPLESS!

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy, unfortunately I didn't download it in time and ended up buying my own copy. It was totally worth it.

I can always count on this author to give me exceptional entertainment value from her no holds barred books. They pack a mean punch sometimes. Fracas lives up to her name as Caden steals her in exchange for his Busa being stolen. Words are easy... You give me back my Busa and I will give you back your girl. Caden doesn't even see it coming as his life becomes wrapped around Fracas,....unfortunately there are too many elements working here to keep her safe. I really enjoyed there chemistry, and the situations the author puts them through. I can only hope we will get more books from this group. Lovely read and five Stars!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, sexy and fast paced read. Overall, I enjoyed it! :-)

[Jamielee]

DNF @ 33%

I kept telling myself to keep reading... keep going... it will get better. I liked other books by this Author but I just couldn't continue.
The Leading Lady is dumb. She pops off at the mouth and swears and insults everyone... I mean even the President of the MC who would love to beat the shit out of her and rape her. Smart idea right? She has no filter what so ever. She makes the worst choices her entire life and then ends up sleeping her way through life. Mess up her life again... sleeps with some people. Messing up again... Blow jobs for everyone. Gets in trouble... gang bang time. I have a really hard time feeling sympathy or even connecting to a character like her.

My bad on reading a book with characters based in England. I didn't realize until I was reading this book that their dialect and swear words annoying the SHIT out of me. I read books with English character in them and it doesn't bother me but everyone speaking like that and all the descriptions in that form... wasn't for me.

[Kristi Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpless is bold and daring, and walks the fine line between what is acceptable and what is not. The heroes are larger than life, and more than a little...bent. Damaged, but not broken. They're not hindered by the law or held to any code other than their own sense of right and wrong, which has been shaped by their histories and is also a little bent.

Caden started off on shaky ground for me. He is hard, uncompromising, and obviously tortured by something(s) in his past. He does some things usually considered unforgivable. (You'll get no spoilers out of me.) He doesn't listen! But the depth of his character is revealed in a satisfying way, and as the story progressed I actually grew to like him quite well. He is strong, and loyal, and once you get him on your side, he won't shake free.

But Fracas.... You're asked to feel sympathy for, and root for, a woman who has had the shit end of the stick since puberty. She's crass, vulgar, and goddamned if she doesn't have a fighting spirit that society would sing praises of--if she were a man. So why not? Fracas is indomitable, outspoken, blunt and honest. Even when she's having her ass handed to her--and she knows that it's time to shut up--as a reader I really wanted her to win.

On the flip side, she is so flippant about her history--especially in the beginning, during the backstory rundown--that I wondered if she was even human. She almost lost me, there. How could anyone endure the crapfest that was her life and be so matter-of-fact about it? If I were having a conversation with Fracas and she told me all of that in one sitting, as it is presented in the opening chapter, I would either be looking for an exit or Googling a good therapist.

The author has a delicate line to walk. If the backstory isn't told, the reader may not be sympathetic with Fracas. But if it is told without kid gloves, it almost becomes too much to take in. There's got to be a happy medium, of revealing information in just the right increments to deliver the character's full depth without the reader despising her for what she is, or going a little numb because we learned too much too fast.

The plot has plenty of twists, and funny moments as well as horrifying ones. I very much enjoyed reading it. I can't think of anything to say that couldn't be considered a spoiler, so I'll just reiterate, it is a story worth reading. Crazy, up and down, wild ride. I did grow to care quite a lot about the characters and their battle to prevail...(no spoilers!) I wanted Caden and Fracas and the Disciples to WIN! There were a couple scenes that even had my eyes leaking on Fracas' account--the kind of tears I get from someone's core belief about themselves getting blown to pieces, when that's a good thing.

Now, as far as that missing star...
Because it is in first person, I had a rough time with some of it. As anyone who follows my reviews knows, I'm not a huge fan of first person. I don't see the appeal, and find when it isn't flawless it feels to me like I'm overhearing Chatty Kathy in the diner, telling her best friend about what happened last night. Helpless isn't flawless, but a lot of it is pretty well done. AJ has done better in other stories, though.

I found it hard to connect with Fracas--possibly as much if not more due to the issue I discuss above. Most especially, Fracas' little asides--commentary as though she's telling the story from some future date. Most of these I just found odd enough to pop me out of the bubble, but at least one was overtly revealing. Caden does at least one of those, too. As a reader, they make me go "A-ha! Something is coming!" but as a writer, I find it...well, a cheap trick. Foreshadowing with a sledgehammer.

The other quality of note is the amount of slang in this book. Britishisms galore, and many of them just plain derogatory terms. I could follow along through most of them, because they're used pretty well in context, but at times it was a bit overwhelming to follow. It gives the story a very salty feel, and I enjoyed a lot of it, but sometimes the sheer quantity was enough to pop me out of the bubble while I tried to figure out what on earth they were talking about.

This was a solid 4 star read for me. I would recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed other AJ Adams books, and also to anyone who enjoys a read about the darker side of life--people who are not held up as shining examples of humanity, but who really, at their core, highlight some of humanity's finest attributes.

[Jodie Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog
This is an MC book with a twist and it is fabulous. The main male lead is ex-military and after witnessing his family getting tortured he goes on a revenge mission but he gets more than he bargained for in more ways than one. He comes across a girl who he takes as leverage after his beloved busa is stolen but not all as is first appears.
Fracas is a woman has been through hell raped battered abused and hated by her hometown can her life get any worse the answer is yes it can but then it gets better. I adored Fracas and every about her she is one hell of a woman to cross and is so strong even with everything she has been though and in the end she comes on well on top and love that this happened for her and it was the most deserving ending for her character. Follow Fracas and watch how her character develops through the book and you will fall in love with her yourself!
Caden is a sexy as hell beast of a man who you don’t want to be on the wrong side of he is set on revenge for his family but after he extracts it more trouble finds him. He came home from the war to settle down and find a girl and start a family but he didn’t expect to become part of a massive war that includes and MC club that his brother is in. Caden seems very unsure of himself and is convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness even though that’s all anyone wants for him. Caden is a fabulous character and I feel honoured to have read his story.
The story line and plots are absolutely brilliant this is a fast paced book and action starts almost Immediately and doesn’t stop. The twists and turns are unique and I assure you, you wont see whats coming. It isn’t as gritty as some MC stories but I don’t think that’s a bad thing this story is beautifully written and I recommend it to everyone.
I rate this story 5 stars

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A roller coaster of a ride…
From the very start I knew this was going to be an intense read. An intense, violent, bloody, ‘stretch my comfort zone to the limit’, read. And it was. Holy mackerel, was it!
Caden Winslow was ex-soldier but he has lost none of his intensity or his ability to get the tough jobs done. He is used to dealing with any and all types of people and he rolls with the punches, and delivers them, when he has to. He calls the shots though and when Fracas lands in his lap, and his quiet job turns into the start of a major s**storm, he has to call on every skill he has to save himself and his new-found friend.
Fracas Macintyre is not a saint, far from it, but she finds herself caught in a chaos she’s never known. While not proud of some of the things she’s done in the past, she also knows that doesn’t define who she is. Life has made her tough and strong but she is also likable, making her my favourite character in this testosterone-filled adventure.
Sharing close quarters right from the start, it seems it takes the two of them together to bring out the best as well as the warm and fuzzy side to each of them. I wasn’t expecting that at all which I shouldn’t be surprised about. This is in keeping with the flavour of this book – keeping me on my toes!
This is a long story. Really, really long. When I suggest a potty break before starting I am not kidding. While I enjoyed most of it, there were spots where the story seemed to bog down in history and recollections that, for me, weren’t really necessary and took away from the fast moving pace of the book. There were many twists and turns and, right to the end, I wasn’t sure which way things were going to go. An intriguing first read and I look forward to more.

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story from the first page till the end. The characters are strong and very creative. Fracas lives a very hard life. She does the only thing she knows to survive, men love her and women look down their nose at her. Fracas always responds with a loud crude mouth that makes things even worse for her.

Caden is ex-military, tough, never comprising. When the story begins he commits a horrendous crime. Caden’s life has been tortured with things that are unforgivable. Now it is time for retribution. At first I didn’t like Caden, he was scary and cold. When the truth comes out about why he is this way my feelings changed. Being from a wealthy family has some benefits but Caden is an unbending man. His wealth just means he has the money to do as he sees fit. It is now time to take back his community. His brother and a good MC club joined together to clean up.

Fracas and Caden meet but not in the usual way. He is big, scary and deadly. She witnesses what he is capable of doing to people and he has the upper hand over her. Of course she can’t keep from running her mouth which totally takes him by surprise and gets her into more trouble. It doesn’t help that the MC club doesn’t trust or like her, after all she has a reputation that everybody knows about. Fracas was involved with a monster, Peter and his brother run drugs launder money and they are mean as the day is long. He wants her back and will stop at nothing to get to her. With the help of dirty cops, she just stays one step ahead of the enemy and there are a lot of people out for her.

This book is a very intriguing and it will grab you and won’t let go. AJ Adams has written a very smart and thrilling book with many twists and emotional highs and lows. I really liked it and would highly recommend it!!

[Dedicated Ink Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was like an MC book/ ex-military kind of book which I loved. Our two main characters are Fracas and Caden. Fracas is a young woman who is a whore but really life has just fucked her over and she's only done it because of circumstances that have made her make the choices she has. She's been around the wrong people who have taken advantage of her and now she has the stimga of being a whore. My heart broke for her, men in her village only want one thing from her and women gossip about her. Even though she goes through this crap daily she's still sassy and keeps her head held high. Caden is ex-military, he's bent on revenge for his family and after he's done with that he wants to settle down and have a life. He's seen horrible things that will haunt him, he's been part of the mafia. He's a hard man but has a heart of gold. I loved these two together, they really do bring the best parts of each other out. They have such a great chemistry.

I could compare this book to an action movie. It had everything that kept you wanting to see what would happen next. Action, suspense, drama, comedy, hot sex like I said everything. The secondary characters were just as great and I loved that by the end they were one big family. I loved AJ's writing style even though at times I didn't understand things it was still a great book. This book is written in both POV's which I love being in a man's head. Caden doesn't disappoint and you get to hear how he truly feels for Fracas, all I have to say is SWOON!!!! I would love more books with Fracas and Caden, Rex, and the other MC members. They definitely have a place in my heart.

~Dedicated's P

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Helpless, it struck every chord with me. From the moment I began Caden's story I was hooked, like page one, I had to know everything about this guy. He was mysterious, calculated, tough as nails, and hot as hell. You soon discovered he had a tender heart protected by an armor plate, and watching it soften to Fracas was sweet. Now.... Fracas, wholly crap that girl had the saddest most heartbreaking life. I haven't read such an abused character in ages. I ached for her, but CHEERED like a loon the very next moment. The interwoven stories and very unique characters move the story of Caden and Fracas along at a heart pumping and entertaining pace. The guys that make up the Belias MC were fantastic, tough and ruthless, but with a strong sense of justice and they delivered it in heaps. Fracas was the perfect blend of strong, while fragile also being a heroine for Caden, and he was her perfectly damaged, yet soft hearted hero to. Now, there were many cringe worthy moments, this isn't a soft, fluffy love story, it's a human story with flaws, heartbreak and humor at the most inappropriate moments. I found myself laughing at many of Fracas' snarky comebacks and her many pure fuck it, "I'm going to save myself", moments were golden, she had spunk for sure. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I fell in love with Fracas and Caden equally. Brilliant.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fracas Macintyre is just trying to survive. Men use her and think she is a “tart” she isn’t one, she is just trying to survive and the first man that shows her some attention (taking her out to dinner on a date) she took up with him. But, of course he is a bad man. Now she happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I definitely get the title of the book “Helpless” because Fracas is. At times she lets her temper get to her and she bites back, sometimes at the most inopportune times. Caden Winslow at first uses her because he caught her with the person that stole Caden’s Busa and Caden starts off using her as collateral to get his Busa back. But, then he starts trying to protect her when he realizes she isn’t just some “tart”. Now you need to read this book for the rest of the story.

I have read a couple of other books by A.J. Adams and have loved them. So I was very happy to read Helpless. I did have to look up a few words since I live in the US and I am used to our vocabulary. I had no idea of what a Busa was and it is a brand name for a motorcycle.

I received Helpless for an honest review and I give it 4 stars. I look forward to reading more from A. J. Adams.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a rollercoaster ride this book was! Fracas has had a rough life that really went bad when she turned 15. She thinks she has turned her life around when everything get worse. Caden, a ruthless man with demons but a soft side for those he loves, gets tangled up with Fracas and what a tangle it turns out to be! The two are an unlikely duo but perfect for one another, at least once the first hurdles are overcome. I loved tough Caden, spirited Fracas, intriguing Rex and all of the members of the motorcycle club. The bad guy was BAD and the ending a surprise and when a book surprises me that is saying something since I often read the end of a book first. This is indeed a great story!

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review.

[Julie Gustafson-Monk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog

Helpless isn't your ordinary MC book. It was very good but it was confusing at times..It was a fast paced book meaning it moved fast.

Facas had a tough start in her life. She was on the streets and sold herself to stay alive and fed. She found herself in dangerous scenarios many times. She was kidnapped for a ransom situation. It was her for a Busa. She didn't realize what she facing when she met Caden.

Caden is a scary ex military man. He has a past so dark that it haunts him daily. The man that stands 6'2 also has a soft side to him..He wants to complete his task of getting his revenge. And then he so desperately wants to settle down and have a normal life.

This book was really good. Helpless was my first A.J Adams book.

[Beantown Bitches]

A unique Twist to MC!

The dialogue was a little tough to understand and follow at times however as the story unfolded I found myself wrapped in this unique tale. Fracas a local girl who owes debt finds herself being held as collateral to Caden and Ex military man seeking revenge after local thugs steal his beloved busa. What unravels from there is a fun twist to your everyday MC novels.

I found myself really enjoying Fracas character...she is smart,tough and overcomes everything life has thrown at her with gusto. Caden is your straight forward alpha male however when he is together with Fracas I found myself enjoying them even more. The chemistry is off the charts sexy and thrilling.

This is a unique story filled with drama, sex, and a whole lot of adventure!

Reviewed by Tracey

[Annamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Great Stars! Fracas has been abused and tortured but has remained a strong woman. Caden feels like he does not deserve to be happy when he comes home from the war. Fracas and Caden are an unlikely pair but together they fit perfectly. This story is fast paced and has a lot of twists and turns. It is beautifully written and is a great MC story.

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

[Chrissy Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ gives us a fabulous story. Full of mobsters and just make you want to read more and more!

[Tara Dawn (Colourful WordWench) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm gonna start this review with this is the longest damn book I think I've ever read, and it's a bit misleading. This book is NOT a dark romance. I'm a lover of all things dark and taboo and this does not feed the need or even come close. It starts out with that feeling and got me all excited, and then all of a sudden the story is all over the place, talking about past experiences that have nothing to do with the story at all and thrown in at the strangest times during the book. If it was important to tell Caden's past experiences in war to build his character, it could've been executed better and not in such a confusing, wordy way. And the time line really threw me for a loop and made me find the characters flakey because when you think weeks have passed and they are building this relationship, it finally states it's been three days. THREE DAYS! I just found it hard to believe all of that happened in such a short period of time. Weeks yes, days no.

I really liked all the characters in the beginning. They started out with a punch and you really felt like you knew them and what they had gone through and the kind of lifestyle they were living. Then the characters kind of just fell apart in the middle of this story that was being drug along by unneeded scenes and information. Every time I started liking them again, I'd sigh and flip more pages disliking them again until something happened to make me like them again.

I was hoping for this ragtag, mean ass biker group. They aren't. They remind me of the Weenie-hut version of Sons of Anarchy. Caden, who starts off as this dark and disturbed individual who I totally loved, quickly became a softy of mass proportions. His character was such a let down. Fracas was about the only character who I liked. Out of all the characters, hers stayed true all the way until the end, and I liked her a lot. She was the toughest out of the entire group, and that says a lot being surrounded by MC and ex military (or mob or whatever the hell he was).

What started out as deep story line quickly bled into this confusing mess and turned me off. I finished it because I was curious to see if it would get back to how it originally started and I'm OCD about finishing books. After this long drawn out story, the story came to an almost uneventful ending with an epilogue that should've just been the last chapter.

*This book was given to me for an honest review for a blog tour. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and you may enjoy this book. Please read other reviews and compare them to mine and make your own decision if you want to read this book or not.*

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden is the illegitimate son of an English Baron. Although raised by his father and his father’s wife, he was not given a title the way his younger brother was. He’s ok with that, he’s the one with the money anyway and he and his brother are very close. Caden had been in the British Army until recently. In a short period of time he lost the mother who raised him, his father, his best friend and this biological mother. By the time he left the army he was ready for something new.

“(he)might have had a nice face, but the rest of him screamed hell-raiser”

“..he had a massive scar just where his heart would have been if he’d had one.”

Fracas has had a rough life, but that life has made her strong. I won’t tell you what has happened to her, but it is terrible. Through a series of unfortunate events, Fracas is mistaken for a working girl by Caden and taken by him as a means to an end. The story gets very interesting from that point.

“I’ve licked you; now you’re mine.”

I enjoyed reading this story. It is most certainly NOT your average MC book. I’ve never read of an MC being run like the Belial’s Disciples, but I liked it, something fresh for this sub-genre. The story has its hot moments but sex is not a main focus. Many times the author simply implies that sex has taken place, but other times it’s a steamy read. I found this nice as well, again, something different. Being an American I had a hard time keeping up with the British slang and references. I think it would be beneficial to have a glossary in the beginning of the book as I spent A LOT of time on google. This is the second book by AJ Adams that I have read, and I enjoy her work. I give this book 4.5 stars and recommend as a good read.

“We’re one of the richest nations on this earth, nobody in our country should be that poor.”

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fracas Macintyre has been in and out of trouble since she was fifteen years old. In recent years, she's worked hard to walk the straight and narrow path, but when encouraged to take a loan from her boyfriend's brother, her life goes to hell in a handbasket in spectacular fashion. She finds herself smack dab in the middle of a war between the Alistairs, aka The Irish Mob, and England's most dangerous MC Belial's Desciples. If that's not scary enough, she was kidnapped by the cold, ex-soldier Caden Winslow, who has no love or mercy for any woman of the night, past or present. Will Fracas be able to get out of this dangerous situation alive, or is the end of the road for her?!

So let me break it down for you. At first, I had a really hard time understanding anything that was going on, and I was like WTH am I reading, especially since it started out fast! Thankfully, I'm no quitter, so I kept going, and boy was I ever glad I did, as the confusion quickly died, and the story never let up to where I couldn't put it down! It has a lot of pages, but no part of it ever slowed down, so my heart raced like mad to the end. Fracas was a hard character to learn about, but once I understood her more, I LOVED her! Caden pissed me off on many occassions, and while I fell for him, that didn't mean that I wasn't ready to throat punch him for some of his questionable decisions. A.J. Adams has a talented writing style that I find myself addicted to now. Her dark and twisty style was very original, with diabolical twists and turns that had my f-bomb dropping parade out loud and proud! I'm super excited to read more by her in the very near future, so I'll just conclude with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING Helpless to everyone brave enough to go on a dark and awesome journey!

[Pamela Stallings · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was like an MC book/ ex-military kind of book which I loved. Our two main characters are Fracas and Caden. Fracas is a young woman who is a whore but really life has just fucked her over and she's only done it because of circumstances that have made her make the choices she has. She's been around the wrong people who have taken advantage of her and now she has the stimga of being a whore. My heart broke for her, men in her village only want one thing from her and women gossip about her. Even though she goes through this crap daily she's still sassy and keeps her head held high. Caden is ex-military, he's bent on revenge for his family and after he's done with that he wants to settle down and have a life. He's seen horrible things that will haunt him, he's been part of the mafia. He's a hard man but has a heart of gold. I loved these two together, they really do bring the best parts of each other out. They have such a great chemistry.

I could compare this book to an action movie. It had everything that kept you wanting to see what would happen next. Action, suspense, drama, comedy, hot sex like I said everything. The secondary characters were just as great and I loved that by the end they were one big family. I loved AJ's writing style even though at times I didn't understand things it was still a great book. This book is written in both povs which I love being in a man's head. Caden doesn't disappoint and you get to hear how he truly feels for Fracas, all I have to say is SWOON!!!! I would love more books with Fracas and Caden, Rex, and the other mc members. They definitely have a place in my heart.

[Rhonda Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden is out for revenge. He has found his victim Colonel Vukoja and now it is time to make him pay. Caden uses a technique called Death of a Thousand Cuts; this is a technique that the Colonel would use on his victims. This technique is incredibly painful and is a psychological torture. Caden is very careful in not leaving any evidence behind.
Then some fool stole Caden’s Busa (which is the world’s fastest motorcycle, a Busa can reach the top speed of 194 miles per hour) so this fool learns the hard way that you don’t take things that belong to Caden. This young man had to feel the pain of the box cutter and broken bones to learn you should not messed with Caden’s stuff. The fool who stole his bike works for Alistairs. So Caden takes one of Alistair’s girls for collateral, switch girl for bike. But things just get crazy from here.
The girl that Caden took as collateral is Fracas, whose life has been not been a bed of roses. She has been gang raped, beaten up, loses her job and is in debt to a loan shark. She is just wanted to make a better life for herself and you think it can’t get any worse she gets caught up in this war between Caden and Alistairs.
This book was great; you didn’t want to put the book down. You feel sorry for Fracas because of all that she has been through but it just makes her stronger. Even through all the blood and killing I liked how the story ended.
I RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden is a man who has been serving in the military overseas for Her Majesty. He was part of a special group of solders, maybe he still is, but now he is home. His brother, Rex (not his real name) is the younger brother but is the one with the Title to his name, being the legitimate son of their father. Yes, Caden is a bastard child. Into his life walks Fracas. Preconceived notions run amok in this book. Things that seem to be aren't, things that aren't really what they seem, may just be. This is one hell of an MC book, because it isn't written quite in the same fashion as your normal MC. Here, we're watching music festivals, weekend long parties, Russian Mafia?, and general all around low-lifes outside of the MC trying to take what doesn't belong to them. What is it exactly that they want to take and why? What do they plan to do with it and how do they plan to get it? What does Fracas have to do with all this? What does Caden think and how does he feel when he finds out the truth about everything? What does he do then? I can't say much more on this book, because if I do I will end up posting spoilers about the book and I sure don't want to do that. This was a very enjoyable read! So enjoy it! It is fun watching the British peerage meet with the lawlessness of the MC together in one book.

[Johnnie-Marie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was all for this story at first, reading the blurb and the cover really grabbed my attention; but as the story went on and on I found that I was having a hard time getting into it. I thought it seemed as if it kept repeating itself over and over. Of course that was when I reached the halfway mark. The next few chapters after that really got me into the story and I of course ended with really liking it. The author really does a great way of getting the so many details in the story to make sense of everything and makes the flow of the story blend really well. I was completely thrown for a loop by the time I reached the end I couldn't believe what I was reading and how different it went then what my own thoughts were. I was deff thrown for a huge loop and I couldn't of been happier, hell it made me want more of the story once I reached the last page. The pace had it's moments but other then that I would deff say it's a MUST READ. I know it took me longer then I would have liked to finish this but at some parts it wasn't a very great page turned as other parts. Still a really great read!!!


***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com/2016... ***

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ Adams has done it again in the Contemporary fiction Genre, that crosses over dark romance, erotica, action & suspense with sub-G's in military, mafia and a unique MC style I prefer- not too violent! :D This is an edgy, wild, roller-coaster ride that grabbed me from the start and held me hostage until the very end! ... So riveting, it kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages, totally engaged and not wanting to stop when I had to! Yes, this has an intense story-line, with a few different plots woven in, but it is so entertaining that I could see it being made into a movie- a huge blockbuster hit movie!
With well developed characters, and a multi-faceted H/h pairing that you'll learn to love and come to cheer for, as you battle with your emotions that will run rampant! :o A well rounded, yet complicated story with twists and turns that will keep you guessing and has a surprise ending! :D Even tho I was fortunate to be given a copy in exchange for my honest review, I honestly do recommend this novel and any other book by this talented author! :)

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read by this author and although it was daring and different from the usual, I found myself getting a bit lost at times and confused. Some sections were more clear than others and the British terms always seemed to catch me off guard.
The best part of this book (and what kept me invested) is the relationship between Fracas and Caden...it was volatile, sexy and at times almost shocking in its gritty appeal but basically what held my attention when the rest of the plot seemed to be all over the place.
Mixing bikers with the Irish mob and an ex-military man was an interesting combination and I would say if you are looking for something different, this would be it...just be prepared to pay close attention to the action...it is complicated and at times had my head spinning. A pretty good mix of thriller and darkish romance.
I received a free copy of this book in exhcnage for an honest review.

**** 4 **** "his collateral and a whole lot more" stars

[Maddi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rags to riches

Oh my goodness! I really had a great emotional ride reading this book! I loved Fracas and Caden! The rest of the characters were perfect as well! I loved the story of both characters and was really impressed with our crazy, fouled mouth girl Fracas. She held her head high and yeah, she broke down as well but that's what made it all real.

Through out the book I could not stop picturing Caden as John Cena! All that muscle!!

Anyways, I really enjoyed this book and if you like strong characters and a good storyline then you will like this book as well.

The only problem I had with the book is the writing. I would be reading along and then bam new paragraph that jumped to new scene that was days or weeks down the road or a flashback that just popped out of nowhere. I like a gradual change versus being thrown into it but if that does not bother you then this book is worth the time to read.