Judged

by Ellie Danes

She wants me. She just doesn’t know it. They say never judge a book by its cover, but that’s exactly what Dr. Claire West did that night. She took one look at my tatts and decided I was bad news. She's right. I’m a badass with a secret. She healed my body and forgot me. Until now. By day I’m one person, and by night someone else. The biker and the billionaire, I’m a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde. The new side of me she can’t resist, The other I'll teach her to crave. Just wait until I shed the suit, She’ll remember every, single, hard inch of me. Because the billionaire is still a badass. And she's about to find out. Judged is a stand alone, bad boy, billionaire romance with a HEA, no cheating and lots of heat, passion, and romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2017

Reviews

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Ellie Danes !!!
Title: Judged
Author: Ellie Danes
Designation: A Billionaire Biker Contemporary Romance, Standalone, NO CLiffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Captivating Stars*****
***This ebook does not have actual page numbers but I estimate it to have approximately 180 pages and ends at the 12% location. Two bonus novels by Ellie Danes are also included in this edition. (Conviction and The Diamon Club: Volume One)

Another winner from Ellie Danes! I fell in love with Danes' writing several years ago and try to never miss a new release. I've always found her work to be compelling, captivating, seductive, and emotionally gripping with engaging realistic storylines, the perfect combination of conflict and angst, and a well-developed cast of relatable characters who come to life and capture my heart. And this release was no exception! Judged is a well-crafted, fast-paced, standalone contemporary romance that combines two of today's most popular sub-genres - billionaires and biker bad boys, an odd combination but Danes does it well. The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with clearly defined his and her perspectives. My favorite! The dialogue is smart, well-executed and flows effortlessly. (Although I do love trash-talking, filthy-mouth bad boys, there's not a lot of obscenities used in Judged. There are a few words but this book is what I call pure contemporary romance without obscenities in every sentence, and I found it refreshing. The author's true talent shines through without all the added expletives. And as much as I loved the plot for this story, it was truly the characters who stole the show. I fell in love with both protagonists, Steele Channing and Claire West. Steele Channing made my little ole heart go pitter patter in my chest. You get the best of both worlds with Steele. He's attractive, charming, dedicated, and polished in his life as a billionaire running his family's company but tough, adventuresome, loyal, and ruggedly handsome in his secret life as a member of the Road Claws motorcycle club. He's a total bad@**, tatts and all! Hubba! Hubba! I also loved Claire West, the hardworking, kind, and very intelligent emergency room doctor with a heart of gold. Unfortunately, Claire is sometimes too kind for her own good, especially when her little brother Reese is involved. Claire and Steele's attraction is immediate, even before they know the other's real identity and therein lies the original conflict of the story. These two unlikely lovers meet under rather unusual circumstances, and although initially attracted to each other, don't connect until six months later. But when they do finally get together, it's just magical! Their passion is undeniable! And fortunately, both Steele and Claire learn a very valuable lesson: appearances can quite often be deceiving so never judge a book by its cover. Did I like this story? No, I LOVED IT! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am! This is true contemporary romance at its best. This is not erotic romance but does include explicit sex which is written skillfully, passionately, and tastefully so I recommend this book for adult readers only. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! As soon as she releases her next book! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read.

[Bev Dingeldein · Rating 1 out of 5]

Speechless

This is an awful B movie NOVELLA.
Full to the brim with cliche after cliche.
It's probably one of the worst NOVELLA'S I've read.
Please do not get taken in by the other 5* reviews.
It's also did not explain in 'about this book', that it's a box set of 3 different NOVELLA'S, so the 1st one finished at 12%. (Which was actually a blessing.)
This NOVELLA it's blooming awful.
I have requested a refund as I'm appalled this was not listed as a NOVELLA anywhere in the description.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire is a tired ER doctor with a brother who is always in trouble. One night in the ER, a biker was brought in with some knife wounds. He looks like a mean biker with tattoos and acting like he is invincible. Even with internal bleeding, he is flirting with her and asking her out. Claire is attracted but he is not her type besides she has a date with a fellow doctor that evening. That date goes horribly and her friend is trying to get her to date more. She gives Claire tickets to a charity gala and tells her to take her brother. Claire is uncertain that she wants to go but it is a change from her routine. At the Gala she meets Steele who is a handsome, charming billionaire. She is attracted to him but he is out of her league. Steele does help her when her brother gets in trouble so she agrees to go on a date.
Steele is living a double life. Most people know him as a billionaire playboy but he is also an MC member who hides his money from his MC brothers. When Steele sees Claire at the gala he is immediately drawn to her. She is very different from the gold-digging women that usually flock around him. At first he doesn't realize that she was the doctor who fixed him up but after their first night together, he remembers. For the first time, Steele has a woman who knows about both sides of him and enjoys both.
Claire's brother ends up owing a member of the MC a lot of money. Claire takes on his debt because she is the big sister but she has no way of paying it off. The biker says if he doesn't get his money he will take Claire as payment. Steele has overheard the whole thing and is waiting for Claire to ask for help. Claire doesn't even think of asking Steele for help.
This is a great read with some twists. I loved both Claire and Steele. Steele could have been cocky and stuck up but he was very down to earth. I really enjoyed how Claire always did the unexpected and blow his mind. I voluntarily received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story it teaches you to never judge someone by their outward appearance.
Steele is a billionaire who is living two lives - CEO billionaire and biker. He has tried to keep them separate and only his driver knows about each side of himself. When he is injured he comes to the ER and meets Claire. Claire is surprised by how quickly she is attracted to the biker, but he is not her "type".
Reese is Claire's brother who you will want to slap in this book. He is selfish and just assumes that she will always take care of him. He truly does not appreciate all she does for him and he has nothing within him to help her in any way. Learned helplessness with an addiction to booze and gambling thrown in.
When Claire goes to a charity event she runs into Steel, the billionaire, and they laugh and spend some time together. Their attraction is immediate again and they agree to go on a date.
I did find it interesting that neither realized who the other was at the charity event - did they look that different from the ER?
As Steele and Claire get to know each other he tells her about his two lives and she understands but she also doesn't think she belongs in either of his lives and tries to leave him.
Claire is a strong independent woman who is trying to do right by her brother and survive the life of a doctor. Steele gives her a chance to just be free.
Steele finds that Claire let shim be free too because she doesn't judge him and understands why he wants to just ride sometimes.
I really liked this book.
I was given this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything that I have read by Ellie Danes. The storylines are always great, the characters are always well developed throughout the book and they are always so very well written. Claire is an ER doctor with lots of debt from student loans. She has a brother Reese who is nothing but trouble. He is an addict and likes to gamble and owes a lot of money to someone who is in an MC club. When she is working one night, a man comes into the ER with a stabl wound and he happens to be part of an MC club. He hits on her but she doesn't fall for his flirtatious ways. Steele Channing is a multi billionaire who has grown up in a wealthy family. He is a very important business man with not much time to spare. When he does have free time, he loves to ride his motorcycle. In fact, he belongs to an MC club. He's the one that met Claire that night in the ER. When they meet again at a gala, they don't remember meeting. The attraction between them is very explosive and they both feel that they met before but neither of them knows from where. When they decide to go out on a date will they finally find out the truth? What will happen when Claire finds out the truth about Steele? Can Claire fit into both of his lives? How will Claire feel when her brother falls into trouble with someone who doesn't take no for an answer? I can tell you all of this but since I'm not that type of reviewer you will have to pick the book up for yourself. You will not be disappointed. It will keep you wanting more and more. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet well written story that has a lot of chemistry between the two main characters.
Steele and Claire meets in the ER where she is a doctor and he comes in with a knifewound.
The both feel the chemistry but she does not dare to go with it. The meet again at a Gala event where they both feel they have seen each other before but unfortunately they do not remember. They connect and goes on a date later.
Claire has really got big trouble with her brother who is an addict both to alcohol and gambling. She tries to handle him but it is very difficult.
Steele is used to people connecting with him because of his wealth so he is surprised when Claire does not want this from him but only wants to be with the man that Steele is.
I have read other books from Ellie Danes but this one is my favorite. I loved it. It has got lots of emotions and aspects in it. Do not judge the book by its cover suits this story.
The MC theme is different than others I have read and I liked that. There are supporting characters that absolutely fit this story. Without them it would have been boring. I just love Steeles private chauffeur Maxwell. He is a jewel.
I like that the story is written in dual POV. That gives a lot more to the story.
I can only recommend reading this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The marketing of this book is off. The story judged is more like a novella and there's also two other stories included - Conviction and The Diamond Club (maybe the entire series, not clear on that). I didn't bother to read the other stories. The author's writing just wasn't for me. I liked the idea of the story, but the follow through wasn't my cup of tea.

My rating is actually a 2.5, but Goodreads won't let us do half stars. Boo.

I also counted at least eight mistakes that I highlighted. When I'm reading and I suddenly think, "Wait, he pulled waved the maitre'd away and pulled a chair out?" it takes me out of the story. That happened eight times where there was an extra word or the wording just sounded totally off.

The two main characters were decent enough, but I couldn't stand the leech of a brother. By the time you're thirty-two years old you should know you need to tell someone to take care of their own life and deal with their own problems - even if they are the only family that you have left - because they'll never learn and just keep using you.

Kind of like how the cover got me to read this deceptive novella.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judged is a great 5 star read!!!

The story of Claire and Steele is a crazy rollercoaster ride of emotions and double lives. Claire first meets Steele when he comes into her ER to get stitched up after a bar fight. He flirts with her but gets no where because all she sees is a bad boy biker and that doesn't really fit the kind of guy she believes people expect to see her with. Six months later Claire ends up at a charity dinner and runs into Steele again, only she doesn't realize that she's met him before, because this Steele is the Billionaire CEO. Claire brought her brother to the charity dinner and tries to keep him under control but he starts drinking and causing a scene. Claire gets her brother out of there but not before Steele gets her number. Come along on this rollercoaster ride and find out if Claire and Steele can get together and balance their lives. Will Steele's double life or Claire's messed up brother keep them apart. This is a great read and I would definitely recommend this book.

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a hell of a ride! Ellie Danes's new release is aptly named Judged. You know the old adage don't judge a book by it's cover? Well this book is the epitome of why that is so true. Billionaire by day, MC member by night, Steele is one sexy, alpha package. Claire is an ER doc that gets lucky to get free tickets to a gala. Sparks fly between these two, but they have met before under much different circumstances. This is a great book that will take you on an adventure of dual lives, heated passion, and the misadventures of family and their issues. Phenomenal book that I couldn't put down! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero,  Steele = 5/5
Heroine,  Claire = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 3/5
Mystery = 3/5
Action =  2/5
Darkness = 2/5
Humor = 2/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Awesome book. A must read to find out what happens between Claire and Steele.

Claire is a doctor in the ER and is there when a guy is dropped off at the ER by a couple guys on motorcycles. He has a stab wound and is not giving his name but when she calls him Mr. Doe he tells her she can call him Steele. She finds him a mystery because he quotes Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet when he arrives, he shows he is intelligent, he is witty and has a blinding smile. He flirts with her while she stitches him up. She is there when he wakes after the surgery and asks her out but she declines.

One of the nurses has to work on a night she was supposed to go to a charity event so she insists that Claire uses her tickets and she ends up taking her brother with her. Find out more about what scenes her brother causes and who she finds herself with at the charity gala.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele is brought to the ER due to a knife wound during a fight at his MC's bar. They call him Mr. Doe since his real name is not given.

Claire is the ER doctor that treats him. Several months pass by and she attends a Gala with her brother as her escort. She meets Steele while he is a tuxedo. Neither Steele or Claire remember each other from all of those months back, until after a few dates, Claire comes face to face with his tattoos and his scar, she remembers him right away. Can two people from different backgrounds stay together? Will Claire let Steele into her life and help her save her brother?

This book has it all from drama, family issues, double identity, secrets, lies, love and lust. Lots of emotions are covered in this book, you will love it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Chantal Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie's story are always so refreshing. I enjoyed this book. Its a short story, to the point but with such a great message behind it. Her stories along with her characters are always so well put together. Her writing is amazing and always sucks you in to start to finish.

Steele is you man in this book. A busy billionaire that lives two lives. Claire is an ER doctor, responsible for her brother. When her bother makes a bad deal with the wrong guys, she steps in to help as usual, and bail him out his troubles.

They both meet twice in two different settings, but right off they are both drawn to each other. In this story you learn never to judge, because sometimes things aren't what they seem.

This is an in-love story, filled with HOT passion and caring. Looking for something light, romantic with a bit of drama with a HEA, then this is your book.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars Excellent contemporary billionaire/motorcycle/doctor romance. Claire is an emergency room doctor struggling to do her best. One night a biker comes in and needs minor surgery she felt a small connection to him but shook it off. Steele is a billionaire trying to live in his father's corporate and high society circles. He finds that working with a motorcycle club gives him down time from most of his stresses. Suddenly, their two worlds collide and Claire starts seeing Steele. Unfortunately, Her brothers gambling and alcohol issues become a problem for everyone. The story includes intrigue, surprising twists and turns as well as suspense. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Danes.

[Voi Callaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've got stung again !! Sometimes you forget authors writing styles and how the end their stories, although ED does a good story her HEA are not fulfilling ( person opinion) . There seems to be bonus books in this but I can't do another unfulfilled ending again , I put on spoilers button to explain.
Some will not mind the ending but for me it's not my kind of ending after getting involved in a read .

Claire and steel get on a plain to go meet his parents ???? Earlier it was mentioned they may not approve of her ? Where did their HEA end up ? There was surely more to write to give satisfaction and insight to these characters . Sorry don't mean to be negative but when I read I hate been left unfulfilled because I've given such time to the read !

[BookSnuggle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judged: A Billionaire Biker Romance by Ellie Danes
This is Claire and Steele's story.

Claire is a doctor who doesn't take time out for herself. She works so much so she doesn't have time to think and want more from life. Her family situation isn't good. Claire and Steele's paths cross at different times. She is attracted to him but thinks he isn't right for her because he has tattoos and is a biker. But who is Steele? Is he a bad boy biker?

This is a sweet and steamy romance with some surprises. A good lesson in not judging people by how they look. I enjoyed Claire and Steele. It was fun watching Claire get out of her comfort zone and really experience life.

FYI, contains mature and graphic content.  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[ME · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Claire Eventually See Past the Tattoos?

Ellie Danes captivates the true meaning of never judge a book by its cover with this one. Steele is a billionaire that hides his double life in a local MC. Claire is an ER doctor with piles of debt from student loans and a brother that only comes around for money to pay off his latest gambling debt. The first time these two meet, there is instant chemistry, but Claire dismisses his advances based on his appearance. Will she ever realize there is more to Steele than what she sees on the outside? Both characters are likeable and the story flows pretty smoothly. Would recommend this one.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Danes has done it again, a great book that captures your attention right at the beginning and has you page turning from then on. Claire is a tough emergency room doctor with a soft spot for her worthless gambling drunk brother. He's always coming to her for money. One night a biker is dropped off at the emergency room and their attraction is immediate. When they reconnect six months later the attraction is still there even though they don't recognize each other. Lots of twists and surprises, including the fact that Steele lives a double life. Lots of passion and chemistry. A great book. I received an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book....

Amazing read from Ellie Danes! I was beginning to give up on reading lately since I was disappointed in the last few books I've read. Thanks, Ellie! You brought me back! I loved Steele and Claire. Both characters were well-developed. The plot was different and interesting. The storyline flowed smoothly throughout. I could easily relate to Claire - hard working, trying to pay off her student debts. I thought her brother Reese was a wimp! I would have thrown him to the side a long time ago if I'd been his sister. Lots of action towards the end with a great HEA.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire is an ER doctor who spends all of her time working or getting her drunk brother out of his gambling debts, has no time for romance. Steele is a billionaire who is also secretly part of the Road Claws MC, doesn't want a serious relationship because he doesn't want anyone to know about his double life. Steele and Claire first meet when he gets stabbed during MC business and he goes to the ER where she treats him. While there is an immediate attraction, neither follows through on it. Then 6 months later they meet again at a Charity Gala. Not realizing they met before, they start a relationship, but can it last once she finds out the truth of his secret life? Great read!

[J-J lover of books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the story just disappointed, so very very disappointed it ended at 12%.

Why not call it a collection instead of marketing it as a single novel?
It's a bug bear of mine.

The author could have done so much with this story. The idea of a billionaire having a secret life caught my attention. If liked to have known what happened when Claire meet Steele's parents, how they reacted to her.

It needs saying that Claire's brother Reese was a total ass and is imho very immature. Yes i know it's Claire's only family but that doesn't mean she has to bail him out all the time. He will never learn.

[Judy Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book from the author. I have read my share of “biker or MC romances”, some better than others, and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t your typical biker romance as the biker in question is actually a hot alpha billionaire, which I found to be a refreshing twist. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the story flows well. The two main characters, Claire and Steele, are charming, engaging and likeable, and the chemistry between them oozes with passion. The story is chock full of sizzling romance - with enough drama and action to keep the suspense level elevated throughout the story. A very entertaining read!

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Opposites attract ~

Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars - Steele Channing and Claire West meet in the ER, where she stitches a laceration and she is cautiously interested in this secretive and tatted man. They run into each other six months later, but by now their secrets are in play, or will be out in the open, unless they take measures to protect their secrets. Being a member of the Road Claws Motorcycle Club came through for them in the end, which was neatly packaged.

Both characters are enjoyable together, and we understand where they are coming from when they make the decisions they do.

[Laura ~ Not Now I'm Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple but okay

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Rich man leading double life meets woman who doesn't care that he's loaded. She has a brother perpetually in increasing debt to someone in the billionaire's "secret life" but doesn't try to get him to pay off the debt.

Sorry, but I couldn't connect with the characters - they just weren't believable to me because they all seemed so shallow. I finished the book but wasn't impressed with it.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only a short read but it doesn't short change in anyway with its size you d get two bonus stories along with it

He is almost a jekyll and hyde character He is a self made billionaire but is also a dirty filthy bikes and he has his sights set on Dr Claire Weston. Will Claire be able to resist him Steele or will he win her in the end you need to read to see. I do wish that the advertised story had been longer and the bonus material not been greater in length than it but I did enjoy it nonetheless

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this author's interesting take on a MC romance. Claire and Steele meet in the ER when he is a biker in need of her medical expertise. Later they meet when he is in his other role as a wealthy businessman. It is an interesting dynamic and makes for a good read that keeps you guessing. The characters are well developed and the storyline draws you in from the beginning.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sexy fun ride. Steele and Claire are incredible. She patches him up and meets him again months later. Neither remember at first. They get to know each other and her brother causes trouble. Claire tries to cleans it up. Then Steele rides to the rescue. This book was so much fun. Sounds crazy but it was. With plenty of steamy scenes with a kidnapping thrown in. Loved it!!! I voluntarily received this ARC for an honest review

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ellie!!! Steele and Claire have such chemistry no matter which world they are in. When he stumbled into her ER, he was immediately smitten and she was too. Too bad they didn't act on it at that time, but I think it was better that they had several months to let the attraction simmer. Even if they didn't realize it when they met again. Steele shows you that you never truly know someone unless they tell you all their secrets.

[Rebecca A. Bamford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not one story but several small ones.

Although I loved the first story, I was dissapointed that it ended so quickly and there were other short stories that just went on and on. That's not what I bargained for and you should know up front what your getting. The stories were ok. I thought the second one had more we didn't get to read, and last one dragged on and on. It was ok. But not excatly what I bargained for.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific book that examines both the way we assess the people we meet and the way we present ourselves to them for assessment. Filled with complex insights, this is a wonderful love story at its heart. I loved the strong female lead, and I'm a sucker for well-written biker book boyfriends. I absolutely enjoyed every page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Quen Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different take to MC books. It was a quick read but the plot was fantastic and it packed a punch. The characters have great chemistry and Steel is all alpha. I love that she made Claire a strong woman and was not depending on Steel. This story was well written and definitely worth reading. I voluntarily read a arc copy