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Alejandra
There’s been one truth in my life—one thing that I’ve always known. My body is not my own. I’m a bargaining chip, used by my family’s business to seal a deal or impress a client. I’ve never had a real family, no mother to wipe my tears. Sure, I have a sperm donor, but he’s only seen me a handful of times and not a single time was he fatherly. One day, he shows up and offers me a gift, my freedom for informing on my brother. I had no clue I even had a brother. I want to know him, but the idea of freedom is something I’ve longed for.

Ace
As a former Marine, going into a hostile situation and retrieving a target was a specialty I excelled at until I was captured and held as a POW, cutting my military career short. Adjusting as a civilian was difficult until I met my “brothers” and we formed The Bleeding Scars MC. When my VP, Gunner, discovers he has a sister, I know it has to be me that saves her. Not only do I need to rescue her for Gunner, but once I see her picture and learn how she’s been locked up most of her life, I can relate to the lost look in her eyes. Rescuing Alejandra is the hardest mission I’ve ever had to accomplish.

No war has ever been won alone. The battles we face will be more than a little difficult, they’ll be explosive. Once the dust has settled and the war is finally over, I know deep in my soul, that it will all be worth it.

First published March 13, 2020

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About the author

Abby McCarthy

12 books584 followers
Abby McCarthy is an Ohio author. She is the author of over ten novels ranging from contemporary romance, motorcycle club romances, and Paranormal romance. She is a mother of three, a wife and a dog person. When she is not managing a full household or writing, she enjoys being on the water, in a park, or with friends.

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5 stars
131 (56%)
4 stars
56 (24%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Abby McCarthy.
Author 12 books584 followers
April 18, 2020
Explosive is an emotionally charged thrilling ride! I can't wait for you to dive in and enjoy the journey that Ace and Alex take!!
Profile Image for Krissy loves to read.
334 reviews11 followers
Read
April 15, 2020
Explosive this was!!!! Abby makes me a lover of the M.C each and every time! I can’t help but not love all the characters she creates, if I could just jump into their world! The loyalty and love they have for each other is uncanny, no matter how long you’ve know them, family is family and they will die to protect it!
Since I first opened this book I was on the edge of my seat, legs bouncing anticipating the worse! With my fast heartbeats, thank god we get some breathing moments to recover here and there!
This story hit my heart in such a different way then other MC books, I think because it really shows their love and respect for each other. They started off in all different places and put together a family. They kick ass fighting the bad guys. The girls blow me away at how strong they are and the men respect that!
I recommend reading this, Alex, Gunner, Ace, Charlie and the rest of the crew will open up your heart to see what family truly is. It gets dirty and you’ll appreciate it all! I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the Bleeding Scars!
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
1,975 reviews34 followers
March 3, 2020
This book has me reeling!!! It has taken me on a rollercoaster ride almost from the beginning and feeling everything all at once for these characters. It has wrecked me COMPLETELY! If you thought that Gunner and Charlie's journey was tragic and heartbreaking then Ace and Alejandra's journey will certainly turn you on end.
Alejandra has been used as a bargaining chip her whole life. She's never known freedom and that's the one thing she craves.
Ace, former military, POW, tortured soul in his own right feels a kinship with Alejandra. He recognizes the haunted look she has because he sees it in himself every time he looks in the mirror. He wants her to know she's so much more than what she was raised to be. He wants her to know real freedom. She's so conflicted about what she should do. Does she do what her terrorist wants her to do or does she be loyal to Ace and The Bleeding Scars? Ace wants Alex there's no doubt about that. But he wants her to be ready.

"I want you , and I think I've made that perfectly clear, but I don't just want your body. I want it all. I don't think you're ready to give me your all. I want to know that when we're finally together, I got all of you."
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,258 reviews17 followers
March 14, 2020
Get ready for one **** of a ride. Alex is a strong character that is haunted. It was an emotional wringer to see her evolve and find herself after she is saved. I loved that she did the right thing. Ace is also haunted by his past but was such a rock for Alex. He never pushed her. "I want you , and I think I've made that perfectly clear, but I don't just want your body. I want it all." This quote broke me. There feelings were a slow burn that was explosive.

But lets not put aside the angst of the escape and the blood shed between the two MC's. Even though the love portion made the story this part just added the topping.

Great characters, plenty of angst, slow burn romance and plenty of steaminess makes for a 5+ star read.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
15.1k reviews150 followers
March 12, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this phenomenal series and is Ace and Alejandra’s story. Wow, if I thought I was on tenterhooks with the 1st novel, it is nothing like the intensity of this story. Both characters are haunted by their pasts and the attraction between them is amazing. This is a well written story which is intense, raw, gritty, heart-wrenching, and an action packed, steamy story. I was totally captivated throughout this riveting tale, and I cannot wait to read more of this gifted authors’ work. Hats off to this talented author who has given her heart and soul into this storyline.
Profile Image for Tawni Steiger.
148 reviews
March 13, 2020
LOVED this book! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Ace and Alex's story is passionate and heart breaking all in one, I literally just wanted to hug both characters as I was reading this book. What Alex has to face is heart breaking, and how Ace fights for her makes me believe in true love. Amazing story and I can't wait to read more of this series!
Profile Image for Madeleine.
3,513 reviews10 followers
March 9, 2020
I. Can't. Stop. Reading. This. I love Abby's writing and couldn't wait to continue reading this series. Loved Ace & Alejandra's story. Action, adventure, intense, steamy and beautiful. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Marie Reads.
137 reviews45 followers
March 9, 2020
I don't even know how to explain how much I loved this book it was such a Amazing story!!! Alejandra and Ace I loved their story and am so glad I read this book it gave me all the feels. I really love how this book grabbed my attention from the beginning to end. I couldn't put it down highly recommend this book its a 5 Star for me. Abby u have definitely gained another reader loved every minute of this book.
Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,220 reviews30 followers
March 25, 2020
A heck of a ride. Liked both Ace and Alex. Looking forward to reading Shane's story
69 reviews
March 14, 2020
What did I just read?? Whew, I should have known from the first book of this series that I would need some tissues handy but obviously I didn't learn my lesson the first time! This is one of those books that you're like just one more chapter... ok just one more chapter, and then the next thing you know it's 2 in the morning and you really only have a few chapters left and you're already invested so you just have to finish it!

"With Alex, it was like I learned of her, saw her haunted eyes, then met her, and it was as if two lost souls recognized one another. I couldn't explain it. It just was."


Ace and Alejandra's story starts in such a turbulent way where they have to trust in each other to get back to safety. Through this they form a special bond that's unexplainable, but both have their demons (him from being a POW and her life with uncle and the things that he made her do) but they still have their walls up to protect themselves. It's hard to know who you are able to trust and if they will have your best interest at heart. Due to this there are so many ups and downs throughout this book I really wasn't sure how it was going to end- it was absolutely heartbreaking. I loved that we were able to see characters from the previous book (Gunner, Mouse, and Gun, amongst other side characters!) and how they are doing since we last saw them, and rightfully so they weaved themselves in this book seeing as Alex is Gunner's sister. Such a great read and I really can't wait for there to be more in this series!
Profile Image for Amy Mccann.
929 reviews6 followers
March 13, 2020
http://crazycajunbookaddicts.blogspot...

Trying to save someones loved one is never easy and it's even harder when said loved one is breathlessly beautiful but when Alejandra has been used by her family and is an empty shell of a women she doesn't trust easy but there's something about Ace that gives her a reason to trust him.

Ace is the best in the business he has no problem killing men that deserve it and he's vowed to deliver Alejandra to the brother she's never met but it's just not that simple they have so many obstacles in the way and will Alejandra be able to trust the brother she's never known.

A great gritty action book with some dark content and I love a good MC story but I truly loved how Explosive the attraction was between Ace and Alex, its definitely a book I'd want to read again it was just that good! Abby McCarthy knows how to write a good book that truly grips you.
193 reviews
March 13, 2020
Well Abby did it again and so worth the wait. This girl knows how to put you on the edge. Make you not want to put her books down. I love reading about Gunner and Mouse from Cut Wide Open but Ace and Alex are beyond exciting. Ace is my hero. Alex is such a strong woman just like Mouse(Charlie). What these women went through. But what their men went through to get them away from monster's even monsters who end up being your family. From the person who should give their life to protect you. The hurt, the pain Ace and Alex have seen in one lifetime but come out on the other side. Although it takes time to come from the darkness, who better to be at your side bu someone who understands somewhat your pain. Alex and Ace will not disappoint you with their journey out of the darkness.
Profile Image for Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review .
533 reviews58 followers
March 14, 2020
4 ⭐️’s

I was lucky enough to get an eARC of this book before it’s release. The following is my honest review!

This was my first Abby McCarthy novel. I enjoyed reading this book! The action, the characters, the plot, were all so interesting.

It’s a slow burn and a tease but when it finally happens oh man is it good!!!
You’ll want a man like Ace to come to your rescue!

I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because the ending felt a little rushed and abrupt. I wish it had been a smoother transition and that it was given proper time.

All in all, a great book!
Looking for an action packed adventure? This book is for you!
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,095 reviews48 followers
March 10, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first one. Alejandra is a beautiful young lady who has always been used like a bargaining chip. All she wants is to be able to live her life free from all the shit. Ace is the man who is going to show her what freedom truly means. These 2 kindred souls both believe they are broken beyond repair. What will happen when the two of them realize that what each of them needs to survive is the other This story is action packed and so intense you will be sitting on the edge of your seat flipping the pages to see if they get their HEA???????
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,409 reviews41 followers
March 11, 2020
Hang onto your seats and enjoy the ride that is Explosive. I could not get enough of this book. Alex is such a strong women and a survivor through everything that she is put through her whole life. I love her fire and she only seems to become stronger as Explosive goes on. Ace he just has this way about him that you will just love. I love how he risked his life to save Alex for his fellow brother in the Bleeding Scars. He is just so gentle with Alex when he meets her and that right there makes me love him even more. The chemistry between Alex and Ace is fantastic. This whole book is one you will not want to put down. I really can't wait for more from the Bleeding Scars MC series.
Profile Image for Staci Blandin.
346 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2020
This book was fantastic it was emotional and gut wrenching in some spots but so freaking good. The characters are well developed and you really feel for them. I'm super excited to see where the series goes from here.
Profile Image for Kit Vogler.
354 reviews
March 14, 2020
I am so glad to have another Abby McCarthy read to dive into! I stumbled on her work several years ago by happenstance, and I haven't turned back. Explosive is another amazing addition to books that I will read, re-read, and re-re-read! <3
Profile Image for Rosa.
703 reviews26 followers
April 18, 2020
Oh my goodness!!! This book was even better than the first one and that one was excellent. Alex had to endure so much from her grandfather and her father. She found out she had a brother (Gunner from book one). He was so good to her. Then there was Ace, my gollie me, he was such a gentleman towards Alex. I just loved him.

Cannot wait for book three from this series, hope it's Shane's (President of the club) book.
Profile Image for Annemarie C.
40 reviews
March 13, 2020
Excellent book I could not put this book down. It kept me on my toes and it was a bumpy ride but oh so good. I can not wait for more
1,325 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2020
Good read

Like Ace and Alex. Will read next book book. I did find myself skipping here and there but I would recommend this series of like dark MC reads
957 reviews19 followers
March 11, 2020



Wow...this book is action-packed and an exhilarating read!

Ace and Alejandra (Alex's) story has been a long time coming! I am so exciting it's finally here.  Abby McCarthy has given her all with this book.  

From the first page to the last - this book had me on the edge of my seat. Ace is Gunner's (from Cut Wide Open) right-hand man and Alex is Gunner's sister.  And at the end of Cut Wide Open, we learned of Alex's existence. Gunner NEEDS to get his sister back and Ace is just the man to do it. 

Ace's ability to find his way to Alex is amazing, he's a man on a mission to find her.  From the moment their eyes meet, even with the overwhelming threat to both their lives - there is a connection. Their connection is deep and more than just physical.  These two, unbeknownst to each other have so many similarities and I believe that was the pulling force between these two. 

Not only is this a slow burn but we see these two have a connection, from friendship to a deep love connection.   With Abby McCarthy's beautiful writing, you watch this unfold in the midst of chaos, explosions and bad guys!
218 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2020
This is Ace & Alejandra’s story. We learned in book 1 she is Gunner’s sister. She needs to be rescued. The MC doesn’t realize that they are being set up in doing this rescue. Ace falls hard for her & will attempt everything to rescue her even when they learn she was part of the set up originally. When she tells them she doesn’t want to do her part but just be free, she is kidnapped by someone else who was part of her messed up world. Will they rescue her in time again? And if they do will she still be the new Alex & be part of Ace’s life?
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,290 reviews68 followers
March 18, 2020
Explosive by Abby McCarthy is the second book in her Bleeding Scars MC series. It has been a little while in between book 1 & 2 but the way this second inter-connected standalone is told allows you to recall the events of book one without having to rehash everything. This story of Aces & Alex (Alejandra) is a beautiful and tragic story. Ace's instant awareness and understanding of Alex and all she has been through and the bond they formed during her rescue. Gunner's need to protect his sister and knowing that he isn't the one with the best skills for the job. His reluctant acquiescence to Ace & Alex's budding relationship. This story was everything. Well-written, well-paced, dark, twisty, steamy, passionate, it was everything I've come to expect and hope for from an Abby McCarthy book. I can't wait to see whose book is next, Shane, I'm hoping it's you. Enjoy!
461 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2022
Okay so I gotta say this book was good but by the end really pissed me off. I would consider this a trauma read and not much of a romance. There is sex in like the last two chapters. I’m not victim blaming and everyone processes Things differently but IMO she strung Ace along by being “afraid” to talk to him. It was beyond selfish especially when she was back and she knew he knew she was back and talking to her family.

I felt the pull in the beginning for the two of them but when she had her secondary trauma and then 2 years later. I don’t know. Call me crazy and insensitive but Ace should of moved on, fucked some women, something except wallow over someone who he thought multiple times that he must of not meant much to her.

It was a good read up until she came home the way the author spun the tail left a bad taste in my mouth.
Profile Image for Literary Temptations .
584 reviews48 followers
March 23, 2020


MY RATING: 3*
TITLE: Explosive
AUTHOR: Abby McCarthy
SERIES: The Bleeding Scars MC #2
RELEASE DATE: 13 March 2020
CLIFFHANGER: Yes

description

I just don't think I was the target audience for this one. Its a good story. Keeps you flipping through the pages, well written, characters developed really well. Its just not my jam.

FOR-A-FULL-REVIEW-VISIT
248 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2021
Hello Ace !!!!!!!

What a awesome read" Explosive "it truly is just that, being a lover of MC Biker stories and I have read a plenty some great, some good, some not but this one just like the first book in this series is awesome. Words so well written the characters come to life, the continued plot, suspense, action, loyalty, betrayal, family, friendship, but most of all finding love and the journey it takes these strong alpha men and the women who capture their heart on is a beautiful thing holds you captive from beginning to end. So again another awesome read in this awesome series please don't make us wait to long for the next brothers story ! I
Profile Image for TP.
996 reviews34 followers
March 20, 2020
The second book in the bleeding scar MC book series was sadly a cheep copy of the first book when it comes to the storyline, just slightly changed. The characters were not really interesting for me and it was all pretty predictable.
I skipped a lot to get to the end.
465 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2021
No

Just no, I haven't read a book that I cared less for the characters, in a while. This book made me wonder why I read all the time. Awful and boring are the best way to describe this book. Shirley
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,008 reviews119 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 17, 2020
DNF

I read the first book back when it came out and i remember enjoying it but I didn’t like the writing style with this one at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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