The Viper

Untamed Hearts #1

by Kele Moon

Marcos Rivera is a fighter. A gang member. Someone who has seen the dark side of humankind and survived. He has lost family and gained enemies. He has stolen cars and destroyed hearts, stripping one for money and the other for pleasure. His past is haunted and his future is bleak.

Until her.

Katie Foster is a high school history teacher. Smart, strong, and sexy. She is a woman Marcos shouldn't want. Shouldn't touch. Shouldn't love. He met her in Garnet, a backwards, hick town that's the last place in the world he wants to be, but he finds himself going back, all for a taste of the forbidden.

Katie represents all that is good in the world, and Marcos knows he's nothing but trouble for her perfect life. He fights and he screws. He commits crimes and he breaks the rules. He will never change and he will never escape his gang lifestyle.

Or can he?

What happens when two different people from two very different walks of life risk it all by giving into the passion that threatens to consume both of them? Can a woman who only knows how to play it safe give her heart to a man who lives hard and loves harder?

Can she survive The Viper?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fighters, Erotica, Sports, Mixed Martial Arts

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2014

About the author

A freckle-faced redhead born and raised in Hawaii, Kele Moon has always been a bit of a sore thumb and has come to enjoy the novelty of it. She thrives on pushing the envelope and finding ways to make the impossible work in her story telling. With a mad passion for romance, she adores the art of falling in love. The only rules she believes in is that, in love, there are no rules and true love knows no bounds.

So obsessed is she with the beauty of romance and the novelty of creating it, she’s lost in her own wonder world most of the time. Thankfully she married her own dark, handsome, brooding hero who has infinite patience for her airy ways and attempts to keep her grounded. When she leaves her keys in the refrigerator or her cell phone in the oven, he’s usually there to save her from herself. The two of them now reside in Florida with their three beautiful children, who make their lives both fun and challenging in equal parts—they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Reviews

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I can't stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive.

I have loved all books by Kele Moon, but her Battered Hearts series was a favorite of mine. So when I saw she was releasing a spin-off series with her Untamed Hearts series, I was just a little excited. And by that I mean I e-stalked the fuck out of the poor author for any and all tidbits about the book and jumped at the chance to read the ARC.

If you've read and enjoyed the Battered Hearts series, you will absolutely love this one. And if you haven't yet discovered the amazing talent that is Kele Moon and her delicious MMA heroes? I'm not sure why you're still reading my review and not one-clicking these badboys.

One fateful night brings two strangers crashing together irrevocably changing both of their lives.


Katie Foster is a good girl. A high school teacher. A divorcee. And someone that's played it safe all her life. So when a mysterious stranger with haunting light gray eyes rescues her from a car crash, she can't seem to get him out of his mind. That night changes her, causes her to take more risks and truly experience life for the first time in her life. And that includes the tempting stranger that continues to be the recurring fantasy in all her dreams and waking minutes.


Marcos Rivera is a fighter, an ex-convict, a gangbanger, and a thief. He's also someone that lived a hard life and knows that there's no sunshine or a sweet woman in his near future; just dirt or prison bars. Even knowing all this, Katie Foster continues to be a temptation that he just can't resist. If only for a little bit, he wants to know what it would be like to be a woman like her. Someone pure, someone sweet, and oh so tempting.
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They may be from 2 different worlds and they may be as different as night and day, but that doesn't stop the scorching hot chemistry that brews between them.

While the romance between Katie and Marcos takes center stage in this book there are a lot of other things going on as well. I thought Kele Moon did a flawless job weaving everything together in one amazing book. She also managed to write two incredibly endearing characters with Katie and Marcos. I simply adored Marcos. I can't say enough about him. He absolutely stole my heart and at the same time had my heart breaking for him. The connection between Marcos and Katie may have been more on the instant side, but you can truly understands what draws them together. And the sex scenes? Off the charts hot.

What I loved the most is that it wasn't just a romance, it was also so much more. While I loved Marcos, what was even better was that extra peak into Chuito. Oh. My. GAWD. Chuito. I cannot wait for his book.

I don't want to tell you much more since it would simply spoil the book and experience for you. Read it for yourself and find out. But be prepared for some swooning and panting, because Marcos REALLY doesn't play around. The man is deliciously devious between the sheets.

Watching a hot girl come was his drug of choice. When other guys his age were sinking into drugs or alcohol, he was sneaking into girls' bedrooms and going down on them.

Any questions? Right then. Didn't think so ;)

I couldn't get enough. While all the characters from the previous books make an appearance here, I was especially happy to get more of Tino and Nova. Italian mafia bad boys? Sign me up for that! (Especially Nova)

And if you're wondering if you can read this book without previously reading the other series, absolutely. The author gives you plenty of detail about previous characters to allow you to not miss a beat, without making it sound redundant for those that have read it.

And if you're wondering if the book lives up to this amazingly HAWT cover?


**ARC courtesy of author to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**

For more reviews visit

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★
(Upgraded from 4 after re-read)



Que linda! I loved this, and I really don't know why it's taken me so long to read it considering how much I loved Crossing the Line by the same author. This is a spin off series and The Viper features Chuito's cousin Marcos, who if you have read the Battered Heats series, you will know is an ex-gangster and current UFC fighter. (His story is next :D)

Marcos Rivera is still active in the gang and it isn't until he meets sweet and open Katie Foster that he starts to question his future.

Katie has lived in Garnet all her life, apart from when she left to go to college with her now ex-husband. She works at the high school, with said ex-husband, and she has led a pretty normal and boring life up until now.

She can't resist the beautiful Puerto Rican, who has an air of danger about him but makes her feel so safe at the same time.

And he makes her feel beautiful, which for me is one of the hottest things a man can do for a woman.

"That's it chica. Lemme hear you get off on me fucking you like the sexy bitch you are."

The sex scenes were through the roof!
_ _ _ _

I fell in love with Marcos as quick as Katie did, I just couldn't help myself. He was sweet, and sexy and dirty and protective. My heart just about broke for them though when circumstances were causing them to be apart.

They were so good together and I got really emotional reading this. It was so beautiful how two people from completely different backgrounds could be so in love, I was swooning all over the place.

"No crying. I want you to stop letting the world hurt you. That means you don't let thugs make you cry."

We also had a lot of interaction between Marcos & Chuito, and also from the Italian mofos that feature in the previous series.

Don't worry if you haven't read Battered Hearts, as this can totally be read as a standalone and you won't be confused to who everyone is.

Highly recommend this series for those who love a latino hottie, the Guide to Spanish Street slang at the back was an extra bonus and I spent all night dreaming of my very own Marcos.

Review copy gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 El Vibora Stars

”You don’t trust thugs.”



I’m a huge fan of The Battered Hearts series and was so excited to read more about the minor characters of that series in this new one. Truthfully, I’m all about getting to Nova’s book, but this author has a few characters’ stories to share with us until I finally get my Nova.

This story is about Marcos Rivera, Chuito‘s hot cousin who is recently released from prison and his fall for Katie Foster, a recently divorced history teacher in Garnet County.

Marcos was a drool worthy, sexy, speaking Spanish hero. I loved how he never held his emotions back with Katie, she was one lucky girl. It must be mentioned that Romeo Welling’s is my number one favorite of Kele Moon’s books but Marcos Rivera is highly ranked in second. Marcos was the perfect amount of tough while being open, honest and tender.

”Sex with you is educational for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the Spanish lesson.”

“Do not repeat any Spanish you learn from me in the next twenty minutes.”



”That’s it, chica. Lemme hear you get off on me fucking you like the sexy bitch you are.”

Katie feels a connection to the recently released gang banger from Miami even months after their one time met that left her hospitalized. She attempts to find him and finally connects through Craig’s List. They develop a steamy and solid filter free relationship. Marco doesn’t make any promises since he is still connected to the dangerous Miami gang. Marcos attempts to leave the gang and better himself while Katie holds out hope to hear from him again.

”He was a legitimate thief now. He’d stolen things she truly valued. Her heart. Her dignity. Her sanity. She was mad at him for leaving, and more so, she was mad at him for making her miss him.”

This story was a good read with two great main characters. It leads the way for the next book in the series, Chuito our MMA fighter.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

No Me Gusta, Cabron.

I love Kele Moon. I loved her Battered Hearts series. She's on my auto-buy list. And, after this installment, she still will be.

But, this book?



But, I thinking, perhaps...



Seriously. I don't know what was up with me and this book. Usually when I don't like something, I have no problem giving it a 1 or 2 star rating and then raking it over the coals in my review.

But I truly feel that, in this case, it really IS me and not the book.

I felt NO connection to Marcos.

Plus, he just didn't come off as all that tough to me...





In fact, I was more drawn to Chuito than Marcos throughout the whole book.

Marcos was like the lame bed-hopping Paris to Chuito's Hector.



Beautiful...but silly.

Also, I wasn't a huge fan of Katie. Those "Missed Connections" Craig's List ads?



I loathe desperation and gushing. To someone she met once!

And she lets him stay with her for a week when she doesn't even know the guy and then basically follows him to Miami later on?



Also, I didn't like how Wyatt (my favorite Battered Hearts character of all time) was portrayed in this book. It bothered me a LOT. After going through 3 books with him, I felt like Moon kinda betrayed him as a character, if that makes sense.

In the end, this just wasn't for me. I felt no connection to the main characters or the story line...And without that I didn't feel any investment in the story or what happened; however, like I said, I think it was just me.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Hitting Me in the Heart Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
This was a huge surprise... I had other things to do this Sunday...yet as I was looking at my feed...a review by Carissa for this book came by and caught my eye. The review led me to read the blurb and I was sold.

I dove right in and right away I was experiencing reading joy. At the time, it didn't connect until after I finished the book, my understanding of why I was having such reading nirvana... This was a Kele Moon book...the same author I had binged on earlier this year with her Battered Hearts series. I loved all of those books, reading one right after the other.

In this book, we have the conflicts of serious Latin Gang members, MMA fighting, the mafia, and a woman finding herself. Somehow all of this comes together and works through the endearing characters created by Moon. These people touch your soul with the details of their lives. Lives may be in a book but reflect reality in today's world.

Right now I am still reeling by the impact of the character, Marcos. He was drawn so completely; his humor made me laugh... his concern for the Gringa woman, Katie, chilled me. When he comes to talk to her explaining how she should have nothing to do with him, I reacted the same way she did... wanting him to just take her in his arms...And when he finally does...
I couldn't breathe.

But as lovely as the two of them were together... book life, like in real life, causes both of them pain... and I felt their pain deeply. Marcos was a man who made promises, then kept them...it was his way...

Katie Foster was a very special creation... a stubborn match for Marcos. She experienced a bad car accident...injured with a hard recovery but during crucial minutes with Marcos... a transference of bravery happened... a telling moment between them changing their lives...both for the better. We are there when it happens and again...we feel it deeply.

Katie learns to trust herself. To be willing to try things she never did before. Determined to not let a special opportunity slip by, she is compelled to try and reach out to Marcos...this is a different woman... a brave one and we reap the rewards with her.

The all connecting characters play an important role....all of them serve a purpose; either they push the story along, give it depth or add to the layering of flavors with us knowing there is going to be more of them down the line.

On a side note... There was so much detail and goodness in this book. One of these parts was a dictionary of sorts: Marcos Rivera’s Boricua Guide to Spanish and Street Slang... it was perfect. It took the feel of the people and culture to the next level.

This book was a huge win for me. I am remembering how sad I was when the other series ended by Ms. Moon... I felt empty for a while... wishing there was more. I do not have to feel this way with this book because the next installment is coming in a few weeks. I have already seen glowing reviews for it. I will be ready for Slayer... he is one of the original OG's and you know this will be good.


The Viper (Untamed Hearts, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Slayer (Untamed Hearts, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Enforcer (Untamed Hearts, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Enforcer's Revenge (Untamed Hearts, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Boss (Untamed Hearts, #5)

~~~~~Before Reading ~~~~~

This came across my feed, a friend liked Carissa's review... which led me to read it and then the blurb.

Reading the dedication to the author's mother-in-law, Sonia... was so beautiful and heartwarming...I knew this author was going to do something special with the book. I am primed for
a great read... fingers crossed.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Untameable Stars.

Marcos is an ex-gangster/ car thief that comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Katie is a high-school teacher who was always seen as the good girl. A car accident puts them both in the same path, and a few months later when they find each other again after months of unsuccessfully trying to forget, everything changes between them. But how can the criminal and the good girl find a happy future together?



This was my first reading by Kele Moon, but I can guarantee you it won’t be the last. The story had a great pace, it was well written and engaging. I’ve heard that she always create these great alpha-males, which for me is just one more reason to keep reading her. Sexy alphas are always added bonus.
Despite some little annoyances with the progress of the story (nothing much, just small itches of mine), this was a great reading, with nice characters, and a strong plot that left me wanting for more. (And guys speaking Spanish. SO MUCH SPANISH! I loved it!)
If you like the good-girl / bad-boy storyline this is a book you should really give a try.



Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved how Marcos, even being a badass a supposedly “dangerous guy”, was still a sexy alpha-male, sweet and loyal. It was impossible not to fall for him, even when he had his few assholes moments. I liked Katie as well, she wasn’t whiny or judgmental and she was a really sweet woman. I loved Chuito, I can’t wait to read his book!
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects: Gangsters. Violence.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

El Vibora —The Viper. A sexy, badass motherfucker. Part-time underground fighter and full-time thug. The primary concern when fighting El Vibora isn’t winning…it’s not dying. - From Marcos Rivera’s Boricua Guide to Spanish and Street Slang / Spanish, Boricua style

Blurb…

Marcos Rivera is a fighter. A gang member. Someone who has seen the dark side of humankind and survived. He has lost family and gained enemies. He has stolen cars and destroyed hearts, stripping one for money and the other for pleasure. His past is haunted and his future is bleak.

Until her.

Katie Foster is a high school history teacher. Smart, strong, and sexy. She is a woman Marcos shouldn’t want. Shouldn’t touch. Shouldn’t love. He met her in Garnet, a backwards, hick town that’s the last place in the world he wants to be, but he finds himself going back, all for a taste of the forbidden.

Katie represents all that is good in the world, and Marcos knows he’s nothing but trouble for her perfect life. He fights and he screws. He commits crimes and he breaks the rules. He will never change and he will never escape his gang lifestyle.

Or can he?

What happens when two different people from two very different walks of life risk it all by giving into the passion that threatens to consume both of them? Can a woman who only knows how to play it safe give her heart to a man who lives hard and loves harder?

Can she survive The Viper?

My thoughts…

To be honest, I thought this was going to be an edgy – but somewhat cheesy – story about a badass ganger-dude done romance novel style; watered down to the point that said badass ganger-dude becomes a pansy-ass gangsta disgrace to his ink and his brothers. Thankfully, that is not the case!

Slowly but steadily I was sucked in to Marcos’ world and was excited to find that, as his story was winding down, I didn’t want to leave it. See, I love stories with sexy, edgy, emotionally tormented (though they’d never admit it) and physically scarred (though they shrug off knife wounds and bullet holes) alpha males. There’s something about them that I want to make better. Fix the unfixable and tame the untamable. And Marcos Rivera, AKA The Viper, is allll that and more! He’s a stubborn, self-deprecating, dirty talkin’ hijos de puta — Son of a bitch. Literally translates into son of a whore. (Important note, if you live in a house with your cousins, and you call one of them this while your tía is around, she will take it out of your ass. I have tested this for you. Many times. Not a recommended insult if said bitch is within a five-mile radius.) - Also taken from Marcos Rivera’s Boricua Guide to Spanish and Street Slang / Spanish, Boricua style

The bottom line…

You get the idea… this book is awesome! It’s a great start to this Battered Hearts spinoff series – which I now have every intention of going back and finishing. The Viper is exciting, sexy, funny, sexy, romantic, and sexy, and the happily ever after is my favorite kind – hard fought and well deserved!

A huge thank you to my Goodreads friends who raved about this story, and to Suze who answered my shout-out and loaned it to me via Kindle! YOU ROCK, Suze! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4--Eso fue tan caliente--Stars!!!

Translation:

That was so hot!!!!

Marcos and all his Spanish speaking!



Half the time I had no idea what he was saying! Did it matter?



Marcos was....he was WOW! He was rough, he was crude but damn was he hot!

"Lemme hear you get off on me fucking you like the sexy bitch you are."

Marcos is part of the Los Corredores gang along with his cousin, Chuito. Chuito found his way out and is now a champion fighter but Marcos is struggling to find his way out.

Marcos is in town visiting Chuito when he's involved in a car wreck with Katie. Katie gets injured pretty bad, but Marcos leaves town before they can talk again.

Now Katie...she was just a wee bit stalkerish.



Who in their right mind would ever post a Lost Connections ad on Craigs List and think that someone would see it? Who actually peruses the Lost Connections ads on Craigs List? Anyone?

But alas, Marcos caught wind of the ads and makes a visit to see Katie. Marcos knows he's not good for Katie but he's selfish enough to want to explore what's going on between them.



Marcos agrees to spend the week with Katie before he returns home to the gang life he just can't seem to get away from.

"Let me do the right thing. It's not just about you. It's about me too. I need to know I can make the right choices. That I'm not all bad."

Poor Marcos, he really was a good guy underneath all of that hardness.

The last 30% or so was pretty heavy in to the gang stuff. Marcos trying to sever his ties and protect Chuito and his family. Chuito played a pretty big role in this book and I'm really looking forward to learning more about him.

Overall, this was a great addition to the "series". It is a spin-off of the Battered Hearts series but can be read as a standlone...however, I highly recommend that series. This was a solid read with some great steam, good characters and story.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!! Fantastic start to this Battered Hearts spin-off series! "Ay Dios mio"...Marcos will melt your heart!!

Marcos ~ dark hair and beautiful pale eyes...


Great first installment in this new series! I loved to going back to Garnet, re-visiting with all my fave characters and finding some new ones to love. Marcos and Katie...the term "opposites attract"...fits these two to a "T". Oh, and was it ever was fun to see Marcos and Katie explore those differences! Marcos is your hard-core bad boy, who goes soft for the country girl, and Katie is the sweet good girl whose inner bad girl wants out...and it wants Marcos in a bad way!

She wanted something a little edgier. A little risky. She wanted tattoos instead of a briefcase. She wanted someone to like her tits instead of her degree.

Together...KABOOM! It wasn't just the passionate intimacy that these two shared that I enjoyed reading about, it was when they gave a piece of themselves to each other on the most basic level. Opening up about their lives, culturally they are worlds apart, but yet perfect for each other in so many respects. They don't judge, they accept, they both have a need the other one is willing to fill.

Marcos and Chuito's back story was so heartbreaking, and it really helps to understand the strong unbreakable bond that these two have forged. Marcos has so much to work through and despite all the hardships and tragic events in his life, he's trying to set things straight. Katie has her own issues to overcome and she seems to get strength from Marcos, he has shown her nothing but kindness and what a real man should do and be for his woman. She is willing to take a chance on him regardless of his past, and I loved her for that!

Tino and Nova make an appearance, and my goodness when they get together with Chuito...it gave me goosebumps! I can't imagine where this is all going to go as this series moves forward.

Kele Moon never fails to deliver; plenty of steam, lots of great dialogue, some emotional turmoil, and characters that grab a hold of your heart. She always wraps the story up nicely and The Viper has a sweet, amusing epilogue, that made for a very satisfying ending.

Although Untamed Hearts is a spin-off series from Battered Hearts, it's not necessary to read that first. However, I highly recommend that you do, since the characters do cross over and I feel that if would make the overall reading experience that much more enjoyable, the characters more relatable and it's just downright AWESOME!

Chuito's up next and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for his book, The Slayer. For that matter, I'm excited about the entire Untamed Hearts series!


*A copy of the book was given to Swept Away By Romance by the lovely Kele Moon in exchange for an honest review*

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

I've always loved Kele Moon's heroes. She writes them sexy, rough around the edges, and loyal to a fault. Marcos is all of those things and then some.

The Story

Marcos Rivera is a gang member and a fighter. Wanting to better his life, he went to Garnet only to be met with rejection. On his way to his old life, he collided (literally) with Katie Foster. She's a teacher, a divorce who wants to experience more than what life has offered her so far.

After that chance encounter both of them can't forget the other. While Marcos is trying to distance himself from the violence that had become his life, Katie is trying to get closer to Marcos and she will do anything to have her chance with him.

My Thoughts
The Viper is the first book off Kele Moon's Untamed Hearts series. As you all know, this series is a spin off of her Battered Hearts series. Marcos is Chuito's cousin, an MMA champion who trains with Romeo at the Cellar. A chance encounter with Katie made Carlos reevaluate his life choices but as much as he wants to change, old habits, old friends seems to hard to shake off.

I love the character of Marcos. He's cocky but sensitive. He might be a gang member but he has an inherent goodness in his heart and he has integrity. And he really wants to change. Part of this book deals with Marcos trying to extricate himself from the illegal activities of his gang. As much as he wants to, circumstances keep pulling him back in.

Katie, though not a favorite of mine among Kele's heroine, is a perfect foil for Marcos. She's sweet and sheltered. But she has a backbone and she knows how to stand up for herself. On her own, she was a little bland personality wise but once she's with Marcos and even Chuito, she becomes a lot more interesting. Her banter with Marcos and even with Chuito were great.

The romance with Marcos and Katie was sizzling. I usually have a problem with insta connection/lust/love in books but surprisingly, I didn't have a problem with it here. Because they Marcos and Katie did connect instantly, it took a substantial amount of time for them to finally come together. And once they did, it was explosive.

As much as I love the romance between Katie and Marcos, my favorite part in this book is Marcos and Chuito. They have been through so much together and you just feel the bond between them. Their loyalty and love for each other suffuses the pages of this book. One particular scene that had me bawling, which was strange because it wasn't particularly angsty or anything. But it was just emotionally heartrending to see both of them fight for each other.

When Chuito did what he had to do in order to give Marcos his freedom, that made me tear up because it was just so powerful. The reason why it touched me because in romance, I'm used to seeing the hero sacrifice something for the heroine, but it's not really common to see it happen between the hero and his best friend or brother or in this case, the cousin. Which also made me excited for Chuito's book because, man, I really don't know where Kele is going to take his story now after what happened in this book.

So overall, The Viper is a solid series starter. You'll get a glimpse not only of Chuito but Tino and Nova as well as Jules and Wyatt. As a final note, although this is a spin off of Battered Hearts Series, this book can be read as a standalone.

An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "I think she's a ten." Stars!

Kele Moon is and most likely will always be, one of my most favourite authors. Every book I have read by her offers the reader a fairytale romance, but in a down-to-earth, dark, gritty and somewhat realistic way. Let’s face it we all want our romantic heroes to be tough, strong and absolute masters in the bedroom, and every one of Kele’s fellas’ fits those requirements To. A. Tee!



He’d stolen things she truly valued. Her heart. Her dignity. Her sanity.

If you have read any of Kele’s previous books (and I cannot recommend them highly enough), you will know that the connection that you make with the characters, and the emotional pull you feel for them as their stories progress is strong. I think a lot of this is because they are relatable to the reader in some way or another. For me it is because they are such regular types of people, that if I came into contact with on a daily basis I know I would want to be in their circle. I don’t profess to be acquaintances with MMA cage-fighters, Mobsters, gang members etc... But for all that they still feel reachable, relatable and lifelike.

Marcos Rivera was burned in her brain – a tanned angel with strange light eyes and dangerous tattoos.



It is hard not to fall in love with a couple that against all the odds, and in the face of much adversity, basically say a big Fuck You! carry on seeing each other, ignore the peer pressure, and explore their connection. This is the case for Katie and Marcos, being from totally different walks of life and each living at different ends of the spectrum, one callous act brings them together and irrevocably changes them both while they are apart. And although Marcos initially walks away, Katie’s’ pull and unique way of getting in contact with him, makes it impossible for him to resist returning to Garnet.

”I am the last guy you should want to be on a date with.”



Although The Viper, is the first book in Kele’s brand new Untamed Hearts Series, and as such can be read on its own, I would still recommend that you read the Battered Hearts Series beforehand if you can, a lot of characters from those books feature in this book, and going forward the series, bearing in mind that it is based in the same town (Garnet) and locations.

Like all the other books I have read by Kele, you don't just get boy-meets-girl and they fall in love and live HEA. There is a slow burn, and things build gradually, the relationship, the characters and the plot move along at a rapid clip, but it is not rushed, it is well developed and perfectly paced. I honestly cannot find one thing negative thing to say about The Viper. I was once again taken away and absorbed into a story that I loved from start to finish.

”Now is always a good place to start on the future.”

Kele, you have once again blown me away with your awesomeness... My only complaint, I have to wait for The Slayer!



ARC generously provided by the publisher in exchange for the above honest review.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5 Stars***

"I can’t stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive."

Marcos is a Miami thug. A gangbanger. A stealer of cars and a taker of lives.

Katie is a small town girl. A high school teacher. A plain Jane.

There is no reason why these two should ever cross paths.

On New Years Eve, just past midnight, Katie is driving home reflecting on where she is in her life. Newly divorced, a survivor of a mentally abusive relationship, an ordinary girl living a plain, boring life. An erratic driver tries to pass her on the two lane road, unaware that there is a car coming from the opposite direction. The other car swerves to avoid the erratic driver and crosses into Katie's lane, hitting her car and running her off the road.

Just Marcos' luck. He was only in this small town for a little while, but somehow trouble followed and found him. Why didn't he swerve in the other direction? How badly is the other driver injured? What will happen when the cops show up and they see he already has a record?

Marcos goes to help the other driver, pinned by her arm inside the car, only to discover a beautiful woman. Katie can't believe she's so unlucky to be starting her new year in this situation. The driver from the other car arrives to help, and she comes face to face with a light eyed, tattooed, kind stranger. She knows the accident wasn't his fault, but she sees the remorse all over his face.

Over the span of one conversation on a dark road and cold night, Marcos and Katie form a connection. However, while Katie is intrigued by the hard looking, kind stranger, Marcos is heartbroken that he's been shown a woman that he has no right to want and definitely doesn't deserve.

"I want to be the guy who shows you the ocean. I do. But I'm not, chica. I'm sorry. For both of us.

Once help arrives, Marcos and Katie tell the authorities what happened and they part ways. Marcos goes back to Miami, while Katie goes back to living her mundane life. However, Katie can't forget the honest and defeated stranger on the side of the road, and Marcos can't stop thinking about the innocent and beautiful woman that somehow ended up in the path of his destructive life. With no way of getting a hold of him, since his cousin Chuito is of no help, she reaches out through Craig's list...hoping he might see her message.

I'm tired of playing it safe. The slow lane has left me with nothing but regrets, and I know it's been even harder for you as you speed through life on the other side. Maybe it was never about positives and negatives. Maybe it's about meeting somewhere in the middle instead.

Can these two find their way to the middle? Can Marcos shake his past and be the kind of man that Katie deserves? Can Katie accept Marcos' past and understand how the things he's seen and done have scarred the man he is today?

What a fantastic beginning to this series! I've said it once and I'll say it again, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY Kele Moon DOES NOT GET MORE RECOGNITION! Why she's not as well known in the mainstream is beyond me? I feel sad for those who haven't read her books....there's an undiscovered gem sitting right under their noses!!

I adored Marcos and Katie...primarily because I felt for both of their situations. The yearning of something "more" that Katie wanted out of life and the defeated acceptance that Marcos carried around with him that his life would never be "more" than death or prison.

It was as if time stood still holding them in an alternate universe where she wasn't too boring for him, and he wasn't too dangerous for her.

The backstory of Chuito and Marcos' childhood broke my heart. Not only because I felt it, but because I see it every day in Chicago. I can't even name how many kids I went to elementary school or high school with that are either dead or in jail. Gang violence is a serious thing. Once you're in, it's a lifelong commitment, whether you change your mind or not. You can't hand in a letter of resignation.

The deep-rooted love between Marcos and his cousin pours off the page. They have a shared history and through that, they can offer each other what no else can...Understanding. Chuito wants more for his cousin. Though reluctant about Katie, he quickly discovers that she's no wilting flower. She's not some naive, small town girl who would cower with fear, throw judgment, or be quick to pity. And for those reasons, I loved her too!

This book is a can't miss if you're a lover of good writing, an engaging story, heartfelt emotion and endearing characters.

With all that, I'm dying to get to The Slayer (Chuito's story). I need this like yesterday! While I thoroughly enjoyed Marcos and Katie's story, The Viper was like tantalizing foreplay for Chuito's book!

"You can cry. Real people cry. Only gangsters have to be hard."

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
FULL REVIEW POSTED 8-20-14

4STARS The Hard Way! This book was NOTHING I expected it to be and I still LOVED IT!!






It’s a Hard Knock Life …

Marcos Rivera lives life in the fast lane making cash the fast way. He tried to go pro in fighting like his cousin Chuito did, unfortunately his criminal record stopped that from happening. He quickly found himself wanting to do what came easy. Stealing. The need to make ends meet consumes his mind..as an active gang member in the heart of Miami. All the while knowing his future will abruptly end in one of two places… In a coffin buried six feet under or in prison becoming a caged man for life.

Thug life cares not who you are and has a recurring pattern of taking people out of the game no matter the race, age or creed.

He’s tried to do things the right way. He got a job and worked for hourly wages earned legally. Only it’s not easy to do when the cops are breathing down your employers back looking for crimes not taking place in their work establishment. Due to the cops zeroing in on him Marcos finds himself let go from the blue collar jobs once the employer’s has had enough of being harassed by the Miami PD.

So life the hard way it is, because in his mind it was the only way.

“You know all those things going around in your mind. The stuff you know gangs do, but you’re telling yourself I’m different. That I’ve never done them.”
Katie shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t care if you’ve stolen a few cars”
“We’re not talking about cars.”

Katie Foster is the EXACT opposite of Marcos. She’s a straight laced history teacher living in Garnet, a small town where everyone knows each other. Garnet is the polar opposite from the fast streets of Miami; kind of like the two main characters themselves…Katie and Marc. Hmmm…is there a hint of symbolism in there Ms.Moon? *Grins*

While visiting his cousin Chuito, in Garnet, Marc and Katie cross paths in a way neither saw coming. That meeting sticks to both of them. You see, all it took was a chance meeting where two people connect for an impression to take root.

Gone is the ‘sweet go by the book and obey what you say Katie.’ Now she’s the ‘don’t tell me what to do or where to go because I run my own life Katie.’ She’s bolder and she likes it. All thanks to that one night where two totally different worlds collide.





I beez in the trap
Katie attempts to reach out to Marc after that night. What should be easy instead becomes difficult. She finds herself being hit with opposition. And Marc…well he finds himself in the trap.
(NOTE: The trap is street vernacular for someone who hustles to get fast cash)

The Characters
My heart ached for Marco. He just cannot seem to catch a break. Trying to steer clear of gang life becomes nearly impossible as much as he may try. His past finds a way to bite him in the a**. He quickly gets sucked back in. What I loved was his feelings toward Katie. He really likes her and he openly admires her strength and beauty. He’s also honest with himself knowing that with his lifestyle a future with her is inconceivable.

Katie in turn is pretty much down for whatever as long as it includes Marcos being part of her life. She wants ALL of him…The good, the bad and the ugly.





My Thoughts
I loved it!! Kele Moon pulled me in and held me from beginning to end. I was actually expecting something different but found myself very happy with what I got. Two true to life characters facing everyday adversities pertaining to their lifestyle and what each has lived through. That’s all I can say without spoiling anything.


The Chemistry is explosive between Marcos and Katie. Kele Moon writes some pretty steamy scenes with these two.
The writing overall flows well and will definitely have you wanting to know the secondary characters just a bit more.

My Ratings
Characters- Sweet, Sexy and Intriguing. I want MORE Chuito
Writing Style- Strong and Genuine like it’s characters
Plot/Storyline- Good girl changes after meeting a bad boy with a troubled heart who comes off as if the whole world against him. The good girl grows a back bone and then decides she wants her bad boy.
Steam Factor- High/Steamy On a scale of 1-10 I say 7.5
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I say Medium
Overall- I loved it! My recommendation is READ THE BOOK!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
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[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars




Katie cant get the sexy stranger out of her mind. But with Marco stuck in a gang life, will they have a future together?

The steam in Kele Moon's book always gets my approval. I liked the relationship between Marco and his cousin Chuito. But romance wise I wasn't feeling the love. Also I found Katie a bit stalkerish at the start and then she turned quite needy.

It was okay. I love the sexy time but for me I need to feel the connection and relationship. I still love the Battered Hearts series though and will watch out for the next book of this series.


ARC provided by the Author

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - Two Negatives Equal a Positive Stars!!



Well, by now it is no secret that Kele Moon has very quickly become one of my favorite authors. Anytime that I read something that moves me to the point of stopping what I'm doing and binging out on 5 books in a row, by an author, it's because there is something really special going on. For any of you out there that read some of my reviews, you know that I have had a perpetual problem this year finding books with some actual depth and merit to them. Well, if you've struggled with this as well, then look no further!!



Marcos is a totally new character to us. He was not in Kele's Battered Hearts Series, the series that this series is a spin off from. He's the cousin of Chuito, who we have met several times now. Marcos is in Garnet visiting Chuito and trying for a spot onto the Cuthouse Cellar crew, the local MMA training house in town. That is until one fateful New Year's Eve night where he collides with Katie Foster. Katie is a sweet girl. A high school teacher who lives an average life and is coming out of a lousy marriage to a total asshole. But when a total stranger risks his own safety to make sure she is ok after a car accident that she is involved in, she can't stop thinking about him.



The two share a few brief moments, some good conversation, and an instant spark. One that is near impossible for either one of them to walk away from.

But Marcos is a hard guy that has led an even harder life. He's an ex-convict, a thief, and a general thug who knows far better than to dare hope for a happily ever after. So after the night of the accident, which is a little too close for comfort for him with the law, he gets out of town in a hurry.

I definitely wouldn't classify this as a sweet romance, but the beginning did have some very sweet parts to it. I loved how Katie, being a total shy introvert, with not a lot of self confidence, says screw it and had the balls to do what any very interested and very sexually deprived woman would do...she placed a Craigslist ad to find her long lost stranger. Haha!!

"Maybe that’s why I can’t give up hoping that one day we’ll talk again. I can’t stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive. That together, even something as terrible as a car accident can be beautiful. What do you think?"

And Marcos? Well, how can I put this eloquently...Marcos is a sexy as fuck, bad boy, ladies man!!!

"Watching a hot girl come was his drug of choice. When other guys his age were sinking into drugs or alcohol, he was sneaking into girls' bedrooms and going down on them."

Oh and that is just a taste...(no pun intended)!! When these two finally do get together?



I loved that he hadn't stopped thinking about her either, even though on the outside, he exudes this untouchable, tough guy exterior. But on the inside, we got to see how he really felt.

"He’d been trying to live an honest life for the past four months simply for the memory of a woman he’d spent five minutes with."

So what's the solution? One week of no strings attached sex...of course!!



Everything that I have just gone into above, summarizes the first 50-60% of the book. What ensues from there is a whole bunch of mafia and gang related action. When things start to get hot, in a very bad way, back in Miami for Marcos, he realizes that his vacation from reality is over.

Without going into any spoilers from there, I will just say that during the last 40% or so of the book, I did feel like I was reading a pre-quel to The Slayer. This isn't necessarily a bad thing...just an adjustment that I found myself needing to make while reading. We do get to catch up BIG TIME with most of the characters that we met in the Battered Hearts Series, mainly Nova and Tino. There is a lot of set up the leads into The Slayer, so you absolutely do have to read this book before continuing on in this series, in my opinion.

Finally, I am from Miami, born and raised. Both my parents were born in Cuba. LOL! With that being said, I thought this author did an absolutely flawless job of depicting this way of life and what it is to live in this part of the country. I was really fortunate and grew up pretty sub-urban and middle class I guess...however, it is so terribly easy to fall into gang life there and once you're in, it's near impossible to get out. It's one of the easiest places to get any kind of drug you want and there is bad shit to get into, if you so choose, just about all around you down there. I'm sure that gang life is like that everywhere. My point is just that, this felt very authentic in reading about it. The Spanish was all 100% accurate and I had to laugh at the references about honking the horn and sorting through black beans...my mother used to sit and make he do this endlessly. Basically what I am trying to say is, this author knows her shit. She puts research and real time into her books and every one that I have read up until now, I felt like I was submersing myself in that area and that culture completely. Total world building and very good world building at that.

I am so beyond HOOKED on this series and I cannot wait to see how it unfolds from here!

"He warned her he was a thief. He’d done it a hundred times. He said he would steal anything left unattended long enough for him to take. Only nothing was out of place in her house. Nothing was missing. The only thing he’d taken was her heart. She wished he would’ve stolen her car instead."

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn't hold my attention at all. I may one day give it a re-read though as I had lots going on in my life at the time; and I am thinking that might be a factor in my not being able to become engrossed in the story. I do feel that anyone who is looking to read this story; should do so, as I have seen some great reviews. For myself, it just wasn't what I needed at the time that I was reading it...As far as the writing went, it was good and flowed nicely. This rating in no way reflects on the author's talent...just my own attention span!

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - Muy bien - Stars

Marcos is a fighter, gang member and criminal.



Katie is a high school teacher.



They meet under some not so great circumstances and have a connection. A negative and a positive should make a negative, right?



Marcos leaves right afterward much to Katie's dismay. Katie does what any woman does who wants to find a man, she places a craigslist ad searching for him. LOL



Marcos finds out and goes back to good ole Garnet to tell Katie to let him go. Only he winds up fucking her in like every room of the house for a whole week and falls in love. Katie loves his big...big..big...heart...



But of course in everyone else's eyes, they are still a thug and a teacher, two totally opposite spectrums.



Unfortunately he is still a gang banger so he has to head back to Miami and leave Katie.



But will Katie give up on them that easily?

[Stacey]

DNF at 49%

All by myself...don't want to be...all by m_y_s_e_l_f....

I know this is a favourite of a lot of my friends, but I JUST DON'T GET IT???

I think, honestly, it's my fault. I don't get small town, sexist mentality. This chick puts up with her ex harassing her constantly. She visits her father twice a week to do his washing. Her admittance to wanting to lecture "Super Stud Muffin" (my term, not a quote) because he admitted to "relieving some stress" (hint hint nudge nudge) before seeing her. Is this chick naive...or just stupid?

Now, Super Stud Muffin is the reason why this journey came to a close. I don't get mafia/gang loyalty. Marco (SSM), admits he's being used and manipulated, served time to protect his brothers, and still goes back for more? Sure, I get that he's struggling to go clean. Lower your standards, my man, clean a few toilets, earn some respect. Yes, I'm probably sounding very 'high horse' but, again, it's because I plain old DON'T GET IT.

Sex scenes were pretty steamy. Some of the other characters were pretty cool. This was definitely a case of just my problem. The Viper and Untamed Hearts series is very popular. I suggest you check out other reviews before basing your decision solely on my review.

[MelissaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viper's best part for me was the hero - I loved having a Hispanic hero, Marcos was pretty hot and sexy. The story was a bit different, the hero and heroine met and had an instant connection but the hero really struggled in the story with figuring out what he wanted from his life. He was in a gang and had spent time in jail but didn't see how he could go clean since he struggled to keep a job. There aren't many romances with a guy who isn't older and successful so I didn't mind seeing one who didn't have it all together. I like the way the heroine saw the hero as something better than what he had done and believed in him. The love scenes were hot, Marcos really knew what he was doing :)

My biggest issue with the book was that I felt the last part of the book was too rushed. I wanted to see them together and figuring out how to build a life despite their differences. Once they got together toward the end it just jumped to the epilogue (which was cute). Overall, it was a cute story though.

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Eres bella stars

“Hurting the things that are most beautiful to me. It keeps happening to me over and over again. I don’t know why, but it does.-Marcos”

The Viper is the first of the Untamed Hearts Series. It is a tender love story between a good girl and a very dangerous man! It is a story of two cousins who have fought their whole life to battle the demons of their past. It is a story of second chances. It answers the question-can love truly prevail?



Katie is a school teacher living in a small town. She is divorced and living day to day stumbling through her boring life. Until she is in a bad car accident. While she is in pain, she finds calmness in the eyes of a tattooed man. Although he didn't cause the accident, Marcos' car slammed into hers. While waiting for help to come, Marcos talks to her. His voice giving her comfort. Marcos has been drinking and has a record. Despite the fact that he could be arrested just by staying at the scene, he gives Katie his jacket and stays to keep her calm.

“You should leave.”-Katie

“I’m not leaving you.”-Marcos



All of his life Marcos has been discriminated against. As a Puerto-Rican American, he carries a stigma. Although the tattoos on his body tell the story of a sordid past, deep down Marcos is a good man.



Marcos and his cousin Chuito have lived a life of violence. They have never had anything good except the love they have for each other. Growing up in the fast town of Miami Marcos and Chuito had been swept into a life of fighting, boosting cars, and doing whatever they could to stay alive.



After the accident, Marcos leaves the small town and returns to Miami. He does his best to forget about the "good girl" he met. Katie cannot forget about him. She begins to pursue Marcos by sending him messages via craigs list. She tries to get his number from Chuito. When Marcos finds out that Katie has been trying to reach him, he is drawn right back in. Even though he knows he is no good for her, he cannot stay away.

"Maybe that’s why I can’t give up hoping that one day we’ll talk again. I can’t stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive. That together, even something as terrible as a car accident can be beautiful."-Katie

Despite his cousin's warnings, Marcos returns to Katie. The connection between the two is quick and full of passion.



Marcos knows he isn't what Katie needs. He promises her one week together.

“Just make me yours,” she pleaded, because she needed it desperately. “That’s what I need right now, Marcos.”-Katie

Katie and Marcos spend on blissful week together. There is a bit of drama with Katie's ex. The problems Marcos left behind in Miami are constantly calling. Yet the tenderness these two find in each other was beautiful.

"The thing about a week, when you’re living in the moment, was that it ended up lasting forever and going way too fast at the same time. Katie felt like she’d lived a lifetime with Marcos in her little house, holed up with enough food to keep them alive, and enough privacy to make love in every corner."

When Marcos leaves, it rips them both apart. Katie doesn't think she can go on.



"He warned her he was a thief. He’d done it a hundred times. He said he would steal anything left unattended long enough for him to take. Only nothing was out of place in her house. Nothing was missing. The only thing he’d taken was her heart. She wished he would’ve stolen her car instead."-Katie

Of course the question is, can Marcos realize that he is worthy of a woman like Katie in time? The action in this book heats up when Marcos decides he wants more. His cousin Chuito changes the course of his life in order to save his cousin.

"Chuito might have underestimated Angel, but Angel had also sorely underestimated the level of fury that could be unleashed when Marcos and Chuito worked together to end something."

Overall, The Viper was a great read. I loved both of the main characters. Although both characters are stereo typical characters, I found them to be authentic and unique. I loved that the author painted such a clear picture of life in Miami versus a small town. I swallowed up the text in this book. I loved the Spanish sprinkled throughout the text! She certainly didn't shy away from the stigma of a good girl dating "that latino boy" from across the tracks. What really cinched the deal for me swooning over this book? The ending! I loved it! I thought it was so great when Katie moved to Miami so that she could teach kids like Marcos and Chuito. Although she hoped that she and Marcos could make a life together, it wasn't the driving force that brought her to him. Can I just say that Marcos and Chuito have the coolest Aunt? I could read hours of her interacting with the family! Loved this book! Excited to read more from this author!



“I do love you, Katie. I need you in my house. In my bed. I want you to stay, Say yes.”

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 I’m Finally Reading Kele Moon Stars

EVERYONE has been talking about this author. I feel like I should have read her books a long time ago. I’ll be honest. I had this book for a while. I even started it twice. By the third time I told myself NO MATTER what I was going to finish.

The beginning was a bit long and a bit boring, but once you get into it, well, it’s good. It’s not great, but it’s good. Based on the reviews this wasn’t everyone’s favorite book, but I think you need to read the books in order to get all the feels.

Katie and Marcos are an okay couple. They probably wouldn’t be my favorite, but I liked them. I’m really excited for the next book and that is why you should read these books in order so you can get a glimpse of the other characters.

Katie is a school teacher and knows NOTHING about the gangster / thug / criminal world. She’s white and Marcos is Latino. It was kind of hard to get into Marcos’ mind, he speaks a lot of Spanish in this book and his background is a huge influence. It’s not really my cuppa, but towards the end of the book I sort of liked it.

So, it’s about good girl meets bad boy and how will they ever work out? The plot and flow is kind of slow and I liked the parts where Kaite and Marcos interact. There’s a lot of tension between the two because Marcos only gives Katie one week of his time but that one week is jam pack.

The last part of the book kind of dragged out a bit and I found myself skimming, but overall I liked the book. I guess it’s because the author put a lot of thought into building up the characters.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’d been trying to live an honest life for the past four months simply for the memory of a woman he’d spent five minutes with.

A chance meeting resulting from an accident, changes the lives of ex-con and gang member Marcos Rivera and high school teacher Katie Foster for the better.

Maybe that’s why I can’t give up hoping that one day we’ll talk again. I can’t stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive. That together, even something as terrible as a car accident can be beautiful.
What do you think?

Both Katie and Marcos were great characters. They seemed so real and relatable, and I liked them right from the start. The fact that Marcos was not perfect, wasn’t this rich and all powerful hotshot, but struggled to get his life right, made me just love him more. I also really liked that Katie and Marcos had such a big impact on each other. After meeting Marcos Katie was able to become bolder, more daring when before she was shy and too scared to take chances. And after everything that Marcos has done, has survived, he didn’t believe he could have a better life, until he met Katie. She made him want to be better man, and I loved that.

“I know my limits. You push every single one of them.”

The romance was wonderful. Instant attraction is my kryptonite, and I loved how the author wrote the connection between Katie and Marcos. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the sexy times so very hot.

While I did find the gang aspect quite interesting, I must say it did overshadow the romance. I really liked Chuito, Marcos’ cousin, and I would love to read his book.

This was my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Before you read this book, make sure to read Marcos Rivera's Boricua Guide to Spanish and Street Slang, at the back of the book. You'll probably not have any issues guessing the street slang, however, if you lack in your Spanish skills, like me, you'll want to check this out FIRST.

On to my review ...

I really loved this book. I'm not one to hand out 5 star reviews so easily however, this book hit the perfect spot for me. I was happy and excited reading this story the entire time. It left a smile on my face the entire way. I loved it. There was just something different in the way it was written compared to the many stories I read each week. It was straight up with no games attached. It was a good book about second chances in life and love. The couple were mature adults and the decisions Marcos made were based off very good reasons. He didn't make them lightly.

-----///-----///-----///-----///----

Marcos Rivera. This guy is straight up a mans man. He's not a hearts and flowers guy but he will make you feel sexy all the same. There's no pretenses with this guy. He is who he is and what he is, and he makes no apologies for it. He will tell you himself he's straight up a thug and dangerous. He takes life head on. But never, and I mean NEVER, mess with his family.

"You're not exactly a ten, Katie," Grayson laughed cruelly, reminding Katie why she left to begin with.
"I think she's a ten," a man called from behind them. (<---Marcos)

Marcos is an OG and would love to get out of the life he choose with the gang. Too bad he doesn't seem to have good luck and can't hold a steady job with out the cops always breathing down his back. So, what's left? And why fight the inevitable? He knows he will either die in the life of the gang, or wind up back in jail. Why should the fates smile down on him and offer up anything else?

Katie Foster. A divorced school teacher living in a small town while dodging her ex-husband. The guys in her town aren't knocking down her door as she thinks shes not a complete knock out and maybe too curvy. She's resigned to live out her days lonely.

Chuito pointed at her. "You're a high school teacher, for [Heavens] sake. You are one big rule."
"Don't call her big, " Marcos snapped at him. "Lush. Sexy." He liked the sound of that and amended his cousin's statement. "She's one sexy rule I wouldn't mind following."


Until a fateful night brings her world literally crashing into Marcos' life. Nothing will be the same again.

"I can't stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive. That together, even something as terrible as a car accident can be beautiful."

When Marcos and Katie meet, an instant connection forms between them. She can't stop thinking about him. Neither can Marcos get Katie out of his head. Too bad he feels he doesn't deserve someone good like Katie. And too bad he doesn't know how much he impacted Katie and how much she changes because of him.

Now Marcos will need to decide: go back to the life of the gang, or see if fate will give him a chance at better. Can Katie change Marcos' views of himself and what he deserves? Will Katie be strong enough if he walks out of her life a second time?

Marcos has life decisions to make. He knows he needs to protect his family at all costs, and Katie as well.

Will fate bring these two together for good? Or just toy with them in the long run?

"Fine," Marcos assured him. "I think they'll be fine. We'll all be fine."
"Three of the craziest people I know in one house. I'm very scared about that."
Chuito is right about that!

-----///-----///-----///-----///-----
What I LOVED:
1. Katie. She plays no games. She knows what she wants. She feels strong for what she wants and believes in. She takes chances head on.
2. Marcos. He's not a liar. He's not a cheater. He's loyal to a fault. He's not alpha but he's not hearts and flowers either. He says it like it is, even if its crude, dirty or foul. You'll never have to guess what he's thinking. But he loves fiercely, he can be funny, he's a fighter, and he's protective. And dang if he doesn't make you feel wanted and sexy and can be sweet in his own way. Plus I loved when he spoke Spanish here and there and always called everyone A-holes. Yeah, he's a bit "crazy".
3. Chuito. Best cousin ever. He would die for you.
4. Tia Sofia. This woman is crazy but funny and she means well.
5. Marcos and Chuito's loyal friends.
6. This story is told in the points of views of: Marcos , Katie and Chuito.
7. There's never a dull or boring moment. The story kept me intrigued the entire time.
8. I liked some of the gang scenes as we were able to get a little bit of the dangerous side of Marcos' life.
9. Marcos and Katie's first shower scene.
10. Small bits of humor
11. Seeing some characters from the Battered Hearts series. We meet Chuito in book 2 in that series as a secondary character.

What a great start to a new spin off series from Battered Hearts. I look forward to what comes next. I really hope Chuito gets his story soon.

Review posted on my friends blog:
Sundays in Bed with Books.
http://sundaysinbedwithbooks.blogspot...

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently finished the Battered Hearts series which is the precursor to this series. I've been looking forward to continuing on in Ms. Moon's MMA fighter world. I knew that some of the younger characters we met in the Battered Hearts series would be the focus of this series, Untamed Hearts.

The Viper (aka Marcos) was a new character to the overall arc. But his connection to the series was not new - he's Chu's cousin. They were raised in the same household and were raised like brothers.

Marcos seemed to be having bad luck everywhere he went. Which wasn't unlike our heroine, Katie. Their outlooks on life were a major component of their attitude towards what life threw at them.

Marcos had come to terms that he was going to die at a young age because of the activities he was involved in. To him, it was a way of life. Katie was the forbidden fruit. She didn't have demons that caused her restless nights and made her hard. Even the bad luck things that happened to her didn't phase her. She was resolute on being kind and seeing the best in each situation.

Don't get me wrong, Katie could be just as crazy as Marcos in her decision making but that added to her charm. One of my favorite quotes about Marcos and Katie came from his cousin, Chuito.

"Dealing with both of you is like trying to harness two hurricanes."

THE VIPER is the first book in Untamed Hearts series. This series is a spinoff series from the Battered Hearts series which is filled with UFC fighters. These are the younger guys we got to meet in that series. I'm looking forward to the next book because it's Chuito and I've been curious about him since the previous series.


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[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review posted to: www.sweptawaybyromance.com

Dorsey's Review
"4.5 Thug Loving Stars!"

The book starts with Garnet native Katie getting into a car accident and meeting Marcos, the cousin of Chuito who we met in the Battered Hearts series.

Marcos and Katie are as different as night and day, and come from completely different backgrounds. An accident brings them together and completely changes them both. Although Marcos walked away, he’s not forgotten the brave “gringa” . She hasn't stopped thinking of him either and actively searches for him.

Marcos is a gang member and struggling to go straight after serving a prison sentence for stealing and stripping cars for his gang. I loved Marcos right from the start, the way he refused to abandon Katie after the accident even knowing he could face serious consequences, he tends to face everything head on. He is honest….brutally so sometimes, and he knows who he is and doesn't try to hide it.

Katie is a high school history teacher and I loved Katie’s character. She is trusting (sometimes too trusting), strong, stubborn, independent and goes after what she wants, and she wants Marcos!!

"Now is always a good place to start on the future."

I really enjoyed Katie and Marcos' journey and seeing how two people from very different backgrounds come together. I love a “love and redemption” story and I am so glad that these two got their HEA, especially Marcos. He was tough, strong, and just so….I don’t know...sad and beaten at times and he just somehow broke my heart when he was down.

The Viper is the first book in the new Untamed Hearts series, and I suggest you read her Battered Hearts series first. You can definitely read this without reading that series, but there are some characters from Battered Hearts that have roles here.





Karla’s Review
"4.5 Stars!! Fantastic start to this Battered Hearts spin-off series! "Ay Dios mio"...Marcos will melt your heart!!"

Great first installment in this new series! I loved to going back to Garnet, re-visiting with all my fave characters and finding some new ones to love. Marcos and Katie...the term "opposites attract"...fits these two to a "T". Oh, and was it ever was fun to see Marcos and Katie explore those differences! Marcos is your hard-core bad boy, who goes soft for the country girl, and Katie is the sweet good girl whose inner bad girl wants out...and it wants Marcos in a bad way!

"She wanted something a little edgier. A little risky. She wanted tattoos instead of a briefcase. She wanted someone to like her tits instead of her degree."

Together...KABOOM! It wasn't just the passionate intimacy that these two shared that I enjoyed reading about, it was when they gave a piece of themselves to each other on the most basic level. Opening up about their lives, culturally they are worlds apart, but yet perfect for each other in so many respects. They don't judge, they accept, they both have a need the other one is willing to fill.

Marcos and Chuito's back story was so heartbreaking, and it really helps to understand the strong unbreakable bond that these two have forged. Marcos has so much to work through and despite all the hardships and tragic events in his life, he's trying to set things straight. Katie has her own issues to overcome and she seems to get strength from Marcos, he has shown her nothing but kindness and what a real man should do and be for his woman. She is willing to take a chance on him regardless of his past, and I loved her for that!

Tino and Nova make an appearance, and my goodness when they get together with Chuito...it gave me goosebumps! I can't imagine where this is all going to go as this series moves forward.

Kele Moon never fails to deliver; plenty of steam, lots of great dialogue, some emotional turmoil, and characters that grab a hold of your heart. She always wraps the story up nicely and The Viper has a sweet, amusing epilogue, that made for a very satisfying ending.

Although Untamed Hearts is a spin-off series from Battered Hearts , it's not necessary to read that first. However, I highly recommend that you do, since the characters do cross over and I feel that if would make the overall reading experience that much more enjoyable, the characters more relatable and it's just downright AWESOME!

Chuito's up next and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for his book, The Slayer. For that matter, I'm excited about the entire Untamed Hearts series!

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I can’t stop thinking that maybe two negatives might equal a positive.“

Katie Foster is a high school history teacher in Garnet. She is sweet and she’s a good girl. She is also divorced after staying for five years in a mentally abused marriage. Everything changes for Katie when she cross paths with Marcos and he saves her from a car wreck.

Marcos is an ex-convict and gang member. He is also an underground fighter. He lived a hard life, losing his mother and his cousin because he’s a member of Los Corredores in Miami. Marcos is struggling to find his way out, like his cousin Chuito, but is not that easy. He knows there’s only two ways for him to be free, in prison or in a coffin. While visiting his cousin in Garnet he is meeting this pure and innocent woman who fascinate him.



When Katie and Marcos met they connect instantly. Katie is attracted and intrigued by Marcos. All his tattoos are dangerous, she knows that, but she isn’t scared by Marcos or nervous in his presence. That night when she met Marcos changed her somehow, she is ready to take some risk and to really live. Marcos knows who he is and that he doesn’t deserve a girl like Katie. He knows a woman like Katie is not for a guy like him but from the moment they met, he wants a chance with her.

Marcos needs a distraction from the gang life and Katie provided one so he agrees to spend one week with Katie. But what happens when one week is not enough?



I really enjoyed both characters. I loved Marcos. Underneath it all he really is a great, sweet guy. He wants to change and he has integrity. Katie may seem sweet and maybe naïve, but she is strong and she can stand for herself. Also I love Katie and Marcos together, their connection and their chemistry are amazing. I loved how they connected even if they are total opposites and how everything between them builds gradually. The sex scenes between them are sizzling hot and intense. Love them! I also enjoyed Chuito character and I admit, sometimes I found him more intriguing than Marcus’s. Can’t wait to read more about him!

Overall, I really enjoyed Viper. With an intriguing storyline, well developed characters and fantastic writing, this book was really great.

[S.M. West · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 COLLIDE STARS

Ay Dios mio!! The passion, desire and sheer WANT between Katie and Marcos was palpable.

I’m not a fan of insta-love and some might argue this was, but I totally disagree. This was an instant connection for sure of two unlikely souls from vastly different worlds that have both had a long streak of bad luck. When they meet, they literally collide in a not so nice way. It was not insta-love but rather a feeling of finding something that you’d been missing your whole life. Both of them can neither understand nor deny their attraction. These two are HOT!



Marcos Rivera “El Vibora” is one hot-blooded, sexy, Puerto Rican, ex-con, gangster trying to live the straight and narrow.



This man is sexy as sin. The Spanish out of this boy’s mouth…while filthy and off colour, had me weak in the knees, on fire and needing to cool off.



Katie Foster

She may be a small town girl but she is feisty, smart and willing to take on Marcos -- match for match.



Katie and Marcos' draw to each other is instant but their relationship build was slow, real and undeniable. Gawd, I loved every single, hot, sexy word and moment of it!!

I loved the Battered Hearts series by Ms. Moon and if she keeps them coming like this one, I'm going to be a serious fan of this spin off series, Untamed Hearts. I’m seriously looking forward to Nova’s book!!

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE VIPER is live!!! Order on LOOSE-ID

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New release date : AUGUST 19th !!!!
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JULY 19th, 2014 : COVER REVEAL!

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 2 out of 5]

08/23/2014

Overall Rating = 2.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 3.5 = 3.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Primary Character / Secondary Character Development = 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 4 / 2 = 3 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 3 / 3.5 = 3 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 3 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$5.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild +1
249 pages

I like Kele Moon, but have found her books are either a huge hit for me, or just miss the mark. This one ... It just missed the mark.

A few things I liked about this one:
1 -- Marcos. He was a tough customer with a gentle side. He demonstrated both throughout the book. I felt terrible when he'd say he had no other choice than the lifestyle he has. He was desperately trying to claw his way out of the hole he dug for himself and he would fall back in, repeatedly. The only good thing to come of it was life experience. He knew what his end looked like if he couldn't break away. He was determined to do it without dirtying the ones he loved. He had integrity. He was honest about who he was. He took pleasure where he could find it, when he could find it because there are no guarantees. I could identify.

2 -- Chuito. He believed in Marcos. He loved him. He blamed himself for what happened and was happening to Marcos. He said it again and again .. he was the Fighter, Marcos was the Lover. Marcos went down because of his love for his family; his cousin Chuito. He wasn't about to give up on Marcos. EVER. He took care of those he considered his. And, Marcos was his. Integrity. Love. Responsibility and Respect. These are Chuito.

3 -- The Miami setting. I enjoyed reading about the tough place that is Miami. It could be any big city. There is beauty, but there is ugly in equal measures along with the tough underbelly.

4 -- This is a plus / minus for me. I liked the Puerto Rican language woven through the story. It added to the character of Marcos and Chuito and the development of their story. Saying this, much of it went un-translated. I was constantly using my Kindle translator to figure it out. I know enough to be dangerous, and some of the nuances would escape me without the translation. I liked it, but it was distracting at times.

What didn't work well for me:
1 -- Katie Foster. I don't think this character was that well developed. She is supposed to be tough and sexy. Smart too. Okay. She is a high school History teacher, but we only really have one scene, if you discount the last scene in the epilogue. We don't feel this teacher thing. When she and Marcos hook up, it is conveniently Spring Break. Okay. I can buy that, but then there are months in between the start of their relationship and then when they get it going again. Nothing. I guess this is the smart. Then, we have the sexy and tough thing?

She and Marcos meet after an accident. She is hurt and he stays there to see she is taken care of. We lose this towards the end. So, what we have is a teacher who goes completely off character, or rogue to hook up with a gangster. Then, at the end, she modifies her whole life to follow him without one bit of encouragement from him. Completely. I don't buy it. I didn't FEEL this strong pull. She gave in too easily. She should have gone after him immediately. No. She waited until it was safe and then she changed her whole life and followed him. With. NO. ENCOURAGEMENT. From. Him. Nope. This did so not work for me.

2 -- I think this book was too short. There were too many "surface" things that didn't delve deep enough to pull the reader. We followed it all easily, but there was no depth or build. On the surface, this appears to be a pretty simple story. And it is. That's the problem. There were complex elements that were treated too simply. They required more background development. Characters that required more development. The whole Katie thing I mentioned above, could have been resolved with more time and space. The beginning woven throughout the book rather than just the beginning. Developed more of the teacher element. Gotten to know more of the characters at a deeper level as they interacted with the main characters or story components. This is a case of fitting into a published format. It may have been better served being an independently published work with the freedom that allows.

3 -- The personal's on Craigs-List are dangerous. The author romanticizes it. CAUTION. This story element gave me the heebee geebee's. No self respecting person should use Craigs-List as a source for outreach. Katie mentioned all the crazies that contacted her. GAH! Please use caution using Craigs-List for ANYTHING!

4 -- I think this one over-priced. I've read and liked other Kele Moon books or I wouldn't have paid the $6 for this one. I suggest you wait for a price drop because I don't think the level of enjoyment for this one warrants the current asking price. $2 or possibly $3 would be a much better price point. I won't pay this again for this author.

I've been waiting for Tino's story. Will we ever get it? If so, I hope the author uses a longer format. I think she tries to weave too much into too few pages and ends up truncating and/or under-developing much. A shame, because she is a good author.

I liked this one, but it could have been SO MUCH BETTER. I know Kele Moon can do it. I hated Katie for Marcos. Either that or Katie needed more development. This really impacted my enjoyment of the story.

Hope you enjoy this one and Katie doesn't bother you as much as she did me.

Happy Reading!

BTW: Read the dedication. This book is important to Kele Moon. She dedicated it to her husband's mother. A beautiful dedication.

[Kele Moon]

ATTN: Battered Hearts fans

This book is the first book in Untamed Hearts series. . . A Battered Hearts spin off with all your favorite characters including, Jules, Wyatt, Romeo, Clay, Tabitha, Melody, Chuito, Tino. . . And of course. . . Nova!

This time we're talking a walk on the wild side with all the bad boys from the first books!! Come back to Garnet with book 1 of the Untamed Hearts series. . . The Viper!

http://www.amazon.com/Viper-Untamed-H...