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American Street Kings #1
Depraved
~ DEPRAVED is the first book in the American Street Kings series from International Bestselling Author Bella J. The complete series is available now! ~
Obsession. It's an ugly thing.
It consumes you. Controls you. Dictates your every move.
You can try to fight it, try to resist. But its stronger than you. It always wins.
The day I first saw her, obsession took root inside me. Suddenly there was nothing else. Just her.
My obsession left me no choice. I had to have her.
No matter the cost.
No matter the risk.
In the end she will be mine.
Until then...I wait.
Obsession. It's an ugly thing.
It consumes you. Controls you. Dictates your every move.
You can try to fight it, try to resist. But its stronger than you. It always wins.
The day I first saw her, obsession took root inside me. Suddenly there was nothing else. Just her.
My obsession left me no choice. I had to have her.
No matter the cost.
No matter the risk.
In the end she will be mine.
Until then...I wait.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2019
1100 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read
About the author
Bella J.
57 books2,047 followersBella J. is an International and Amazon top 100 bestselling author.
Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.
When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.
A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.
So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.
Writing DARK ROMANCE with twists, Bella has an affinity for the ruthless men of the MAFIA world and weaves tales that will leave you breathless and questioning your own moral compass.
When she's not busy creating worlds where danger and romance dance a tango, you can find Bella soaking up the sun in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her writing lair is occasionally invaded by her husband, two kids, and a basset hound who reigns supreme.
A firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, Bella infuses her fictional dark worlds with some wit and humor that peppers her novels.
So buckle up for a thrilling ride through the shadows of romance where happily ever afters have a dark side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
July 8, 2019
3.5 rating
'DEPRAVED' is the first book in Bella J.'s 'American Street Kings' series. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.
This genre is my go to genre over any other, so I was beyond excited to jump into this one as soon as it arrived on my kindle. So I kind of went into this with high expectations because this genre is generally where authors have free reign to unleash as much darkness and grit as they possibly can on us readers and that's what I was generally expecting.
This wasn’t as dark as what I had hoped, but it was gritty enough to keep me invested until the end. You could feel the build up in the background as you neared the last few chapters so I’m hoping that’s what this author has install for us as the two rival clubs go head to head in the next book.
The beginning was a wee bit slow but then the pace picked up and was easier to get into the storyline and connect with characters though it did feel as though pieces of the story were missing as background characters and events were introduced which I had no prior acknowledgement with.
All in all I'm still looking forward to the next book..
'DEPRAVED' is the first book in Bella J.'s 'American Street Kings' series. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.
This genre is my go to genre over any other, so I was beyond excited to jump into this one as soon as it arrived on my kindle. So I kind of went into this with high expectations because this genre is generally where authors have free reign to unleash as much darkness and grit as they possibly can on us readers and that's what I was generally expecting.
This wasn’t as dark as what I had hoped, but it was gritty enough to keep me invested until the end. You could feel the build up in the background as you neared the last few chapters so I’m hoping that’s what this author has install for us as the two rival clubs go head to head in the next book.
The beginning was a wee bit slow but then the pace picked up and was easier to get into the storyline and connect with characters though it did feel as though pieces of the story were missing as background characters and events were introduced which I had no prior acknowledgement with.
All in all I'm still looking forward to the next book..
July 17, 2019
He wasn't a romantic Prince Charming who wanted to spend happily ever after with his princess in some far away land. He was Granite, President of the American Street Kings, a ruthless, savage motorcycle club who ruled the underground of New York.
And he set his eyes on her, Alyxandria Green, a Police Commander's daughter, a ballerina and a deeply emotionally tormented by her mother...
and all she wanted was to escape, somehow, somewhere, someday...
she wanted to be free of weight watch, criticism, cruel, harsh, unloving words, and constant control...
and ever since she saw the tall, intimidating man coming to her home to meet with her father, she kept a silent wish, for him to "save" her...
Little did she know...
and one day came...but it wasn't how Alyx would ever imagine it to be...
Suddenly she's taken, then saved only to be thrown into a higher game, she's a pawn, a crucial chess figurine...and nothing is as it seems...as she becomes a part of a rival war of two motorcycle clubs...
She's torn within, feeling a turmoil of emotions boiling inside - fear, anger, betrayal, desire, need, confusion... and she's not ready to have her notions shattered, and her "savior" is now her "captor", it's not what she wanted, what she imagined, what she hoped for...BUT it's also a fact she can't escape from...he IS what she NEEDS, even though the preconsived image shatterd, she met a darker side of her own desires and wants and compulsions...
This was my stranger in the dark. The man I'd always wanted.
BUT he was also a shattering whirlpull of ruthless, uncompromising, unapologetic actions...and those actions slowly make her tear apart...
I was no fucking Prince Charming. And this wasn't a fairy tale. She needed to learn right off the bat that the world she came from and the world she was currently in could not be compared...
Learning the concept of "adapt or die" was something we needed to grasp early on in our lives. She needed to do the same, as this was her new world now.
The events that follow, make Alyx finally aware that this is far from any fantasy of sweet romance or escape...freedom was far out of reach...it was raw, sexual pulsating need, an animalistic attraction, wrapped up in an illusion of safety and yet...she knew nothing at all....
but she would not sucumb to his power again...
This was the moment I realized that my life would never be the same, forever tainted and ruined by blood and metal...
Granite was never letting me go. Never.
I was his obsession...and not even death would be able to change that.
Like I've said many times before, when I find an author whose writing style fits me, she/he can write about anything and I would be immersed in that world without any hesitation...
MC trope is not my fave, i admit, and when I learnt that Bella J one of my fave authors out there decided to try this topic, i was both eager to see what she'll do with it, and where she would take me, as much as I was nervous and a bit wary...BUT her writing was/is the constant that always makes my heart palpitate with extra speed...I am that much thrilled and involved...
And ths story, this story is not about romance, no, it's about the impulse, the unexplicable need of one man to be close to another soul. His own is tarnished by bloodshed and cruely, but the very sight of a fragile beauty made his hardened heart beat again, in one moment the need became obsession...and her destiny became his priority...his essence...
It's not your classical outlook on intercourse, relations, human contact, it's even more heightened by diversity of these people, they are not cliche-ed in their portrayal, they are complex and vivid...
I can't wait for the second installment...to see how Alyx will either fall or rise above and maybe Granite more...hmmm, we shall see...*wink*
September 19, 2019
3.5 stars!
December 23, 2020
3.5 STARS!
Review to follow, but first the next book because that ENDING!!!!
Review to follow, but first the next book because that ENDING!!!!
Read
March 18, 2021Granite knew the day he laid eyes on Alyx he had a problem. Obsession had hooked its claws in and he was going to have Alyx, his imperfect ballerina, one way or another, he just had to bide his time for the right moment to take her. Alyx had been infatuated with the dark, burly, biker until her kidnapping and her nightmare began. How could she have ever thought that Granite could be her prince charming, when in reality all he was, was a dark and depraved man?
Alyx may not have had a perfect life, but the life she found herself in now, was terrifying, evil, and filled with ruthless characters. How did she find herself as the pawn in the middle of two rival clubs that were ready to go to war? Would she ever survive and more importantly could she ever forgive or understand the behaviour of the President of the American Kings? One thing was for sure, she would always hate him, or would she?
Alyx is a complex character that has allowed someone to dictate her life, but I have faith in her that she will learn to stand up for herself and challenge the President of this merciless MC.
Alyx may not have had a perfect life, but the life she found herself in now, was terrifying, evil, and filled with ruthless characters. How did she find herself as the pawn in the middle of two rival clubs that were ready to go to war? Would she ever survive and more importantly could she ever forgive or understand the behaviour of the President of the American Kings? One thing was for sure, she would always hate him, or would she?
Alyx is a complex character that has allowed someone to dictate her life, but I have faith in her that she will learn to stand up for herself and challenge the President of this merciless MC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2019
Depraved by @bellajauthor was something totally unexpected. First of all, I have read each and every single book by this author and rightfully devoured them all. But this story, you ask? It was fantabulous.
A true MC hero has been dictated with an audacity of Obsession with a little ballerina. He watches her every move. And finally steals her. Robbed her of everything. Every virtue. Every thought. Every nightmare. GRANITE has been an enigma, a force to be reckoned with.
For MC TROPE LOVERS, this book is highly recommended. Some of you may feel the situations forced but trust me, this is what you want! An intense battle of feelings. A dark and gritty tale of Obsession and Infatuation. Of heart and brain. A strong hostility towards your own club members just for one girl? Yes, Granite will bet his soul upon Alyx. She's hers, no matter what. She's her, willingly or unwillingly. This is the first book in this duet.
5 Obsessive Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A true MC hero has been dictated with an audacity of Obsession with a little ballerina. He watches her every move. And finally steals her. Robbed her of everything. Every virtue. Every thought. Every nightmare. GRANITE has been an enigma, a force to be reckoned with.
For MC TROPE LOVERS, this book is highly recommended. Some of you may feel the situations forced but trust me, this is what you want! An intense battle of feelings. A dark and gritty tale of Obsession and Infatuation. Of heart and brain. A strong hostility towards your own club members just for one girl? Yes, Granite will bet his soul upon Alyx. She's hers, no matter what. She's her, willingly or unwillingly. This is the first book in this duet.
5 Obsessive Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 24, 2019
Dark, obsessive and so, so good…
You need to meet Alyx and Granite and the whole American Streets King club! Dark and bold, there is nothing taboo in this anything-but Cinderella romance. Alyx did need rescuing, I will give you that, but her strength would be tested over and over. And she would meet it, head on, again and again…
How this story played out was a minefield of hidden emotions and focused end games. This is the first in the series and it laid the foundation while adding a few layers to the slowly unfolding story. The characters were intense, guarded, their emotions even more so, as they all struggled with every feeling you could think of. Are the Kings tough? Brutally so. Yet they have a code that they all live and breathe by, that sees them through every harrowing decision and moral dilemma…
Alyx, surprisingly, fit right in, even as she fought hard against unexpected truths. Granite, well he knew what his goal was and nothing, or no one, would stand in his way. Until it did… Until someone did…
The twists and turns were hard yet the corners smooth as love tried to grow in all the turmoil. I’m all in and can’t wait to get my grabby hands on whatever comes next… ~Diane, 4 stars
You need to meet Alyx and Granite and the whole American Streets King club! Dark and bold, there is nothing taboo in this anything-but Cinderella romance. Alyx did need rescuing, I will give you that, but her strength would be tested over and over. And she would meet it, head on, again and again…
How this story played out was a minefield of hidden emotions and focused end games. This is the first in the series and it laid the foundation while adding a few layers to the slowly unfolding story. The characters were intense, guarded, their emotions even more so, as they all struggled with every feeling you could think of. Are the Kings tough? Brutally so. Yet they have a code that they all live and breathe by, that sees them through every harrowing decision and moral dilemma…
Alyx, surprisingly, fit right in, even as she fought hard against unexpected truths. Granite, well he knew what his goal was and nothing, or no one, would stand in his way. Until it did… Until someone did…
The twists and turns were hard yet the corners smooth as love tried to grow in all the turmoil. I’m all in and can’t wait to get my grabby hands on whatever comes next… ~Diane, 4 stars
June 27, 2019
Holy moly!! What a slow burn! Raw , gritty and edgy!! Talk about obsessed!! Exciting and riveting!! Fantastic introduction to a gritty MC book!!
July 17, 2019
Depraved by Bella J is the First book in the American Street Kings Series. This is the story of Alyxandria 'Alyx' and Granite.
Alyx is a innocent young women who is also a ballerina who life looks somewhat perfect. But things for her aren't perfect at all with her own personal issues that have been drilled into. When Granite starts coming to visit her father who is the police commissioner, she starts to think he may be her hero/prince...but she soon learns that isn't going to be the case. Granite is the President of the American Street Kings an is a tough bad man that isn't a night in shinning armor at all. But when he sees Alyx, she becomes his obsession one that he fully plans on taking when the time is right.
Loved this first book and can't wait for the next installment in this series~!
Alyx is a innocent young women who is also a ballerina who life looks somewhat perfect. But things for her aren't perfect at all with her own personal issues that have been drilled into. When Granite starts coming to visit her father who is the police commissioner, she starts to think he may be her hero/prince...but she soon learns that isn't going to be the case. Granite is the President of the American Street Kings an is a tough bad man that isn't a night in shinning armor at all. But when he sees Alyx, she becomes his obsession one that he fully plans on taking when the time is right.
Loved this first book and can't wait for the next installment in this series~!
June 27, 2019
Intense, dark, raw, dirty and so much more. Granite is totally obsessed with Alyx. To the point Granite knows everything single thing about her. Granite is the president of his club and they end up helping Alyx then kidnapping her! I couldn’t stop turning the pages reading this story wanting to know more and more. I can’t wait to read book two and find out everything that’s going on! 5/5 stars
August 31, 2020
obsesja Granite do Alyx jest dla mnie niezrozumiała i mam nadzieję, że doprowadzi do jego upadku :P egoistyczny d*pek!
July 4, 2019
Depraved is the first book in the American Street Kings series and also my first introduction to this author. Granite is the President of the MC and a man with a heart as hard as his road name. Alyx is a ballerina living the life of perfection, one everyone would want. These two have things in common, a connection, an obsession and also the fact that all is not what it seems. Their story is gritty, dark and it will leave your mind reeling as to what is the truth and what is the lie. Riding with this club will have you on the edge of your seat, your anxiety levels high and your heart racing. This sinful, twisted and at times brutally raw story will draw you in. It will capture you unaware and hold you hostage to their chaos awaiting the next time you get to cross paths with the American Street Kings for the answers that you will crave.
July 21, 2019
Depraved was a sexy and exhilarating dark romance that I could not get enough of. Bella J is a new to me author but now I am addicted to her words. I love how obsessed and delicious Granite was with Alyx and how he treated her like she was valuable and important to him even when he wanted to keep a much needed distance! She left an impression on him and she could not escape his obsession if she tried. Gah!! Now I need book two!
There is nothing I love more than a ballerina story with a rough and dangerous MC rider. Granite and Alyx had a connection that spanned years. He knew it at one long glance Alyx would belong to him. This story was filled with secrets, a rough and dangerous MC and is the start to an amazing series! I loved this story so much and that cliffhanger ending was crazy!!! I can't wait for Defiant! 4 stars! ~Ratula
There is nothing I love more than a ballerina story with a rough and dangerous MC rider. Granite and Alyx had a connection that spanned years. He knew it at one long glance Alyx would belong to him. This story was filled with secrets, a rough and dangerous MC and is the start to an amazing series! I loved this story so much and that cliffhanger ending was crazy!!! I can't wait for Defiant! 4 stars! ~Ratula
June 25, 2019
What a ride this one was! I loved this exciting and well-written read. I started the book and kept at it until I finished it; I just had to see what was going to happen.
This the the story of Alyx, the lonely and self-starving ballerina who catches the eye of Granite, the president of the MC, the American Street Kings. Granite is a good name for this very rough man who abducts Alyx in order to fulfill a couple of agendas, one personal and one for the sake of his club.
This was such a good story, the characters, all of them, so well developed, and the ending, leading into the next book quite simply tragic. This is one hell of a story. Highly recommended.
This the the story of Alyx, the lonely and self-starving ballerina who catches the eye of Granite, the president of the MC, the American Street Kings. Granite is a good name for this very rough man who abducts Alyx in order to fulfill a couple of agendas, one personal and one for the sake of his club.
This was such a good story, the characters, all of them, so well developed, and the ending, leading into the next book quite simply tragic. This is one hell of a story. Highly recommended.
June 27, 2019
Depraved is the story of MC American Street Kings President, Granite and Julliard ballet student Alyx.
Granite is obsessed, determined, ruthless and very dangerous. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. And he wants Alyx. He needs Alyx. His obsession with her and his need for revenge combine to make a lethal plan that is high risk for his MC, and for Alyx. When the tiny ballerina finds herself in a f*#kload of trouble, she is more than overwhelmed. She doesn't understand what is happening around her. She's tough, but can she survive this? Will Granite "save" her? Or will Granite's depravity destroy them all?
Granite is obsessed, determined, ruthless and very dangerous. He will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. And he wants Alyx. He needs Alyx. His obsession with her and his need for revenge combine to make a lethal plan that is high risk for his MC, and for Alyx. When the tiny ballerina finds herself in a f*#kload of trouble, she is more than overwhelmed. She doesn't understand what is happening around her. She's tough, but can she survive this? Will Granite "save" her? Or will Granite's depravity destroy them all?
June 29, 2019
Bella J is one of my absolute favorite authors. And I’ve been waiting for Depraved in huge anticipation. She did NOT disappoint. I was left engaged with the story to the point where once I realized I was done, I wanted to scream with frustration. I need more, and I need it now. I got involved not only with Alyx and Granite, but every single one of the other characters. It doesn’t happen very often that an author gets you invested in more than just the main characters, but Bella did just that. Depraved is a must read, end of story.
September 8, 2019
DNF @ 20%.
The H is described as having an unkempt beard, smokes a lot, and his breath smells like alcohol. I was incredibly grossed out. Couldn't stop thinking about how smelly and disgusting he is. The h, on the other hand, is really turned on by him.
The H is described as having an unkempt beard, smokes a lot, and his breath smells like alcohol. I was incredibly grossed out. Couldn't stop thinking about how smelly and disgusting he is. The h, on the other hand, is really turned on by him.
Read
August 27, 2019Decent read but I hate how the heroine might be coming off as a replacement for Hero’s deceased ex.
Also, book ends with a cliffhanger.
Also, book ends with a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2019
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars! Forbidden, she’s the Police Commissioner’s daughter and he’s the president of the Kings MC. This was equal parts sexy and brutal.
July 11, 2019
5+ “Obsession vs. Infatuation” stars
*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*
Dark romance✔
Suspenseful✔
Gripping✔
Gritty✔
Raw✔
Fast paced✔
Revenge✔
Slow burn✔
Unpredictable twists and turns✔
Hot, delicious, damaged bad boy alpha✔
Sassy, strong, vulnerable Heroine✔
Off the charts chemistry✔
Angsty✔
Passionate✔
Intense✔
Heartfelt✔
Highly emotional✔
Amazing and unconventional love story✔
Depraved is my first book by Bella J. Certainly will not be the last. This book should read every dark romance and romantic suspense lover. I liked everything about this book and writing which just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. The synopsis is just the surface of what it is really about. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and dark storytelling. I loved that it was written in dual POV so I know what both characters – Granite and Alyx – were thinking at the specific time or moments. It was well developed, well written and well thought out. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. What I loved about this story is that we got to see an underground MC world - perilous, dark parts of the world filled with corruption, violence, betrayals, fighting for survival and lies - not just an unconventional love story between the two main characters and their background. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense, dare I say forbidden and passionate romance / love story between Granite and Alyx that I devoured in one sitting. It was steamy, dark, raw, gritty and suspenseful romance. The characters are brilliant and so likeable.
Depraved is the first book in American Street Kings series. This is Granite and Alyx’s story. Their story is thrilling, gripping, raw, edge of your seat page turner. It’s also a dark, twisted and a wild ride that I enjoyed from first to last page with effortless and poignant writing and storytelling. The topics are real, important and relatable.
Granite is a president of his club – American Street Kings. He calls himself a devil, depraved, a king in his world and his turf is his playground. In his world every day is a fight to survive and he didn’t have an easy childhood. Granite is also an enigma but so alluring. I was drawn to him immediately wanting to know more about him, his background and why he is the way he is. He carries a lot of guilt from his past. He doesn’t like to be vulnerable because in his world that means weakness. In my opinion, he may be a lot of things: a killer, a criminal, wicked, deviant, mean, immoral, sinful, nefarious, vicious, brutal, but he is also so complex and layered character – everything he did is in order to survive in this cruel world and to take care of his club and people he cares about. He is used to get what he wants. Granite is intelligent, calculated, cold, lethal, cruel, controlling, dominating, obsessed, stubborn, mysterious, intriguing, charming, alluring but loving, caring, vulnerable, damaged, devoted.
Alyx is police commander’s daughter. She is a ballerina and deeply tormented and tortured by her mother. I loved her immediately. She is sweet, innocent, strong, moral, feisty, a spitfire, smart, stubborn, sassy, proud, but also vulnerable and damaged. Even though she doesn’t think highly of herself, in my opinion, she is also brave, a fighter and a survivor. She needs to be in order to survive Granite’s world. Alyx always dreamed to escape, to find freedom and to just be herself. She dreamt that her stranger would come and whisk her away into sunset. If she only knew that her story wouldn’t be the one made of fairytales.
Granite and Alyx are amazing together. I loved their first meeting – sneak glances / watching each other through window - and their immediate physical, fiery attraction and off the charts chemistry. I love their moments and dialogues. They are each other’s match. Loved how they were constantly trying to one up each other and push each other’s limits, even though Granite was better at that. Granite is trying to protect her from the mess and dangerous situation and he is determined to keep her safe and protect her whether she wants it or not. He made one point clear: he is obsessed with her and he wants her. They know they shouldn’t feel attracted to each other, but they do, it’s unavoidable. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and in my opinion, exactly what they need in order to heal and move on from the scars of their past; even though they aren’t aware of that yet. Alyx has preconceived opinions about Granite, who is such an enigma to her. She doesn’t know what to think about him because he is showing her so many masks/layers. They are slow burn, raw, gritty, edgy, intense and dark. It’s a battle of their feelings, right vs. wrong, head vs. heart, obsession vs. infatuation, choosing the club or the girl. This is not a fairytale – so don’t expect unicorns and flowers - it’s dark, real, raw and twisted. Deep down I think they are just two scarred people who seek love and are trying to let go of the past and start living.
Secondary characters are intriguing, engaging, funny and incredible. I just love their camaraderie, friendship and the way they have each other’s back and treat each other like a family.
INCREDIBLE! Completely adored Depraved! I can’t wait for the sequel and to see what happens next. I kind of need Alyx and Granite to have their HEA. It was sinfully sexy and intense, heartbreaking, poignant, heart pounding and action filled story, emotional and enthralling, with a lot of twists, turns, shocking secrets, lies, manipulation, fight for the turf, real characters and a lot of heart. I highly recommend it.
*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*
Dark romance✔
Suspenseful✔
Gripping✔
Gritty✔
Raw✔
Fast paced✔
Revenge✔
Slow burn✔
Unpredictable twists and turns✔
Hot, delicious, damaged bad boy alpha✔
Sassy, strong, vulnerable Heroine✔
Off the charts chemistry✔
Angsty✔
Passionate✔
Intense✔
Heartfelt✔
Highly emotional✔
Amazing and unconventional love story✔
Depraved is my first book by Bella J. Certainly will not be the last. This book should read every dark romance and romantic suspense lover. I liked everything about this book and writing which just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. The synopsis is just the surface of what it is really about. It has so much depth, powerful, effortless and dark storytelling. I loved that it was written in dual POV so I know what both characters – Granite and Alyx – were thinking at the specific time or moments. It was well developed, well written and well thought out. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. What I loved about this story is that we got to see an underground MC world - perilous, dark parts of the world filled with corruption, violence, betrayals, fighting for survival and lies - not just an unconventional love story between the two main characters and their background. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense, dare I say forbidden and passionate romance / love story between Granite and Alyx that I devoured in one sitting. It was steamy, dark, raw, gritty and suspenseful romance. The characters are brilliant and so likeable.
Depraved is the first book in American Street Kings series. This is Granite and Alyx’s story. Their story is thrilling, gripping, raw, edge of your seat page turner. It’s also a dark, twisted and a wild ride that I enjoyed from first to last page with effortless and poignant writing and storytelling. The topics are real, important and relatable.
Granite is a president of his club – American Street Kings. He calls himself a devil, depraved, a king in his world and his turf is his playground. In his world every day is a fight to survive and he didn’t have an easy childhood. Granite is also an enigma but so alluring. I was drawn to him immediately wanting to know more about him, his background and why he is the way he is. He carries a lot of guilt from his past. He doesn’t like to be vulnerable because in his world that means weakness. In my opinion, he may be a lot of things: a killer, a criminal, wicked, deviant, mean, immoral, sinful, nefarious, vicious, brutal, but he is also so complex and layered character – everything he did is in order to survive in this cruel world and to take care of his club and people he cares about. He is used to get what he wants. Granite is intelligent, calculated, cold, lethal, cruel, controlling, dominating, obsessed, stubborn, mysterious, intriguing, charming, alluring but loving, caring, vulnerable, damaged, devoted.
Alyx is police commander’s daughter. She is a ballerina and deeply tormented and tortured by her mother. I loved her immediately. She is sweet, innocent, strong, moral, feisty, a spitfire, smart, stubborn, sassy, proud, but also vulnerable and damaged. Even though she doesn’t think highly of herself, in my opinion, she is also brave, a fighter and a survivor. She needs to be in order to survive Granite’s world. Alyx always dreamed to escape, to find freedom and to just be herself. She dreamt that her stranger would come and whisk her away into sunset. If she only knew that her story wouldn’t be the one made of fairytales.
Granite and Alyx are amazing together. I loved their first meeting – sneak glances / watching each other through window - and their immediate physical, fiery attraction and off the charts chemistry. I love their moments and dialogues. They are each other’s match. Loved how they were constantly trying to one up each other and push each other’s limits, even though Granite was better at that. Granite is trying to protect her from the mess and dangerous situation and he is determined to keep her safe and protect her whether she wants it or not. He made one point clear: he is obsessed with her and he wants her. They know they shouldn’t feel attracted to each other, but they do, it’s unavoidable. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and in my opinion, exactly what they need in order to heal and move on from the scars of their past; even though they aren’t aware of that yet. Alyx has preconceived opinions about Granite, who is such an enigma to her. She doesn’t know what to think about him because he is showing her so many masks/layers. They are slow burn, raw, gritty, edgy, intense and dark. It’s a battle of their feelings, right vs. wrong, head vs. heart, obsession vs. infatuation, choosing the club or the girl. This is not a fairytale – so don’t expect unicorns and flowers - it’s dark, real, raw and twisted. Deep down I think they are just two scarred people who seek love and are trying to let go of the past and start living.
Secondary characters are intriguing, engaging, funny and incredible. I just love their camaraderie, friendship and the way they have each other’s back and treat each other like a family.
INCREDIBLE! Completely adored Depraved! I can’t wait for the sequel and to see what happens next. I kind of need Alyx and Granite to have their HEA. It was sinfully sexy and intense, heartbreaking, poignant, heart pounding and action filled story, emotional and enthralling, with a lot of twists, turns, shocking secrets, lies, manipulation, fight for the turf, real characters and a lot of heart. I highly recommend it.
September 15, 2019
Note: An ARC was given generously in exchange for an honest review.
Yup there I go again with the ARCs but they’re delayed as hell and I can’t help myself.
Whoops....but anyway. Let’s continue.
............
Sigh, I feel like my luck with ARCs being good stories to read is actually running out.
This one was no exception.
The summary: We first get a glimpse at our heroine Alyxandra (I don’t understand her name’s spelling, really I don’t) the police commissioner’s daughter, who has a troubled life with a control freak ex-ballerina mother and an overprotective and barely present father. She longs to be free from their protective ring and yearns to be independent and stable on her own.
Then we meet American street kings biker gang and their president, who seems to have kept the police all around on him on his payroll and has a vendetta against the rival bike gang.
Thugs kidnap the poor Alyxandra but she is luckily saved by the president of the American street kings.
But alas she’s still kidnapped.
Now trapped as their hostage, she tries to figure out how to break free from their hold and fight her attraction to the man who saved her life.
My view: The plot is fine. So is the star crossed lovers kinda romance at the beginning.
But then...some shit ruins it all for me. Let me spell it out for y’all.
First of all, what an idiot. Literally she doesn’t even realise the dangers of being a police commissioner’s daughter and still goes parading around at 11 in the night and getting a tattoo (I am not saying it’s bad, but what timing), just to be FREE from her parents.
Is that idiocy at the finest moment? Or maybe it’s me who’s being a fool.
Next idiotic thing that happens, is the girl thinks that things like kidnapping, being a hostage and getting harmed by thugs is something that happens to people who are not her.
Are you kidding me? Is she that brainwashed and privileged to not think that this could happen to her?
I can’t with this. Really I couldn’t.
So dnfing again.
So tired of this, literally I am.
Authors need to step up and stop sending us poor readers, shallow and brainwashed female characters.
The world, the book world would be such a better place if that happened. But alas, I can only dream.
Until the next page,
-J.B
Yup there I go again with the ARCs but they’re delayed as hell and I can’t help myself.
Whoops....but anyway. Let’s continue.
............
Sigh, I feel like my luck with ARCs being good stories to read is actually running out.
This one was no exception.
The summary: We first get a glimpse at our heroine Alyxandra (I don’t understand her name’s spelling, really I don’t) the police commissioner’s daughter, who has a troubled life with a control freak ex-ballerina mother and an overprotective and barely present father. She longs to be free from their protective ring and yearns to be independent and stable on her own.
Then we meet American street kings biker gang and their president, who seems to have kept the police all around on him on his payroll and has a vendetta against the rival bike gang.
Thugs kidnap the poor Alyxandra but she is luckily saved by the president of the American street kings.
But alas she’s still kidnapped.
Now trapped as their hostage, she tries to figure out how to break free from their hold and fight her attraction to the man who saved her life.
My view: The plot is fine. So is the star crossed lovers kinda romance at the beginning.
But then...some shit ruins it all for me. Let me spell it out for y’all.
First of all, what an idiot. Literally she doesn’t even realise the dangers of being a police commissioner’s daughter and still goes parading around at 11 in the night and getting a tattoo (I am not saying it’s bad, but what timing), just to be FREE from her parents.
Is that idiocy at the finest moment? Or maybe it’s me who’s being a fool.
Next idiotic thing that happens, is the girl thinks that things like kidnapping, being a hostage and getting harmed by thugs is something that happens to people who are not her.
Are you kidding me? Is she that brainwashed and privileged to not think that this could happen to her?
I can’t with this. Really I couldn’t.
So dnfing again.
So tired of this, literally I am.
Authors need to step up and stop sending us poor readers, shallow and brainwashed female characters.
The world, the book world would be such a better place if that happened. But alas, I can only dream.
Until the next page,
-J.B
Read
August 22, 2019A very dark and disturbing book that shocks and horrifies. The addictive characters though will have you glued to the pulsing action and terrifying assaults that our heroine encounters.
Granite is a tough and very complicated man. His obsession with Alyx has gone on for a long time, he’s just been waiting for the right time to make his move. As his name suggests, Granite is a demanding man, hard as stone, he expects his requests to be followed with out question, but his actions towards Alyx seem very unpredictable and they are causing unease in the club.
Alyx is a fighter, but she’s lost in confusion, she has no idea what’s going on and why.
It’s a deep story and intense. The emotional and physical violence was constant throughout, nothing held back, keeping the thrills and terror high.
It was a terrific read, kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m now ready for the next book “Defiant”, I’m really looking forward to this one.
Granite is a tough and very complicated man. His obsession with Alyx has gone on for a long time, he’s just been waiting for the right time to make his move. As his name suggests, Granite is a demanding man, hard as stone, he expects his requests to be followed with out question, but his actions towards Alyx seem very unpredictable and they are causing unease in the club.
Alyx is a fighter, but she’s lost in confusion, she has no idea what’s going on and why.
It’s a deep story and intense. The emotional and physical violence was constant throughout, nothing held back, keeping the thrills and terror high.
It was a terrific read, kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m now ready for the next book “Defiant”, I’m really looking forward to this one.
January 30, 2020
So not a romance
Nothing about this is romance ! Poor girl and she is just a girl is kidnapped and beaten! Is kidnapped by someone else and held prisoner. She's tied to a bed and raped. She said stop and no multiple times but the much older man didn't care just kept threatening her. NOT romance.
Nothing about this is romance ! Poor girl and she is just a girl is kidnapped and beaten! Is kidnapped by someone else and held prisoner. She's tied to a bed and raped. She said stop and no multiple times but the much older man didn't care just kept threatening her. NOT romance.
July 23, 2019
How can I start talking about a new book from one of my favorite authors without being repetitive? I can't. It's not possible so I'll stick with it what I know best.
Bella J has given me one of the best mafia series of all times and I was super excited when she told me that she was thinking of doing an MC series...
And guess... I adore Mafia books but MC is my favorite genre of all times...
Bella J as a way with words that can put you into tears, shaking like a leaf or hot as hell... Only the ones that have read her books know the feelings that she can awake...
Depraved is her latest release and explores the lives of Alyx and Granite.
Alyx is a dancer. She's studying in one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Julliard and they have standards. They want excellence, perfection, and no flaws. Well, she's used to it all, because being the daughter of a police commissioner you're expected to be perfect... Even if they have secrets...
She had one... A tall and dark man that captured her attention 2 years ago and now...
Granite lived his life for his MC. The President's mission is to protect his club and take out the trash.
One day, his attention was caught by a beautiful and off-limits girl. Patience is a virtue and when the time is right he will strike...
I'm so mad right now! So freaking mad...
Why Bella? Why? Seriously...
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging and dark. This book managed to grab my heart out of my chest, crush it and then put it back in its place...
I'm so mad.
This book presented us with loss, betrayal, torture, drama, darkness as well as desire, love, loyalty and some hot scenes...
Once I started to read it, I couldn't stop. It was impossible to close my kindle and do other stuff...
And now here I am... Mad and eager to read the next book... I need more...
OK, Bella? I need more RIGHT NOW...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Bella J has given me one of the best mafia series of all times and I was super excited when she told me that she was thinking of doing an MC series...
And guess... I adore Mafia books but MC is my favorite genre of all times...
Bella J as a way with words that can put you into tears, shaking like a leaf or hot as hell... Only the ones that have read her books know the feelings that she can awake...
Depraved is her latest release and explores the lives of Alyx and Granite.
Alyx is a dancer. She's studying in one of the most prestigious schools in the world. Julliard and they have standards. They want excellence, perfection, and no flaws. Well, she's used to it all, because being the daughter of a police commissioner you're expected to be perfect... Even if they have secrets...
She had one... A tall and dark man that captured her attention 2 years ago and now...
Granite lived his life for his MC. The President's mission is to protect his club and take out the trash.
One day, his attention was caught by a beautiful and off-limits girl. Patience is a virtue and when the time is right he will strike...
I'm so mad right now! So freaking mad...
Why Bella? Why? Seriously...
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging and dark. This book managed to grab my heart out of my chest, crush it and then put it back in its place...
I'm so mad.
This book presented us with loss, betrayal, torture, drama, darkness as well as desire, love, loyalty and some hot scenes...
Once I started to read it, I couldn't stop. It was impossible to close my kindle and do other stuff...
And now here I am... Mad and eager to read the next book... I need more...
OK, Bella? I need more RIGHT NOW...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 26, 2019
I'M SO GONE CRAZY. GRANITE... ROUGH.. RAW & OBSESSED. 🔥🔥🔥❤️. WOW!!!!!! SO MANY FEELINGS GOING ON INSIDE ME AFTER READING THIS ONE. BUT GRANITE... SIGH!!!!!
Everytime Granite laid his eyes on Alyx, it was a silent promise of a future. But Alyx, sweet and innocent Alyx was intrigued with her stranger in the dark and she too felt the simmering heat when their eyes would connect unbeknownst to how those moments were gonna change her life.
Alyx's world is all about her dance. She hasn't known anything else. Yet you can feel her rebellious soul fighting to come out and then life throws her a curveball which she never expected. Although her mind had always been on her stranger in the dark. Yet she was not really ready to face the man himself.
Granite.. His name aptly tells us a man whose heart is as cold and hard as they come. He is dominating, authoritative and a strong brute of a man. Yet he is unapologetic about his coldness which in order to survive in his world is a must. But his strong obsession with Alyx is undisputed and when it comes to her, Alyx belongs to him, he owns her. *swoon*!!!!!
But life tosses both Granite and Alyx into a storm that might ruin everything. Wars are started, hearts are crushed. AND THAT ENDING... JUST ABOUT RUINED ME TOO. I WAS SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK AND THEN... BAAM........ THIS TURN EXPLODED RIGHT IN MY FACE & I WAS TRULY HEARTBROKEN. 😭😭😭.
You'll feel so much while reading Granite and Alyx's story. It's raw perfection with Passion and an Intensity that will ruin you and drive your crazy.
I have so many questions and biting my nails feels on what's gonna happen next. I wish I could go in the future and grab book two in the series. 😜😎.
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. LOVED LOVED THIS ONE. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Everytime Granite laid his eyes on Alyx, it was a silent promise of a future. But Alyx, sweet and innocent Alyx was intrigued with her stranger in the dark and she too felt the simmering heat when their eyes would connect unbeknownst to how those moments were gonna change her life.
Alyx's world is all about her dance. She hasn't known anything else. Yet you can feel her rebellious soul fighting to come out and then life throws her a curveball which she never expected. Although her mind had always been on her stranger in the dark. Yet she was not really ready to face the man himself.
Granite.. His name aptly tells us a man whose heart is as cold and hard as they come. He is dominating, authoritative and a strong brute of a man. Yet he is unapologetic about his coldness which in order to survive in his world is a must. But his strong obsession with Alyx is undisputed and when it comes to her, Alyx belongs to him, he owns her. *swoon*!!!!!
But life tosses both Granite and Alyx into a storm that might ruin everything. Wars are started, hearts are crushed. AND THAT ENDING... JUST ABOUT RUINED ME TOO. I WAS SO IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK AND THEN... BAAM........ THIS TURN EXPLODED RIGHT IN MY FACE & I WAS TRULY HEARTBROKEN. 😭😭😭.
You'll feel so much while reading Granite and Alyx's story. It's raw perfection with Passion and an Intensity that will ruin you and drive your crazy.
I have so many questions and biting my nails feels on what's gonna happen next. I wish I could go in the future and grab book two in the series. 😜😎.
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. LOVED LOVED THIS ONE. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 29, 2019
4.5 twisted stars!!
This is the first book on the “American Street Kings” series. And it can not be read as a stand alone. The book leaves you a little hanging at the end. I can’t wait for the next book “Defiant”!!
This book is about bikers, dirty police, lust, and lots of secrets. Alyx has no clue the world she just fell into. Or maybe for dragged into.... Anyway, she has only seen this shit on TV or she has watched the mystery bad ass walk away from her house for years, but didn’t know this was no knight in shining armor.
“..We no longer lived in a world where anything was innocent. Not even fantasy and dreams of love were innocent anymore. Everything was corrupted. Everything was wrong.”
I love Granites character. Those type of men are my type. They are my loves. Mean and deadly with a soft spot for the people he loves. But don’t worry he is not that soft. I am in love. He did make me feel like maybe homeboy is loosing his marbles but I think some of the twists rectified that. Oh man so many secrets and half truths. I can’t wait for the next book!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
This is the first book on the “American Street Kings” series. And it can not be read as a stand alone. The book leaves you a little hanging at the end. I can’t wait for the next book “Defiant”!!
This book is about bikers, dirty police, lust, and lots of secrets. Alyx has no clue the world she just fell into. Or maybe for dragged into.... Anyway, she has only seen this shit on TV or she has watched the mystery bad ass walk away from her house for years, but didn’t know this was no knight in shining armor.
“..We no longer lived in a world where anything was innocent. Not even fantasy and dreams of love were innocent anymore. Everything was corrupted. Everything was wrong.”
I love Granites character. Those type of men are my type. They are my loves. Mean and deadly with a soft spot for the people he loves. But don’t worry he is not that soft. I am in love. He did make me feel like maybe homeboy is loosing his marbles but I think some of the twists rectified that. Oh man so many secrets and half truths. I can’t wait for the next book!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
September 21, 2019
DFN at 57% I like my alpha heroes protective and non violent against heroine
This hero was just too much for me. Some spoilers here.
Hero is President of MC, heroine is a ballerina. Hero allows the heroine to get beaten up quite badly by a rival before swooping in to rescue her. The purpose was to have better pictures to be used for the greater scheme of things. Which is part revenge, and mostly to keep her.
So then after the heroine gets beaten, he kidnaps her and takes pleasure seeing her scared and gets hard when she bleeds because his tied her up tightly.
No offer to help with her pain. Just a whole heap of smirks, hair pulling till she whimpers with real pain and strangulation. Yes, he looses his cool and strangles her till she is gasping for breath. Wtf!
I love rough play, don't get me wrong but this guy wasn't playing to give her pleasure. He was playing to hurt her.
Couldn't be bothered reading more. 57% and no character development and no chemistry. No plot development either. Perhaps all this is left till the last few pages? Don't see how it could get better.
This hero was just too much for me. Some spoilers here.
Hero is President of MC, heroine is a ballerina. Hero allows the heroine to get beaten up quite badly by a rival before swooping in to rescue her. The purpose was to have better pictures to be used for the greater scheme of things. Which is part revenge, and mostly to keep her.
So then after the heroine gets beaten, he kidnaps her and takes pleasure seeing her scared and gets hard when she bleeds because his tied her up tightly.
No offer to help with her pain. Just a whole heap of smirks, hair pulling till she whimpers with real pain and strangulation. Yes, he looses his cool and strangles her till she is gasping for breath. Wtf!
I love rough play, don't get me wrong but this guy wasn't playing to give her pleasure. He was playing to hurt her.
Couldn't be bothered reading more. 57% and no character development and no chemistry. No plot development either. Perhaps all this is left till the last few pages? Don't see how it could get better.
June 19, 2020
Twisted but dragged on.
I'm not going to lie parts of this book grabbed me and didn't let go. But then some parts were boring and I skipped pages. Way to much inner monologue, it would have been much better without it. Just stick to the gritty stuff.
Granite is obsessed biker President. And Alyx has an eating disorder and is the focus of his obsession. But is he only obsessed because he didn't save someone from his past.
Now the ending even though it was a Cliffhanger brought me to tears. Poor Neon I hope she really wasn't killed because I loved her character and sass!
I'm not going to lie parts of this book grabbed me and didn't let go. But then some parts were boring and I skipped pages. Way to much inner monologue, it would have been much better without it. Just stick to the gritty stuff.
Granite is obsessed biker President. And Alyx has an eating disorder and is the focus of his obsession. But is he only obsessed because he didn't save someone from his past.
Now the ending even though it was a Cliffhanger brought me to tears. Poor Neon I hope she really wasn't killed because I loved her character and sass!
October 18, 2019
Depraved was the perfect title for this story. Granite and Alyx’s story was a bit twisted, a bit obsessive, a bit possessive and all entertaining!
Having been controlled her whole life, the control from Granite was half unexpected and half enticing. The whole time she was at war with herself. Body and mind fought the whole time in an effort to come to terms with the feelings he evokes from her.
Utterly enticing - this book has me hooked.
Having been controlled her whole life, the control from Granite was half unexpected and half enticing. The whole time she was at war with herself. Body and mind fought the whole time in an effort to come to terms with the feelings he evokes from her.
Utterly enticing - this book has me hooked.
July 23, 2019
I have no words, this book sucked me and and devoured me. I could not put it down.
Alyx and Granite’s story is twisted, messed up and everything in between but it’s also beautiful and chaotic in all the right ways.
I cannot wait for book 2
Alyx and Granite’s story is twisted, messed up and everything in between but it’s also beautiful and chaotic in all the right ways.
I cannot wait for book 2
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