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Alice’s life…
…is falling apart. She's penniless, jobless, and a week away from being evicted. Every last ounce of her misery can be dropped on the doorstep of one man—Loki, legacy member of the Gravediggers MC and tattooist at House Of Payne. One way or another, she’s going to make that monster pay.


Loki’s life…
…turns upside down when a long-legged beauty flips him onto his ass like she’s an escapee from a bad kung-fu flick. He has no clue who Alice Halliday is, but he’s determined to change that.


Their lives…
…are getting complicated. The vulnerable woman Loki sees hiding beneath a tough exterior fires up his protective instincts, and when he realizes Alice is up to her neck in all kinds of trouble, he’s determined to save the day. Sure, Gravediggers aren’t the usual kind of knight in shining armor, but Alice isn’t the usual kind of damsel in distress.


And damn, her distress is something else again.


Alice knows there are no heroes in real life, but Loki seems to be on a mission to prove her wrong. At every turn, he takes the pieces of her shattered world and builds a new one that revolves around him. But just as she begins to trust him to be the hero she needs, is he willing to let go of his Gravedigger ways to deal with the responsibility of taking care of all of her, including her heart?


101,000 words


***This standalone contemporary romance contains violence, salty talk from both the hero and heroine, multiple sex scenes, and ultimately some serious Alpha male groveling. No cheating, no love triangles, no cliffhangers (but maybe a teensy glimpse of the start of a new series, heh). HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this book is not intended for people under the age of eighteen***

300 pages, ebook

Published February 27, 2020

53 people are currently reading
60 people want to read

About the author

Stacy Gail

43 books314 followers

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5 stars
114 (56%)
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68 (33%)
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19 (9%)
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1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
April 8, 2020

Shy~

Once again Stacy Gail has written an amazing addition to the House of Payne series.

Loki may have been a question mark for me in the prior books but this one removed any questions I had on whether I liked him or not. I loved him. He may have been a pushy, bossy, over the top guy, but those were all things I loved about him.

And I loved Alice even more. She was this wonderful mixture of strength and sensitivity. Of kindness and resilience. She could lay a man out flat, and yet had walls so high to protect her heart. She's definitely going to be one of my favorite leading ladies by Stacy Gail.

This book as a whole was excellent. But the characters themselves are what truly made this story for me.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,573 reviews94 followers
February 28, 2020
Oh Loki, you lug head, you didn’t fall for Alice at first glance, you fell for Alice when she knocked you, literally, on you butt! Loki was a well named character, because he did what he wanted, how he wanted, when he wanted. And he wanted Alice. Alice didn’t think she deserved anything, worried about everything, and for very good reasons, life seemed to keep letting her down no matter what. While these two seemed in sync, it took some time for Alice to come around. Once she did, Loki was, well, an idiot. The flashfire attraction, the slow burn for ignition, the build-up of emotions, it all cumulated in a way that was perfect for Loki and Alice, with them being the highlight and centre of each other’s universe!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,749 reviews229 followers
March 8, 2020
MAN, I love the people who associate with the House of Payne. They're decisive, passionate (seriously, some of them will fight about ANYTHING), and they know what they want as soon as they lay eyes on it. It might be a bumpy ride before they can get what they want, but OH they know it.

In the case of Loki, Alice is his one and only. He sees her and is fascinated by both her looks and her fire. She pushes him and challenges him and makes him start planning for things he's never dreamed of before. That said, Alice doesn't meekly fall into Loki's plan. She needs a little convincing that someone like him is more than just a pipe dream that will vanish with the sun.

Yeah, Alice has a few walls. She's wary and closed off and Loki has to figure out how to get her to lower those walls enough to give him a chance. And when he does bone-headed things (AS ONE DOES), he has to figure out how to prove to her that he's in it for the long haul.

I love Loki and Alice (OF COURSE), but I'm not so enamored of her entitled foster brother. He just...GRRRR. That said, Alice figures things out where he's concerned and does what she needs to do to get her HEA. *heart eyes*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,018 reviews64 followers
April 10, 2020
I absolutely love this series and this installment is no exception!! Loki is it a member of a powerful MC but he spends his days and nights slinging ink for HOP. Alice is a foster kid and was placed with the rich family from Chicago, when their worlds collide sparks fly. I’m amazed by this author’s ability to create unique storylines on the 10th book of the series. This is an all consuming book with witty banter and drama. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!!
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,182 reviews35 followers
April 6, 2020
Loki is a tattoo artist working with the House of Payne and he is part of the Grave Diggers MC. Alice is pissed at Loki due to the fact that she's being evicted and her life is being turned upside down. She literally knocks Loki on his butt when they first meet. Loki never had a chance of resisting Alice. These two were steamy hot and electrifying together. Another great read in this series.
Profile Image for Mari.
247 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2020
This book was wow, I’ve read plenty of MC books and none like this. Alice my heart broke for her. Her story isn’t uncommon. Loki has a sad story growing up. I don’t know if its uncommon or common. Just reading about the stuff they went through was sad. They found each other and it wasn’t easy for Alice. Alice fathers death did a number on her. The way Alice and Loki both lived there lives differently. Alice was more cautious and Loki would go to the lower lower to release his frustrations. This book made you laugh and feel all types of ways. This book is soo good. Thank you United indie book blog for allowing me to read this book.
Profile Image for Caryn.
2,400 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2020
Very strong characters, both male and female! The storyline was an interesting mix of MC life and the foster life. Loki grew up in the MC life but wanted out. Alice went to a foster home and was “adopted” permanently becoming foster sister to Joelle and Felix. The storyline deals in another world as well. Felix is in big trouble for gambling debts. There is also underground fighting matches.

The characters were meant for each other and the author has once again given us a great story.
Profile Image for Rina | booksofthemuggleborn.
724 reviews52 followers
March 10, 2020
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars!

** An e-copy was provided by the author **

Loki is the tenth book in the House of Payne series of standalones. I haven’t read any of the books prior to reading this one, and although the way some of the characters interacted with one another clearly showing history, it didn’t affect the main story.

Now, onto my my thoughts of the storyline…

Drama! Drama! Drama!

This book came out swinging! The way Alice and Loki were introduced to each other had me fully sitting up, 100% of my attention on that opening scene and seeing how it was all going to play out. They’re completely different from the characters I thought they would be.

Alice is a spitfire. She has a hard time trusting people and tends to leap first before thinking things through. Sometimes it works out for her, but a lot of the times she ends up falling flat on her ass.

Loki, on the other hand, I assumed would be another stereotypical hard-ass. You know –the typical built-like-a-tank biker with tons of ink, and one tough alpha guy attitude. But in comparison to other books I’ve read with characters of similar traits, Loki in my opinion was on the milder side (especially considering he came from a brutal MC background). But I suppose some of that MC life did manage to rub off on him, because when he wasn’t being adorable, he was being a jerk. A massive, massive jerk! Who wanted to control everything. Hm. A complex character, that one. LOL.

So you put Alice and Loki in the same room, what do you get? Lots and lots of fireworks! Whilst I enjoyed reading some of their banter (it kept me entertained). There were also times I wasn’t a fan of their constant disagreements (pure preference here, FYI), which caused the story to drag a little for me.

However, the character growth, the world-building and the idea of Loki wanting to help Alice out with her troubles, considering they had just met gave this contemporary romance more depth. It wasn’t a simple boy meets girl romance. It’s complex, a little gritty, and at times frustrating. I couldn’t help but feel for Alice whenever problem after problem piled up for her. On top of that, Loki’s persistence in pursuing her made their relationship one hell of a rollercoaster!

If you love angst, banter and stubborn characters, this book is definitely one to try 😛 😍

I admit by the time I reached the middle of the book, my enthusiasm level lowered a smidge. Once they technically got together, I found some of their interactions from then on a little repetitive. Although I will say this — they do bicker and make up like a realistic couple. LOL. I figured by that point I had already had a solid rating in my mind.. but ohhh the book gods was I effing glad I kept reading because the last quarter of the book blew my holey socks off! I went from wanting to skim through pages to needing tissues because I was all of sudden reading something that crushed my heart.

With the amount of times Loki and Alice didn’t see eye-to-eye, I knew there would be a build-up that was bound to erupt. And man, did it ever! The final chapters had my emotions sky-rocketing. I originally liked Alice and her independent self when she first came onto the scene.. but she lost a little of that along the way. Her taking back the reins in these final chapters had me fist-pumping air — and as a reader had me pro Alice again!

I wasn’t expecting to get the waterworks. And if the emotions that was evoked in me from the final quarter had been all throughout, I would easily have rated this one a little higher. Nevertheless, the ending was my fave part no doubt! The suspense. The ass-kicking. Ohhh and the grovelling! Good times. Good times.

I also have to mention the side characters in this book added extra amusement, and at times lightened up an otherwise serious scene. There’s one minor character in particular I was drawn to the most and the way this book concluded gave sense that it may not be the last time we see this character.. so.. woot woot!

A very cool read! I would recommend it to my fellow dark romance readers, and whilst the MC was mostly in the background, I think MC romance lovers would still get a kick out of this one. Contains a fiery tempered heroine, a protective, headstrong hero (who certainly lives up to his name), and lots of hurdles for them to overcome. Grab a snack and some tissues (you may need them!) 😉

Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,416 reviews62 followers
April 9, 2020
Loki - I wasn't sure how Gail was going to spin this one - seriously - having gotten glimpses of the giant alpha chest-beating grumpy my way or no way meany in previous episodes I was a bit weary
But this ... this was so much more 😌

Real quick this can be read as a standalone but it is part of the House of Payne series -
One that I highly recommend reading

"One minute everything's rosy. The next, it's like a hurricane blew in, and there are tattered survivors staggering around, looking for solid ground that they can rely on. "

That ☝️ right there
That was Loki and Alice's story.
I laughed - full-on, out loud belly laughed
I cried those ugly silent tears
I held my breath hoping the next page would show some mercy
I white knuckled my kindle when I wanted to reach in and strangle a certain someone
I wanted so badly to reach out to let them know "it's gonna be okay, not sure when or how but it's gonna be okay"
Most of all - I enjoyed the journey

"This should be fun, this you-and-me thing. Can't wait to see how it turns out."
The things we do in the name of love.
I just can't get over Loki. If you have read the previous episodes in this series you are going to flip when you see Loki expose his heart. I want to climb him so bad! 🤭

"You're teaching him that when a law unto himself meets a force of nature, nature always wins"
Oh, Alice, you deserve this and so much more.
A force of nature is a kind way of describing this bundle of kinetic energy. She just blows in, rips right through the gates and spreads her magic. She has so much to give and it has been stifled, muffled. Her back story broke my heart.

The House of Payne series is such an eclectic mix of characters. Each new episode takes the reader on a wonderfully crafted journey that touches on all the feels.
Every time I come to the end of one of the books -
I don't want to close it.
I don't want to leave the House of Payne and it's family
*Sigh* Until next time 🤗
1,813 reviews11 followers
April 8, 2020
He’s down! Loki, named for the Norse trickster god but this Loki is no trickster. He’s a big badass cover-up tattooist that meets his match in the equally badass Alice. She fell the giant with one swoop of the leg and the finished the job with her sweetness. Loki was certainly a hunky hero with a shady past & present. As a legacy 1% Gravediggers MC that’s trying to break from the club before he follows his father & grandfather’s path of destruction. Not sure how he is half in and half out. That’s a little different than most MC stories but it works. I loved his brother Tyr, leader of the MC & equally fierce. Shivers! He has to get his own story. Loki is also an undefeated underground fighter. Not sure how busted knuckles & tattooing works but it was an interesting way for Loki & Alice to get together & a source of drama between the two. Alice was an enigma. Haunted by a painful childhood & determined to stand on her own & make a different life for herself. Loved her stepsister, Jo but that stepbrother was a definitely a f*face. I did think some of her distress over her temper was overdone but her fighting spirit & skills were terrific. Nothing like a beautiful Amazon! Loved that part of her character & where it took her in the story. I liked the PSI folks. That group would make for an intriguing spin-off series. Loki & Alice are on that path to HEA but it takes a kidnapping & a thrilling rescue for a resolution. Loved the last part of the story when the drama, danger & suspense ramps up. Great epilogue! This is another fantastic story in the always intriguing House of Payne with a fabulous couple in Loki & Alice and their journey to love. Love the House with its boss leader, the sexy tattooists & staff. Can’t wait for the next installment! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
3,424 reviews20 followers
April 5, 2020
Loki & Alice

Tall with legs forever would have been enough to capture Loki's attention. His attention isn't what she wants. She tells him he's responsible for her ruined life. When he calls her on her BS she does what few men have done and puts him on his butt with one strategic kick. NOW he is interested and the legs are just a bonus. The story she tells makes him want the answers to who, what, and why. He's going to find out and she's going along with him.

Alice has dealt with all the other bad moments in her life but he's going to deal with this one. She's not prepared for the giant, built, gorgeous man that is Loki and the Gravediggers MC along with some dangerous men she has no reason they should be after her—yet are.

Their story is of hard pasts with futures that have not yet given them the lives they want even if they don't know it. Loki feels protective for the first time in his life and treats Alice in a way he never has before. She leans on no one, however, Loki not only stirs her woman parts but the emotional parts she's never let out before.

I really loved the story although some of their back and forth were a bit much at times. I can attest that it is a stand-alone as I haven't read the whole series but have enjoyed each one I have read and plan to read the rest of them.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,610 reviews78 followers
April 7, 2020
4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and I was able to keep interested in the story. Read it in one sitting. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, steam, and deep heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Payne (House Of Payne #1)
Scout (House Of Payne, #2)
Twist (House Of Payne, #3)
Rude (House Of Payne, #4)
Steele (House Of Payne, #5)
Max (House of Payne #6)
Tag (House of Payne #7)
Styx (House of Payne #9)

This is Alice and Loki’s story. Loki gets taken down but a woman and is determined to figure out why. When he sees she needs help he helps her out again and again. But what happens when she needs more help? What happens when he has to choose between his club and helping her. Will he be able to choose her, or will she be able to blame him once again for her life going to crap?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and this author.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 10, 2020
I was always on the fence about Loki in previous books, always wondering if he would get a story which would change my mind, and lo & behold, HE DID! AND it's my very favorite in this series, so HIGH FIVE Stacy Gail! Everything which could go wrong in Alice's life is absolutely going wrong at the moments, and she's had enough. So, she's decided to get revenge on the man she blames for all of it, Loki, and boy is she glorious in her rage, so glorious in fact, that she knocked Loki on his behind literally! Off they go on a new journey with all the push & pull of a slow burn variety, as it's not a simple fix, especially since Loki finally gets Alice to start seeing him different, then he decides to make a questionable decision or two which had me dropping f-bombs & calling him names. Can he get it together to actually have a shot at happily ever after?! Hit those one click buttons to find out, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,643 reviews23 followers
March 9, 2020
I've loved every House of Payne book and this one is no exception! This series is one of my favorites because the characters are all strong, passionate and driven. You get all the feels with some drama and action. The heat from these stories will have you fanning yourself!

But let's talk specifically about Loki and Alice. Oh Alice, how I love her! She was definitely my favorite character in this book. This woman knew what she was about and didn't take shit from anyone. I loved her and Loki's first meeting! And she never backed down from him or anyone else. She's had a tough life so it was hard falling in love and trusting someone with her heart. And while Loki was all in from the beginning, even he had some adjustments to make. I loved the banter between these two and watching them bring their lives together.
Profile Image for Breen.
1,554 reviews
April 10, 2020
“House of Payne: Loki by Stacy Gail was my first book of her. When I read the title I was attracted and right after finished reading the blurb I knew I needed this story. Though Loki isn’t the first book of the series but the 10th I do enjoyed it.

Loki and Alice’s story was so delightful to read. I’m so pleased of how their story developed. The chemistry and the connection between them was so intense and explosive. They both challenged each other!

Loki was a serious hot, sexy and protective man. I absolutely loved how sure he was about Alice being the right for him. She was strong and fierce willing to challenge him and knock him down. Together they were perfect!

Drama, humor and so unexpected moments between the main characters plus secondary characters that made this story simply perfect!”
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,411 reviews24 followers
April 6, 2020
Are you looking for a gritty book that has a LOT of drama to keep you interested? If your answer is yes, then Loki is definitely book for you to read! There is a LOT going on in it, but it will capture your attention and has interesting interactions between the main characters. They meet in a less conventional way which definitely peaked my interest as well!

All in all if you are looking for a book that has a good story line, complex characters, and drama to keep your interest, I recommend checking this book out! I give it a 4 outta 5 stars!

PS: Thank you to Stacy Gail and Enticing Journey Book Promotions for allowing me a free copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,692 reviews85 followers
May 2, 2020
This book was wow, I’ve read plenty of MC books and none like this. Alice my heart broke for her. Her story isn’t uncommon. Loki has a sad story growing up. I don’t know if its uncommon or common. Just reading about the stuff they went through was sad. They found each other and it wasn’t easy for Alice. Alice fathers death did a number on her. The way Alice and Loki both lived there lives differently. Alice was more cautious and Loki would go to the lower lower to release his frustrations. This book made you laugh and feel all types of ways. This book is soo good. Thank you United indie book blog for allowing me to read this book.

review by MARIBEL
Profile Image for Lorraine Fritz Barrett.
30 reviews
February 27, 2020
House of Payne Continues

...to have well-rounded characters
...to have all the feels
...to have the steam & drama
...to have well deserved HEAs
I was so excited to receive Loki's first chapter & enjoyed getting a head start on his and Alice's story. I love that all the Payne characters have similarities but truly have their own story to tell. If you have read the other Payne books, this is a must to add to your library. Seeing Alice & Loki grow & change together was a great page turner.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,805 reviews26 followers
April 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. Alice was strong, yet vulnerable, while Loki's strength covered up his own past. The history these two had to overcome was a lot, but once they did, they were hot together. I loved Loki's determination to be above his past and to claim Alice as his. He was a bit arrogant and sure of his position in her life that he almost lost his future. As Alice's kindness to others endeared her to all around, I succumbed also. I highly recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Tasha .
214 reviews23 followers
April 13, 2020
Alice is spunky and doesn’t think before she acts which finds her in sticky situations. She doesn’t trust easily so Loki has his work cut out for him for sure and for this hardcore alpha, it’s gonna take a miracle. The chemistry is off the charts as is par for the course when it comes to all House of Payne characters. Laughs and tears were scattered all through this story as with most of Stacy’s stories and I embrace them fully and am left with a smile as I close her books. 4 Stars **** Tasha – The Dirty Book Girls Blog
Profile Image for Linda Moore.
78 reviews
February 28, 2020
I couldn't put it down!! It was absolutely amazing! It was very hot and sexy. I was hooked on Loki and Alice. I love Styx and how alpha he is and how protective he is of Sydney. I love that he was certain she was the one for him from the moment he laid eyes on her. I love how tough yet vulnerable Alice is which makes her very relatable. I love this book and love this author. I can't wait for more in this amazing series.
Profile Image for GONZA.
7,481 reviews127 followers
March 28, 2020
When I read the title I couldn't avoid picking up the book, even if it was the first one I read in this series and by this author, so I feel pretty lucky right now, because I enjoyed it and I discover a new author to read :)

Quando ho letto il titolo, non ho potuto che prendere il libro, anche se non conoscevo né l'autrice né la serie, quindi attualmente mi ritengo molto fortunata, perché il libro era carino e ora ho una nuova scrittrice da seguire :)
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews258 followers
April 5, 2020
This is the 10th book in this awesome series and is Loki and Alice’s story. The chemistry between these two is explosive, and Loki is determined to break through Alice’s barriers while she challenges him every step of the way. This is a well written flawless story which is filled with drama, witty banter and emotion which all leads to a humorous and entertaining all-consuming page turner. I was captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for USBaby Tech.
56 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2020
I was worried about how this one would end. But I was pleasantly surprised by the growth of both characters. I love House of Payne and this was a fantastic addition.

I do still wish Joey and Novack, from Twist, would get a story about finding their woman. *hint*

I can't wait for the next book in House of Payne, Sage, to come out this fall.
Profile Image for Allena.
1,462 reviews
March 6, 2020
House of Payne is filled with some amazing characters and we get to meet Loki and the woman who can bring him down.

Loki is a member of a powerful MC but spends his days slinging ink at the House Of Payne. Alice is the foster child of a rich Chicago family. When their worlds collide it’s one amazing read.






Profile Image for Lost Within The Pages.
470 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2020
Raise your hand if you loved Alice as much as I did! Oh my God, I loved her character so much. She is a kick-ass leading lady that for sure! When Alice meets Loki its actually because she's trying to kick his ass for costing her money. There actually was a point in the book where she knocked him on his ass. Everyone needs to read this book
Profile Image for Chrissy Marie.
55 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2020
Couldn't put it down!

Loki and Alice are electric! I love how badass Alice is and Loki is what sexy alpha dreams are made of! This series is one of my absolute favorites ever and each book I love more than the last!
Profile Image for Cherye Elliott.
3,397 reviews23 followers
March 7, 2020
Loki

I have read all of the House of Payne books. I did not like this one . I think it is because there was no chemistry. Maybe. It was just missing something.

The book was entertaining and was well written .
Profile Image for Danielle Tate.
57 reviews
March 8, 2020
Another amazing read

This author always has it all lol moments Sexy times and a strong female lead and a crazy caring alpha male throw in the fact that this series is set in a kick a$$ tattoo Parlor filled with Alpha personalities it's a guaranteed one Click
Profile Image for Chelle.
77 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2020
Love, love, love The House of Payne!

I so love this series. Every story has enough glue to keep it in the series, but each story is so different from the rest. I loved Loki & Alice. She was strong enough to knock him on his ass - I loved that! Well done!
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