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Iron Dogz MC #1
Burning Bright In The Black
DC
Owing a debt to the president of the Iron Dogz MC is not a situation you want to be caught up in. Ever.
Especially not when you're the daughter of the president of another club.
And definitely not when that debt brings you to the attention of his club's enemies.
And ending up in his bed?
Absolutely not part of the plan.
HAWK
His club's enemies were becoming bolder. And his patience was virtually non-existent.
Taking a fierce cage fighter as his old lady wasn't what he'd had in mind when he manipulated her repayment of the debt she owed his club.
Now he was in too deep and was never letting her go.
Taking her as his old lady was the easy part. Keeping her as his old lady was the hard part.
Especially when his enemies are focused on taking her and his club away from him.
Owing a debt to the president of the Iron Dogz MC is not a situation you want to be caught up in. Ever.
Especially not when you're the daughter of the president of another club.
And definitely not when that debt brings you to the attention of his club's enemies.
And ending up in his bed?
Absolutely not part of the plan.
HAWK
His club's enemies were becoming bolder. And his patience was virtually non-existent.
Taking a fierce cage fighter as his old lady wasn't what he'd had in mind when he manipulated her repayment of the debt she owed his club.
Now he was in too deep and was never letting her go.
Taking her as his old lady was the easy part. Keeping her as his old lady was the hard part.
Especially when his enemies are focused on taking her and his club away from him.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2019
111 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 13, 2024
I thought in all fairness I should go back and read the first one as reading Bitter Taste Of Sin had so many threads I knew nothing about.
Big mistake. One star for words on a page, and second one for the scary little heroine.
The H falls into INSTA-LOVE like Ken after Barbie. Instead of little hearts floating around his head, I suspect it's a body part found much lower.
The heroine is a feisty little thing with a homicidal alter ego called Crow. Crow is about ten times smarter and a hundred times more lethal than any male biker in the book, but because she's a bitch is only called on to do wet work than has to go back home and put her apron back on. Not really about the apron, but she's marginalized then sold off to the lovestruck Hawk, a name in need of a better hero. Hawk loves his little bird, but leaves her out to dry where she gets attacked multiple times by the club girls. Thing is, little bird/Crow takes NO prisoners and occasionally kills a couple of them or more. Oops. This doesn't go down well with Hawk's guys as who will they have sex with now.
Human trafficking, betrayal, and periodic murdering and torturing by our little heroine round out the story.
This is at the ending and is the poor girl's HEA-not.
I gave in and came back to the clubhouse with him because I loved him. I still love him, even though he’s an ass and hasn’t made any real effort to punish the bitches who tried to kill me.
According to them they didn’t, that it was my aggressiveness that pushed them to protect themselves.
Bullshit.
Oh, they got shouted at and there were threats of throwing them out but it never happened. Hawk was so busy focusing on the club’s troubles he never finalised their punishment.
Instead I’m the one having to swallow my anger and lust for vengeance every single day as they strut around the clubhouse and taunt me. They make sure it never happens near any of the brothers who have made an effort to get to know me. It happens around those who think I’m a fuck toy, and those who distrust me because my father is the National President of the Road Warriors MC.
Big mistake. One star for words on a page, and second one for the scary little heroine.
The H falls into INSTA-LOVE like Ken after Barbie. Instead of little hearts floating around his head, I suspect it's a body part found much lower.
The heroine is a feisty little thing with a homicidal alter ego called Crow. Crow is about ten times smarter and a hundred times more lethal than any male biker in the book, but because she's a bitch is only called on to do wet work than has to go back home and put her apron back on. Not really about the apron, but she's marginalized then sold off to the lovestruck Hawk, a name in need of a better hero. Hawk loves his little bird, but leaves her out to dry where she gets attacked multiple times by the club girls. Thing is, little bird/Crow takes NO prisoners and occasionally kills a couple of them or more. Oops. This doesn't go down well with Hawk's guys as who will they have sex with now.
Human trafficking, betrayal, and periodic murdering and torturing by our little heroine round out the story.
This is at the ending and is the poor girl's HEA-not.
I gave in and came back to the clubhouse with him because I loved him. I still love him, even though he’s an ass and hasn’t made any real effort to punish the bitches who tried to kill me.
According to them they didn’t, that it was my aggressiveness that pushed them to protect themselves.
Bullshit.
Oh, they got shouted at and there were threats of throwing them out but it never happened. Hawk was so busy focusing on the club’s troubles he never finalised their punishment.
Instead I’m the one having to swallow my anger and lust for vengeance every single day as they strut around the clubhouse and taunt me. They make sure it never happens near any of the brothers who have made an effort to get to know me. It happens around those who think I’m a fuck toy, and those who distrust me because my father is the National President of the Road Warriors MC.
November 20, 2023
2.5 Stars
So this is about Hawk and Crow. This book is gritty in some parts and has some darkness which I really like.
With that said, I really didn't see the connection between them except Hawk saw Crow in action and he all of a sudden had a semi and had to have her. That's just it nothing else.
He showed no respect for her if he did he would not let his club or ex-women treat her the way they did. Especially not jump, beat, or stab her while people watched.
Oh yes sign me up for that NOT! For everyone who like this book to each their own. I'll stick with the other MC books that make sense and don't have repetitive dialogue in them.
So this is about Hawk and Crow. This book is gritty in some parts and has some darkness which I really like.
With that said, I really didn't see the connection between them except Hawk saw Crow in action and he all of a sudden had a semi and had to have her. That's just it nothing else.
He showed no respect for her if he did he would not let his club or ex-women treat her the way they did. Especially not jump, beat, or stab her while people watched.
Oh yes sign me up for that NOT! For everyone who like this book to each their own. I'll stick with the other MC books that make sense and don't have repetitive dialogue in them.
December 14, 2019
CROW!!
DC:s character on my gosh she is such a bada** loved her!! I want to be her....especially with a sexy hot 🔥AF male like Hawk!! I want one please.
This is not full of glittery words and rainbows. This is gritty MC Alpha Males and characters that will melt your socks off. This is action packed storyline st it's finest with twists and surprises.
This is my first book by this author and have already bought the second book. So yes I highly recommend this book and series.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
DC:s character on my gosh she is such a bada** loved her!! I want to be her....especially with a sexy hot 🔥AF male like Hawk!! I want one please.
This is not full of glittery words and rainbows. This is gritty MC Alpha Males and characters that will melt your socks off. This is action packed storyline st it's finest with twists and surprises.
This is my first book by this author and have already bought the second book. So yes I highly recommend this book and series.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
March 19, 2020
***Received a copy from the Author for my honest review***
First off I want to say that Rene van Dalen is a new Author to me and I was not disappointed at all. What grabbed me from the beginning was that we were given a brief background on each of the two main characters and because of that I had an idea whether I would like this book or not.
Normally when you have and MC book where the H and the h are each from a different MC, you can smell trouble coming a mile a way.
Hawk was from the Iron Dogz MC and DC (Demon Child, yes you read it right and that alone can tell you trouble's on its way) are from Road Warriors MC. Both clubs are trying to be on the good side of the law. DC was not a club member as such but she did some things for them and that's where the bad ass comes from.
Now let me tell you, I have had my fair share in reading MC books and rarely will you find the h as bad ass as DC was. Oh my gosh she did not take any crap from anyone, including the H. She will kick your ass from Jhb to Cape Town. Hawk on the other hand was a bit of a softy (like teddy bear soft). He also did not take any nonsense from anyone but not in a very bad ass way. I wanted to kick his ass at one stage in the book, but I forgave him again after reading further.
There's a lot of brotherly love, betrayal among club members, being set up, blackmail and also a fair share of romance.
The plot was well thought through as well as the characters in this book. Ms van Dalen did an amazing job with this book and I cannot wait to read the next one from this series.
Well done Ms van Dalen with this amazing read. I highly recommend this book (series) to all MC romance lovers.
First off I want to say that Rene van Dalen is a new Author to me and I was not disappointed at all. What grabbed me from the beginning was that we were given a brief background on each of the two main characters and because of that I had an idea whether I would like this book or not.
Normally when you have and MC book where the H and the h are each from a different MC, you can smell trouble coming a mile a way.
Hawk was from the Iron Dogz MC and DC (Demon Child, yes you read it right and that alone can tell you trouble's on its way) are from Road Warriors MC. Both clubs are trying to be on the good side of the law. DC was not a club member as such but she did some things for them and that's where the bad ass comes from.
Now let me tell you, I have had my fair share in reading MC books and rarely will you find the h as bad ass as DC was. Oh my gosh she did not take any crap from anyone, including the H. She will kick your ass from Jhb to Cape Town. Hawk on the other hand was a bit of a softy (like teddy bear soft). He also did not take any nonsense from anyone but not in a very bad ass way. I wanted to kick his ass at one stage in the book, but I forgave him again after reading further.
There's a lot of brotherly love, betrayal among club members, being set up, blackmail and also a fair share of romance.
The plot was well thought through as well as the characters in this book. Ms van Dalen did an amazing job with this book and I cannot wait to read the next one from this series.
Well done Ms van Dalen with this amazing read. I highly recommend this book (series) to all MC romance lovers.
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January 16, 2023Loved it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: instalove, MC
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
If you're looking for a dark and gritty MC story that's heavy on the MC and heavy on plot, Burning Bright In the Dark is definitely that. The heroine DC is kinda psycho and I was totally here for it, lol. She's a club princess that was used by her dads club as an extractor of information. Hawk was a total jelly roll for his psycho, but still managed to fudge it up once in a while because he wasn't used to women having such an active roll. Kinda felt lime the ending was a bit rushed and open ended, but I'm hoping some of the issues will be addressed in the next book.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: instalove, MC
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
If you're looking for a dark and gritty MC story that's heavy on the MC and heavy on plot, Burning Bright In the Dark is definitely that. The heroine DC is kinda psycho and I was totally here for it, lol. She's a club princess that was used by her dads club as an extractor of information. Hawk was a total jelly roll for his psycho, but still managed to fudge it up once in a while because he wasn't used to women having such an active roll. Kinda felt lime the ending was a bit rushed and open ended, but I'm hoping some of the issues will be addressed in the next book.
February 21, 2021
Simply WOW!! René Van Dalen is a new author to me and she was recommended to me by a friend. SO HAPPY I LISTENED TO MY FRIEND, GREAT BOOK!! I really love how René gave us background details on both characters, layed out a great start for the book. I really enjoyed René 's writing style, and this book captured my attention from page one. DC is such a strong, capable woman, who can take care of herself. Hawk is an interesting, intriguing man. These two are amazing!! Lots of action, twists and turns. I highly recommend this book!!
December 8, 2023
What an AWFUL ENDING!!
DC is a tattoo artist who happens to be the daughter of an MC prez. She’s tough and has grown up in the MC lifestyle but has tried to distance herself as she’s gotten older. All this comes to a head when she meets Hawk, the prez of a “rival” MC club.
**SPOILERS**
I really liked DC (short for Demon Child- a nickname her dad gave her). She’s feisty, tough as nails, sharp, intelligent and fiercely LOYAL to her family and club. When she goes to rescue her 16 yr old half sister from Hawk’s compound where her baby sis is partying and pretending to be older than she is, she comes to the attention of Hawk, the prez.
Hawk has never met anyone like DC before. He likes women and LOTS OF THEM - usually several at the same time. His type is usually tall blonde and stacked, so he’s shocked when he has such a visceral reaction of DC. At first is pisses him off - he thinks if he can just sleep with her once he’ll be able to purge her from his system. Because DC busted into HIS COMPOUND, he demands a debt from her, 6 months of DC “working for him” as an “intelligence agent.” You see, DC’s “secret identity” is that of THE CROW, a highly skilled information gatherer, and extractor - her means of extraction…extreme gruesome torture!!
Hawk’s MC is in trouble…there is a mole in their group feeding rival MC’s trade secrets, he knows only DC a.k.a. The Crow can get the information he needs. He doesn’t expect to fall head over heels into lust and then love with the brazen, brash, tough as nails kick-ass girl.
DC is attracted to Hawk but HATES his lifestyle a.k.a. Hawk keeps a bevy of “club whores” around him at all time. His three long time ladies LIVE WITH HIM and literally are all over him all the time, even in public exhibitions…which are SO NOT DC’s thing. She wants a man who will be loyal, true, devoted only to her.
It’s fascinating to see the push and pull between these characters. The story is exciting and does seem to portray MC life pretty realistically (a nice change). The secondary characters are well written, but the drama between the multiple MC’s becomes a bit “much” and it starts to become convoluted. One of Hawk’s scorned ladies, Jane, has been feeding the rival MC’s intel in order to bring down Hawk’s MC because he never made her his “old lady,” she’s truly an awful character. The fact that she disappears a.k.a. escapes at the end is just beyond the pale 😡 really unacceptable.
I also gave this book fewer stars because the ending really was disappointing!! DC was great except as the book went on she just caved more and more into her MC prez lover, Hawk. And Hawk for all his preaching that he loved DC and would treat her as an “equal” and wouldn’t let anyone disrespect her, and stand up for her…showed time and time again THAT, THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!!! He ALWAYS takes his “brothers” side - even when he thinks what he’s doing is for DC’s own good!! The fact that he wants DC to “get rid” of her personality the Crow shows how little he really knows about her…The Crow is PART OF HER, even if she learns to tame it, it’s still there! He also DISRESPECTS HER TERRIBLY AT THE END OF THE BOOK - and DC had EVERY RIGHT to switch into her Crow personality, and dissolve their “marriage/union/old lady-man status!!!! DC had put up with his crap throughout the entire novel. She allowed him to put everyone before her…even his sluts!! The fact that he BELIEVED his sluts over DC at the end - after EVERYTHING DC and Hawk had been through is just very telling of Hawk’s lack of character (I really wanted to like Hawk - but he didn’t show any growth in this novel. He was a chauvinistic a-hole, arrogant, know it all, who kept asking for another chance only to blow each an every one of them!!!
I was disappointed that DC took Hawk back EVERY TIME!! I was soooo excited when she went all Crow on his ass at the end and said they were DONE!! I was like, finally, she means it, she’s leaving him…and maybe they’ll be another book about these two where he can grovel like H-E-double hockey sticks!!!! But nope. Hawk just smiles, carry’s her away and has s-e-x with her. The book literally ends from DC’s point of view saying how Hawk’s MC STILL DOES NOT RESPECT HER, and that he’s let the girls back, and they REALLY DON’T RESPECT HER, in fact they despise her - not to mention Jane will clearly be back for revenge!!!
If the book had shown GROWTH in Hawk’s character, and his ability to (even if DC can stand on her own) STAND UP FOR HIS GIRL, tell his fellow members to go to H-E-L-L, and treat her like she was the center of his universe (because that is what she was) then perhaps the book would’ve been better!!!
I detested how the book ended with Hawk disrespecting DC again, and then doing what he always does…carry her off for s-e-x. I mean a relationship needs MORE THAN JUST THE PHYSICAL!!!
Frankly this should’ve been a duology!! DC should’ve told Hawk off, given him the middle finger after showing him her Crow persona and gone back with her father and brother. Then in the second book (if this had been a duology) Hawk could’ve redeemed himself. I just don’t see how Hawks continued disrespect of DC, and taking his member’s sides (including the club whores) over HIS OLD LADY (the women he claims TO LOVE) shows DC that he’s always going to be there for her, in her corner!!!! Nope. I forgave Hawk a lot of things…even his gross club girls, and flaunting them in front of DC in the beginning (even if I hated it) because they weren’t together. The the second Hawk spoke to DC’s father, and declared DC’s his, his NUMBER ONE PRIORITY SHOULD’VE BEEN DC!!!
So yes. The book starts off pretty well, the middle isn’t too bad either, but the last third is a total wash 😫
P.S. Gah, Hawk was such an idiot sometimes that I desperately WANTED DC to end up with Skellington at times!!! - ANYONE (good) that wasn’t the dumbass, clueless, Hawk (with his harem of Barbie sluts! , who were totally psycho!!!)
DC is a tattoo artist who happens to be the daughter of an MC prez. She’s tough and has grown up in the MC lifestyle but has tried to distance herself as she’s gotten older. All this comes to a head when she meets Hawk, the prez of a “rival” MC club.
**SPOILERS**
I really liked DC (short for Demon Child- a nickname her dad gave her). She’s feisty, tough as nails, sharp, intelligent and fiercely LOYAL to her family and club. When she goes to rescue her 16 yr old half sister from Hawk’s compound where her baby sis is partying and pretending to be older than she is, she comes to the attention of Hawk, the prez.
Hawk has never met anyone like DC before. He likes women and LOTS OF THEM - usually several at the same time. His type is usually tall blonde and stacked, so he’s shocked when he has such a visceral reaction of DC. At first is pisses him off - he thinks if he can just sleep with her once he’ll be able to purge her from his system. Because DC busted into HIS COMPOUND, he demands a debt from her, 6 months of DC “working for him” as an “intelligence agent.” You see, DC’s “secret identity” is that of THE CROW, a highly skilled information gatherer, and extractor - her means of extraction…extreme gruesome torture!!
Hawk’s MC is in trouble…there is a mole in their group feeding rival MC’s trade secrets, he knows only DC a.k.a. The Crow can get the information he needs. He doesn’t expect to fall head over heels into lust and then love with the brazen, brash, tough as nails kick-ass girl.
DC is attracted to Hawk but HATES his lifestyle a.k.a. Hawk keeps a bevy of “club whores” around him at all time. His three long time ladies LIVE WITH HIM and literally are all over him all the time, even in public exhibitions…which are SO NOT DC’s thing. She wants a man who will be loyal, true, devoted only to her.
It’s fascinating to see the push and pull between these characters. The story is exciting and does seem to portray MC life pretty realistically (a nice change). The secondary characters are well written, but the drama between the multiple MC’s becomes a bit “much” and it starts to become convoluted. One of Hawk’s scorned ladies, Jane, has been feeding the rival MC’s intel in order to bring down Hawk’s MC because he never made her his “old lady,” she’s truly an awful character. The fact that she disappears a.k.a. escapes at the end is just beyond the pale 😡 really unacceptable.
I also gave this book fewer stars because the ending really was disappointing!! DC was great except as the book went on she just caved more and more into her MC prez lover, Hawk. And Hawk for all his preaching that he loved DC and would treat her as an “equal” and wouldn’t let anyone disrespect her, and stand up for her…showed time and time again THAT, THAT WAS NOT THE CASE!!! He ALWAYS takes his “brothers” side - even when he thinks what he’s doing is for DC’s own good!! The fact that he wants DC to “get rid” of her personality the Crow shows how little he really knows about her…The Crow is PART OF HER, even if she learns to tame it, it’s still there! He also DISRESPECTS HER TERRIBLY AT THE END OF THE BOOK - and DC had EVERY RIGHT to switch into her Crow personality, and dissolve their “marriage/union/old lady-man status!!!! DC had put up with his crap throughout the entire novel. She allowed him to put everyone before her…even his sluts!! The fact that he BELIEVED his sluts over DC at the end - after EVERYTHING DC and Hawk had been through is just very telling of Hawk’s lack of character (I really wanted to like Hawk - but he didn’t show any growth in this novel. He was a chauvinistic a-hole, arrogant, know it all, who kept asking for another chance only to blow each an every one of them!!!
I was disappointed that DC took Hawk back EVERY TIME!! I was soooo excited when she went all Crow on his ass at the end and said they were DONE!! I was like, finally, she means it, she’s leaving him…and maybe they’ll be another book about these two where he can grovel like H-E-double hockey sticks!!!! But nope. Hawk just smiles, carry’s her away and has s-e-x with her. The book literally ends from DC’s point of view saying how Hawk’s MC STILL DOES NOT RESPECT HER, and that he’s let the girls back, and they REALLY DON’T RESPECT HER, in fact they despise her - not to mention Jane will clearly be back for revenge!!!
If the book had shown GROWTH in Hawk’s character, and his ability to (even if DC can stand on her own) STAND UP FOR HIS GIRL, tell his fellow members to go to H-E-L-L, and treat her like she was the center of his universe (because that is what she was) then perhaps the book would’ve been better!!!
I detested how the book ended with Hawk disrespecting DC again, and then doing what he always does…carry her off for s-e-x. I mean a relationship needs MORE THAN JUST THE PHYSICAL!!!
Frankly this should’ve been a duology!! DC should’ve told Hawk off, given him the middle finger after showing him her Crow persona and gone back with her father and brother. Then in the second book (if this had been a duology) Hawk could’ve redeemed himself. I just don’t see how Hawks continued disrespect of DC, and taking his member’s sides (including the club whores) over HIS OLD LADY (the women he claims TO LOVE) shows DC that he’s always going to be there for her, in her corner!!!! Nope. I forgave Hawk a lot of things…even his gross club girls, and flaunting them in front of DC in the beginning (even if I hated it) because they weren’t together. The the second Hawk spoke to DC’s father, and declared DC’s his, his NUMBER ONE PRIORITY SHOULD’VE BEEN DC!!!
So yes. The book starts off pretty well, the middle isn’t too bad either, but the last third is a total wash 😫
P.S. Gah, Hawk was such an idiot sometimes that I desperately WANTED DC to end up with Skellington at times!!! - ANYONE (good) that wasn’t the dumbass, clueless, Hawk (with his harem of Barbie sluts! , who were totally psycho!!!)
June 20, 2019
This is a well written book with good reseach. I thoroughly enjoyes it from the first to last page. I particularly enjoyed that heroine is not a goody, goody but has a darkness to her fitting for someone in a Biker gang.
Definitely for those who enjoy some reality with their romance.
Definitely for those who enjoy some reality with their romance.
August 24, 2019
Burning
Loved this one! So glad I came back to my MC books. I had stepped away for a bit. But I'm back to reading them now.. So many twist in this one. Can't wAit for book 2!!
Loved this one! So glad I came back to my MC books. I had stepped away for a bit. But I'm back to reading them now.. So many twist in this one. Can't wAit for book 2!!
February 4, 2024
2.5
DNF @ 93%
DNF @ 93%
January 14, 2021
DNF @ 73% - 1.5 Stars (if I rated it)
Sigh. I got bored. That's it. The writing probably needed another editor as I'm not a grammar nazi but quite a few sentences ran on together where a comma might've been needed. I dunno tbh. It was just weird.
Add in that this wasn't my kind of MC story as I usually stick to US based ones only and this one takes part in Cape Town/Johannesburg and such. So I gave it a shot but honestly it was a little sporadic and all over the place. Seemed random plots and motivations came out of left field and I was left scratching my head in confusion when they were dropped with no mention again.
Add in the MEH chemistry between the main MCs, and it just wasn't that interesting. The H Hawk was too much of a man whore (he had 3 active club whores living in a house together and still boned random civilian chicks) for me to believe this sudden 360 turn around of him only wanting the h DC and then after their second meeting already claiming her as his old lady. (Took what I assume was 3 weeks and maybe r meetings + one night of sex for his "I love her" thoughts lol) It felt like a classic case of want what I can't have and for the most part DC wasn't having it. Which was rather amusing. Then in not so surprising turn of events DC stops fighting Hawk and just accepts Hawk's claim on her after her dear old daddy is all "he's a good dude I gave him my permission" and she turns into a soft mushy marshmello for a little while. And see, that's the thing. DC was portrayed as this uber badass with a somewhat split/alternate personality as "The Crow" and it was pretty dumb and off putting because it just DID NOT work into the story the way the author must've wanted. It was random.
Overall I grew bored and only read as much as I did BECAUSE I was bored in the first place. Biggest issue was definitely the fast mood changes of the MCs flip flop flopping on their feelings and opinions. No consistency. And I just couldn't connect with DC either. She felt too false for me to believe she was the supposed badass MMA fighter/tattooist/artist/biker/super secret spy (the crow personality). It was honestly just too much!
Sigh. I got bored. That's it. The writing probably needed another editor as I'm not a grammar nazi but quite a few sentences ran on together where a comma might've been needed. I dunno tbh. It was just weird.
Add in that this wasn't my kind of MC story as I usually stick to US based ones only and this one takes part in Cape Town/Johannesburg and such. So I gave it a shot but honestly it was a little sporadic and all over the place. Seemed random plots and motivations came out of left field and I was left scratching my head in confusion when they were dropped with no mention again.
Add in the MEH chemistry between the main MCs, and it just wasn't that interesting. The H Hawk was too much of a man whore (he had 3 active club whores living in a house together and still boned random civilian chicks) for me to believe this sudden 360 turn around of him only wanting the h DC and then after their second meeting already claiming her as his old lady. (Took what I assume was 3 weeks and maybe r meetings + one night of sex for his "I love her" thoughts lol) It felt like a classic case of want what I can't have and for the most part DC wasn't having it. Which was rather amusing. Then in not so surprising turn of events DC stops fighting Hawk and just accepts Hawk's claim on her after her dear old daddy is all "he's a good dude I gave him my permission" and she turns into a soft mushy marshmello for a little while. And see, that's the thing. DC was portrayed as this uber badass with a somewhat split/alternate personality as "The Crow" and it was pretty dumb and off putting because it just DID NOT work into the story the way the author must've wanted. It was random.
Overall I grew bored and only read as much as I did BECAUSE I was bored in the first place. Biggest issue was definitely the fast mood changes of the MCs flip flop flopping on their feelings and opinions. No consistency. And I just couldn't connect with DC either. She felt too false for me to believe she was the supposed badass MMA fighter/tattooist/artist/biker/super secret spy (the crow personality). It was honestly just too much!
February 1, 2025
DC was raised in the Road Warriors MC, she was the daughter of the President. A MC princess, hardly but all the same she was who she was and handled what needed to be handled quickly. Showing up at the Iron Dogz MC was not where she wanted to be but pulling out her underage sister was a must before her dad found out. She didn't plan on catching the eye of Hawk, the Iron Dogz President.
Hawk was used to women falling all over him, when he sees DC though he is captivated. She is lethal, unlike any woman he has ever met and he plans to claim her as his. While he is earning DC's trust there are enemies between both clubs determined to take them out. Can he protect his old lady or will she be the ultimate target.
Amazing, This book was mind blowing and it was full of twists and turns. The characters are intense, DC is a new favorite heroine of mine. She is brash and so complicated that I definitely hope there is more of her in books to come. The other thing I truly appreciated in this book was that the characters make mistakes, they are not flawless. Onto the next book.
Hawk was used to women falling all over him, when he sees DC though he is captivated. She is lethal, unlike any woman he has ever met and he plans to claim her as his. While he is earning DC's trust there are enemies between both clubs determined to take them out. Can he protect his old lady or will she be the ultimate target.
Amazing, This book was mind blowing and it was full of twists and turns. The characters are intense, DC is a new favorite heroine of mine. She is brash and so complicated that I definitely hope there is more of her in books to come. The other thing I truly appreciated in this book was that the characters make mistakes, they are not flawless. Onto the next book.
June 21, 2020
This was a good book that could have been a great book. You had an interesting hero and a badass heroine. The storyline was gritty, complicated and had so many of the elements I love in an MC.
Here is where great fell to good in my opinion. First, the hero was strong at times and wishy washy at other times. He threw out threats with no follow up. Second, the instalove was not very believable. This heroine was a badass biker babe with a lethal split personality and I can't see her putting up with some of his crap and forgiving him with an "I'm sorry, I will do better" apology. Third, the story had this complicated situation that needed to be handled and it just ended. I felt it was unfinished and that was unsatisfying for me. Now if it continues in Book 2, which I can't tell by reading the blurb and some questions get a conclusion, that may make my #3 a mute point.
So all in all, I did like this book but wished some things had come together a bit more before the book ended.
Here is where great fell to good in my opinion. First, the hero was strong at times and wishy washy at other times. He threw out threats with no follow up. Second, the instalove was not very believable. This heroine was a badass biker babe with a lethal split personality and I can't see her putting up with some of his crap and forgiving him with an "I'm sorry, I will do better" apology. Third, the story had this complicated situation that needed to be handled and it just ended. I felt it was unfinished and that was unsatisfying for me. Now if it continues in Book 2, which I can't tell by reading the blurb and some questions get a conclusion, that may make my #3 a mute point.
So all in all, I did like this book but wished some things had come together a bit more before the book ended.
December 5, 2020
Really struggling to see the appeal. The story line couod have been amazing if it was written bu a different author. Hawk was an asshole. All the time. She forgives him. All the freaking time. She litrally forgives him within seconds when the club whores beat her up and stab her while the club looks on???? Wtf!!!! Not sure what sure what the author was trying to accomplish with that to be honest!
It litrally makes no sense. And all the drama with this other gang and nothing is resolved at the end of the book?
I'm gonna read book 2 and hope that its better than the first but if not I wont be finishing the series and going to ye ol Faithfull authors.
I hate it when I branch out to new authors and its a bloody dud!
It litrally makes no sense. And all the drama with this other gang and nothing is resolved at the end of the book?
I'm gonna read book 2 and hope that its better than the first but if not I wont be finishing the series and going to ye ol Faithfull authors.
I hate it when I branch out to new authors and its a bloody dud!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2020
Awesome
I saw this series as a recomendation on a blog I follow. Read the sample and just had to keep reading and bought the book, it had grabbed me and was not letting go.
This is set in South Africa, so was different in that aspect. The writing was so good and having South African friends I was even getting the accent as I read.
I loved the characters absolutely loved DC and Hawk ( that manhas a lot to learn). I loved many of the side characters as well and hope to learn more about them in future books!
The story was very intense it pulled me in and I had to keep going, read the book non-stop.
I have already bought book 2!
I saw this series as a recomendation on a blog I follow. Read the sample and just had to keep reading and bought the book, it had grabbed me and was not letting go.
This is set in South Africa, so was different in that aspect. The writing was so good and having South African friends I was even getting the accent as I read.
I loved the characters absolutely loved DC and Hawk ( that manhas a lot to learn). I loved many of the side characters as well and hope to learn more about them in future books!
The story was very intense it pulled me in and I had to keep going, read the book non-stop.
I have already bought book 2!
May 28, 2020
Holy cow
Man this book was amazing .
This was the first book I've read by Author Rene Van Dalen it was an emotional rollercoaster ride that had me rolling with every dip and turn and had me wanting to get off the ride at times . This story was about two MC clubs who end up joining forces to rid the rats amongst them . Not realising at the time just how deep those rats had manifested to bring both clubs down. Hawk president of the Iron Dogs MC fell hard for the club Princess of the Road Warriors MC little did he know at the time she was more then the club's princess she was a force to be reckoned with and a woman who brought him to his knees. Building a bond so deep so unbreakable Hawk and DC found themselves on a highway to hell and neither would ever be the same again. I could not put this book down sitting up all night long to finish it I was totally wrapped up in the story line and had to know what would happen next. When loyalty is tested and not knowing who you can trust when brothers go up against brothers the very foundations that where built by family and blood and a brotherhood begins to crack and those that are left standing have to clean house. Emotions run high betrayal cuts deep and through it all Hawk and his little bird rise above the ashes and come out stronger and better together. Can't wait to get stuck into book two of this series. It's so good, so intense , raw and not for the faint of heart. Definitely a five star read from me.
Man this book was amazing .
This was the first book I've read by Author Rene Van Dalen it was an emotional rollercoaster ride that had me rolling with every dip and turn and had me wanting to get off the ride at times . This story was about two MC clubs who end up joining forces to rid the rats amongst them . Not realising at the time just how deep those rats had manifested to bring both clubs down. Hawk president of the Iron Dogs MC fell hard for the club Princess of the Road Warriors MC little did he know at the time she was more then the club's princess she was a force to be reckoned with and a woman who brought him to his knees. Building a bond so deep so unbreakable Hawk and DC found themselves on a highway to hell and neither would ever be the same again. I could not put this book down sitting up all night long to finish it I was totally wrapped up in the story line and had to know what would happen next. When loyalty is tested and not knowing who you can trust when brothers go up against brothers the very foundations that where built by family and blood and a brotherhood begins to crack and those that are left standing have to clean house. Emotions run high betrayal cuts deep and through it all Hawk and his little bird rise above the ashes and come out stronger and better together. Can't wait to get stuck into book two of this series. It's so good, so intense , raw and not for the faint of heart. Definitely a five star read from me.
September 23, 2020
Hawk and his Crow
This was very good. I was totally entranced by the story, and by the characters. Then the end....just petered out and was left wanting. Not sure if I am going to read any more in the series. Probably, because the writing is really good and the characters are good and the female lead is really strong and Hawk really hot. She needs a 1.5. Novella to close out this better.
This was very good. I was totally entranced by the story, and by the characters. Then the end....just petered out and was left wanting. Not sure if I am going to read any more in the series. Probably, because the writing is really good and the characters are good and the female lead is really strong and Hawk really hot. She needs a 1.5. Novella to close out this better.
June 4, 2020
Hidden gem
A friend recommended this series to me and I am so glad that I found it . Hawk and DC were so good together and it seemed at times it was then against the world . I can’t wait to see more of the members stories ! This book had tons of action and I couldn’t put it down .
A friend recommended this series to me and I am so glad that I found it . Hawk and DC were so good together and it seemed at times it was then against the world . I can’t wait to see more of the members stories ! This book had tons of action and I couldn’t put it down .
May 27, 2022
dark mc
Good storyline lots of twists and turns that held my attention. The end left me a bit confused as if there should have been more. Hopefully resolution will come in the next book in the series
Good storyline lots of twists and turns that held my attention. The end left me a bit confused as if there should have been more. Hopefully resolution will come in the next book in the series
June 1, 2020
SO GOOD
This book was so good. With a strong MC storyline and plot twists galore.
It was so well written and action packed, and though he had no clue how women worked, I just couldn't help but love Hawk.
Little Bird is such a ball buster; fearless, outspoken and loyal to her family and club. They are a great combination.
Can't wait to read the next book.
This book was so good. With a strong MC storyline and plot twists galore.
It was so well written and action packed, and though he had no clue how women worked, I just couldn't help but love Hawk.
Little Bird is such a ball buster; fearless, outspoken and loyal to her family and club. They are a great combination.
Can't wait to read the next book.
July 10, 2020
Loved it
This is a new author to me and I'm glad I purchased this book , what a great start to what's looking like a brilliant series. Full of action and angst and I love club whore drama and this book has it all , and I freaking love the Crow . Hawk and little bird work so well together , but he really needs to think with his head sometimes and not the one in his trousers . 😍😍
This is a new author to me and I'm glad I purchased this book , what a great start to what's looking like a brilliant series. Full of action and angst and I love club whore drama and this book has it all , and I freaking love the Crow . Hawk and little bird work so well together , but he really needs to think with his head sometimes and not the one in his trousers . 😍😍
June 18, 2023
The worst ending ..
I really liked most of this book. It's a good story and very well written. The FMC is a total bad a** and can handle her own which I love, but If you like a FMC that doesn't let her man get away with anything this is not the book for you. She was such a push over when it came to Hawk. The man got away with disrespecting her so many times! Especially the ending. Wtf was that ???? So we just let men treat us like trash because we love them? Got it. So disappointed. Do not read if that stuff really bothers you because that ending alone ruined the whole book for me.
I really liked most of this book. It's a good story and very well written. The FMC is a total bad a** and can handle her own which I love, but If you like a FMC that doesn't let her man get away with anything this is not the book for you. She was such a push over when it came to Hawk. The man got away with disrespecting her so many times! Especially the ending. Wtf was that ???? So we just let men treat us like trash because we love them? Got it. So disappointed. Do not read if that stuff really bothers you because that ending alone ruined the whole book for me.
October 14, 2019
AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGG
This author is a first time author and she blew it out the park! There you have two stubborn people both are alpha in their own right but together they are fire. This book has everything you would love to see, An Alpha Male and A Strong Independent Female, there's lots of actions and plots to this book, it's like everywhere you turn something's going down and I loved it! Book and me from the get go, I told myself I had to read this book and I wasn't disappointed. #BurningBrightInTheDark #RenéVanDalen #IronDogzMC
This author is a first time author and she blew it out the park! There you have two stubborn people both are alpha in their own right but together they are fire. This book has everything you would love to see, An Alpha Male and A Strong Independent Female, there's lots of actions and plots to this book, it's like everywhere you turn something's going down and I loved it! Book and me from the get go, I told myself I had to read this book and I wasn't disappointed. #BurningBrightInTheDark #RenéVanDalen #IronDogzMC
September 24, 2019
This fast paced MC has you moving from the first to the last!
Yes, the H is an ass.. but he’s an alpha MC prez.. we wouldn’t want him any other way!
Now the h? She is no wallflower. She has a backbone, and a KILLER fighter inside!! She doesn’t stand by & accept whatever is thrown at her.
This is my first read by a South African writer, but luckily, she gives context to the slang & English translations when needed)
Definitely worthy of a read, you’ll en engaged & entertained!
Yes, the H is an ass.. but he’s an alpha MC prez.. we wouldn’t want him any other way!
Now the h? She is no wallflower. She has a backbone, and a KILLER fighter inside!! She doesn’t stand by & accept whatever is thrown at her.
This is my first read by a South African writer, but luckily, she gives context to the slang & English translations when needed)
Definitely worthy of a read, you’ll en engaged & entertained!
November 5, 2020
Hawk is the President of the MC and when DC comes into his MC he is so intrigued by her that he wants her and only her. Hawk finds out DC is not a timid woman at all, she is one tough woman. Hawk and DC make the perfect couple, both are headstrong but get along great. This club has so many secrets and hidden enemies that keep you wondering what will happen next.
July 27, 2023
Hawk!
This was a great start to a new MC series for me. Hawk is the prez of a well known club and a man whore. He meets his match in DC the club princess from another club. There's plenty of action and drama with sexy times too.
This was a great start to a new MC series for me. Hawk is the prez of a well known club and a man whore. He meets his match in DC the club princess from another club. There's plenty of action and drama with sexy times too.
July 6, 2019
Great read.
A great read with a strong h, an asshole H that has his old ladies best interests at heart but a funny way of showing it sometimes. Well written.
A great read with a strong h, an asshole H that has his old ladies best interests at heart but a funny way of showing it sometimes. Well written.
May 26, 2021
Burning Bright In The Black is the first book of The Iron Dogz series and I LOVED it!
Hawk, the Iron Dogz President, meets DC in dodgy circumstances (don't expect a fluffy cute meet) and she turns his head! She is the opposite of all those before, feisty, tough, smart and takes no crap! He doesn't quite know how to handle her and seeing them try to navigate their new relationship is EVERYTHING! No spoilers here, you will have to read the book.
My attention was held all the way through this book, its action packed with some edge of your seat stuff. Gritty storyline, part of which appears to be a theme running through the series, and a little bit different from lots of the MC books out there.... a welcome change.
I liked the author's writing style. She has the added challenge of translating words and phrases which actually works really well. I love how she has kept the vibe true to South Africa, and it has worked in her favour because it makes The Iron Dogz different, in a good way.
Stand out for me was the female main character DC. So often MC books do not portray women as strong. Well DC did not need a man, she could protect herself both emotionally and physically and I am living for it. She is a FMC I can identify with which makes the book that much more appealing to me as I love a strong sassy chick who can put anyone (male and female) in their place, and she does it well! I am a bit confused at reviews which say DC was weak, she was the opposite! Hawk was an ass to her yes but we are talking about Bikers here, its expected, but she no way took it lying down!
I really found this book to be a breath of fresh air, I want more so its straight onto book 2 for me!
Hawk, the Iron Dogz President, meets DC in dodgy circumstances (don't expect a fluffy cute meet) and she turns his head! She is the opposite of all those before, feisty, tough, smart and takes no crap! He doesn't quite know how to handle her and seeing them try to navigate their new relationship is EVERYTHING! No spoilers here, you will have to read the book.
My attention was held all the way through this book, its action packed with some edge of your seat stuff. Gritty storyline, part of which appears to be a theme running through the series, and a little bit different from lots of the MC books out there.... a welcome change.
I liked the author's writing style. She has the added challenge of translating words and phrases which actually works really well. I love how she has kept the vibe true to South Africa, and it has worked in her favour because it makes The Iron Dogz different, in a good way.
Stand out for me was the female main character DC. So often MC books do not portray women as strong. Well DC did not need a man, she could protect herself both emotionally and physically and I am living for it. She is a FMC I can identify with which makes the book that much more appealing to me as I love a strong sassy chick who can put anyone (male and female) in their place, and she does it well! I am a bit confused at reviews which say DC was weak, she was the opposite! Hawk was an ass to her yes but we are talking about Bikers here, its expected, but she no way took it lying down!
I really found this book to be a breath of fresh air, I want more so its straight onto book 2 for me!
April 9, 2022
What I liked:
1. The twists and turns of the story.
2. DC - I liked her no-nonsense self. She cares about others and wants to help everyone before worrying about herself.
3. Hawk, when he was sweet, meant his words and feelings, how he wanted DC safe and protected.
4. The storyline and all the craziness going on.
5. Law
6. Skelly
7. Alien
8. I like the commandos towards the end of the story.
9. I like how DC can take care of herself and stands up for herself, though; with that last one, she should have stuck to her guns more on.
10. The vibe of this story... Or more like how this series is going to go. It's almost like many of the same MC books I've read yet; it's so different. I love that.
11. The setting of this story/series. It takes place in South Africa. I love this!! I love that it's a whole new place for me when I'm used to many other MC stories being in the US or Europe.
What bothered me:
1. Editing issues... Example: Rider’s name starts off as Riker a few times before it becomes Rider.
2. I felt like Hawk and DC aren't together enough in the book for me as a couple in the way I would have liked.
3. Being left with unanswered questions. (Hopefully those are answered in the next story.)
4. Hawk doesn't do much to make his woman comfortable or safe at his club or around his men. He also puts her and everyone on lockdown under the same roof as his old harem of whores.
5. DC should have held out longer and made Hawk grovel more when he would be idiotic. She should not have given in so quickly - especially with how badass her character is supposed to be.
6. Hawk never lives up to his word to his woman.
7. How Hawk treats his woman when he's jealous or wants to prove a point to everyone- like when he basically makes DC prove herself at one point - which I hated- at another clubhouse.
8. The jacked-up ways others kept screwing over DC and Hawk. (Yet- it added to the story big time, and I also liked it. Ha! It was a love-hate thing for me).
1. The twists and turns of the story.
2. DC - I liked her no-nonsense self. She cares about others and wants to help everyone before worrying about herself.
3. Hawk, when he was sweet, meant his words and feelings, how he wanted DC safe and protected.
4. The storyline and all the craziness going on.
5. Law
6. Skelly
7. Alien
8. I like the commandos towards the end of the story.
9. I like how DC can take care of herself and stands up for herself, though; with that last one, she should have stuck to her guns more on.
10. The vibe of this story... Or more like how this series is going to go. It's almost like many of the same MC books I've read yet; it's so different. I love that.
11. The setting of this story/series. It takes place in South Africa. I love this!! I love that it's a whole new place for me when I'm used to many other MC stories being in the US or Europe.
What bothered me:
1. Editing issues... Example: Rider’s name starts off as Riker a few times before it becomes Rider.
2. I felt like Hawk and DC aren't together enough in the book for me as a couple in the way I would have liked.
3. Being left with unanswered questions. (Hopefully those are answered in the next story.)
4. Hawk doesn't do much to make his woman comfortable or safe at his club or around his men. He also puts her and everyone on lockdown under the same roof as his old harem of whores.
5. DC should have held out longer and made Hawk grovel more when he would be idiotic. She should not have given in so quickly - especially with how badass her character is supposed to be.
6. Hawk never lives up to his word to his woman.
7. How Hawk treats his woman when he's jealous or wants to prove a point to everyone- like when he basically makes DC prove herself at one point - which I hated- at another clubhouse.
8. The jacked-up ways others kept screwing over DC and Hawk. (Yet- it added to the story big time, and I also liked it. Ha! It was a love-hate thing for me).
September 29, 2021
This was a really great biker book. The only disappointment was the last chapter which was left unresolved in this book and which was all a bit bizarre.
The actual characters, story and plot were brilliant. It didnt bore me as so many formulaic biker books do nowadays. It was gripping and edgy and addictive.
The last chapter was a total mess. We have dc bejng attacked by the club whores, the brothers doing nothing, ziggy altering the video feed and hawk acting like a dick head. Add in crowd speaking like a multiple personality then dragging dc back to his room to fuck her where dc gives in and stares lustfully at him whilst he's looking at the stab wounds the club whores inflicted and not going ballistic? Bizarre. This was completely weird. Add in that we didn't see him going valsitic at the club wbores or brother and that just passes me off and split the book. Losing it a full star.
How to spoil a fabulous book!!
Read it, its a really great book but ignore the last chapter its stupid!
Also a series this long and not one book on ku??
The actual characters, story and plot were brilliant. It didnt bore me as so many formulaic biker books do nowadays. It was gripping and edgy and addictive.
The last chapter was a total mess. We have dc bejng attacked by the club whores, the brothers doing nothing, ziggy altering the video feed and hawk acting like a dick head. Add in crowd speaking like a multiple personality then dragging dc back to his room to fuck her where dc gives in and stares lustfully at him whilst he's looking at the stab wounds the club whores inflicted and not going ballistic? Bizarre. This was completely weird. Add in that we didn't see him going valsitic at the club wbores or brother and that just passes me off and split the book. Losing it a full star.
How to spoil a fabulous book!!
Read it, its a really great book but ignore the last chapter its stupid!
Also a series this long and not one book on ku??
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