I was raised in a motorcycle club. I saw things no little girl should ever see. Did things no little girl should ever do. That was my life and I loved it. The Ravens taught me about family. Loyalty. Even loss.
Now I live a different life. I'm no longer part of that family. I'm no longer part of the club. I live a life where I pretend to be the person I am. I put on a show for the world and I'm good at it. I've perfected it. At least I thought I had. It didn't take him long to see right through me.
I have a choice to make. Keep playing pretend or finally be who I have always wanted to be.
"When you're ready to stop hiding who you really are, come find me."
**Raiden's Choice is the first book in the Ravens MC series. It is a standalone, full-length novel and is suitable only for mature readers. It includes adult content, adult language, sexual situations, drug abuse, violence, and talk of rape.**
I am a happily married mother of three (two boys and one girl). I live in a very small town in Alabama. Never lived anywhere else. I’ve been writing since my early twenties, but I couldn’t seem to finish a book. I’ve started self-publishing with the encouragement from my mom. Without her encouragement, I don’t think I would’ve done it. She always supported me and writing is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll continue to do it. I’ve learned already that I can’t please everyone. Not all reviews will be good, not all reviews will be bad. I’m the one that has to be happy with my work.
I get my inspiration from life experiences, movies, television, other authors, and music. Music is definitely a big influence on my writing. I can hear a song and it can inspire an entire book for me. I listen to it while I’m driving or before I start writing and it keeps me inspired. I like to put music in my books, even if it’s just one song the characters listen to or hear at some point. Sometimes music has gotten me through the really tough times in my life and that’s why it inspires me.
I like to write fast-paced, steamy romance reads. I like for my males to be alpha-males and my heroines to be strong, but both need to have one weakness- each other. I am an avid reader. I absolutely love romance books!
This was a wonderful start to the series, it just proves that women although excluded from being patched members have their place doing men’s work as they would say. Raiden makes her place work and it fits so well with this storyline. It’s not heavy into the MC it more about the relationships they have and new ones that they forge and loose. Great read for anyone who doesn’t mind it light on the MC
I haven't read any really good MC books for a while, so this one was a nice surprise. It was good from the start to finish. After being raised in a MC club, all she wants was to get away from it. So she is a nurse and dating the ADA , the one person who wants to lock up her father. Luka didn't want to be a part of an MC, but his brother is in jail. And the only way to get him out is to go undercover with the MC. Rayden although running away from her heritage, doesn't know it but that is where she is herself more than the life she is living now. Luka can't help but be drawn to Rayden, but is that really a good idea?
Awesome story, fast paced and definitely a book that will have you guessing from the beginning to the end.
Raiden was raised in the MC world. Her mother died when she was young and her father raised her around the club. She has seen and done things that she might not be proud of but it is all to protect her family. Now she lives a separate life as a nurse dating the ADA. She is dating the one man that wants her father locked up. Raiden lives as if she is two separate people. Can she have the life that she wants and protect her family as well?
Luka has never wanted to be part of any motorcycle club. His brother is in jail and Luka will do whatever it takes to get him out. Joining the Ravens MC is what he is set up to do by the wonderful District Attorney. It’s simple really, Luka gets info on the MC and his brother gets out of jail. Oh, if only it was that easy.
Raiden sees Luka for exactly what he is. She knows that he is trouble but he sees right through her. He knows that she is living a lie. She loves the smell of leather and being on a bike is where she is meant to be. He is so drawn to her that he might just forget what he is trying to accomplish. That is until Raiden and her father realize what is happening as their secrets get revealed.
This was a great read. This is the first MC book that I have read from J. L Leslie and I am in love. I was sad when the book ended just because I want to know more. This is written so good that it just pulls you in. You feel you are part of their world and just keep turning the pages. I cannot wait for more!
Book: Raiden's Choice (A Ravens MC Novel Book 1) Author: J.L Leslie Publication Date: 4/7/2017 Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts My Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW I have read several books by this author with that said. This is one of my favorites. I have read many MC books, but this was a bit different. Typically the male has that Alpha role but in this Raiden takes that patch. She is left for her father to raise after her mother passes. Her dad although the top head of the club has allowed her to be separate in all club details besides one thing and she is dang good at it.
A few issues come into play. Your life is not out to all around you such as your boyfriend who is also the District Attorney and has it out for your dad who he doesn't know is your dad. Enter a new club member Luka who has now turned your brain and world upside down.
I can't wait to see where this series takes us. There were quite a few grammar errors but they didn't take from the story. I enjoyed this book and if you like a little grit pick up your copy.
“I read this book via Kindle Unlimited.” J.L. Leslie
Raiden's Choice is the start of a new series for the author and what a brilliant start it is. I was gripped from page one (in fact I was sobbing with Raiden). The book is extremely well written and the characters of Raiden and Luka are very strong. I felt great empathy with the decisions that they both had to make. Luka, especially, was thrust into a lifestyle that he never wanted. The relationship between them is believable and it made it all the harder to read when Raiden was with Griffen as you know she didn't want to be. The supporting characters are wonderful as well. Dax definitely has issues. I can't wait for a story for Kane. And even though I should hate Lincoln cause he is in a different club and disowns his brother I can't help willing him to change his mind. The one thing I liked about this book that I don't often find in MC books is the juxtaposition of different clubs and the brotherhood in one as compared to the criminality of the other. The reluctance to be in the club but the yearning for the family. Overall I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Raiden's Choice is my first book by the author but one is all it took to make me a huge fan. I didn't know what to expect going in, I mean the blurb was attention grabbing but I admit somewhere in the back of my mind I was somewhat expecting a cookie cutter MC story. I was wrong. There is nothing cookie cutter about this book. It's well written, engaging, well paced and I could not put it down until I finished. There's nothing better than a new to me author who can grab my attention from beginning to end and have me both loving the end yet begging for more. I'm a sucker for strong heroine's and that's just what Raiden is. Having been raised in and MC by her father after her mothers death really left her no choice but to grow up tough. She's smart and capable, that made me immediately love her. Luka is loyal, he knows what he wants and doesn't give up on it. I loved that about him. I said this book was not a cookie cutter MC novel and the main reason for that is at the core the entire story is based on loyalty and love for the MC. That made this book for me.
I love the MC JL has created, the Ravens MC seem to be the voice of reason in a town over run with motorcycle clubs, doing things with smarts not just muscle. Raiden is the daughter of the president, which is unique since most MC'S don't have a female heroen, only club girls or old ladies. Raiden was raises in the life, by a hard core biker and has certin assets that are valuable to the club and her dad. As president he takes full advantage of his hidden asset. Luca hated the MC life, losing so much in the crossfire and a brother to the life. But, until his little brother gets jail time does he dive in head on to help his little brother get out of jail. The planning, plotting and retaliation keeps the fast pace exciting thrill ride you get from the MC life, plus a bad ass female!
I absolutely loved this story line. It was the first book that i have had the pleasure to read by this author. It was intense, suspenseful and just enjoyable from the beginning to the end. I absolutely loved the characters and the chemistry between them. The way that Raiden does what is needed not only for her own life but the life that she has with her father. You can easily see that there is so much more to her. I loved the character chemistry between her and Luka. It is intense and hot right from the start. Luka brings out the side of her that should come out more. I loved reading about Lincoln and what is going on with him. He is strong through everything. I cant wait to see and read more from these characters.
I loved this book. This was J.L. Leslie's first MC book and she did an excellent job and the best part it's a series. So i cant wait to see who gets the next book. Suspense and danger, steamy sex. It had it all.
Raiden wants to protect her family, her club and she'll do anything to do it. Luka wants to protect his brother at all cost. Luka might hate the idea of joining the Ravens MC at first but along the way he finds a brotherhood and a woman he didn't even know he needed. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Raiden is a strong independent woman. She grew up in the MC as the club president's daughter. Her path in life takes a complicated turn when her mother dies. Luka is an MMA fighter that is trying to save his brother. These two meet under complex circumstances. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. A good read.
What an incredibly complex, exciting and suspenseful MC romance. Raiden knows tragedy as well as loyalty. She grew up in the Ravens MC club with her father the President. When her mother dies, it sends her down a different track within the club as she copes with the loss. She becomes one of their greatest assets which is refreshing in an MC though, she has to sell her soul to protect the family she cherishes. She finds herself connected to the ADA, Griffin, to be able to inform and alert her father when the District Attorney’s office is headed their way. This creates a very complex existence for Raiden. Luka finds himself starring at his brother through the Jail Plexiglas wondering how to get him released. Lincoln joined the Rykers MC and ended up busted. Luka doesn’t want to be involved with an MC, he works and fights in MMA bouts and works to stay away. Sadly, his brother’s situation puts him on a path with the ADA to become a snitch to get his brother released. Raiden and Luka cross paths and find something within themselves that they have been denying. But how can these two find love in this crazy, twisted world? Will Raiden give up her “fake” life to protect the Ravens family just for love? At the same time, you have the Ravens and Rykers coming at each other with several unexpected twists that drove the story and kept me guessing. Truly a wonderful MC story to dive into and devour.
I love MC stories and this goes on my must read shelf. I'll recommend it to other readers. But it really needs to be edited for extra words, incorrect words, and punctuation. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
A good read about the how the choices you make define how your life goes. Raiden and Luka are hot together. The choices they make lead them to each other for an explosive relationship.
I loved these characters in this story especially Raiden. She is an extremely strong and independent woman. She isn't exactly part of the MC but I like how she is involved in some way. This is an MC book and for the most part I would say this is your typical MC. If your looking for something that's not just your average MC book this one is for you.
3.5 stars. It was a good book, but I just needed more of something. The characters are done well and I seem to want more of them after the book is done which is a good thing. The multiple partners after meeting sort of turned me off though. There was a good who did it part of the story that gave me a run for my money, but everything about the story was just lightly touched. I just wish there was more depth to the whole book.
I enjoyed this story and found that it was a bit different from other MC reads; in a good way. The story featured a woman; strong, sassy, intelligent, and bold; as she tried to balance taking care of her MC and being herself. Raiden is an awesome heroine, reading this story I wanted her to be free to become herself more then I wanted her romance with Luka to work out. As a fellow woman, I wanted to watch her bloom and step into her rightful role.
Luka was an interesting character. He was doing what he thought was best to save his brother and that just happens to be joining an MC. Luka came across as a very dedicated man, but a bit naive at times. I liked his character and the fact that the traditional roles of MC life were switched around for Raiden and Luka.
The story line was good, it was about MC wars, and trying to help the people caught in the middle. There was a few story lines to keep track of and not all of them were explained fully. I enjoyed this story for the most part but there were a few issues that I had trouble with. Also, I do believe that the ending was a abrupt and too fast; I wanted more.
My issues with the story are these: Luka betrayed the MC (early on) but the MC President did not seem to have too much issue with this, he stayed on as a prospect and earned his cut in about 2 months (so fast). I felt the story was a bit stilted; there was a lot of explanation but not a lot of action. The ending was too fast, and a lot of the issues/troubles the MC had were not explained well. I also very much disliked the MC President because he never really had any emotions or heart. He treated his daughter terrible and made really bad decisions for the club, and never let anyone into his plans.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and will read the next in the series. I liked the authors writing style and felt that the story flowed well and the story was hard to put down. I look forward to more and maybe some answers to questions I still have.
Honestly when I read this book I fell in love with it!! This is an amazing start to a series.
Raiden is a no nonsense woman whom has been around male bikers her whole life. When devestation hits her at a young age her dad teaches her to shoot at a target to deal with grief so profound because bikers DO NOT CRY!! Raiden is definitely a woman whom can take care of herself. Raiden is a woman on a mission, one where she is playing a dangerous game. The stakes are very high.
Luka is a man on a mission to get his wayward brother out of trouble. He swore he would never be a part of an MC. Well to help his brother Linc he has to join an MC the Raven's MC. Luka will do anything to help his brother Linc.
The chemistry between Raiden and Luka from the first meeting is instant attraction but powers that may be aren't supposed to be. A very dangerous game is being played that could mean lives. This book has lots of twists, turns, sexy Alpha Males, hot sex scenes and I did say twists right?? Oh and we got a female character that can shoot, ride a Harley, and is sexy as heck.
I am not giving everything away and I hope I haven't said to much already...so really if you want an MC read that is a little different then the average where you usually have a damsel in distress then this is the read for you! Raiden's Choice was definitely a little different but definitely in a good way! I was so happy I got to read this one....J.L. Leslie keep them coming and can't wait to read Linc's story. Especially since I know whom your inspiration is for Linc.
Well, I really loved this book and, Yeah, I have just found a new author also! The plot was twisted and was a refreshing departure for the role of women in MC romance books. Well developed characters and storyline. Totally recommend it 🔥😁🔥
First off, I'd like to say that this was the first book I have read by this author and I was so not disappointed! She really has some amazing talent and ideas and this book kept me hooked from page one!
Now, I am very picky when it comes to MC novels. Mainly because of my obsession with Sons of Anarchy. That was the first MC story line I have ever gotten into and it set the bar rather high, despite it being a TV show. Needless to say, I can't wait for more of the Ravens!
This book had me captivated from the first page and I couldn't seem to stop reading it. I honestly thought that this book was going to contain a lot of mindless sex scenes and little to no story line, like most MC novels I have read do. But this one legitimately surprised me!
The plot was original and the description of the characters was just enough to let you get to know them but also left some unanswered. But not so much that you don't understand them. If that makes any sense at all.
I also really like the fact that the main female of this story is not one of those helpless damsel in distresses. She knows how to handle herself. I also like her devotion to her family and how she would do anything for them, even at the expense of her own happiness.
Again, I really, really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more! Definitely 5 out of 5 stars!
I seriously loved this book! This was my first time reading a book from this author and I was amazed. I will definitely be going and reading more from her. This captured what MC clubs are all about. Sure there's corruption and snitches but in the end is all about family and who you trust. I liked Raiden. She's one of those that are playing the game but she doesn't let her true self out enough. I liked how Luka encouraged her to let herself out and be who she's supposed to be. She was tough, fearless and dangerous with a gun and a knife. She's a badass chick for sure! My heart broke for her when she lost her friend. Raiden is the president's daughter and briefly dated the rival's president.. She's also pretending to date the ADA but her heart wants Luka. There's a lot of acting in this book but is all part of the plan. Luka I loved from the beginning. He's loyal to the ones he cares about even if they join the rival gang. He takes brotherhood very seriously and although he never had plans to join a MC, he fits in perfectly with the lifestyle. He also plays many parts in this book but there's 2 things he wants, his brother out of jail and Raiden. This was a great story, some pretty graphic at times but it has to be done. I loved the characters and how well they all fit together. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Raiden lost her mother at a young age and her father raised her among the Ravens Motorcycle Club where she learned to be tough as nails. Now she’s living a secret life as the girlfriend of the ADA where she can obtain info to help the Ravens. Enter new prospect, Luka who joined the Ravens to get info for the ADA so he can get his brother out of jail. Both of them are living lives that they don’t really want and fighting a strong connection between each other. Can they end up with what they really want and if so, at what cost? This is the first book I have read by this author and I was hooked by the story from the very beginning. She keeps the reader engaged with constant twists and turns and unending drama. Both Raiden and Luka have so many issues going on that you can’t help but want things to turn out for them. The author doesn’t just wrap things up in a pretty bow for us though, instead she leaves some things unresolved which makes the reader want more. An excellent start for what promises to be an awesome MC series!
HOLY SMOKES... so I NEVER really read MC books not really my thing so I decided since I really loved J.L. Leslie's other books I would give it a go. I received Raidens Choice as an ARC. Where to start, Raiden is a beautiful young Nurse who also has ties big ties to a predominate MC gang in their area, One of 3 to be exact.. She's the Presidents daughter and the ADA's Girlfriend...whoa what a place to be in. Luka is a strong man that has a lot of misery in his life he lost his love Haley,his mom,and now his Brother Lincoln is sitting in jail waiting prison time for a first offense small crime, Griffin the ADA lures Luka in with a half heart deal to join the Ravens be a rat and try and save his little bro and get his girl he falls for in the process. you really don't want to miss this read, it has mystery, suspense (tons of it) and SHOCK...with some steamy LOVING. J.L. Leslie once again blew it out of the ball park.
A few quick things before I get into the dirt of my review- while this novel contains graphic material, it is mild in regards to other MC novels I've read. But it's effing amazing nonetheless!
It's no secret I'm a huge fan of J.L Leslie, but this book takes her to an entirely new level. This quick and gripping novel will leave you begging for more.
Raiden is a fierce heroin, who's everything a woman should be. She's giving, caring, and fiercely loyal, even when it doesn't suit her true desires.
J.L did a fabulous job writing this novel, and really bringing the characters and actions to life. I was so wholly immersed in this story that I was afraid I'd be physically burned in the fire.
I cannot wait for this book to go live, so y'all can enjoy it.
For the first time in a long time, I have absolutely no complaints!
I love a good biker read and this one didn't disappoint. From the very first page you are sucked in, I read this one in one day as I couldn't get enough.
This is a well written read, and you are taken on a journey that will feel like a rollercoaster.
Raiden has been brought up within the MC, she is a strong willed young woman and is a fantastic asset for the Raven's MC. She has a fantastic way of reading people, and is always on hand when her father, the MC president needs her. The only thing though, she cannot be herself.
Luka is a man that is fighting for his family, he will not give up until they are safe. His best laid plans go a little wrong when he meets Raiden.
This is a fantastic start to a new series and I will be stalking this author for the next book.
This is a suspenseful MC romance with a smart heroine who can look after herself... I really loved the premise which focused on the conflict between loyalty to family, doing what is right, and protecting friends.
The main characters are well written and worth rooting for... some of the other characters are more one dimensional and lack consistency in their responses to the events that play out..that being said the love story between the two main protagonists felt genuine and I was desperate for them to make the right decisions and choose love...
The MC world and the diverse characters within it are well described within this book and the loyalties, sometimes misplaced, that bind the members together...
This was an action filled and exciting read with plenty of heat ... I received a copy of this book from the author...
This was my very first MC book. I'll be honest by saying I was very hesitant about even reading mostly because of the warnings of what was involved. Don't even let that persuade you not to read it because its really not anything I expected from the warnings. I'm still trying to grasp everything i just read but I cant even put it into words right about now. Seriously, this book has left me speechless and not many can do that. You will find yourself wanting to finish this book in one sitting because it's definitely a page turner. I hope we see more of Raiden and Luka in the next book. I loved those 2 characters the most. I absolutely loved this book and cant wait for the next one.
I received an Arc in exchange for an honest review
I'll be honest here, I am not a huge fan of motorcycle club books. For the first couple of chapters, I was lamenting the fact that I said I would read this for the author.
Then somehow without realizing it, the book wove itself into such an intriguing story that I couldn't put it down. Raiden was such a great female role model for strength and independence. She knew what she wanted and went after it. She was capable and reliable. There are so many flighty female leads out there that she was a breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed so many of the side characters as well. I cried when one was lost. And holy hotness, Luka and Raiden were awesome together.
I will definitely read another by this author. Well done!
❤️🌼🔥LOVED RAIDEN & LUKA....LOVED THIS BOOK...LOVE J. L. Leslie❤️🌼🔥
RAIDEN’S CHOICE is the 1st book I’ve read by J.L. Leslie, but it certainly won’t be the last.....❤️🌼🔥 RAIDEN And LUKA (I love those names) are so attracted to each other, I could feel the heat come through my kindle...but they were raised in completely opposite ways, but that intensifies their feelings..... this book, in my opinion, is not the typical MC book...and I mean that in a good way. It just has some different situations and outcomes you don’t expect, and one has to do with Linc, so I will now read Book 2, LINCOLN’S CHOICE.....❤️🌼🔥 RAIDEN’S CHOICE kept me interested enough to finish it in one sitting....I couldn’t put it down...❤️🌼🔥
What a perfect way to start a series. I've read a lot of MC books and never get bored from each authors point of view.
Raiden's character followed a mindset of what it would be like for a girl to grow up in an MC club. She is tough and wants to do what is needed to make her father (the pres) proud of her. In doing this she can't be herself until Luka comes into the picture.
Luka does not want this life but will do what is needed to help his brother. A brother who's MC left him in jail for their crimes. These two learn a lot about who they really are and want they want. I followed their story at a fast pace and loved it. I can't wait to see what comes next.