The Samaritan

Ghosttown Riders #3

by Amelia Shea

A Ghosttown Riders Motorcycle Club Book - A heartbreaking past may stand in the way of a beautiful future.
Born into a motorcycle club dynasty, biker Caden Reilly chose a different path. A single dad struggling to keep his business afloat while caring for a hostile, arrogant, and ill biker father, his life is anything but normal. Just when it seems life couldn’t throw him another curveball, he comes face to face with the Good Samaritan who stopped to help his dad. He isn’t prepared for the feelings she evokes within him. Marissa is a game-changer for Caden, who never saw himself settling down with a woman.
A devastating loss two years ago has left Marissa Nichols a shell of her old self. After losing what she held most precious, she gave up on life and any hope of happiness and normalcy. Until one good deed changes it all. An odd encounter with a stranger at a deserted rest stop has Marissa playing Good Samaritan and thrust into the lives of the seemingly dangerous Reilly men, turning her lackluster life inside out. One man, in particular, forces her to feel more in ten minutes than she’s felt in years. She knows it’s best to move on, but her heart has other ideas, keeping her in the small town and in close quarters with the devilishly handsome man whose world is coming to mean everything to her.
But something is off. He can sense the hidden secrets she holds. As they both struggle with their pasts, they grow closer, falling deeper for one another. Their desire and connection have also caught the attention of Caden’s older brother, who seems hell-bent on coming between Caden and the woman he wants. Outside obstacles and tragic secrets threaten to ruin any chance they have for a future together.
Marissa and Caden are complete opposites from totally different worlds. Their connection shouldn’t make sense, yet it does. Will Caden’s steadfast devotion and roots be enough for Marissa to find peace and a home of her own?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Amelia Shea writes contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2015, and has followed her passion for series romance ever since. Her writing style includes a little sweet, a little sassy and lots of steam. She loves building stories with settings that become comfortable and familiar, and developing characters who feel real, and though they may be flawed, they learn and grow, and finally deserve a happy ending. When she is not writing, she is obsessed with reading (all genres although she does has a soft spot for romance), coffee (it's more of an addiction but she prefers obsession) and perfecting her "y'all" (just a northern girl living in the south).

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super emotional 💔

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: found family
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥

Good lordy! There were parts of this book that completely wrecked me and had me sobbing. But what a fantastic read about found family and new beginnings. The FMC's story was heartbreaking and she totally deserved her HEA. The MMC was just an all around good guy who could have been far more jaded than he was. Such a fantastic series and I'm just completely blowing through all of them, lol

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/12/2020)! 🎁

[CeCe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caden is just a jerk and Marissa will have to walk on egg shells around that idiot forever. I can not believe that she cares for him. If everything goes his way, he is happy and loving, but if it is not going his way, then f**k you. That my friends is a mentally abusive relationship. Caden needs therapy. He does not know what he wants and he does not trust Marissa.
She helped his father who is suffering through an awful disease and still he doubts her and is an a**hole. Good luck. I have seen many people in these type of relationships. They never last. Caden is not an alpha. He is a wannabe who pretends.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick(ish) review

Review - Ghosttown Riders by Amelia Shea

Series Thoughts: Damn. I'm surprised at how much I got sucked into this crackilicious series. I mean, I hate the way it starts (more on that later), but emotionally this sucked me right in and even made me like some of these guys that I thought I'd never like (yes I'm looking at you Kase). What I loved is the characters. Especially the way this deals with every day life - there's a character with dementia, whose journey and final moments actually made me cry. There's alot of the aftermath of moving on from grief, that was touching and really hooked me into tearing through this 8 book series like a toddler through a lego set. I was all into it.

This is in line with most MC romances - there's violence, physical and attempted sexual assault, murder, multiple kidnappings. This is a series of bikers trying to get out of the life and move to Ghosttown, population 45. Each couple is settling in a town where literally you know everyone else, so there's no diversity and while there's interactions with the residents of Ghosttown, it's mostly biker centric. The series is also in line with Ghosttown East - around 3 or 4 on the WTFery scale.

The main reason I'm rating this series lower, however, is the editing - missing, misspelled words, and continuity questions really hurt the narrative, which is pretty damn good. But when I'm pulled out of the moment because I'm trying to figure out what you meant to write, not what's on the page, it's a problem.

So with that said, let's focus on the individual books:

The Samaritan: Caden and Marissa. If I had to recommend a book to start with, it would be this one. Caden and Marissa have a bumpy start but their relationship, when it comes together, really shines. Marissa's story is tragic and touching, and the focus on the Reilly family dealing with Jack's declining mental health was the highlight. Jack is probably my favorite character of the series. Even with the writing issues, this is a good one. 4*

[domestic_godess_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eowr

At 1st, I didn't wanna read this book because it wasn't 1 of the main MC characters. But I read the reviews and decided to go for it and I'm so glad I did this book was a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait to read more

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa Nichols left her hometown after a tragedy. She has been floating around the US for years and finds herself drawn to a man at a rest area. Marissa doesn't form attachments, but this man seems lost, so she decides to help him out. Marissa has no idea that it will change her path in life.

Caden Reilly is Jack's dad, he has been slowly losing his mind and has been missing. When he gets a call from Marissa, he heads out with his brother to get his dad. Never did he expect to find a beautiful woman who reminds his dad of his past. He doesn't act on his desire to get to know her but when he sees her again, he makes an offer for a place for her to stay. Caden can't stay away from Marissa and doesn't want to see her go. She has walls around her, and he knows if he can break those down, he could find a happiness he never believed possible, will she let him?

Amazing story, have a tissue close by. I did not read this in order but wish I would have as some of the characters have an important part and it explains a few things that happen in the other books. I loved Caden's son, he is a hoot. Marissa is definitely a favorite in this series.

[Double T's book buddies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caden, Marissa, Trevor and Jack

Wow this was a really great story, but some heartbreak as well. Marissa had packed up what was left of her life and took to the roads for two years and that's where she met Jack at a rest area where she stopped to eat some lunch and spotted Jack pacing back and forth. She was getting ready to leave but her heart wouldn't let her, so she asked if she could help him and bless his sweet heart, he was lost and didn't know how it happened. Yes one of the most saddest diseases in our universe is dementia. He gave her his phone to call his boys as he called them and had the misfortune of getting the grouch Kase and eventually spoke to Caden. She waited for them to arrive and she wound up taking Jackass home, because he thought she was a fun loving club whore from back in his early years and Marissa went along with it because of an uncle having dementia when she was growing up. Caden was very attracted to her and her car was having issues so he let her stay in one of his apartments and him along with Jack and his son Trevor fell in love with her and her sweet nature, but she also had her own heartbreak with being the only survivor of a vehicle wreck that killed her parents and her three year old daughter. Happy reading.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit different, the MC not at the forefront, but a side character, which made things interesting. I really liked Marissa right away, liked that she did what she could for Jack, even though she was trying to avoid people. It's too bad that Kase was such an ass at the start, but I loved that Marissa turned him down in favor of Caden. You could tell there was attraction on both ends right away, but both were wary of the other due to things that happened in their past. As they got to know each other, there were lots of bumps, bumps that could have been avoided had they talked. Once they did and laid it all out, you could see how great it was going to be for them.

I loved seeing Marissa come back to life with Caden, being Colleen for Jack, being a mom to Treavor, by getting to know Bailey, getting to know the women from the MC and the guys that worked for Caden. Caden got to see how having someone at his side, such a little thing, had such an impact, something he sorely needed.

Loved how this one ended, loved that Kase did something very unKase like for Marissa and Caden. I find I'm also very intrigued by the nugget of info that Caden let know the core group of MC guys, am really looking forward to seeing how that plays out.

[Mille-feuille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me tearing up. The hurt and angst about Jack's condition and Marissa's past coupled with this small family coming together after finding the last piece was perfect for me.

It was bitter sweet, tender and loving.
Caden is so caring, he loves his family and he does right by then even when it's hard.

Marissa is kind and rolls with the punches when it comes to dealing with Caden's family, his staff and the MC. I enjoyed every Colleen scene as it felt so joyful despite the sad underlying reason.

Jack and Trev were vital parts of this story. Providing much levity and shenanigans. The characters were utilised well and had very sweet individual relationships with Marissa. A lot of books with a storyline involving dependants mostly use them as a prop with not much characterisation beyond what makes their situation more difficult for the main character. This was definitely not the case here.

So far this is my favourite in the series. Can't wait to see Bailey and Saint's story.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters: Marissa and Caden
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5

*Trigger warnings at the bottom of review*

This was a lot more emotional than I anticipated. Also I wasn’t sure that I would like this because I am not a huge fan of motorcycle club romances.
This is the 3rd book in the series but my first time reading this series and author.

I liked this relationship that started more with them being leery with each other, I felt for Caden because he has had a lot of bad experiences with women, so I can completely understand why he was so mistrusting of Marissa until she knocked down her walls and exposed herself to him more, so he was able to do the same with her.

I loved Caden’s son Trevor, he was so sweet and you can see how much he liked Marissa and warmed up to her quickly.

Jack was an interesting character, and I felt bad for him.


(Trigger warnings are dementia in a character, loss of a child, loss of parents, grief)

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING LOVE STORY!! 💖💗💙💚💛💝💜💙💚❤

This book had such a beautiful love story! I loved every moment of it. There was sadness and joy... laughter, friendship, loyalty, comraderie, steam, humor and a beautifully described and moving love between a couple, and their biological family and made family! Amelia Shea is an wonderful writer....the story of the meeting, getting to know each other and the heartwarmingly deep connection that developed between Caden and Riss was told with such tenderness and compassion. I felt every sadness and happiness deep inside me that Caden and Riss had felt in the past.... I rejoiced that they found each other to share their past burdens with. This was not a sad story at all but one about coming home to that one person who could understand, truly comfort and uplift you. I highly recommend this book... I have enjoyed all of Amelia Shea's books and you will too. 😇

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: death of family and a child . Happens off page but it’s the heroine’s whole backstory.

Marissa and Caden. Marissa has experienced a devastating loss, and spent the last 2 years on a walk about, alone. She runs across Jack at a rest stop, he’s an older man, lost and very confused. She eventually gets his sons on the phone and meets Caden. Caden is a non-bike club member but Jack is a former president and his brother Kase is currently president (of a biker club). So he’s a rough dude.

Anyway, Marissa is a quirky girl and gets under Caden’s hard, untrusting, grumpy exterior. They hook up and slowly get together.

Spoiler: No third act breakup! Huzzah!

This did make me cry. Marissa’s past and they way Caden and his family take her in just hit me hard.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets better!

I have to admit that the first book in this series was a hard read for me, but I liked the characters, so I pressed on. Cade's book was the best one yet.
Marissa is on an endless road trip, leaving behind heartache and loss. Finding an confused old man at a rest area wasn't on her list. Contacting his sons, who were suspicious of her, only brought her closer to the human interaction she was running from. Cade and Kase both made an impression on her, one good, one bad.
Cade couldn't stop thinking about this stranger so he tracked her down. When she needed a little help he jumped right in. With the MC playing a background roll, this book with Cade, his father Jack, and his son Trevor, showed how love can build a family.
This book was a great read. Make sure to have some tissues handy as you fall in love with Marissa and the Reilly men.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa and Caden, they work!

I am reading the entire series and this book was beautiful in storyline and the main characters Caden and Marissa. It’s a feel good ending but in away that doesn’t take away from the grief and loss that Marissa is suffering from. I am not going to divulge here because it would take away from reading this story. Caden is a single dad and brother to Kase, President of the MC. The brothers are similar but since Caden is a father and a caregiver, I believe this has opened his eyes to see that you can still be alpha male and not be a jerk male at every chance. Caden’s son Trevor is just too good in the story. All the characters show up and have active roles in each book which is great and makes for the best reader experience. Read On!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than the last!

Cade’s son Trevor stole the show a number of times. I hope that he gets a book down the track.

Cade is kept on his toes with his elderly father, a teenage son, keeping his business afloat and the unexpected addition of Marissa in the mix.

Marissa was an easy to like character as was Cade. Their maturity made seeing them navigate their troubles a lot easier as a reader. The heartbreaking moments were overshadowed by Marissa’s kindness and patience.

As Cade’s only connection to the Ghosttown Riders is through his Dad and Brother, the spotlight was predominantly on Cade, Marissa and his family.

[Lesley Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect couple

Ah I loved Caden and Marissa. This story was perfect. Loved the back story for both characters, and although Kase was his usual ‘charming’ self for most of the book, he finally showed a sliver of humanity, so is no longer on my *hit list!

This book has me hooked from the start abs I couldn’t put it down it was so easy to get lost in the authors words. Loved the element of humour throughout this book, and I’m so glad Marissa met Bailey, can see them being fantastic friends.

Great third book.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This about family by blood and family by choice.

The day Marissa helped an older man with dementia changed four lives for the better. They all benefited, Trev got a mom, and Jack has someone to help him with his good and bad days. Cade and Riss got their HEA. As I finish reading another book in Amelia's series I am a little emotional in a good way. Amelia has a way of telling a story that has me wrapped up in each of the characters. Not just the big picture but the smaller pieces are just as important. Amelia is a wonderful author.

[Lora Cimino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!!

Amelia Shea certainly has the gift of telling a great story!! I started reading his book and I didn't stop until I reached the happily ever after ending. I fell in love with all of her characters and while I wanted to reach the end, I didn't want the book to be over. I even skipped my favorite tv show because I couldn't put the book down. This book has all the feels. It has delicious spicy scenes between Marissa and Caden. And you just can't help but love Jack. I highly recommend this book to you!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down! Fell in love with Caden and Marissa, Trevor and Jack. Even didn't mind Kase as much, but he's still an a#$hole.

The pain and heartbreaking story of Marissa brought tears to my eyes and then to read what Caden has hidden in his path with his son...bring on the feels. These two couldn't be more perfect for one another.

I'm not usually a MC novel reader, but I can't get enough of these books! Enjoy!

[Karen Keener Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first two books but wasn't sure about this one. It wasn't an mc book exactly but it was it was written on there fringes of the mc.

I'll admit it took me a long time to get onto the book. I was just adamant I was going to read the books in order and I was very interested in reading the Saint so i persevered. About 60% in, I found my connection and the last 40% was great.

Now I'm continuing on to The Saint!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cade and Rissa

Wow this started out slow and wasn't sure about Rissa past but omg just broke my heart. She is such a strong person and how she handled Jack with his dementia thinking she was Colleen was precious and sad at times. The caring way she was toward Cades son Trevor was sweet and omg I never thought I would say this but Kase does have a good side well for Kase it's good. Looking forward to Bailey and Saints story.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! This was an awesome read. I was just cracking up every time there's a confrontation between Cade and Trevor (his 16 yr old horny son), especially the bra scenes in the beginning of the book. I just loved Trevor, he was my favorite person from this book.
This book was not really an MC related book. Yes the MC was involved but mostly in the background. Even with them in the background it was an amazing heartbreaking read.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. It can be triggering (loss of a child), but it’s still really good. This isn’t my usual go-to novel just bc the whole novel seemed kinda somber. But still a great story. Each book has been unique and that’s so refreshing! I’m can’t wait to read Kase even though he still gets on my damn nerves this entire book😂. This series is totally worth reading. I literally have been reading one after the other lol. Also Caden and Marissa were so good together!

[Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quickie review: 3.5 stars. This was a pretty good story. I did think the writing was only okay and felt a little amateur. The characterization felt a little weak. But the story in general was good and kept my attention. I liked the world building and the side characters enough to read more of the series. Cade and Marissa were pretty good together. I didn't feel a big connection to them but I liked the story.

[Cali Gal’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

swoon worthy and emotional too

I am a mess. This MC read makes you laugh but be prepared cause you will get the vibe from the start that something sad might be coming. It will leave you emotional in the most beautiful of ways. Plan to be put back together in an awesome way with some sexy mixed in to keep things interesting. Yum. I love the characters in this book. Ok on to the next in the series.

Trigger warning: family loss

[Michelle Ivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with a a woman driving and stopping at a restroom where she meets a man who’s obviously confused. Through the use of his cell phone she’s able to contact his sons who are members of a MC.

This begins a romance that is full of twist and turns. It’s a good story about overcoming obstacles and the past to form a real family.

It’s writing is simple and the attitudes of the characters are written very expressively.It has all the elements of a MC romance and is enjoyable.

[kgm95 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author’s writing g style is pretty good BUT her stories lack something. Perhaps a conflict, a plot twist, just something to hold your attention and make you care, as a reader, whether you finish the story or not. The sex scenes are a bit much for my taste but some may feel they’re necessary for the romance or the HEA. I’m going to pause on her series as I’ve read three and they are all very similar.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Shea is my favorite guilty pleasure, that I don’t feel guilty about! Her writing is witty, real, gritty romance (did I just make that up? Maybe!) and seriously, just HOT! Amelia knows how to weave a good steamy scene into a story with heart. The Samaritan just might be my favorite Ghosttown Riders yet, until my next read, of course!

[Crystal’s Pets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I can’t wait till the 4 book. This author is awesome she never repeats the story from the rest of the box but keeps all the people in all of the books just with the main characters. A lot of authors have a hard time doing this they redo you the same book over and over. This author does not this was a great. I will definitely be reading more from her

[Evelyn Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Not truly a MC book, however, it is an excellent contemporary romance with close blood ties to Ghosttown Riders. Case & Riss , parental love, the introduction to the challenges of having & dealing with Alzheimer's, a well raised , motherless teen; topics so well written & used to produce an awesome book. Such a great series. I'm reading every single book.