I have one rule: no repeats. One woman, one day. That’s all they get. The only stable relationship in my life is the one I have with my tattoo gun. I spend my days working private security for the crime Syndicate and nights at my family’s bar.
That is, until my cousin brings home a stray—a provoking, smart-mouthed redhead. But Clover is off-limits. She’s too much of a temptation and trouble in the making.
But when a man I should have killed long ago sets his sights on her. I’ll have to decide if she’s worth the risk of my heart and breaking my only rule.
Clover
Life is a big, fat sack of donkey shit. But after one drunken afternoon, my new fairy godfather whisks me away to live and work with his family of high-profile criminals. Tending bar with a shotgun within my reach turns out to be the perfect job for me.
What I don’t need is the annoyingly hot, new roommate, Nix Colton, who infuriates me at every turn, tempting me to take a walk on his wild side. But he says he doesn’t want me.
If I can’t have Nix, maybe the sexy stranger who walks into my bar one day is just what I need. But when he turns out to be no ordinary stranger, it becomes painfully clear I should stay far away from him.
Because if I let my guard down around him, it may be the last mistake I ever make. And nothing Nix does will save me from my fate.
*Trigger Warning Violence Addiction Strong Sexual Situations Drug use
Rebecca Rennick, known to her friends as Becca was born in California but has since converted into a Floridian. Along with her husband, and dog. With love for both horror films and the Hallmark Channel, she can be a little dark and creepy while wearing all pastel pink. Growing up in the theater led to her studying fashion in San Francisco where she received a BFA in fashion design. She has many obsessions such as tattoos on herself and others. As well as an unhealthy desire to see the entire world. Her only other true passion is eating. She loves to try everything at least once. You only have one life and you might as well try it all. Except meth, don't try meth.
Style: Dark Romance Story: 3/5 Enjoyment: 4/5 Dark Level: 1.5/5 Sexual Level: GOOD Triggers: Yes Violence: Yes (Mild) Male: Jerk & Cocky Series: Book 1 (Cliffhanger) Pages: 288 Audio: N/A Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY: I got deeply involved with this story. However, had a few buts, but the positives prevail for me. Nix, wow, he is a jerk. Especially towards women. Lucky for him, I found him jerk-aliously sexy. He is a part of a crime family, who makes up the Syndicate, represented by 6 families and the Coltons are one of the six. Although Colton’s family is involved with illegal activities, they all have their legit businesses on the side and Nix’s is his tattoo shop. I found Nix’s attitude (not always the best) to be a part of the allure of what reeled me into this story. Said attitude, when matched with Clover, makes it even more appealing and what I found exciting about this book. Clover is a bad bee. Her interview scene for the bartender position won me over with liking her. Although I think she is feisty when needed, she has a lot that she faces and battles.
While this story touches on topics that could a trigger, I still found this to be not too dark(I know most readers has their own interpretation of dark). Although we are being introduced to the Coltons, the focus consistently stayed on Nix’s and Clover’s growing relationship. There were a handful of crime activity scenes but wanted to see more and what this family is capable of.
CHEMISTRY: I love the way the author gave us the build up between Nix’s and Clover’s physical chemistry. Nix is no Romeo, so get that out your head because you will want to slap him with things that he says and do. However, seeing Clover bring him down by just being her, Mr. I only sleep with a girl once rule gave me satisfaction. Once Nix starts to finally realize his feelings and act upon it, it was good.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS: Ok, so, there was a lot going on in regard to secondary characters. I think the author should have given us a family tree of the Colton’s in the beginning of the book because there are too many; I believe 15. I got a bit lost with whose who and whose sister/brother and actual cousin. Rosie and Lily stood out to me as well as Arrow and the cousin that owns the Bakery, forgot his name. I saw Beau in the beginning of the story, but he went M.I.A. The Colton’s are an interesting bunch and I like their dynamics as siblings and family.
Overall, I am interested in seeing where this story goes. I was surprised it was a cliffhanger, wish I got a heads up. I hope the story gets darker as it continues in book 2. I love the pace and the way the story drags me in with the relationship between Nix and Clover.
**Triggers: Addiction and Violence
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow what an opening to me by this author! Family, drama, sexy times, danger, good bad boys ( kinda an anti-hero) and REALLY bad bad boys ( Braxton, definitely not a hero)! I loved Clovers spunk, grit and independece! I loved Nix after he stopped being a huge man wπo®€! I knew just knew when I was getting toward the end of this book it was going one of two ways: cliffhanger or super quick wrap up undeserving of this fantastic read! Sadly it's a CLIFFHANGER so be aware! Thankfully they are in kindle unlimited! Brilliant finding new author to follow!
This is a well written book with strong ,well developed characters in Clover and Phoenix and an intriguing story line. They have an instant attraction and hot chemistry. I enjoyed their interaction with her snarky and his grumpy attitudes with each other. The author moves the story fluidly with her vividly painted scenes and had me glued to the pages from start to finish and still wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next book! Great start to a new series!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Could have used some editing, some of the errors and grammar are painful. Got massively sucked into the story though and need to find out what happens - that cliffhanger can suck it.
🗝️🗝️ONE DARK, SCINTILLATING WILD RIDE🗝️🗝️ Bursting britches boo! Rebecca hit the ground running laying waste and raising the stakes, unleashing one helluva sensational, boot-stomping, rock-my-world, kickass tsunami, knocking down walls and bringing the heat with all the badassery you can handle, pulling all of those churning feels into play front and center, launching this gem to staggering heights. Hurled head-long into unfamiliar terrain full of gripping drama, turbulent intrigue, escalating danger, nailbiting suspense and intense encounters ensue, while attentive to the perilous twists and wicked turns unfolding, broken perimeters and sketchy lines solidify as limitations are exhausted and relaxed, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. Perception and attributes in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this tangled web so intricately and precise, exhibiting the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and inspiring in it's strength, blasting this gem into the eye of the storm, booting it into a tailspin with mind-blowing impacts, catapulting this jewel to life flawlessly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, pulling our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Rebecca, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, the blurb read well but I was tempted to be cautious because of all the trigger warnings. I’m so glad I wasn’t and went into this with my eyes wide open.
I think whilst there are definite elements of all the things the triggers warnings are about, they are for the most part really lightly and respectfully touched on and this book is in no way particularly “dark” so please don’t let them put you off at all.
The author is building the most amazing world around her characters, and I am genuinely excited for where she goes next. Not only am I eagerly awaiting the conclusion of Nix and Clovers story, but the surrounding characters she introduced so thoroughly are begging for books of their own (Magnus and Griffon are on my hot list already...)
Both Nix and Clover are complex with lots of good reasons, I adored how Clover and Beau clicked first and how he brought her into the fold (I’d love to read more about that relationship if possible...) But how damaged and broken she is reads so well, and how the family build her back up and give her something to be proud of, even Nix when he really doesn’t want anything to do with her. I love how Nix’s attitude to Clover changes as he realises his feelings for her, even when he is being hurtful.
The scenes with the family steal it for me, but the underlying slow burn romance is captivating and the cliffhanger has me desperate for the next part...
An amazing book, new author for me and I’m definitely following for the next instalments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The moment I picked up this book I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down!
I loved Clover. She was down on her luck and had the opportunity to go somewhere that know one knew her and she could start a new life. She is a BA and with everything that she has experienced in her life she continues to fight and doesn’t let anyone put her down. Phoenix took some getting used to for me, but I warmed up to him as the story continued. He is a one and done type of guy, he runs a tattoo shop but also is involved in some less than legal activities along with a lot of the other members of his family.
The moment Clover and Nix meet there is chemistry. They are both drawn to each other and I loved seeing their connection grow as the story continued and they began to spend more time together. Despite Nix trying to avoid Clover because she works for the family bar, he is still protective of her and wants to let her in on some of his life and spend time with his family. The tension, the chemistry, the banter. I loved all of it.
The rest of the Colton family is amazing and I loved all the small things they added to the story and I hope that they all eventually have some stories in the future, especially Magnus!
I wasn’t expecting this story to end on a cliffhanger and I am dying to know what is going to happen next!
If you’re looking for a romance with a BA heroine, a tattoo artist, a great family, syndicates and some suspense this is one to read!
OMG, I loved this read! Didn’t realize this would end on a cliffhanger . Hillary a/k/a Clover has had a bad day, she’s late for work, then her car breaks down and she’s about to lose her job. It’s also very hot outside so she decides to head to a bar across the street and start day drinking. There she meets Beau, a real hottie bartender. After several drinks, she passes out at the bar and Beau takes her home to his apartment. The next morning she is shocked that she spent the night with him. Nothing happened because Beau is gay. He offers to take her with him to North Carolina and get her a job at his families bar. She has no reason not to start over someplace else and agrees. Once there she meets her new roommate and Beau’s cousin Phoenix, another hottie who isn’t happy to have a woman staying at his place. He’s arrogant, brash and a. man whore who really acts like a jerk at times. Clover has no filter and she gives back with her sarcasm and feisty attitude. Clover is a tiny red headed fireball and a real turn on for Phoenix. An intriguing storyline with plenty of humor, sassy banter, danger, suspense and a deep attraction between Nix and Clover. I love Clover’s character and Phoenix starts to grow on you the further into the book you get.. Can’t wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 1st book I have read from this author and I have to say I am hooked! This was a great story and a great start to the series! The only complaint I have is that it ended on a cliffhanger! With that being said, this is the story of Phoenix (Nix) and Clover. Nix comes from a huge family and does not believe in being with a irl more than one time – he is not the relationship type. He has a dark, dangerous side to him, but at times, he also has a softer, sweeter side. Clover is a spitfire. She has had a bad couple of years and meets Beau who helps her change her life by offering her a job and a place to live in North Carolina. She didn’t put up with any crap from anybody and gave Nix a run for his money. There was an instant attraction between Nix and Clover and the bantering between them made me laugh. Nix feels very protective of Clover, especially when someone he loathes comes for her.
Great story with great characters and a plethora of more characters for future books in the series. This story is full of drama, suspense, action, deception, danger, passion, loyalty, trust, friendship and family. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book to come out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a dark romance , book 1 in a duet so it ends on a cliffhanger. Even though it reaped my heart apart I loved this book so much . ⚠️check TW⚠️ ————————————————————
Hillary Jones hates her life. all alone in this world, she has a jacka$$ boss who tried to give her seggsual favors and now on her way to work, her car broke down. With the knowledge that she will be fired because she will be late, she decides to just go and drink in the bar near where she got stuck.
In the bar she meet Beau, the bartender. They become fast friends, and after Beau hears some of her life story, he suggest she will come home with him and work at his family bar. New life, she’s taking his offer and even changes her name to Clover.
From what Beau told her, she going to be his and his cousin’s, Phoenix, roommate.
From the moment Phoenix,the c☸️cky b@stard meets Clover he doesn’t like her , and tries to make the “little girl “ run scared.
Sure Phoenix is hot, but he is a total man whore . And Clover definitely not scared of the “big bad wolf “.
With time and a few power games the become somewhat friends, but their chemistry is strong and slowly they start falling for each other
Nix Colton is a pure alpha male. He is unforgiving, relentless, violent, and protective. He will do whatever needs to be done for his family. His family is huge, with only blood relation. They are a part of what is know as the syndicate. They control, own, and execute a specific branch.
Clover is full of fire and Innocence. Red hair, blue eyes, and the size of a pixie. She has no problem giving her opinion, or getting someone's attention. When Clover meets Beau, Nix Colton's cousin, she has the opportunity to change her life. Clover comes to a different City, and lands the job at Colt 45. In addition, she becomes Nix and Beaus roommate.
This book was enticing, sexy, and full of unknowns. Nix and Clover compliment each other so well, but they can't see it. I enjoyed their banter and back and forth, but I think there could have been less of it. There were parts that seemed drawn out. I did not like the fact it was a cliffhanger. Although, I am invested enough that I will read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nix and Chloe have chemistry that you feel coming off the pages. No problem right? Wrong! These two knew who the other was from their first explosive moments of meeting each other. Chloe was not exactly excited with big bag of crap that she has been handed, and just so everyone knows you should never accept a bag that is warm. Be aware be very aware! She knew and she tried mightily not spread that Crap around but it was impossible to contain and Nix was just going to have deal because the signals given were mixed and hard to read yet straightforward and hitched. Yes I know you probably have no clue what I am talking about, so you are going to have get this book! Its really good and one I recommend! Pull up a chair invite a friend and well get down to what makes Nix tick, Chloe scream and see for yourself. Really good and really worth it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Clover was having a run of bad luck and needed to settle somewhere new where no one knew her and she could start over. When things pile up, she walks over to a bar and meets Beau, a bartender. He invites her to go to North Carolina where he can get her a job at his family’s bar. Her new roommate is Beau’s cousin Phoenix (“Nix”). He is kind of a jerk, arrogant and grouchy to have her there. But Clover is no pushover and unleashes her own snarky attitude on him. They are perfect together, if they don’t kill each other. When she gets in trouble, will Nix be there to keep her safe? Or will he walk away from further involvement?
This is an intriguing story line with all the elements that make a good story and keep the reader’s full attention. The reader can already see the attraction between Nix and Clover, despite Nix’s self-imposed “rules”. The author leaves the reader eager to read more, which shows you how good this story is!
A new author for me and I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great start to a new series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I wish it hadn’t ended on a cliff - I prefer to wait til the next book is ready but I didn’t realize. This story is about Phoenix aka Nix and Clover. Nix is not a relationship type of guy - he’s a one night and done guy. At times he can be sweet and soft but he definitely has a dark, dangerous side to him. Clover is a is full of moxie, she shoots from the hip. She has had a bad couple of years and meets Beau who helps her change her life by offering her a job and a place to live in North Carolina. She isn’t one to put dup with any crap from anyone including Nix. Nix didn’t know what hit him. They had an instant attraction and the banter between Nix and Clover was hilarious.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me start off saying that this book is not for everyone. If you can not handle a man that is just purely a one-night stand guy, then do not read this. But then again, who is to say that he is will always be that one-night stand kind of guy. I can't say that he will or won't stay that way it is up to the author. She does a great job making him out to be the worst guy in the story at first. The female lead she is not one to take any crap from anyone let alone him. So if you can handle a woman that is strong willed and a man that is also not the type she wants but they both feel the attraction towards each other and want to open up to one another then grab this story and see where this amazing couple goes. It is not a standalone as it leaves off on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Life just kept kicking her in the guts, but her luck seems to change when she crosses paths with Beau, he takes her under his wing, and invites her to be become his and his cousin's roommate. Although it's his sexy sarcastic cousin Nix (Phoenix), who really grabs sassy Clover's (formerly Hillary) attention. She decides quickly that Nix doesn't need another woman falling at his feet, so she uses her wit to try and bring him down to size. Will Clover regret becoming part of this dangerous world the Colton's live in? I loved this complicated romance, which has plenty of banter between Clover and Nix, but I have to know what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Omg!! I was so into this story! Clover plus Nix and all his family are just freaking hilarious! You can’t help the laugh out loud moments and also plenty of slow burn heat to boot!! My only problem is that I was not aware this book ends with a MAJOR cliffhanger with no date for the next book in this series!!! I don’t do cliffhangers until I know the whole series is complete! I did knock off one star strictly for the cliffhanger of all freaking cliffhangers!!! I received an AVC of this book courtesy of Booksprout but my opinion is my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*****5 Loved Stars***** This book had me through the whole ride; but the ending had me screaming at my phone. I need the next book as soon a possibly PLEASE!! Clover has had a rough couple of years and her day seem to not get any better. When Clover is given a new chance at life by her new fairy godfather she didn’t realize it would come with a new family and Nix. Nix soon learns his new roommate is the must infuriating person on the plant she enjoys provoking him making him nuts. What happens when these two collide? Can Nix Keep Clover safe? Will Clover give in? Whose book is after book 2? I need answers!!! *****ARC from Booksprout for review*****
As soon as I found out about this book I started looking forward to it right away! I wasn't sure what all to expect going into this read and I liked that! I didn't take long at all for me to get into this one. I enjoyed this first book!
This first book in Clover and Nix's journey had me feeling so many different things throughout! I wasn't sure what all was going to happen with these two and I liked that.
With Phoneix, Ms.Rennick has created a good debut! I am looking forward to picking up book two next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Haney Hayes PR / the author*
Rules aren't meant to be broken but sometimes they need to in order to save another, thats the choice Phoenix (Nix) faces when it comes to Clover. Clovers had a rough time and its only going to get worse before the light at the end of the tunnel is visible. This is well written story that captivates the imagination and draws you in with the characters well thought out actions and emotions. With suspense, drama, hot scenes and more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were interesting. This was one fantastic book by Rebecca Rennick it was hot, spicy Beau puts Clover under his wings to help her, he takes her to North Carolina to get her a job at his family's. He also introduces her to Phoenix. Phoenix is a playboy sleep with them once and leave. She finds him to be arrogant, the chemistry between them is hot and cold, is that enough for her to stay.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book even if I found the writing style a little...awkward? Clover is a scarred, slightly broken FMC trying to find a place in a new town filled with dangerous people. Nix is at the top of the pyramid of danger, reveling in bloodlust and carnal pleasures. Once Clover steamrolls into his life, Nix struggles to piece together his emotions and thoughts. Ends on a slight cliffhanger.
3.75 stars as an enjoyable read (needs a minor line copy edit). Looking forward to book two. Recommend.
Saw this author on tiktok and decided to grab this book. I love slow burn with high sexual tension romance. I love the big bad tough guys who are like teddy bears when they let down the walls around their hearts. I can't wait to see what happens in part 2 of this story. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
I will note that there were a lot of small editing errors, but not enough to completely take my focus from the story.
Rebecca Rennick did a good job on this story, Phoenix had a well written plot, Nix and Clover were strong characters. From the moment they met, they were drawn to each other, their connection and chemistry was strong, it was sexy but their relationship was somewhat on the forbidden side so their journey had a few humps along the way but these two were made for each other. I enjoyed this story, looking forward to reading more. Thanks, Rebecca Rennick. Good work :)
I received a sample of this book for review. That being said, it is a good start to the Colton Cousins series. I was drawn in from the beginning to learn more about Clover. She is given the opportunity to start a new life working and living with the Colton's. Nix is a bad boy player that needs her gone because he is drawn to her and doesn't want to be. The family operates in the gray areas of life and makes no excuses for it. Looking forward to reading the full book.
This was a book that I really enjoyed until I got to the end. Then it leaves you hanging without saying anything about a next book to conclude the story. It really made me angry that it would just leave you hanging wondering what happens. Really disappointed in the ending. I want to read the next book just to see the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Phoenix, or Nix, is NOT a nice guy. He’s a man-whore and top Enforcer. BUT he has met his match in Clover, fka Hilary. Their interactions are not pretty or fairy tale sweet, but are real and gritty. I liked all the different characters of the cousins. They added a lot of flavor. Good read - though it ended in a cliff-hanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, other than a major disappointment that this book ended in a cliffhanger, the book was brilliant! Although, I lived in Huntersville and don't recall any of these places. ;-). The characters were bigger than life, especially Nix and Clover. They matched each other perfectly with their snarkiness and attitudes. Phoenix is a well written, sexy, entertaining and adventurous drama worth a read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well written. A few word usage issues. Dark but a lot of humor. Felt the heroine was much too trusting of strangers for someone with her background. Would’ve like a little more setup in the beginning. Liked the gradual revealing of main characters’ histories. Definitely looking forward to seeing how story evolves. Going to lose sleep waiting for the continuation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Nix and Clover were amazing. It’s not as dark as it’s billed, and the triggers could upset people, so make your own mind up. Brilliantly written and well thought out. Nix doesn’t do commitment he doesn’t even do a repeat, the women never see his bed more than once. I loved it, and will eagerly read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.