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Ghosttown East #5

The Wildcard

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Twenty years ago, she made a promise. Two decades later, Lil DeVries is still making good on it. Any hope of an idealistic future had been dashed years ago. Work, hustle, repeat. There were no other options. Lil did what she had to do to make a better life for her and her son even if it meant entering a world where only the strong survive and the resilient prevail.
It’s been a long, lonely road climbing the ranks, but Lil has proven herself time and again, earning her title as a loyal, committed, and trusted ally to one of the most notorious rulers in the Underground. Her life, though unconventional, is predictable. That is until her professional life collides with her personal, forcing Lil to choose sides. Does she stay true and loyal to the Underground or go rogue and follow her heart into the arms of a biker?

The President of Ghosttown East MC, James “Gunner” Fallon, was born to lead. It’s his destiny. When it comes to his club, no one else matches his loyalty. He’s been devoted to East, his brothers, and the MC life since he first joined over two decades earlier. After a short hiatus in search of the truth, it was a long journey back to East, but Gunner is committed and determined to take his club where it belongs. Safe and untouchable. But there’s a hitch in his plan. A dark cloud looming over the club and his son. The MC can’t move forward without closure, and the answers they seek can only be found in the dark and dangerous world of the Underground. What he doesn’t expect is a dance with the devil, facing off with a woman who might hold all the answers East is looking for, but could possibly be his downfall.

With her ties to both the Underground and East, Lil DeVries is the ultimate wildcard.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

133 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Amelia Shea

40 books311 followers
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).

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5 stars
586 (65%)
4 stars
222 (24%)
3 stars
68 (7%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,390 reviews332 followers
April 19, 2022
Quick(ish) Review

Review - Ghosttown Riders East Series by Amelia Shea

This is going to be an overarching series review and a small blurb covering the individual books. So if it looks similar, it's because it is. Life crazy, attention span short, you get what I'm saying.

Overall - This is a biker soap opera. It's not as OTT as it could be but damn it's close. Series has been around 3-4 on the WTFery scale and gotten progressively more violent, but it makes sense considering that the main storyline driving this is one of revenge. It's soapy in that there's twists and turns with family relations and exactly how closely tied East and the Underground players are. My main quibbles is that, like a soap, continuity and plotting are key but can be real damn messy. There are plot devices that don't make sense, things that make me go excuse me but why? BUT like a real soap, I'll let it slide because it's more about the ride.

Hence my more middle of the road ratings - I'm not typically hyperbolic with my ratings and I don't slap a fiver on every book, so to me, a 3 star isn't bad rating. For me, it's just a more qualified recommendation - you may enjoy this IF your tastes run towards abc and don't mind xy or z.

Anybiker, now onto the individual brothers.

The Wildcard - Big Daddy! Mmmmm. Ok, he raised Con, so points off for that mess, but I am into Gunner and Lil's romance. First off, give me all the older MCs, and Gunner isn't out there ho'ing around while he's got stuff to do and I respect that. Actually for a motorcycle club, none of these guys have been OTT with their manho-iness, and I appreciated it. Anyway, their romance was fine, though still felt more in service to overarching story but I didn't mind it because that’s what’s keeping me invested in the series. Lots o' revelations in this book, so definitely worth the read. 4*

Profile Image for Peace Love & Books.
66 reviews
February 14, 2022
Let me start by saying I love Amelia Shea and her MC stories. However, this one just didn’t work for me and I’m so disappointed. I’ve wanted Gunner’s story for so long.

It didn’t really feel like I was reading a romance or even like I was reading about Gunner and Lil. I felt like the majority of the story was focused on the world building of the MC and setting us up for future books for the other characters. The focus on Gunner and Lil becoming a couple was missing. We were never really shown. Only told.

I felt no intimacy between the two main characters (not even during the couple of rushed sexy times) there was no love. No affection. And when they were exchanging “I love you’s” I thought to myself… when? When did you fall in love? Because I missed it.

I’ll continue on with the next book of course, but I’m hoping we get back the the authentic feel of the previous books. This one read like it wasn’t even written by the same person.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.6k reviews543 followers
June 10, 2023
This one was interesting, you knew it would take a special woman to be with Gunner and Lil fit that bill to a T. I loved learning more about Lil's background and the sacrifices she made when she had to as a young woman. Loved finding out of her connection to East and a somewhat ally. Am very intrigued by how she is helping out to find out just what happened to Caroline and who was behind things. Through all of this you can see why she is so suited for Gunner and how/why they work so great together!
Profile Image for Michelle.
696 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2022
WOW, WOW, WOW



Deserves so much more than 5 stars.

This is Gunner and Lil's story and wow what a tale it is. Eye contact while Lil is picking up protection money for Rogue. Lil is Underground and Gunner is East. They are already tied because Lil's son is a prospect for East.

Lil and Gun are going to happen and it's going to get complicated. Complicated but so hot, these two suit each other. He gets to protect her and she let's him because she has never had that, until he and the club needs protecting and she steps up.

Rogue has a paddy and throws his toys out the cot. Trey tries to calm it all down. Finally 2 of Caroline's killers are found and we find out who Ryders father is. Good lord there was so much packed into this book including some interesting new characters.

But for me the Epilogue was just beautiful and the growing relationship between Wren and Gunner. My heart 💕.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,176 reviews14 followers
September 18, 2022
I’m a bit obsessed with these guys and each book gets better and better. The mystery is on the cusp of some closure and I can’t wait.

I’ve loved Gunner since the beginning. He has this commanding way about him that is perfect for a President. He’s not easily rattle, is careful about his decisions, protects his club and all those included in it’s circle. It was a treat to see him meet his match with Lil.

She had been in the game a long time and nothing much phased her, scared her or got under her skin until Gunner. He knew when to push, when to pull and when to stay silent. Together they are a remarkable team. Everyone needs some Ghosttown East!
Profile Image for Suzanne.
1,469 reviews24 followers
Read
February 8, 2026
That epilogue left me choked up, it was perfect!

There were two aspectsI to The Wildcard that won me over. First was the pairing of two strong, confident, level headed and likeable characters. Second was the inclusion of The Underground, providing an unpredictable setting. I still can’t guess how Rogue and Trey will respond to situations.

Once again, I’m keen to read on!
Profile Image for Cloe Rowe.
Author 5 books6 followers
February 20, 2022
Gunner was everything I hoped for.

Holy smokes Gunner and Lil's story is off the charts hot and action packed. Amelia tied up Gunner and Cons story perfectly.

I am not going to leave my normal sort of review, because you really should read it.
Profile Image for Kimberly  Elizabeth .
210 reviews
February 12, 2022
Gunner and Lil

Meet the Prez of Ghosttown East and the Wildcard. I love how these two interact with each other. They both now what they want and they go after it. The secondary characters brings t
his book to another level, with humor, love and the occasional smirk. Amelia Shea has once again written a book that I will enjoy going back and re-read over and over again.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,940 reviews555 followers
March 27, 2024
President of the Ghosttown East MC, James "Gunner" Fallon has a lot on his plate, his club, his sons anger over his mothers murder, and running his MC in a path they can all be happy with. When Gunner realizes that one of his prospects is the son of Lil Devries his interest is peaked in more then one way. His attraction is instant, but Lil works with the Underground and Gunner is not sure they can be trusted. Trusting his gut though he finds himself falling hard for Lil but he has no interest in keeping it secret. His club is about to collide with the Underground and could threaten the loose alliance they have with them, is Lil worth it?

Another terrific story in the series. Lil was a bit of a puzzle that I kept wondering how this story would unfold. She is bright and has an energy that shines through each page. This series keeps getting better and better.
Profile Image for KitKat821.
677 reviews6 followers
June 15, 2023
Maybe it’s because I’m in my 30s, but I get so excited when an author writes characters that are out of their 20s! I prefer reading about men and not young guys. So Gunner is just perfection and pure fire. Lil is strong, loyal, smart, and the perfect balance of feisty without being awful. This book is more than a romance, because there’s so much going on with the Underground, action, and other characters. I’m super invested in the overall plot line and it takes a lot for an author to write an amazing romance, while getting the reader super invested in the overall world and lots of other characters. I cannot wait to see what is next!
Profile Image for Wminbc.
1,155 reviews82 followers
February 16, 2022
h my…where to start.
Can you read this one without having read any others??? Probably…but why on earth would you do that???
The Ghosttown Riders were all great and the story arcs led right into the Ghosttown East books. Each book is so different, but the character are also wonderfully fully fleshed and interconnected. The two clubs used to be one under Jack Reilly, but then split one following a safer/clean path and the other digging in deeper than ever. Fast forward, East is getting out of anything that could land them in prison…that said they are not choir boys. I have enjoyed each member and along the way, I have wondered who is Gunner?
Well, Gunner is amazing!!! I loved every single moment and I loved watching he and Lil finally find the HEA that neither were even searching for in life. The ups and downs and perceived conflicts don’t deter either Gunner or Lil. They are both so smart, independent, and confident that they don’t need to compete or impress that other, they just learn each other and fall.
I loved Lil’s son Ryder and his parts of the story which perfectly parallel Gunner’s son (and brother) Con. The two sons couldn’t be more different and yet the same. So excited to get more of Ryder and looking forward to his book.
If you want an extremely well written, tight, and smexy MC series…get your Kindle to Ghosttown!! Enjoy.
Profile Image for Jite.
1,326 reviews73 followers
July 19, 2022
a bit more Lil and Gunner needed…

While this novel furthers the overarching series plot around the mystery of who killed Con’s mom, and while it is technically a mature/grown folks love story, there just frankly wasn’t enough Lil and Gunner in this. We get a couple of spicy scenes and two strong characters separately, but I felt we needed more of them together. I needed more Lil with her son, Ryder. While I liked the dynamic between Gunner and Lil whenever they were together, I just needed more of their love story being built- it felt a lot of that relationship-building was sacrificed to move ahead with the overall plot and while that was interesting, it meant that some of the plot suffered. The epilogue was underwhelming in the way it replicated the epilogue from the previous book and even took us farther back than the epilogue two books ago where CJ was at least 5 years old. I think there were some unresolved issues here especially around Lil’s feelings as a mother to Ryder. This was still good if a little unsatisfying.
Profile Image for Petra Škobalj.
618 reviews
November 1, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

This is the captivating story of Gunner and Lil, and it’s a wild ride from start to finish. The initial spark ignites when Lil is collecting protection money for Rogue, leading to an intense eye contact moment with Gunner. With Lil's son being a prospect for the East MC, their connection becomes even more complicated—and steamy. Gunner's protective instincts kick in, and Lil, who’s never really had that kind of support, finds herself drawn to him.

The stakes are high, especially when Rogue has a meltdown, and Trey steps in to diffuse the situation. Tensions escalate with the discovery of two of Caroline's killers, adding layers to the already intricate plot. The introduction of new characters keeps the story fresh and engaging.

One of the highlights for me was the beautiful epilogue, showcasing the evolving relationship between Wren and Gunner. My heart just melted! As the president of the Ghosttown East MC, Gunner is juggling a lot—his club, his son’s anger over his mother’s murder, and the fragile alliance with the Underground. When he learns that one of his prospects is Lil's son, his attraction to her deepens, but trust becomes a central issue as their worlds threaten to collide.

Overall, this book continues to elevate the series, blending intense romance with a gripping biker drama. Lil is a fascinating character—bright and energetic—keeping readers guessing about how her story will unfold. While the narrative can be soap-opera-like in its twists and turns, it remains engaging, with enough suspense to keep me invested.

My only quibble is that, like a true soap, some plot devices felt messy, and continuity could be a bit shaky. But I’m willing to overlook these flaws for the sake of the exhilarating journey.

If you enjoy a blend of romance, intrigue, and high-stakes drama, this book—and the series as a whole—is definitely worth diving into. Gunner and Lil’s romance, while at times feeling secondary to the overarching plot, is still a compelling read that adds depth to the story.
Profile Image for Mille-feuille.
565 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
3.5

It was nice reading an older couple with more maturity after Wren and Con's book. Makes sense that the slightly more morally grey East has morally grey women to pair them with. Lil's imposted syndrome as a mother tugged at my heart strings. Gunner always seems to know what he is doing to getting a behind the scenes into his psyche was cool. Lil and Gunner as a couple have good communication and the first few chapters before they got together were sizzling with chemistry. The drama kinda over took the romance once they got together but I was invested so I'm not complaining.

There were some parts that confused me about the epilogue in the previous book. This cleared up some things. Grain apparently gets a woman in this epilogue, is Regina coming back?
I imagine the small pregnant one is Camille. Cute that they named the baby Caroline James.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
103 reviews
March 11, 2023
Another winner for Ms. Shea!

If you haven't read Ms. Shea's books you are missing out!! Each book works seamlessly with the next not only showing us each characters soul but their flaws as well as what makes them unique individuals. Each book also leaks more of the underlying mystery that surrounds the death of Con's mother. This book lets us delve deeper into Gunner the MC president and the internal workings of this complex character. Looking forward to the next book and hoping somewhere in the next book or 2 that the worthless prospect Chase gets a beat down, kicked out of the club and something interesting pops up regarding the weird little prospect Pete. Plus something wonderful for Delilah, the young girl I used to be -- minus the MC.😁
Profile Image for Jen.
66 reviews
March 10, 2022
This set out to be a great read, I loved the characters, I loved their confidence, their stories, their relationships and their hardships, but as soon as the hero and heroine fell into bed together the tension disappeared. It just went completely flat and I didn't care a bit about the story anymore.

The thing that was supposed to keep them apart didn't matter in the end, at all (she tried, but it was like she didn't dare make it a bigger thing). It was bland and boring. So the first half gets a four, and the second half gets barely a two. I'm generous with an average of three.

Quite a lot of typos and the smut was as bland as the last half of the story.
793 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2023
Gunner and Lil

This was a really great story. I loved the connection between Gunner and Lil. She's worked many years for Rogue and Trey in the Underground world, but she also became a mom to Ryder at a young age, when her bestfriend, Tessa passed away. Gunner is an amazing President for East and dad to Connor. I also love his closeness that he has with his daughter in law, Wren. A few twist and turns throughout and you need to read the book to find out what happens next. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Karen Keener Young.
629 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2022
Absolute Amelia Shea Book

This book took a little bit to get into - back story and all. But when i got there, i really got there. There isn't a story but thus author where i don't cry somewhere and this book was no exception. This story is about the romance but out was also about the storylines that would go on to other books: Tracer and probably Trey. And the H beginning a grandfather, priceless!
267 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2022
East Forever

I waited eagerly for Gunner's story, and it didn't disappoint. He deserves his Lil, and she deserved her Gun.
The sacrifice of tears, hurt, blood, sweat and life. Honourable and steadfast in their belief, Gunner steered them into the direction they deserve. Unbelievable and beautiful.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,461 reviews28 followers
November 2, 2023
Lil and the President

This book was so good, downright excellent. I wont put to much in this except to say i loved Lil she was awesome, straight from her personality to the way she handled things. I also had to admit that i loved Gunner for her, they really had that beautiful connection and trust.

You dont want to miss this story it really is great
Profile Image for Jodie Mihas.
576 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2025
WOW

Lil and Gun,hot hot hot🔥 the sassy heroine and the Prez of the MC,what a fantastic combination and another great addition to the East MC series. I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down, the author has amazing characters and fantastic storyline’s that pull you in and make you want more 🖤❤️
Profile Image for TCB0724.
15 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2022
Perfect!!!

Amelia Shea does it again! I absolutely love Ghosttown Riders! And especially Ghosttown East!

I love how we get to see Gunners softer side in Wildcard!! Another book bf to add to my collection!!

If you are new to Amelia Shea I promise you won't be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Shannon .
478 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2022
Great book

Amazing read and what a story!! So much filled in from previous books and that was great. I was a bit upset feeling like the ending was !missing , well the ending of all that had happened but it was set up where I think\hope it gets filled in in the nest book ....
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,575 reviews44 followers
February 12, 2022
Gunner

The president of East MC falls for Rouge money lady and prospect Mom. In this newest book. As secrets unfold we learn more about the club and members. Hopefully Tracer is next.
Profile Image for VicciReviews.
1,345 reviews18 followers
February 12, 2022
Loved this book.

So worth the wait. Finally a match for Gunner. Lil was the perfect woman for him. The chemistry between the two just leap of the pages. So very delicious. Love this book.
Profile Image for Xariah Way.
288 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2022
Just love it!!!!

I adore these series from Amelia Shea and can't wait for more. Gunners book was better than I imagined. I knew I wouod loce him when I read his story abd want more from him!!!
Profile Image for Kris McOrist Ayache.
143 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2022
another great read

This series gets better and better and while some things are resolved others continue leaving us wanting more. Two more unlikely couples in our future. Can’t wait
19 reviews
February 21, 2022
wow for the Wildcard!

Loved how the different worlds collided. Happy for Gunner and Con! Loved the relationship that developed between Lil and Gunner. This series, Ghosttown East, is a must read!
Profile Image for Brenda Longland OLeary.
854 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2022
Good Read!

Another great book in the series. Gunner has no time for women, as being the President of Ghosttown East keeps him busy. One chance encounter with her and he is hooked. Only problem she works for the Underground. Definitely recommend this book and author.
Profile Image for Ana Armstrong.
1,610 reviews
July 22, 2022
Loved it!!!!

Gunner and Lil burn up the pages with their chemistry in this 5th book of the Ghosttown Wast MC series. I love that this is not a young couple but a more seasoned one so the relationship is mature. They make the perfect ruling couple of the MC. Loving this series!!!!
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