Melina -- Men have never given me a reason to trust them. The Bratva taught me men are brutal. Selfish. And take what they want. Death would be better than tying myself to one ever again. Then a Russian biker swoops in to save me. As much as I want to believe everything he says, how can I? I’ve only known pain at the hands of men. I want him to be different… but any hope I had died long ago.
Stripes -- She thinks she’s broken. I see a survivor. A strong woman who’s still standing despite what’s been done to her. It will take time, but I’ll help her heal. Prove not all men are evil. I’ll give her a reason to keep living. Never again will someone cause her pain. If they do, they’ll answer to me. My hands are already stained with blood. What’s a little more?
WARNING: Recommended for readers 18+ due to language, violence, and adult situations. Stripes is part of the Devil’s Boneyard MC series and contains darker content some readers may find objectionable. Stripes can be read as a stand-alone story, even though it’s part of a series
Harley Wylde is the International Bestselling Author of the Dixie Reapers MC, Devil's Boneyard MC, and Hades Abyss MC series.
When Harley's writing, her motto is the hotter the better -- off the charts sex, commanding men, and the women who can't deny them. If you want men who talk dirty, are sexy as hell, and take what they want, then you've come to the right place. She doesn't shy away from the dangers and nastiness in the world, bringing those realities to the pages of her books, but always gives her characters a happily-ever-after and makes sure the bad guys get what they deserve.
The times Harley isn't writing, she's thinking up naughty things to do to her husband, drinking copious amounts of Starbucks, and reading. She loves to read and devours a book a day, sometimes more. She's also fond of TV shows and movies from the 1980's, as well as paranormal shows from the 1990's to today, even though she'd much rather be reading or writing.
You can find out more about Harley or enter her monthly giveaway on her website. Be sure to join her newsletter while you're there to learn more about discounts, signing events, and other goodies!
Short MC story with an older couple, and large age gap.
Felt semi rushed between Mikhail (Stripes) and Melina once she came to live with him. The ending with adoption was so rushed, they barely even spoke about it before accepting two kids... Yikes.
Not my favorite from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I think everyone that has read Devil's Boneyard series has been looking forward to Stripes story and with this one Harley gave us everything we wanted and then some. This story pulled out so much emotion from me that by the end of the book I was drained, but in a good way! Melina was another victim of the Bratva that the MC rescued. To help and protect Melina, Stripes married her. Melina was broken by her time with the Bratva, with several attempts at taking her own life and with the damage that the Bratva did to her, both mentally and physically, it was going to be a long road of recovery for Melina. With the compassion, patience and love that Stripes gave Melina, she was able to find her inner strength and start to become a person that deserves love, family and the happily ever after. This was a tough, emotional read and it did bring tears to my eyes. But it was everything that I would expect from Melina's story. Harley did a wonderful job at bringing us this emotional, tragic and beautiful story.
If you read Grimm, you know how that story is tied to this one. Oksana is married to Grimm and is safe with the Dixie Reapers. Her mom Melina and sister Yulia are the ones now in danger. We find out what happens with Melina in this story. Devil’s Boneyard has come to save Melina from her hell. Stripes had no problem volunteering to rescue her. The story is dark at times. The way things went so wrong for Melina and her girls just breaks my heart. Thank goodness for the MCs. Stripes knows he has a rough road ahead trying to win Melina’s trust. The Russians have broken her. Melina doesn’t know if he is a safe man but he seems to bring her comfort. The Bratva will never stop looking for her. She is unworthy of happiness. There are dark points in the story and then a great shining light. This filled in a lot of missing parts but we still need to read about what happened to Yulia. There is so much cruelty and evil in the world. I am looking forward to reading Kye and Yulia’s story.
Stripes has always been in the background being a long standing member of the Devil's Boneyard MC. Now we finally got his story and it did not disappoint. Learning that Melina fell victim to the brutality of the Bratva, Stripes didn't hesitate to marry her before they even saved her. Melina had been broken by the environment she was raised in, married in and finally punished in. The pain and suffering she endured was heartbreaking but with the love and patience from Stripes, Melina was able to slowly heal and finally have the love and family she's always wanted.
Stripes was amazing with his love, kindness and patience that he shared with Melina. He was her strength when she needed it most. Melina gave him a peace he's always wanted. This was truly a beautiful story of healing and love!
The very first sentence, "Marriage to Ruslan has been nothing by pure h*ll since day one", drew me right in. I finished the book in one day because I could not put it down.
Melina had a horrible life and endured torture, abuse and humiliation. She thinks the romance she has seen on TV isn't real; it just doesn't exit. Enter Stripes, a rough and tumble member of a MC who is really a teddy bear in disguise...not to mention, her rescuer and hero all in one.
Now, will Melina get past all her trauma and discover that life can be good? That the romance and love she saw in movies was real or that is really doesn't exist? Will Melina find a happy ever after of her own or live the rest of her life in misery? Only time will tell.
I have been waiting for Stripes book and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. The last book was Grimm and Oksana story where we discovered her sister and mom were rescued by other clubs. This book is about Oksanas mom, Melina, and Stripes. Melina has had an extremely hard life with the Bratva, and ended up in the worst of circumstances until she was rescued by Stripes. We really get to see how strong she truly is, and how much she is able to overcome. Stripes is the perfect man for her, and I loved how their story played out. I cannot wait to see more of this family and hopefully get her sisters story soon!
I love all of Harley Wylde MC books and I definitely recommend them to any one looking for a good but quick read that has both 🔥🔥 and story!
Omg Harley Wylde has done it again with Stripes and Milena story. She had me in tears crying like a baby.Stripes goes to save Milena from the horrible Bravta brothel where the men there are punishing her for horrible things that her husband had done and said her and their daughter were involved in helping him do .Stripes comes to save her and protect her. We see their love in full force and how they face the challenges of a-married life together. This story has it all and it is pulled my heart strings and I was so emotional while reading it I loved how all the of the club jump in to make Melina feel safe in this book so much This book had me craving more and of course again Harley brings you into her Devil Boneyards MC world. And captivates you from page one
Hi, thanks Harley for sharing this amazing story once again you have excelled in completing a truely remarkable and inspiring journey throughout this book. I liked how the main characters in this story are brave, resilient willing to keep going even though they just really are feeling so insecure that at the drop of a hat they could easily give in to the very depths of despair. This shows that we all need each other and that no one is truely alone if they are brave enough to believe in themselves and each other. I could go on and on but then l would spoil this novel of all of you . Please if you can grab a copy and read with an open heart . Thank you Harley Wylde please keep the novels flowing. All the best Sunta 👵💝
I have been a Harley Wylde fan for years now and I continue to love all of her books….but Stripes was a treat! Action yes, hotness yes, but what I loved about this book was the character development and the connection I felt to them. This book was more intimate and so well written! Older main female character (yay!) struggling with all that Melina has been through had me not wanting to put this book down! It was raw and honest in dealing with some very dark issues and that made our Stripes stand out! He was tough, steady, over the top protective and loving….ugh all the biker cinnamon roll goodness that gets me! Fantastic book!
This is Stripes and Melina's story and boy does it ever pull at your heartstrings. Melina and her daughters, Yulia and Oksana fell victim to the Bratva thanks to her then husband. Being forced to do despicable things was just a part of the abuse they endured before being saved. Melina was saved by Stripes and needless to say it took her a long while for her to trust. This is a great well written, fast paced story about survival, endurance, hope and love.
"It's often the little things in life that had the biggest impact."
Harley Wylde has done it again with Stripes and Milena story. Stripes has saved Milena from the Bravta who was punishing her for things her husband had done. Stripes comes to save her and protect her. We get to see their love grow and how they face the challenges of their lives together. This story has it all it is pulled on your heart strings. I loved all the interactions and checking in with everyone. This book had me hooked right away. Once again Ms. Wylde brings you into her Devil Boneyards world. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Melina's life is a misery, brutal, painful. No way out except death. Then a biker shows up and takes her home. Stripes is caring and loving, someone she can depend on. But that kind of trauma takes its toll. Fortunately, Stripes will do whatever it takes to put her back together again. I loved this story in all its broken and battered glory. Their road isn't easy but when you walk it with the right person, its paradise. I was on emotional overload by the time I came up for air. Melina grows into a fighter and with Stripes at her back, I know they will have a beautiful life together, 6 stars!
This book is on fire ❤️❤️❤️ /🔥🔥🔥 Harley is an awesome writer and world builder. Melina and stripes have a lot of obstacles to overcome as Melina is battling a lot of demons from what has been done to her, no one should have to go through anything like that. Stripes is a wonderful human being who has awesome chemistry with Melina and is not afraid to show his emotions which those that he cares for. This sweet couple are made for each other and have big hearts! You’d be silly to miss out on this series as they get better and better.
I have been an avid reader of Harley's books for years and she never disappoints. Yes, difficult subject matter is broached, but we need to realise that however uncomfortable they may be, it is a reality and happening in the world as we speak. These subjects are dealt with by Harley with sensitivity and class. The alpha males restore one's faith in men. They may have flaws, but no one is perfect and they love and protect with everything they have. Another wonderful read. Thank you so much Harley.
I've loved Stripes since we met in Jackyl. Loved him so much more when Minnie came to Devil's Boneyard and finds her Grandfather. However, nothing compares to when he saves Melina from the hell the Bratva has sent her too. Melina's whole life has been hell on earth with the exception of her daughters when is punished for the sins of her husband. When Stripes comes for her he promises no one will hurt her ever again. God I love these men!
This book i had been anticipating for some time. Stripes is a character that just has to have their story told, and the wait was worth it.
All that Melina had suffered at the hands of the Bratva, noone deserves some sort of happiness more than her. This story has so many feelings going through you as you read it….its just like wow, what did i just read!
Melina had a tragic childhood and things didn’t get any better as she grew up. Stripes swooped in and saved her from the bad guys and herself. As always Harley Wylde writes a world that will grab a hold of you and keeps you on the edge of your seat! With Each consecutive booked that world gets bigger and better! I can’t wait to see who gets the next book!
One of the hardest books to read. But if you like the grittier MC/Bratva books, this is for you. Melina was rescued from the brothel and tries to kill herself twice. Stripes won't give up on her and eventually gets her to start enjoy living. By the end of the book they adopt 2 kids and get their hea. Realistic and well written, age gap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my heart! This is an emotionally captivating, heartbreaking but oh so beautiful story. The patience, understanding and loving way Stripes takes care of Melina melted my heart. This story is not all rainbows and sunshine, this is a poignant story about healing, overcoming and finding happiness. I absolutely adored, loved and enjoyed everything about this book.
i loved Stripes story, we finally get to see into his background and what makes him the man he is. Melina's life made my heart hurt and crack. I loved to watch these two come together. Even tho Melina has no obligation to trust Stripes, she finds comfort and safety in his arms, as she heals from years of trying to save everyone else. I can't recommend this book enough, it was freakin awesome.
Wilder never disappoints with her books! I love all her MC romance; she gives each of her characters back stories to move the story along. Most of her stories are closer to the truth of what the world is truly about..Stripes was a character that I wanted to know more about and for him to get his HEA. Never disappoints!
This is an interesting story Stripes marries Melina sight unseen because he cannot bear for her to live the rest of her life in her situation. And Melina has a long road ahead to get to the point that she feels like she ready to live that life. This isn't a hot and steamy read but a slow and steady finding your way one but a great story.
Reading Stripes and Melina's story is hard and very sad. For what she went through, you'd think she'd want to give up. But Stripes wouldn't let her give up, he's her rock, her strength, he shows her what love is really like. Author Harley Wylde truly did amazing, I am definitely ready for the next book.
Stripes and Melina. Stripes is patient and helps Melina recovery physically and mentally after all the brava put her through. It took her time but she realizes stripes and devils boneyard mc was different than what she grew up with and married the first time.
In chapter two, Stripes's POV should have come before Melina's. It made the story really choppy to have them transposed. The story was another solid entry in the series.
Melina had gone thru something terrible her whole life, parents who never loved her. Plus a husband who belittled her at every turn. But, Stripes rescued her and with patience helped her deal with what happen to her.I highly recommend this.
As usual, this author does not disappoint. Another winner in this series of books. Good characters and plot with some some good twists and turns. Lots of emotional ups and downs, but still a very enjoyable book.