Running On Empty

The Crow's MC #1

by Cassandra Bloom

I was just looking for revenge.
I never expected that I'd find redemption

Some people have pretty little goals in life.
A nice house. A safe neighborhood. A boring, steady job.
My only goal is revenge.

The sick bastards in the Carion Crew have no idea what they’ve created.
I’m more monster than man…and I’m going to destroy them.

All that changes when I see Mia, their prettiest captive.

One look, and I have no choice but to save her from the chains of her debt.
They’ll never touch her again.
They’ll never run their hands down her gorgeous curve.
They’ll never hear her beg.
She’ll belong to me.

But now that she’s been broken by the Carion Crew…
Can she ever be mine?

RUNNING ON EMPTY is a full-length, standalone, super steamy, bad boy motorcycle club romance novel from bestselling author Cassandra Bloom & USA Today Bestseller Nathan Squiers

This suspenseful, action-packed MC romance is intended for mature audiences, due to violence, strong language, dark themes and elements, and explicit intimate scenes. The romance between the alpha male bad boy and the fiery woman he can't resist ends with a guaranteed happily ever after (HEA) ending. Ends in a cliffhanger as this is the first book in three.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2018

About the author

Contemporary Romance Author. Join my Exclusive Readers Club for FREE Stories, Competitions and Links to HOT new Releases in the Kindle Store! http://bit.ly/2eUykdG

Reviews

[Shelly Celli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m hooked and didn’t want this book to end! The Crows MC have been sucked into a fight that they didn’t want by the Carrion Crew. T-Built murdered Jace’s whole family, including his pregnant wife. He’s vowed to get revenge on the man that made sure he knew who it was. The MC is a non-violent gang, but thee Crew is a murderous group that have instilled fear into all around them by murdering anyone for any reason. Mia has been sucked in thank to her brother and has to be a prostitute for the Crew to work off his debt. After an unexpected run in (literally) with Jace at a “fundraiser” for the Crew, they start an unlikely relationship. Things are torcherous for both of them with their pasts and a lot is explained in the beginning of the book (part I). He’s seeing ghosts and she’s locked in something she never wanted a part of. The cliffhanger kills me though, I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Caitlin Knotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to receive a copy of this book for review.

I was hooked from the first page. The fast paced narrative kept me wanting to know what would happen. The characters were real flawed people you wanted to root for. This was not your typical fairy tale but it read like a fairy tale all the same but one set in the real world with all the complications that come with that. It also challenged me to look beyond labels and to the people beneath these labels. This book will keep you guessing right until the last page. Overall I was highly engaged and entertained by this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

[Helen Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Story line

I enjoyed the story line and that is why I finished the book however, there is way too much internal dialogue for each character. Yes I want to know what they are thinking but to go on and on and on is really carrying it too far. I even started the second book but even though I really like the story, I just cannot read a second and third book with all that extra dialogue. I'm sorry. It is a good story and not an overly used story line

[Andra Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Running on Empty: The Crows MC #1 was a challenging book to get into. The inner dialog of Jason, aka Jace, and Mia was excruciating. It took us nowhere and did not help to progress the storyline. Around the seventh chapter, it starts to pick up with more interaction between characters. Otherwise, this book is one long soliloquy with the two main characters. I did like it when they began to interact and broke out of themselves. I get it; they are two very broken people; however, the way the author chose to demonstrate that did not work for me. Lastly, the cliffhanger, OMG...just as I was getting into the story, that cliffhanger came about and ruined it for me. I get suspense, but this is just not it. There was not enough work to prompt us to believe that someone outside of the evil "T-Built" could do the Mia, and ergo Jace and Candy, harm.

Megan J. Parker is a new author to me, so I came in with pretty neutral expectations, but she still needed to win me over. I hate to rate books this low, but this story was too much work to read, which lessens the entertainment value. It is a bit disappointing. Perhaps the next book will deliver.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Not at all. But that is in the most positive way. This one surprised me in the way the layout of the story is build. I liked it a lot. Well written story with a nice storyline and plot. I like that the characters and how they develop.
A passionate and emotional read with twists. Enjoyable and recommendable.

There are passion, drama, danger, protectiveness, betrayal, hot scenes and lots of chemistry in this amazing story.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra Bloom and Nathan Squiers had me intrigued with this book from start to finish. I couldn't put the book down, I read it all in one day! I loved the characters Jace and Mia and their chemistry is absolutely sizzling. It is a story that I recommend you read and that I will read again. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Shirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not her best work.... too much internal dialogue and not enough doing anything or communication with others... reviews say the second book is better and want to know what happens with the H and h so will give it a try and see.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alitte slow at first then Mia and Jaces story took off♡Ready for more

[Susan Curtis · Rating 2 out of 5]

👎😢😳😱🤨

Sorry but this book was so tedious and exhausting to read. Too much internal dialogue by both the H and h that was just (again) tedious. Too many ( ), (again) too much internal ramblings by the H and h. The H and h didn’t have their first conversation until about the 55% of the book. Didn’t really like either character so just got tired of the thing and gave up after their first conversation (yes, at the about 55% point), skipped to the end to leave a review. Sorry and Good Luck to you if you decide to read this book. So disappointed 😢😳😱

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Trigger Warning***

Mia is stuck paying for her brother's debt with no escape. Jace had it all and lost it due to a gang rivalry. Their love is their escape. Will Jace be able to rescue Mia before it is to late? Will Mia be able to find happiness?

There were definitely parts of this story that my heart broke for both of these characters. I loved how despite her circumstances, I viewed Mia as a rather strong woman. I loved how Jace was able to look past what was happening to her. I do hope that these two get their HEA in the next book just because I feel they both deserve it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle unlimited

For honest review.This story was great it's of jason head of the crowd gang out of control till he meets Anna a prostitute from the carrion gang that's when it really gets good . Now I'm to the second book. Awesome

[Shirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of her better books... too much internal dialogue and not enough action and interaction with others... will try the next book and see what happens... I will admit I looked at reviews and that is the only reason I'm going to read the second book

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

overall a good read. I liked it.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Enjoyed reading this book and reading about the characters and their story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Anne Sherman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring, if I can't get into the book in the first have of it. I can't finish

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Boy

This book was hard to get into at first, but once The two got together it was great. If you can get through all the descriptive chapters you will love it!

[Renata Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read most of Cassandra Bloom's books and i must say that Running On Empty is my favourite as it deals with issues that are realistic and shows us what a cruel world we live in. This is an action packed dark story filled with suspense, violence, explicit language and sexual scenes.
Jace is the leader of the Crows Mc who is a disturbed and broken man after losing his family and wife due to gang violence. Mia has been forced to work as a prostitute for the rival gang to pay her brothers debt off who is sitting in prison.
When the two meet the chemistry between the two is unbelievable!!! Jace starts healing and finds love with Mia and Mia cant believe that she has found a man that loves her and isnt bothered with her profession.
The story finishes with a cliffhanger that actually reveals a shocking twist to this story. Im looking fwd to reading this series.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is trapped in circumstances beyond her control because of her brother. Jason is still grieving his loss of his family. When they meet everything changes for the both of them. Jason is the President of the Crow MC and he goes after the MC for revenge when he comes across Mia. Mia is just trying to get by until she can get away from the club. Jason knows that he can't leave Mia to the fate her brother has made of her life. Even with their tragic lives they have a connection to each other but will it be enough to make it through what they will have to deal with to be together?


This is an emotional story that will have you on the edge of your seat until the end and leave you screaming for more. This story has everything you could want in a story drama, betrayal and love. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this to any reader that loves motorcycle club stories.


I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Irene Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit confusing

Not sure about this book it is a bit confusing Mia and Jace the main characters are both close to mental breakdowns she is forced to work as a cheap prostitute to protect her brother and family and he has become head of the motor cycle club after the death of his parents and brother but the main thing is that the rival gang killed his wife and unborn child. He sees her ghost everywhere and is desperate to kill the guy responsible he meets Mia after going on a suicide mission to find the guy she helps him escape needless to say their attraction builds and helps them both. There are a number of things unexplained such as what happened to his parents and how his brother died. The story waffles along quite a bit but maybe that is just the build up it has been left on somewhat of a cliffhanger so maybe the next instalment will provide some clarity.

[Glenda kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first it was confusing. But as the story progress I was very surprised. Actually very surprised. Oh my word it was a biker's story at it's best.
I'm not going to spoil the story, but please read this story.
It's about Mia whose brother forced her to cheap Labour.
She must do the inevitable to stay alive.
Jace on the other hand lost his family and is very torn up about it on the inside and is struggling with the dead
Action packed story, with dirty language, violence that go along with motorbike gang's. The characters were very well described as well as the inter action between them. Great word building. There are laugh out loud moments and chuckles. Although it is fiction, but it's very realistic characters and scenarios.
Then karma decided to step in and everything was turned upside down.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As amazing as Cassandra Bloom is, I can not believe how hooked I was on this book. I've read so much of her work and I have never read an MC book from her. I am beyond impressed with Running on Empty. I am shocked at the vividness of the storyline and characters. This was an easy read to let yourself get lost in. The world of drama, revenge, love/lust as well as the horrid/awfulness of people. Jason and Mia have met for a reason and healing is only the beginning. Is Mercury alright? What happened to Candy/Nancy? Will they ever get their happily ever after? All of this will be answered in the next release and I CAN'T WAIT.

I voluntarily requested an advanced reader's copy of Running on Empty in exchange for my honest opinion and I highly recommend absorbing every word of this book and impatientlywaiting for the second one as I am. Superb job by these two authors.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this review is hard for me.
This story was difficult for me to get into. I felt like the story, at times, got wordy.
The characters are well developed. The reader is given Jace's background history and some of Mia's as well.
Jace is the leader of the Crows and Mia is a prostitute, paying off her brother's debr, for the Crews group.
You can feel the attraction between these two and how they are so comfortable with each other. They find the thing they didn't realize they were looking for in each other and both were finally thinking about their future.
The Crew and Crown groups could have been a little better developed. I really not sure I know or understand either group.
I'm hopefully as their story continues my questions will be answered.
I was given this book for an honest voluntary review.

[Modern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Now this book is dark, exhilarating, dramatic, sweet, heavy and crazy exciting. Jason and Mia are characters with so much depth, you feel their pain. This book is so descriptive, your imagination has no choice but to take a break. It’s well thought out and well written.
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.

Merged review:

Wow! Now this book is dark, exhilarating, dramatic, sweet, heavy and crazy exciting. Jason and Mia are characters with so much depth, you feel their pain. This book is so descriptive, your imagination has no choice but to take a break. It’s well thought out and well written.
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Running On Empty started out slow and seemed to drag on for the first part of the book. Luckily it picks up and you finally learn what drives Jake's need for revenge and why he seemed to have given up on life, love, and really everything. Then there's Mia who been thrust into a situation that is out of her control. Her brother owes a great deal of money and can't pay so he trades his sister to pay off his debt. Mia meets Jake at a party where she helps him escape before the rival gang notices that he has come uninvited. This is where their journey begins and both their lives change. Once their story started the book picked up and I enjoyed how their relationship blossomed. I would of wished they would of answered more questions concerning his family. This book ends with a cliffhanger!

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite descriptive with the characters emotions. I do not have a problem with that and quite enjoy knowing what the character is thinking and I like to know how some characters get to their current status. However, many times my thought process brought me to wanting the storyline to get to the point. I felt it was an effort to read this book and it times wanted to quickly get through it. It's not a bad book to read, it's just not for me. Normally I would've given this book 2 stars maybe 2 1/2 stars, but I think it was a good effort.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned quite a bit about the life of a prostitute that was very sad indeed. The writing was unique, giving me a real picture of Jase as he fought depression without much care whether he lived or died after losing his pregnant wife and how two dates with prostitute Mia changed both their outlooks on life and their outcomes! A lot of chemistry between the two without too much sex! i recommend this book and volunteered this review from an ARC. This is a series but without a huge cliffhanger; just enough to wet your whistle waiting fr the next CROW MC book.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and heart grabbing, I was completely caught up in Jason and Mia's romance. They both have things in their pasts, but the beauty is in the line be that grows in their relationship as they get to know each other. A fantastic MC romance, the pacing is great, and the characters well-crafted. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and highly recommend grabbing a copy asap. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review** New authors for me but boy was this a somewhat difficult read to get through. Very slow pacing, so much so I found myself skipping pages of word vomit just to get to the actual point of the chapter. While I appreciate that the authors are developing background, it just took way too long. Then when it finally does start going somewhere, the dreaded cliffhanger rears it's face! Not sure if I want to continue with this series.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one in a series and is it to early to say, 'give me more', this is an action packed suspense that grabbed me as soon as I started reading and it was very hard to put down, Jace is out for revenge against another MC club, what better way than to save Mia from them, their captive. Romance, drama, twists and turns, this book has it all.
I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

[CL Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... just wow!
What an amazing book to read. It's an emotional book to read. It's full of emotions, chemistry, possessiveness nearly every emotion you can think of!

Have and Mia Chemistry is off the charts. The books finishes on a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting for more.

I can't wait for book two xx