I received this book for free from Caffeinated PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dirty Deeds by Nicole James Narrator: Ryan West, Virginia Rose
Series: Devil Kings MC #1
Published by Nicole James on December 10, 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 222
Length: 8 hours 15 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Caffeinated PR
Goodreads
Kara Harbinger’s only crime is having a court judge for a father. One who just happens to be presiding over the criminal case of the President of the Devil Kings MC. The DKs are about to use the biggest Achilles’ heel he’s got to bend him to their will, to buy his decision, to buy his very soul.
Reno—
I want nothing to do with this job, but I can’t get out of it.
As a member of the Devil Kings MC, my life is a violent existence hinged on loyalty to the oath I took: Devil Kings before all else. I’m the club’s muscle, the brother they give the vicious, vile jobs, the dirty deeds. When it comes to my club, I do whatever they ask, whatever they need.
Then I see Kara, all sweet and innocent with her soulful eyes and sexy body. She’s a bright light in my dark existence. In her eyes, I see an escape from the brutal life I’ve lived for so long, a life void of feelings, emotions and light. She gives me the faith to believe I can have more, to believe I can have everything.
What do I do when my VP wants her taken as leverage to use against her father? What do I do when one look at Kara threatens everything I thought I held dear? What do I do if they want me to put a gun to her head and end her life? I’ll have to convince her to trust me if I have any hope of getting us both out of this alive.
Kara—
He’s the only one who can save me.
I’m not supposed to want a man like Reno. He’s dangerous—a lawless, badass, alpha biker. I know I should be afraid, but the way he looks at me, with hunger in his eyes makes me want to become his. I believed the lies he told me. I thought he was a good guy. But when he takes me hostage, everything I thought about him is turned on its head. Now he expects me to trust him, even as he holds me captive. How can I trust a man whose loyalty is to his club, a club that wants me dead?
My top thoughts:
I haven’t read many motorcycle club books, but this one sounded interesting so I went for it and enjoyed it for the most part.
What I liked/disliked about it:
I liked the characters. Reno (who’s first name is Dante, like my son which threw me for a minute) is better than the person his MC has cast him as and I feel like the book was about him growing into that person/recognizing his potential. Kara sees that person and instantly falls for him, only to be betrayed and question if she saw the real Reno. I enjoyed the hot and steamy of their relationship along with the conflict and watching them grow together.
The plot was a little iffy for me. On one hand, it didn’t feel exactly like Stockholm Syndrome since Reno and Kara formed a connection before the kidnapping. But the way things play out and wrap up did require suspension of belief, just a little. It’s a contemporary romance and you know you’ve gotta get your HEA, right? Even when it’s a little less than plausible?
Narrator thoughts:
The narration was fantastic. It was two narrators – Ryan West and Virginia Rose. This was my favorite style of dual narration where Virginia did all the female voices, even in the chapters where Reno/Ryan was the main voice and vice versa. Both are new-to-me narrators, although I could have sworn I knew Virginia Rose’s voice. Perhaps she goes by another name? But anyway, definitely recommend this narration pair.
I agree with you regarding the suspension of belief. I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t bowled over.
I haven’t read an MC romance in ages, but glad this one was engaging even if it crossed the belief line a bit.
I’ve found I can’t read many MC books as they feel too unreal to me. I’m glad you could enjoy this one.