Member Reviews
I always know what I'm getting when I read Penny Dee. Slow burn to smut, smut, SMUT. The plotlines are simple enough to stay an easy intriguing read and the spice does not disappoint.
With that being said this wasn't my favorite I have read in the Kings MC series. A troubled ex military man falling in love with a fiery "angel". Both have troubled pasts that they have work though to be able to fully fall in love with one another. At moments it felt rushed with the instant connection and then the inevitable "a terrible thing is going to happen before the happy ending", but again the plotline was simple enough to follow and read without getting bored or lost throughout the book. The continuous trickling of spicy scenes of course helping move the book along.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an arc ebook copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I definitely want to preface this review by saying I don't typically read MC romances, and I think this one worked somewhat ok for me because it was light on the MC-ness. Though trust me, it was still there.
There was just so much going on, so many different plot threads. I think I would have enjoyed it more if there was a bit more focus in the plot. There were also too many characters making really poor choices that just take you out of the story. Another big issue I had was that it was hard to tell who was talking, who's POV we were in. The voices for the POVs were so similar, there was nothing much setting them apart, and that made it hard to follow and also hard to connect with them!
There were definitely some tough topics covered [content warnings for sexual assault, both on-page and off, physical violence/assault, abusive parents, etc. so read with caution. This is not a happy romance! But if you like dark, MC romances, this will probably be right up your alley!
A big thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read #HellOnWheels via an advanced readers copy. All opinions are my own.
Excerpt:
"It was a life neither of us could ever have imagined. When we met we were both so broken. So scarred. Yet somehow we’d found each other in the darkness and lifted the veil to let the light back in. The past was gone. Vanquished by love. By faith. And by hope."
I really enjoyed reading this book. Chance, a deliciously sexy character, was a troubled former Navy SEALS and a member of the MC, Kings of Mayhem. Cassidy was a young woman on the run from a terrifying past and Barrett, her foster brother, was the creator of her torment. Chance's character was well as Cassidy's, were well fleshed out and likeable. I especially liked Chance's character, he was SO into helping Cassidy, and VERY intense. Barrett was just plain evil and I hated him! The story flowed nicely and was believable, albeit incredulous.
I would have liked the book to include more background on both Cassidy and Chance, but since this is the fourth book in the series I'm guessing if would have been helpful to have read the other ones first.
This was my first book by this author and most certainly not my last. It came with plenty if action and suspense and left me feeling happy at the end, wanting to read more about this pair. I would definitely purchase this book and recommend to romantic suspense lovers. I myself loved the series "Sons Of Anarchy", and that is what led to my interest in this book.
Trigger warning: graphic depictions of rape, physical abuse as well as psychological, and murder.
I hadn’t read an MC book in a while, so this one peaked my interest, mainly because I don’t like reading about the main characters with sexual escapades and then not think them slime when they end up with the other main character. I’ve found with many MC books, the main guy is in these situations so it’s an instant book killer for me. However, this wasn’t that. This starts off with the situation that breaks Chance, who I instantly fell in love with. As soon as he meets Cassidy, his salvation is in sight. I really liked Cassidy and it’s because of her persistence that Chance gets his HEA. In regard to the book itself beyond the characters, I did really like it. I definitely got the SOA vibe, which isn’t a bad thing. Considering what Cassidy has been through is usually a hard stop for me, I kept reading, which is how much I was into the story. I plan on going back and finding the other books in this story. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I liked this one best in this series. Chance and Cassidy are 2 wounded souls that find peace only in each other.
This was an arc from netgalley.
Penny Dee has a way of making her characters relatable, with believable stories. Hell on Wheels gave this reader what she was looking for; a hero who was kind, sexy, and while he battled his own demons, he knew what had to be done. The story has everything we have come to love with Penny’s books, romance, lots of suspense, and an ending that will leave you breathless.
While our hero Chance may have come back from the war scarred and jaded, he is also a gentle being. Knowing Cassidy has a hell of a time throughout her life, he knows he has to take it easy with her. But Cassidy has other thoughts and knows she wants Chance. With the Devil coming for her, Chance vows to protect her even if it means killing the Devil himself.
This is the fourth book in the Kings of Mayhem series and I have to say each one is better than the last.
I really enjoyed this book. This is the fourth book in the series and I definitely plan on going back and reading the first 3. This is a great biker romance. I loved the chemistry between Chance and Cassidy.
Loved this new book in the MC series.
Cassidy is running from her past, she has been f0r 0ver two years. She left her life of luxury behind to escape the brutal treatment of the person who was supposed to love and protect her. Floating from town to town, she ends up in Destiny. She catches the eye of Chance, who has his own demons he is living with and trying to forget. But when Cassidy's past comes to Destiny to take her back, she knows she can either keep running or fight. Will Chance be able to overcome his own demons to help fight for Cassidy, and make her his Queen?
Love the characters and the story. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion.
Penny Dee did it again. I love this MC series. Chance and Cassidy have my heart from the beginning to the end. It was nice to visit with some of the characters from the previous books. I am a huge fan of Penny Dee's writing. Read this book as a stand alone or following the series but you will want to read them all.
Once been reading this whole series and I have enjoyed them all. This story deals with some serious problems from both of their pasts. Chance and Cassidy both suffer with 'demons'.
There is action, suspense and of course some really bad people. Chance isn't going to let Cassidy run this time. Not when he just found her. He proves to be very defensive of her.
***4 Stars***
This was a great read. It was intense and suspenseful, and at times dark (the issues that both Chance and Cassidy face, NOT their relationship) but it was also sweet, swoonworthy and smexy and kept me turning the pages til the very end.
Cassidy is pretty damn amazing. She’s lived through hell, and those demons still haunt her, but she doesn’t allow herself to wallow in it. Oh, it still messes with her head, but she’s pulled her shit kickers on and has learned to live. Chance is all kinds of sweet, protective alpha AF male, he also has his demons and they mess with his head, but despite it all, his heart is still golden.
The journey to their HEA was all kinds of slow burn goodness. The attraction was instant, the chemistry hot and I just really liked how they kept colliding. They both have their own broken pieces, and I enjoyed how they helped each other start to help ease those edges and heal the bruises on their souls. There are a few bumps in their road, but the angsty/OTT stuff between them was on the low end ~ which I was something I really liked considering all the crazy going on around them ~ and I loved how everything worked out for them in the end.
This was a great addition to the series. It had a great balance of drama, heart and humor and I loved hanging out with the rest of the King’s and their Queens. Grandma Sybil was all kinds of awesomesauce, but the one who intrigues me the most is Bull. It’s probably because of his eyes, but I seriously NEED to know more about him. There are quite a few triggers in this one, but they were handled well and were necessary to the growth of the characters.
I've pretty much liked all the books in this series, even though I put off reading them. Don't even ask me why, because I have absolutely no idea. Having said that, I think that Hell on Wheels has been my favorite out of all 4 books. All the brothers in Kings of Mayhem were a little bit broken, but Chance was the most broken of them all. Not even those who were closest to him knew exactly how much he had lost in combat. The physical scars were visible, but the emotional ones he kept well hidden. No one could heal those, until Cassidy.
I wanted things to work out for both Cassidy and Chance because they both deserved a break. Even when Cassidy did something stupid that put her in unnecessary danger or when Chance wouldn't open up. As frustrating as those moments were, they kept the pages turning. The next book in the series is Off Limits and I'm going to try really hard not to put that one off as long as I did the rest of the books in the series.
Chance is not only the Sergeant at Arms of the Kings of Mayhem MC, but he's also a Navy Seal who has seen and been deep in war. Cassidy is a young lady who is always on the run but wanting to put down roots. She is also has voice of an angel. When Cassidy and Chance keep running in to each other, their attraction sizzles and their walls slowly crumble as they get to know each other. With Cassidy running from her past, will Chance be able to free her and see where things go or will their secrets destroy what may be?
This is the first book from Ms. Dee that I have read. I have to say that I now must go back and read the whole series. I enjoyed Hell on Wheels. I love reading MC books, and Ms. Dee did not disappoint. The chemistry and sassyness between Cassidy and Chance was realistic and kept me engrossed. The plot had several surprises that I did not see coming, and the characters were well written. I forgot that I was reading a book because I had a movie going on in my mind. Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Dee for introducing me to a new series. I look forward to reading your other books. I was given a free copy, and this was my honest opinion.
This is the fourth book in the series and the one about Chance the oldest brother. Throughout the other books you were given little glimpses into Chance and his recovery. Here you are told what happened to him that caused his injuries, also a look back as to what drove him to the service and away from his father.
Once you get past the opening you are introduced to Cassidy, the two of them met while she is playing music. She also does not see Chance as a monster. He sees himself as one. When she agrees to play at the club house it goes off much better than she expected, so now she is looking forward to moving once again.
Cassidy life is on the run from someone who she knows is still looking for her and will not stop. This adds to the story because you have two people running but find each other. Chance has no problem using his skills as a former Navy Seal in protecting Cassidy. You are taken on a journey and the author does not let you down. Anyone that was looking forward to reading this book will not be disappointed. The story itself touches on a lot of issues but the author does it in a way that works for the story. The characters are good, overall a very good book.
Cassidy is running from the devil. She knows that she needs to keep moving in order to stay out of his clutches. Chance is changed. War does that to a man. But something in Cassidy catches his attention. Can he see past he demos to the hope she brings?
Hell on Wheels is fourth in Penny Dee’s Kings of Mayhem MC series. I loved getting a chance to know Chance better. He has been to hell and back only accepting that he is safe at home is taking a bit of time. I love that Ms. Dee put his demons on display. They are deeper than accepting the civilian life and darker than expected. I love that Cassidy’s voice is the catalyst he needs to begin his journey into the light. I love that the same voice that saved Cassidy saves this wounded warrior. Chance isn’t the only one fighting demons. His just happens to be a bit more personal while Cassidy’s are physical in nature. I love that the very thing that Chance fights is necessary for Cassidy’s freedom. But can either of them accept that fact? Finding out is not only half the battle but also half the fun.
I enjoyed seeing Chance and Cassidy negotiate their relationship pitfalls. Trust is hard for both of them. I thought Ms. Dee handled their issues with a deft and compassionate touch. Their demons were dark and sensitive and Ms. Dee respected that. I enjoyed returning to this world Ms. Dee has created. And I hope she will return to it in the future.
Great story plot and characters, interesting read overall and it definitely hold my attention for the whole book. I’m looking forward to read the previous books from this series as the author has a way with world building and gets you hooked up on her works.
Everybody needs a King in their life. That's what I've decided. An MC book is my guilty pleasure and the kings are among my favorite of the genre.
This particular book with the pain this man and woman have gone through is too much to consider. Them finding each other and easing the pain they live with was beautiful story. Yes the characters were amazing and even the bad guys took on a seriously sick vibe in this book.
I cannot wait to read the next one. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Chance Calley, I have been waiting for his story with bated breath. He has always intrigued me in books 1-3 m but now it was time to share his story.
Broken from a life time of abuse from his father , his only out was the Navy. Finding his place amongst the elite team of men, Chance finally had his footing, until one day it is all taken away and he feels the guilt . Injured but the only one walking always from his unit, leads Chance back to the club, to the family that loves him. With PTSD in full force, he is looking for a little light to brighten the darkness...Cassidy and her angelic voice. Cassidy, is hiding and running from something but she is keeping it all under wraps and is determined to live a life always on the move, always looking over her shoulder.
This was the story that I was waiting for. This was the way I wanted it told. This is fantastic writing. The story is full of angst and twist and turns that just make you crave the next page!!!!
3.5 stars
This book had the potential to be one of the best MC books that I have read. However, there were so many different things going on that it was hard to concentrate on which direction to go in. There was Cassidy with her past that she is running from, there was the friend and her "brother", there was the past and his little twist of what he really liked, there was Chance and his past with his father, the military/ex-girlfriend, the MC stuff, and the mystery with the Mayor's wife. I just needed it toned down and it would have been really really good. I was sucked in from the first chapter because this author does have an amazing writing style.
I will still look for more from this author in the future.
I received a copy of this book as an advanced copy from the publisher, through Netgalley, to review. The opinions given below are my own.
I read Book 3 in this series and enjoyed it so I was really happy to be able to review this next book. I enjoyed this book even more than the last and I don’t know if it’s because I enjoyed the characters more or that the story felt more powerful. I think it may be a combination of both.
Chance is the Sargent at Arms for the Kings of Mayhem MC. His father was the previous President who was a cruel and vicious man who mentally and physically abused his child. To escape he joined the Navy and eventually became a SEAL. He came back after being medically discharged, a changed and very damaged man. He tries to keep going for his family and his club, but it’s very lonely when inside you feel so empty.
Cassidy is a young woman who has spent the last two years travelling. Cassidy isn’t her real name and she is hiding, which makes it difficult to settle in one place for very long and earn enough to keep a roof over her head. Cassidy also grew up in a dangerous environment. Her foster parents were wealthy but used her as a photo prop and her foster brother abused her. She ran away when she realised that after returning from college that her foster brother was never going to change and his parents were never going to make him face the consequences of his actions.
For a while she has been travelling with her best friend who convinced her to come with her to Destiny, where her mother left her a house when she died. Destiny is where she meets Chance. After meeting Chance, he suggests she perform at a party at the Clubhouse the next day, as she sings and plays guitar as a way of making ends meet. They are attracted to each other but Chance is scared to act on his feelings because he thinks he might be a danger to Cassidy. Despite not wanting to act on his attraction Chance still wants to help Cassidy.
I really liked both Chance and Cassidy. Both of them are good people despite the horrors of their upbringing. Chance has always tried to do the right thing, so his inclination is always going to be to protect someone, even if it is from himself. He’s really damaged and he can’t seem to find a way of coping with his feelings and memories and doesn’t want to share his experiences with anyone.
Cassidy is definitely a strong woman. Despite having to go on the run to escape her foster family you can tell she isn’t as damaged as she might have once been, even if she has a very healthy fear of what her family might do to her if she is ever found, because she once got professional help.
I also really liked the secondary characters in this series and they appear again in this book. In particular, Chance’s grandmother is hilarious and Bull the president of the Kings who is a strong leader who cares about his people and won’t do anything to risk their safety, unless absolutely necessary.
This author writes extraordinary stories in a natural and believable manner. Her writing is fluid and the characters really stand out because they are explored from several sides, not just one view point. The main characters interact not only with each other but with other people in the community and their family and friends. It gives more depth to the characters to see how others see them, not just their love interest.
On top of the excellent writing and smoothly paced plot progression, there are plenty of spicy scenes to keep most MC fans happy. MC books normally make for pretty hot reading and this is no exception. There is no kink involved, but it is quite explicitly written.
This really is a very good book, and I raced through the pages, finding it difficult to put down. As such, I highly recommend it for fans of the MC genre. You don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this book, but if they are as good as this fourth book, I’d be inclined to give them a try too. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for any future books in the series.