Custom Built is the first title in the Fast and Fury series, a spin-off from the Knights of Fury series. Bronte and Crow’s story features many familiar characters from the Knights of Fury series.
Bronte is a survivor. She’s struggling after losing her job, but then she just seems to keep taking hits personally, physically and mentally.
Crow has a tendency to come across as a bit of an ass and would have loved part of this title to be told from his point of view. Once you get past his original behavior you see more of the Crow from previous titles that I loved.
Despite their antagonistic behavior, the chemistry between this pair is undeniable.
A story of family, friendship and loyalty with action, drama and a touch of suspense.
I look forward to future additions to the series.

Down on her luck Bronte’s Uncle Neville hooks her up with a job working at a motorcycle shop. She knows nothing about motorcycles but is willing to learn. Her first day doesn’t go as smooth as she hoped, especially when her gorgeous but infuriating boss Crow leaves her on her own. Despite the feeling of Crow’s dislike for her, she becomes fast friends with her just-found-out-about cousin and her girlfriends. When an unexpected tragedy happens Crow is the one to lend his shoulder to cry on. Bronte is quickly pulled into the crew’s circle as another tragedy occurs. As her suspicions grow so does her need to find out the truth, putting herself in danger.

Having read this author’s previous books, I’m excited for the start of this new series! I loved how Crow, a big, bad biker, was sweet and protective of Bronte. Bronte learns quickly the meaning of family in the motorcycle club world, especially when Crow finally claims her as his own. Looking forward to the next book!

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin - Carina Press for the opportunity to read a copy.

When this book first starts you are immediately sucked into the difficulties Bronte is experiencing, and man does she go through a lot in a short period of time. This definitely serves to establish her character and perseverance. The story is very fast paced and there are many things that happen very quickly.

The mystery and suspense element to the story was enjoyable and this is one of those stories that can easily be consumed in one sitting. I really enjoyed Chantal Fernando's writing style and will definitely be picking up more of her works in the future.

Bronte is in need of a break after an awful year. She gets a job in the local motorcycle shop that Crow owns. Crow is the owner of the motor cycle shop and a member of an MC. He is abrupt with Bronte and just rude in general to her. Bronte still thinks he's hot but a jerk. A murder leads her to need Crow to protect her. Bronte ends up part of a new family. A good read with plenty of steam.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by author)...

Spin-off from the Knights of Fury MC series; we get to see a lot of of favorite characters


I really wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t connect with what was happening. First, I must say I loved the characters in this book especially Bronte and Crow; everyone was just so accepting and kind with Bronte. Bronte’s uncle is Neville, father to Abbie, who we learn all about in the book, Temper.

This is the first book of the Fast & Fury series and it kind of follows Saint example in that there is a tragic event which will break your heart. Now with that being said there was just something about the book that it felt like everything moved so abruptly. It went from I hate him to grinding on him to why won’t he kiss me to you complete me; I think I experienced emotional whiplash.

Then there were some events that took place that I felt like they could have all been avoided if they took the situation more seriously. I’m trying not to reveal too much since there are a few reveals.

In the end, it felt abrupt and then it felt like the story was being dragged out and overdone. The whole Jean and Anne incident just seem over the top and created additional unnecessary drama. I just kept wondering when the book would end because it seemed like another attack or tragedy kept popping up.

That being said I would like to know more about Cam, Chains and the rest of the new crew.

3.5 stars

Thanks to the Harlequin Books for the complimentary copy of this title! Big thanks to Harper Audio as well for the complimentary audiocopy of the book as well.

Custom Built by Chantal Fernando overall I think this is a solid start to a series. We are introduced to the Fast & Fury Motorcycle shop. The book introduces a lot of great characters I can't wait to get to know better. I really liked the two lead characters of this book. The heroine, Bronte, is put through the absolute wringer in this one and yet manages to stay strong regardless of the obstacles. And the hero Crow is the perfect me of hot, gruff MC member while still being caring and protective.

If I had to pinpoint things that didn't quite work I'd have to say I wanted to know more about the MC. They aren't the main focus of the series, but there are so many members mentioned, I really wanted to know more. I suspect this is because I came into this blind and have not read the previous Knights of Fury series. The relationship also went pretty quickly from two people hot for each other to head over heels in love.

Overall though if you are a fan of MC books or books set in custom body shops, I found this an entertaining read. The steam level is medium high.

NARRATION: I thought the narration on this one was good. The narrator is able to give each character their due in such a way that seems appropriate to their personality.

Bronte's having a rough go at it right now when she's given the opportunity to work at a garage, all helped along by her newly discovered cousin. Though she knows nothing about bikes or mechanics, she's excited to have a job and to get to know her cousin better. Her cousin's man, Temper, is the prez of the MC that owns the garage, and she figures her cousin will be around there a lot to help her settle in. She doesn't figure on her new boss being so um hostile to her. Oh well, she can get along without being in his good graces. Right?

Crow's unsettled by his new gorgeous employee, and acts like a jerk for awhile til he gets his head on straight, and from there on he actually shows that he's a good guy. Color me shocked! But there are going to be many, many things that will come out of nowhere, and Crow and Bronte will have to stick together if she wants to make it through with her sanity and her life intact.

I guess I'm used to MC romances that are a little...um, how shall I say this? Harder? Darker? Grittier? Don't get me wrong, I ended up liking Custom Built, it was just a little sweeter than I am used to in an MC read. Crow is definitely much sweeter than the average alphahole MC dude, actually, he wasn't really alpha at all, just a good guy who happens to be in an MC. Bronte, though, is the real standout for me. I loved her character - her emotional and mental strength, and her survivor attitude and big heart. Though this is much sweeter than I'm used to dealing with, I still liked Custom Built, I liked Bronte and Crow, and look forward to much more Fast & Fury stories.

This first book in the Fast & Fury series is a great introduction and will have me coming back for more. Crow and Bronte’s story is a little sweeter than what I am used to from this author but makes the story no less captivating. Plenty of drama, chaos, heat and sadness as we intertwine with the Knights of Fury MC. Bronte is a strong independent woman who gets her fair share of knocks and has to learn that letting other people have your back doesn’t make you weak. Crow will make you swoon and tremble as not only does he show us his alpha stubborn side but his loving protective side. A story with plenty of ups and downs to have you enamoured right to the very last page.

Bronte has had a tough year with her health and now she's been fired from her job. Luckily for her she finds a job at a custom motorcycle garage, hot boss alert.
Crow is the boss at Fast and Fury, he's trying to keep his distance from Bronte because it's the right thing to do... how long will that last?

Overall I enjoyed this book though I wish her health issue had been explored a bit more because it felt almost like it was there just to add a secret for her to keep from her dad.
Also I personally felt like the last 10 percent of the book wasn't needed.
The relationship was nicely developed and the support they gave each other was great. I need the stories of the side characters ASAP!

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

The beginning of the book starts of well and soon falls apart into a mess. The story is completely a disconnected with the loss of individual characters are we suppose to care about but are never given a chance to. Towards the end of the book it skips time by months and years which gives a lack of cohesion to to complete the story. Bronte is an odd duck that readers could enjoy if the author had a better editor. The characters are flat and boning at best. Yet the characters are a in a biker gang which you would think would have a element of action or even suspense.

This story made absolutely no since with its lack of direct, flat characters, zero drive as to why or the reason why the characters are on the pages. The writing could use another once over with an editor to fix mistakes that cause the story to slow down or well at times make zero since.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher of the advance copy of Chantal Fernando Custom Built.

Received a advanced copy via Netgalley for a honest review.
Chantal never fails to bring you a story full of outstanding characters - a story full of twist and turns - a story full of drama and suspense - a story full of love. I have loved every book I have read by Chantal and this one is no different. Custom Built is book 1 in the Fast & Fury series BUT we get some of our old Faves from the Knights of Fury!!

Bronte has a lot going on in her life. She has some serious medical issues but she is not going to let that stop her.. She is strong, sassy, independent, and all around amazing..
Crow is strong, broody, handsome, alpha... (i mean what's not to love).. he is also her new boss.. and he is a grade A A$$!

This book was fast paced, easy to read.. I just LOVED this book.. I devoured it in one sitting.. I cant wait to see what else Chantal gives us.!!

3.75
I was really enjoying Bronte and Crow’s unconventional romance, but I felt there was something missing with it. The book seemed to focus more on Bronte’s drama filled life than the budding love between them, so I felt a little disconnected. It almost seemed more of a mystery or sleuth than a romance.
I did enjoy the plot, but toward the end, I felt there was a lot of unnecessary things added into the mix to make the book longer, these additions were what made my rating go down.
I would love to give this author another shot though, because I did delight in all the characters!

Motorcycles, MC, mechanic, private investigator, murder mystery

This one was a bit different than some of Chantal Fernando’s other books. This was much much more focused on Crow and Bronte’s relationship than the club which I loved. This is the first book of the new Fast & Fury series but it is a spin off. You can read it just fine on it’s own but I highly suggest that you back and read the Knights of Fury series.

Bronte has a lot going on in her life. She’s having some medical issues, she lost her job, and the job her uncle got her a motorcycle shop includes a jerk of a boss. Crow, who is the jerk of a boss, really did come off at first as a completely jerk. However, it wasn’t long before he was the Crow that I know and love from the Knights of Fury. He is much deeper than he appears at times.

This was a pretty quick read for me but I loved every moment of it. I did think that poor Bronte went through a lot. At one point, I thought, could anything more happen to this poor girl? I mean geesh! It made it all the more enjoyable though.

I was super excited to see an extension of the Knights of Fury MC with this series and Fernando did not disappoint. Things were delved into more from this MC and I loved the concept behind this one. This one features Crow, who runs the motorcycle shop and Bronte, who has ties to Abbie. The connection these two have is such a deep sizzle undercurrent that will keep you on your toes. The twists and turns that are added to this story make it that much more in depth. My heart ached for all the trauma that Bronte endured though. But she was such a fighter. Crow is just sinful and I kinda wanna keep him to myself! If you have been a fan of Fernando and her MC books, this one is an amazing addition.

I've read a couple of Chantal's books from each of her MC series and really enjoyed them. Custom Built was a new series but didn't feel like that at all and truthfully I was going "who ARE all of these people?" so just putting that out there for others who haven't read her Knights of Fury books.

I felt this was more general contemporary romance and less gritty biker. Didn't expect crazy 1%er shenanigans but the MC stuff was sparse. The amount of horrible things that the h goes through was OTT. There wasn't enough time to process one bad situation before the next wave was rolling over her. They H had hints of alpha but he was really just sweet and protective. Nothing wrong with that, I just like my MC men to be OTT crazy jealous and protective.

Would I read a second book in this series - Yes. Once I know what the tone of future books will be I can appreciate them for what they are - a MC "lite" read.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Bronte Pierce is having the worst year of her life. She has lost her job, saying goodbye to a lifelong dream, and might have to move back in with her dad if she doesn't find a job soon. While visiting her dad, her uncle tells her about a job at a local motorcycle shop needing someone to answer phones and do paperwork. Although she knows nothing about motorcycles, she is a fast learner and needs a job.

When she meets her new boss, Crow is not what she was thinking her boss would be. He is stubborn, hard-headed, honest, and gorgeous.

Crow wasn't looking for Bronte to walk through the door, she pushes all his buttons and he just wants to strip her bare and have his way with her. But he has to keep his distance, so he will pile the work on her and see what she is made of.

There is someone after Bronte, and Crow is there to protect her, but can he save the day? Who is after her and why? Will Crow give in to his feelings for Bronte? Is there a chance for a relationship? Can they have a future together?

I really liked this story; with the suspense aspect I was trying to figure out who was after Bronte and it never crossed my mind. I didn't realize this was a new series and I am so glad it has some of the characters from the Knights of Fury series in it too. If you are looking for a really good story with romance, suspense, laughter, tears, and a happily ever after, then this one is for you. I can't wait for the next one.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series, but it follows straight on from Knights of Fury, so you might want to step back and read those first – or if you enjoy this, do go back afterwards. I really enjoyed the return to this fabulous MC and was very happy to catch up with how things are progressing.

In this installment we meet Bronte, who gets a job in the custom bike shop owned by the Knights. She is immediately attracted to Crow, but he behaves in a very odd, distant manner. Amusingly, this is because he does not want to acknowledge his interest in her – and certainly doesn't want to follow his friends Saint, Temper, and Renegade and fall in love!!

The twist in this story is that Bronte's family is not exactly what she thought it was – and this leads to a tragedy and danger which she would never have envisaged. I have to say I thought she dealt with the whole revelation far better than I would have done. I think I would have been much less relaxed as things progress, but I am a bit of a wuss. I chose to suspend disbelief and go with it a few times, where I wasn't sure that everything really fitted together, because I was happy that she gets to sort out her feelings and move on into her new future. She does just get on with her life and seek out the truth as she can find it. She also makes her feelings clear to Crow and it is definitely great fun watching them enjoy each other's company. It is particularly amusing given Crow's resistance.

A good start to a new series. I look forward to finding out what will happen next!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
What do you do when your whole world collapses around you? You turn to your family. But what happens when your family turns out to be something you don't recognize?

Bronte's fixation on the abnormal cells hiding in her cervix has been her sole fixation for months. Will they or won't they come back? Now, out of a job, she reluctantly accepts her uncle's helping hand in getting a job at a local motorcycle shop.

Crow's hiring of Bronte is not something he really wanted to do, but family is family and you do favors for family. Not sure how the businesslike Bronte is going to fit in his shop, he nevertheless leaves her to figure it out.

Just as Bronte's life begins to turn itself around, the ground beneath her dissolves and she's floundering once again. Crow knows that there is more than meets the eye to the recent upheaval in Bronte's life, he's more than willing to be her shoulder to lean on.

This series is a spin-off of the previous series by this author and can be read as a standalone – and while not necessary, I feel that reading the first series will give you insights into the characters you might not otherwise have.

This was a lovely read, as far as a crime, MC romance novel can be :)

It's the story of Bronte and Crow. A woman who gets into a new job and fells in love with her - initially very grumpy- boss, while her life takes so many unexpected turns.

The grumpiness of Crow lasts very little and the whole story focuses on the beauty of their flourishing relationship as a lot of drama unfolds. Bronte discovers her family has some big hidden secrets that will greatly affect her life.

Surprisingly, there is little darkness coming from the MC and a lot more coming from her connections. It's a pretty easy to read book, filled with lovely moments and a lot of good people to support both Bronte and Crow but also a lot of suspense and on-the-edge moments. The whole story is not as much focused on the MC as it is on normal problems, like illness and loss, it has a "rea feel" to it.

What I loved the most about this book is: first - how the repercussion of Bronte's illness are developed in the book. The author spins the story of this new type of family with such warmth and beauty. And second: how the story keeps on going and going. At one point you feel like: here's the happy ending what more can it be? And then it all keeps going until Bronte emerges not only fully happy, balanced and loved, but also strong and independent. Loved this!

Custom Built is the first book in the spin off series Fast & Fury but alot of the Knights of Fury are seen in this book. I liked it. There was alot that went on in it. I don't even know how Bronte is still sane! Bronte and Crow were really great together. I loved how he took care of her. Looking forward to reading more.

This is this author‘s first book of the series but it is a spin off of her Knights of Fury series. This just didn’t feel like an MC book, and we all know how I love MC books. I just felt the MC aspect was second in the overall scheme of things.

Bronte is having the worst year of her life-she loses her job and her dreams and she might have to move back in with her father if she can’t find a job quickly. Crow owns the motorcycle shop in town looking for a receptionist and someone to do light paperwork. Bronte knows nothing about motorcycles but she needs a job and she is a fast learner. Crow isn’t what she expected as a boss, he is hardheaded, stubborn and absolutely gorgeous. He needs to keep his distance from Bronte because he doesn’t want any entanglements but she pushes his buttons. Will Crow give in to his feelings for Bronte? When someone is after Bronte will Crow be there to protect her?

Chantal Fernando writes some romantic biker romances! As bad as her bikers and their MC is once they find their lady love they will do anything to keep her.

Crow is running the motorcycle shop Fast & Fury. Bronte is at a point in her life where surprises are being thrown at her left and right and her life is changing fast. When her uncle and father's surprise lands her a new job working at Fast & Fury she quickly butts heads with Crow. When things take a major turn for the worse Crow ends up stepping up for Bronte and sparks fly.

I love MC romances and while I like my MC clubs with a bit more hardness to them this story was still good.