A bold and powerful read that is impossible to put down…
Steele’s inaugural book in the Iconic Sons MC series is a razor-sharp story of survival and betrayal, charting one woman’s dangerous journey through a world of passion and fractured loyalties. Charly Sawyer, a foster care survivor scarred by trust issues, finds herself drawn to Dominic Price, her boss and VP of the Iconic Sons MC. After a brutal attack leaves her shaken, Charly and her friend Jess seek refuge at the MC’s clubhouse, where sparks fly between her and Dominic’s magnetic cousin, Jax. As both men vie for her affection, Charly battles deep insecurities while contending with escalating jealousy from Jess and coworkers. Her tentative exploration of love and desire with Dominic and Jax soon unravels into a minefield of betrayal, sabotage, and resentment.
Steele excels at crafting characters that feel authentic and deeply human. Charly is a layered protagonist—resilient yet vulnerable, fierce yet tender. Her struggle to navigate the loyalties and dangers of the MC world, alongside her own insecurities, is both poignant and riveting. Dominic’s brooding complexity makes him an endearing hero. Steele avoids archetypes, crafting Dominic with nuance and vulnerability, while Charly’s quick wit and strength make her a match for his authority. Jax is irresistibly charming, while the richly drawn supporting cast—from the bruised yet resilient Jess to the swaggering Gun and manipulative Maxine—adds depth and texture. The steamy love scenes are well-crafted, adding to the overall allure of the narrative without overshadowing the character development. The pacing is expert, balancing introspective moments with adrenaline-fueled drama. Steele’s attention to detail—from the evocative description of the lodge’s history to the stark reality of Charly’s day-to-day struggles—lends authenticity to the narrative. The setting is richly described, and the dialogues crackle with wit and unspoken truths, drawing readers into the charged dynamics between Charly and the men vying for her trust and affection.
The novel explores the lingering scars of trauma, the search for belonging, and the quest for autonomy in a world rife with power dynamics. Steele deftly portrays the dichotomy of the MC culture, presenting it as both a bastion of loyalty and a domain of rigid, often dangerous hierarchies. Although the novel adheres to some conventions of the romance and MC genres, its originality lies in its refusal to shy away from the darker facets of its characters’ realities. The story does not offer easy resolutions or sanitized portrayals; instead, it leans into the grit and complexity of its world. The result is a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Readers will be eager to delve deeper into the Iconic Sons MC universe.
Pub date June 6, 2024
KBS Publishing
ISBN 978-1763588301
Price $14.99 (USD) Paperback, $2.99 Kindle edition
