Stripes/Ram Duet (Print)
A Dixie Reapers Bad Boys Romance
Author: Harley Wylde
Cover Art: Bryan Keller
BIN: 011143-03626
ISBN (13): 978-1-60521-893-9
Genres: Action Adventure, Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance, Suspense
Themes: Age Gap (Older Man), MC Romance, Organized Crime, Single Parent/Pregnancy
Series: Dixie Reapers MC Print (#34)
Multiverse: Bad Boys (#9)
Book Length: Print
Page Count: 328
My hands are already stained with blood. What’s a little more?
Stripes (Devil’s Boneyard MC 12)
Melina -- The Bratva taught me men take what they want. Then a Russian biker swoops in to save me. As much as I want to believe everything he says, any hope I had died long ago.
Stripes -- She thinks she’s broken. I see a strong woman who’s still standing. I’ll help her heal. Prove not all men are evil. Never again will someone cause her pain.
Talia -- When I’m kidnapped, this big biker jumps in to rescue us. I watch as he kills four men. The blood on his hands should terrify me. He says I can trust him, and something about this man makes me want to give him a chance. I only hope I won’t regret it.
Ram -- My club thought I was dead, and I wanted to keep it that way – until I roll up to the gates with six women in tow. One of them I’d love to claim as my own. She’s prickly, defensive, and utterly adorable. Now I’ve gone from a vigilante with no home to a family man. Never again will someone hurt those who are precious to me.
Praise for Stripes (Devil's Boneyard MC 12)
"This was a tough, emotional read and it did bring tears to my eyes. But it was everything that I would expect from Melina's story. Harley did a wonderful job at bringing us this emotional, tragic and beautiful story."
-- 5 Stars from Dawn Greaves, Goodreads Review
"Oh my heart! This is an emotionally captivating, heartbreaking but oh so beautiful story. The patience, understanding and loving way Stripes takes care of Melina melted my heart. This story is not all rainbows and sunshine, this is a poignant story about healing, overcoming and finding happiness. I absolutely adored, loved and enjoyed everything about this book."
-- 5 Stars from DreaFernandez, BookBub Review
"Reading Stripes and Melina's story is hard and very sad. For what she went through, you'd think she'd want to give up. But Stripes wouldn't let her give up, he's her rock, her strength, he shows her what love is really like. Author Harley Wylde truly did amazing, I am definitely ready for the next book."
-- 5 Stars from Fabiola Cadet-Destil, Amazon Review
"I loved this story in all its broken and battered glory. Their road isn't easy but when you walk it with the right person, its paradise. I was on emotional overload by the time I came up for air. Melina grows into a fighter and with Stripes at her back, I know they will have a beautiful life together, 6 stars!"
-- 5 Stars from Leslee Nevill, Amazon Review
"I've loved Stripes since we met in Jackal. Melina's whole life has been hell on earth with the exception of her daughters when punished for the sins of her husband. When Stripes comes for her he promises no one will hurt her ever again. God I love these men!"
-- 5 Stars from Melissa Toner, Amazon Review
"Once again Harley delivered a story that makes you hurt,make you cry makes you smile and make you laugh while following the adventure of a hunky biker and a strong beautiful woman. I highly suggest all of her books for they are fantastic from the characters and their stories. I am going to be selfish and say I can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the future hopefully near future."
-- 5 Stars from Ina, Amazon Review
"I really enjoy reading Harley's books... she never disappoints... hot alpha bikers falling in love with woman who need help and who treat women the right way."
-- 5 Stars from Carole Fiore, Amazon Review
"As usual, this author does not disappoint. Another winner in this series of books. Good characters and plot with some some good twists and turns. Lots of emotional ups and downs, but still a very enjoyable book."
-- 5 Stars from CRoll, Amazon Review
"Stripes was amazing with his love, kindness and patience that he shared with Melina. He was her strength when she needed it most. Melina gave him a peace he's always wanted. This was truly a beautiful story of healing and love!"
-- 5 Stars from Shelby, Amazon Review
"Stripes was a treat! Action yes, hotness yes, but what I loved about this book was the character development and the connection I felt to them. It was raw and honest in dealing with some very dark issues and that made our Stripes stand out! He was tough, steady, over the top protective and loving…. all the biker cinnamon roll goodness that gets me! Fantastic book!"
-- 5 Stars from Laura C., Amazon Review
"This touching story is one emotional rollercoaster that touched my heart and had me in Melina’s corner. This is a well written story that is descriptive along with dynamic characters that inspire and makes this story come alive..."
-- 5 Stars from Merry Jelks-Emmanuel, Amazon Review
Praise for Ram (Devil's Fury MC 12)
"Talia was smart and so strong, she was just perfect for Ram. Loved it so very much!"
-- 5 Stars from Leslee Nevill, Amazon Review
"Good characters and plot along with good twists and turns."
-- 4 Stars from CRoll, Amazon Review
"Ram burst onto the scene with some serious brass b*lls! Finding a woman that is just as deadly as himself was awesome. the twists and turns are amazing!"
-- 5 Stars from DragonWolf, Amazon Review
"Phenomenal… loved the main characters and had a wonderful bonus of catching up with what everyone else has doing. You can read as a standalone but is even better if you have been reading her books. The current action adds to series."
-- 5 Stars from Reyna Upchurch, Amazon Review
"Harley once again hit this one out of the park! I really loved the connection Ram and Talia shared. I seriously can’t say enough good things about this book!"
-- 4 Stars from Dark and Angsty, Amazon Review
Stripes/Ram (Print)
Harley Wylde
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2024 Harley Wylde
Excerpt from Ram
I’d been too late to save the young girl Vega targeted, but I wouldn’t fail this time. The woman in his grasp looked to be no more than nineteen years old. The way she slumped told me she’d either been drugged or knocked unconscious. I knew Vega would do unspeakable things to her. As much as I wanted to rip her from his arms right here and now, I knew it was better to wait. He likely had other victims and I hoped he would lead me to them. If at all possible, tonight I would save more than one life.
The ink on my back felt as if it burned, a reminder of the life I’d left behind. I hadn’t worn my club colors in more than a decade. After I’d gone nomad, I’d disappeared, making sure my brothers couldn’t find me. They didn’t know of my failed mission, and I hoped they never did. Because of me, multiple lives had been lost. I knew saving this woman and the others couldn’t make up for what I’d done before, but it was the only way I knew of to ease the burden on my guilty conscience.
I clung to the shadows out-of-sight, a knife gripped in my hand. The woman let out a soft moan and I hoped she wouldn’t wake any time soon. Vega would do whatever it took to keep her quiet, and I wanted her to suffer as little as possible. There was no telling what he had already done to her.
Following silently, I kept him within sight. Vega made his way through the shady neighborhood, fast approaching the warehouses on the opposite end. I held back as he entered the last structure on the right. The few windows I saw were covered in dust and grime, but I knew I needed to at least try to get a glimpse inside the building. If I had my brothers with me, things would have been different. I didn’t know if they’d ever accept me back again, or if they even knew I was still alive. Only Badger had kept in touch. Confronting Vega alone wasn’t a good idea. I knew he had multiple men working under him including extra hired muscle. Many would call this a suicide mission. Perhaps they were right, but I didn’t care if I died today as long as the innocent women and girls inside the building would be safe.
Through the dirt-encrusted glass, I could see Vega and three other men. The woman he’d carried inside was now slumped in a chair, her wrists tied to the arms. A trickle of blood ran from her temple down the side of her face. I wondered how else he’d hurt her. Scanning the room, I saw a row of cages, each filled with at least one teenage girl or young woman. None looked over the age of twenty and the youngest appeared to be near thirteen. I couldn’t stand sick fucks like Vega.
I watched for another twenty minutes, keeping an eye on any changes. So far, it didn’t look like Vega had other men with him. Three didn’t seem like much for someone like him. Which meant they were either on their way or he felt secure with such a small detail. If I had my sniper rifle, it would have been much easier to take them out. Instead, all I had was my nine millimeter and my knife. There was no way to end their miserable lives without getting closer.
Part of me wanted to feel Vega’s blood and watch as the light dimmed from his eyes. The average person might have considered him a monster, but tonight I was the vicious thing lurking in the dark. My heart kept a steady rhythm as I watched and waited. I knew I’d have to move before he harmed the woman anymore, yet I couldn’t be careless and rush into danger. Doing so would only end all our lives.
I backed away from the window as the phone vibrated in my pocket. Pulling it out I checked the screen. A familiar name flashed on the display. Badger. Why the hell would he be calling now?
My curiosity got the better of me and I stepped farther away from the warehouse to answer the call.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” I asked when the call connected.
“Why do you always have to be a dick when you answer the phone? You could at least try not to sound sarcastic.”
“Maybe I just seem like one because we haven’t spoken in so long. It’s not like we talk more than once every two or three years. Is there even anyone else at the club who knows I’m still alive?”
Badger sighed. “I got the feeling you didn’t want anyone to know you were alive. Was I wrong? And don’t think for one second I’m not aware of what you’ve been up to. I’ve left you alone to do your thing, but this is news that couldn’t wait any longer.”
My gut churned. What the hell could have possibly happened to make him say such a thing? “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Grizzly. I don’t know how else to say it so I’ll just spit it out. He’s gone. Died a few months ago. I’d have called sooner but shit hit the fan around here.”
I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the loss of my ex-president. I hadn’t seen him in over ten years. It never occurred to me the last time I walked out would be the last chance I ever had to speak with him.
“What happened? How did he die?” I asked.
“Too many years of bad decisions caught up to him. His health began to decline a little while back. Finally, his body just gave out. It hit the entire club hard, especially his daughters.”
The way he said the word daughters made me think there was something more to it, but now wasn’t the time to ask. I could mourn Grizzly later and ask for more details about the club. Right now, I needed to focus on the women and girls who needed my help. Besides, I’d been gone from the club for so long I didn’t even know any of Grizzly’s adopted daughters. I’d heard about them from Badger previously, but it wasn’t the same as meeting them in person.
“I appreciate the call, but now isn’t a good time. Sorry, Badger. I’ve got to go.” I hung up before he could say another word.
Creeping back over to the warehouse, I looked into the window again. While I’d been on the phone, Vega had been having a bit of fun. The poor woman tied to the chair now had multiple wounds. I could see the rise and fall of her chest and said a silent thanks she was still alive. But I worried she wouldn’t be for much longer. Whatever it took, I needed to get her and the others out of there as quickly as possible.
One of Vega’s men pulled out a pack of cigarettes and headed for the door. I knew this was my chance to take out at least one of them. When he didn’t return, Vega would suspect something was up. It was a risk I’d have to take.
I heard the warehouse door open and shut. Gripping my knife tightly, I crept around the corner. I saw the flicker of the flame from his lighter, then the soft glow from the end of a cigarette. While he remained preoccupied, I moved swiftly on silent feet. Before the asshole had a chance to even realize I was there, I placed my hand over his mouth and slit his throat.
The coppery scent of his blood filled the air, and I knew it would attract other predators, both human and animal. The clock was ticking. I leaned against the building, melding with the shadows, and waited for my next victim. It wasn’t long before another of Vega’s men came outside.
“Joe, where the fuck are you? Vega is starting to get pissed. Stop screwing around and come back inside.”
I had bad news for him. Joe wouldn’t be going back inside. He had a one-way ticket to hell...
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