Vicious Cycle (A Vicious Cycle Novel Book 1)

There is nothing to hate about this new series. I am hooked. Katie Ashley hooked me with the prologue. I was grabbed and pulled into a world of motorcycle men who aren't exactly on the right side of the law. Willow will steal your heart in the first few pages. Deacon is a member of a MC. He likes women and he lives a life where he is responsible for the MC he is a part of but nothing else. Enter Willow. Willow is Deacon's child. He has no idea what to do with a child. Alexandra is Willow's kindergarten teacher. She is worried about Willow, but she doesn't know what she is in for when she goes to visit Willow's home. Alexandra is nothing like the women that Deacon likes. She is "white bread". When they finally give in to the attraction, it's lights out. There were scenes in the book that made me want to cover my eyes. Katie Ashley vividly described some of the going's on of the inner workings of a MC. There is a lot of action in this book. I fell in love with the characters despite their way of life. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger for this story, but we are set up for Rev's story coming soon. This is a series that will capture you, make you want to do nothing but read, and then leave you breathless when you finish. Love it.

I've had this book preordered for forever. When it comes, boy does it come with a lot. So much going on. Some surprises that creep up on ya. It's fast paced. And my kindle was sticky (uh, that means I couldn't stop reading). It's a great story if you like MC romances. Looking forward to Rev's book next.....then Bishop. That is the one I can't wait to get my hands on.

Wanted to put this book on your radar! Readers of Joanna Wylde Reaper's Property will LOVE Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley. This is first book in a new series by Ashley being published by the Penguin Group. It is a Fast Paced, Action Packed, and Sexy as Hell Fire journey. Ashley has pushed herself as an author to bring her readers an exhilarating thrill ride and I can't wait to see what Ashley has up her sleeve next for the Raiders of Vicious Cycle. The book starts with a powerful prologue which barreled me right into the story. At first glance Deacon, the sergeant of arms for the Raiders motorcycle club, and Alexandra are an unlikely love match; but they sizzle up the pages of this MC (motorcycle club) romance. In fact my fingers might have become a little scorched as I held my eReader, as the passion burns hot and fiery. They are both surrounded by dark and deadly secrets that propel the plot to it's gasp worthy ending. Ashley has blended the outlaw lifestyle with an intoxicating romance that is ignited with roaring carnality.

This is not the typical MC romance that most romance writes gravitate to, as Ashley has put her own stamp on the genre, where the club members are not bastards. They know how to be true the woman they fall in love with. So bed hopping MC lovers be warned, this is a true blue romance. The woman are strong and keep their moral compass intact. This is exhibited by Alexandra, whom can love a MC member, without leaving her scruples behind.

Please note this is not a standard Ashley romance, as she has written a gritty and dark novel, that contains a fair amount of violence, and wild sex. I recommend that everyone give this book a ride, without preconceived notions of the genre or what a MC romance should be and you will love it. I applaud Ms. Ashley for stepping out of her comfort zone and I hope that readers will appreciate her stretching her writing talent.

I was excited when this book was announced but after finishing it I feel let down. The book started off with a bang then seemed to fizzle after that. Deacon finds out he has a daughter who has just witness the most horrific thing in her life and he is a jerk demanding a DNA test then Saying in front of he doesn't want kids and the. Says he will put Willow up for adoption. Skip a few months and Willow is in lock down to keep her safe and enters the sweet school teacher who gets Willow to open up and Deacon is a jerk to her also and then He tries to set her up with a date with Rev and then we learn a secret about Alex that made me not like her as much, I couldn't get past her secret and it bothered me. For a book about a MC you didn't see a lot of action going on with them outside "the Mean Man" but that even seemed a after thought, again it was just an okay read for me.

Unfortunately, Vicious Cycle was not for me. The only way I can think to explain it is like watching a little girl playing dress up in her mother's clothes and high heels. All the bits are there but things just don't fit quite right. This one was trying to be a motorcycle club romance but it just couldn't quite figure out how to get there and ended up being a pretty flat rendition of one. The words might have been right, the set up right but it lacked the grit, depth and believable flavors of an MC.

I was actually doing okay with this one for the first little bit. It was no where near the levels of Sheehan or Joanna Wylde's MCs but none the less it was entertaining. A single daddy who was new to the job raising his daughter, her life being in danger and her school teacher snooping around and getting involved in their world. It had some great elements that were working for me. But then slowly bit by bit it fell apart and kept getting more outlandish and unbelievable.

The club members were very much p-whipped by the women in their lives. They tried to act tough--they threw around swears, postured, slept around--but one little pout from the women and the men would cave and apologize for thinking anything else. They just weren't believable as badass bikers that are involved in illegal trade despite a handful of violent scenes thrown in. And then at the end that was taken to the extreme when they go 'clean'.

I did like the hero overall. Decaon's a new-found daddy and struggles something fierce with that but he did come around and it was sweet and touching watching his love for his little girl develop. The little girl was adorable as well and I don't typically think authors do a great job of portraying children but Ashley did a very nice job in that regard. At the start I thought I'd like the heroine but that very much started to change when she confessed her deep dark secret and I lost all respect for her at this point. Alex also went from pretty sturdy/solid woman with back bone to being manipulative, having wild mood swings and extreme reactions to things like him having to go to the strip club he co-owned to hire new dancers. Totally flew off the handle sobbing and breaking up with him because how could he?!! if he really loved her! She just was too much to handle.

Some extreme plot devices towards the end that were supposed to bring huge emotional reactions were overdone and instead landed in the ridiculous category for me. Including how the villain was dispatched. And the heroine very much deballing the hero once again and him stepping in line with her decisions.

This is not one I'd recommend to lovers of motorcycle romances. I'd had high hopes and was really looking forward to this one but in the end it just flat out didn't work for me and I won't be continuing on with the series.

I enjoyed it and would love to follow this series.

I had the strangest feeling I had read this book before but I haven't well according to Goodreads I haven't so it's possibly very similar to another book where a teacher falls for a hot sexy hard headed stubborn grizzly biker.

Vicious Cycle is a good MC romance, nothing is too gritty or bloodthirsty and it's plot mainly based on the main characters, the family and trouble concerning the club.

Deacon was bossy, intimidating and basically a grizzly alpha until Alexandria and his cute little girl with a love for all thinks sparkly and pink came along and Alexandria or Alex was just a likeable character, she had a backbone and was what I would describe as just a normal woman with a tragic past through losing her parents but really just a normal young woman and school teacher.

The book begins with a little girl witnessing her mother and her boyfriend's murder then discovering her read daddy's name. The little girl is taken to the biker compound by the neighbor and not only is Deacon shocked to discover he has a child but hasn't a clue what to do with a 6-year-old little girl.

It was a good plot that flowed really well the characters are all likeable, Deacon had a few blood brothers as well as those in the club that were interesting and I could see myself following this series and to see how Deacon and Alex are getting on along with reading about the others in this biker family find love.

A steady pace, lots of hot moments and contains no cheating. Told in first person and leads to hea.

Vicious Cycle has been one of my most highly anticipated books this year. I have been dying to get my hands on it since the first whisper that Katie Ashley would be writing an MC series. And she does not disappoint! Whether she is writing wealthy businessmen, hot rockers, and now bikers, Ms.Ashley knows how to make the reader fall for her sexy hero and root for the couple to get their happy ever after.

The world of MC Romance is gritty, raw and dark. Katie Ashley manages to capture the romance and keep the reader focused on the love story rather than club business. Don’t get me wrong, Ms. Ashley paints a provocative tale of illegal activity, danger and rivalry. But the heart of Vicious Cycle is the growing relationship between Deacon and Alexandra when their world’s collide with an unexpected blast from his past that brings them together.

“Angels…beautiful angels with dark hair are coming for you. They are your only salvation.” ~ Preacher Man

David ‘Deacon’ Malloy is a walking, talking sin. Dangerous, lethal, sexy as hell, he is trouble personified. But there’s something good and sweet about him. As he learns his way with Willow, one can’t help but fall hard for him. As does Alexandra Evans, Willow’s teacher. It doesn’t start that way, though the chemistry can’t be denied, in fact the tension is palpable, however, both appear to be blind to it or simply in denial. The world of MC clubs is foreign to Alexandra and if not for Willow, she’d never have gotten involved. But, there’s something about Deacon that pulls at her, too.

The push / pull adds to the intensity of the story. Katie Ashley uses dual POV to let the reader get inside her characters’ heads. I love this type of writing because it really allows the reader to understand the characters and their motivation. It helps us see the reasons they do what they do, why they make the choices they make. And Katie Ashley does a wonderful job developing the characters through this style of writing.

Vicious Cycle is fast paced and kept me engaged from cover to cover. There were twists and unexpected turns that had me holding my breath. Yet, beyond the action, drama and violence, the beauty of this story is the romance between Deacon and Alex and the love of family. It’s a story of two unlikely people coming together and complementing each other. It’s swoon worthy for sure. Did I mention that Deacon is HOT?! Panty melter!!

“I would die a thousand deaths just to see you like this. Just to have another chance to bury my c**k deep inside you.” ~ Deacon

The secondary characters add so much to the story. Deacon’s brothers, mother and fellow club members add humor and depth. I loved Rev and Bishop! In fact I can’t wait for Rev’s story!! This is the beginning of what’s sure to be an amazing series by author Katie Ashley. If you like a good romance and enjoy the MC genre, you’ll love Ms. Ashley’s take on it. I did.

Deacon... Deacon... Deacon...
I'm hoping if I say his name enough times he'll pop up somewhere. *Sigh*
This book was one emotional roller-coaster, not from me reading but these main characters
Alex and David "Deacon" It was constant back and forth with each other, one they didn't want
anything to do with each other but tolerated each other for the sake of Willow to be educated
to wanting to rip each others clothes off.

I loved the growing relationship between Willow and her father, how Deacon knows nothing of being
a dad and hoping all it is, is to watch her without really having to do anything. But then Alex comes
along and forces him into situations he knows is the right thing to do but would rather be somewhere else.
I loved everything him becoming a dad, he's a man who never wanted kids and be with someone to settle down with.
With his past tough him that he doesn't deserve happiness or anything good and with Alex push his every
button (good or bad) he believes she deserves someone better then a man like him with a bad past and
present but he can't help but see how much she cares about his little girl and his brothers (MC) and family.

Alex was an amazing Heroine no matter what shes been through she gets through it but then their
comes a time when it begins to be to much and she has to make choices a school teacher wouldn't
ever dream of doing to protect the ones she cares and loves.

This book was amazing it had everything I looked for in a Biker Romance.
It had action between Rivals, emotional trauma where your stunned and don't know what
to think about the scene you just read, Hot Sexy Steam scene that will leave you completely speechless,
best of all this book will keep you from wanting to put it down because you HAVE to know whether
its bad or scene you laugh so hard you can't not know what happens next!

I recommend this book who love a good biker book.

This book is meant for MATURE READERS 18+ because of extreme violence and the sexual content.

A past that comes crashing into the present…..

For 5 year old Willow, a tragedy happens right before her eyes. One that will shape her future. After the death of her mother, Willow is taken to meet her father Deacon. The problem is that Deacon never knew that Willow existed. Now - the two must learn how to become father and daughter. A task that is difficult for most, but more so for a member of a motorcycle club. Pair with that the fact that Willow hasn’t spoken a word since the tragedy surrounding her mother’s death, and you have some huge obstacles that this pair must overcome.

Deacon makes no effort to learn anything about Willow. He enrolls her in school and goes about his business like he has no responsibilities beyond the Hell Raiders. When a ‘war’ comes knocking on the doors to the club - everyone has to go on lockdown. This prohibits Willow from attending school.

School has been a ‘safe haven’ of sorts for Willow. The only shred of coming out of her shell, has been Willow’s interaction with her teacher. Alexandra is determined to make sure the strides that Willow makes are not halted by her father. After a visit to the compound - Alex offers to tutor Willow at the club. What starts as a way to help Willow open up, turns into an attraction between Alex and Deacon. Can these two opposites find a bond through Willow? Will Deacon’s hard as nails attitude cause him to lose out on a chance at love?

Vicious Cycle is the first book in a new series by author Katie Ashley. It’s the first series in which Katie explores the gritty world of the MC. While I found myself drawn to the genre, I found this first book a bit ‘typical’ for an MC book. As a fan of everything Katie writes, I couldn’t wait to dive into Vicious Cycle.

The prologue literally had me on the edge of my seat. A gripping start to the book. Each verse making me want more. As I continued to read, I found a ‘nose dive’ in the content. It wasn’t that the writing was ‘bad’ ….just a HUGE letdown from the prologue. No building back up of the story plot. The ending was also disappointing. Now - don’t get me wrong….I didn’t hate it. I just don’t expect a story plot like one written in Vicious Cycle to end with a nice neat red bow on top. A push to end the book with a happily ever after…when the story could have been more gripping.

Now - does this mean I am ‘writing off’ the series. Ummmmm….NO WAY!! I love Katie Ashley and I seriously can’t wait to see what comes next. At the same time - I hope that the next book is a ‘step up’ from the writing in Vicious Cycle and blows my socks off!! So - I am counting down the days for Redemption Road!!

“Angels… beautiful angels with dark hair are coming for you. They are your only salvation.”

Deacon Malloy pretty much had his life figured out. He had a loving family which consisted of his loving mother and his brothers and he had his brothers at the club. He also had his lady, who knew what he needed from her, and that was not a relationship, but a warm body when he wanted it. He would do anything for any one of them and I mean anything. His life growing up wasn’t the best until his mama and Preacher saved him and gave him the best that they could. Deacon is one man not to mess with.

“Although I not had the support of a loving family, I still felt like a loner- an outsider still searching for a place to make his own.”

Willow Malloy hasn’t had the best upbringing by her mother. I mean, my heart just breaks for her. No child has ever have to go through what she has had to. I wish she could rewind time and undo everything that has happened to her. Willow has had to face some traumatic experiences and has completely shut herself down and stopped talking to everyone entirely. She honestly didn’t know who her birth father was until this very moment where she is being shipped off to him since she doesn’t have anyone else to care for her.

“You’ve wasted so many years on deadly sins. It’s time you found true peace in your life.”

“She will teach you to love selflessly.”

Deacon is completely dumbfounded when Willow shows up at his doorstep. He won’t believe the fact that she is his, except for the fact that she is a spitting image of himself. His first instinct is to not want her. I mean, what does he know about little girls? Absolutely nothing! But just seeing a vulnerable Willow standing there all helpless with nowhere to go, his mama and his brothers will not let her leave. Regardless of what Deacon wants Willow is there to stay. As time goes on, even without her talking everyone falls in love with Willow. It’s like she has everyone wrapped up around her finger. Even all the guys in the club. They will do anything for her. But Deacon is still is still having a hard time with her as they slowly try to bring her back to a normal life.

“She overwhelmed me with her presence.”
“Deacon continued to bring out parts of me I never knew existed.”

Alexandra Evans loves her job as a teacher and cares for each and every one of her students. When she sees Willow wandering the halls for the first time she instantly latches on to her for some reason. Its like Willow is drawn to Alexandra and mesmerized by her. She brings out such a caring motherly spirit, something she is not used too, maybe that’s what possibly draws her. I have no idea, but she starts to talk for the first time since the incident and it renders Mama speechless. Alexandra finds the need to watch over and protect Willow. There’s something vulnerable about her. And the relationship she has with her grandmother is something she wishes she still has. She’s still grieving the loss of her parents after all these years, it’s a raw subject for her still, I think it still will always be.

“He was the darkness, and I was the light- we were the perfect storm of opposites, raging against each other in perfect harmony.”

When the past comes roaring back, it puts Deacon on edge, wanting nothing but to keep Willow safe. Even if that means keeping her from school. School was the one thing keeping her happy and now she is being held in the club. When Alexandria realizes that Willow isn’t at school she takes matters into her own hands and gets to the bottom of it, finding herself at club. When she comes face to face to a barbaric Deacon she wants, she can’t help her body’s reaction to him regardless of how much of an ass she is treating him. He wants nothing to do with Willow going back to school until the mess is cleared up and she doesn’t want to hear it since it will put her behind so they come up with a compromise. Alexandria wants nothing to do with Deacon, she can’t stand him, the way he talks, the way he acts and sure as heck the way he treats women but why the hell does her body react the way it does around him?

“I ain’t never had to work for a woman.”

I received an advanced copy for my honest review

This book was an absolute roller coaster to read and review. I hated it at the start. I didn’t want to keep reading because I didn’t like the male characters and there was far too much violence for my taste.

I kept with it though because not only had I promised to review it, I had promised to review the sequel - Redemption Road.

As I continued reading, I realized the writing was quite good and I was actually enjoying the story. Then something happened that was a trigger for me personally. So, I was back to not wanting to finish it.

I did mention a roller coaster, right?

I persevered and I am so glad I did. I ended up loving the book. Yes, it is violent, some of the women get little to no respect, and the language is rough - very rough.

It doesn’t matter. The violence fit with the the plot and characters. The women (old ladies, and yes that term bothers me) of the bikers were treated like gold, and the language was what I would expect in a biker gang.

I realize I didn’t say much about the actual plot. It’s hard to stay from spoilers with this one, so I’m just going to leave this review as my opinion rather than a discussion of the plot.

What I can say is it went from a “did not finish” (DNF) to a four star review for me. I read the second book in less than a day and liked it just as much. I can’t wait for book three, Last Mile, which will be released May 3, 2016.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Vicious Cycle, by Katie Ashley, is the first book in her new MC series. I was really excited to read this book since I absolutely loved the Proposition and Runaway series! I love her writing style and her characters are simply irresistible! I knew going into this book that this story was going to be different. It's always more darker, intense and suspenseful in the MC world.

Deacon Malloy is surprised find out that he has a five-year old daughter. When Willow shows up on his doorstep, he is left speechless. It takes him some time to get used to the idea. Alexandra Evans connected with Willow Malloy from the first moment that they met. When Willow misses school for a few days, Alexandra goes looking for her. When she visits Willow's home she is surprised to find out who her dad is and where she lives. Deacon is the sergeant at arms of the Hell's Raider MC and because danger is lurking close by he decided to keep Willow at home. Alexandra and Deacon come to an agreement that she will come every day after school to teach Willow. As days go by, Alexandra gets closer to Deacon and his family. Deacon never expected to fall for his daughter's teacher, but when an enemy from his past comes back to cause trouble, Deacon will do whatever it takes to keep his daughter, his family and Alexandra safe.

I really enjoyed this book. The story kept me interested from beginning to end, but I had a hard time connecting with the main characters in some scenes. Their reactions in some situations left me speechless. I really liked Alex and how she handled the difficult situation Willow was in. What I did not like was how Alexandra's character changed. She was an interesting heroine to follow at the beginning of this journey. The things she did to catch Deacon's attention were just all over the place and that is when I lost my connection with her.

With Deacon I never felt a connection. His first scene in the book turned my stomach upside down. I did not like what he said and how he acted. It was hard for me to connect with him after that. I can't deny that the chemistry between Alexandra and Deacon was hot, but it fell a little bit short in the romance department. We also got a few scenes between him and Willow, but I wanted to see more. What I did love were his scenes with his family and friends. I could really feel the love he had for them.

The plot was good and the author included a few twists that I did not see coming. Even if I found a few problems along my reading journey of Vicious Cycle, I am looking forward to Redemption Road. This will be Rev's book. He was my favorite in Vicious Cycle. I connected more to his character than I did with his brother Deacon. He deserves an amazing HEA and I can't wait to meet the lady that will steal his heart. He's such a wonderful person!

I give Vicious Cycle, by Katie Ashley, 3.5 enjoyable, fast-paced, intense stars!

Lindy's Thoughts:

Vicious Cycle is the first book that I've read by Katie Ashley. I've heard many great things about her books, and was excited to finally get to read a book that she wrote. Also, I am a huge fan of MC Club romances, and can't get enough of these type of stories! My favorites are the Reapers MC series by Joanna Wylde and the Chaos series by Kristen Ashley!

Vicious Cycle is about Deacon Malloy and Alexandra Evans. Deacon is the Sergeant at Arms in his MC Club, the Hell's Raiders. One day he is shocked to find out that he has a five year old daughter, Willow. Willow's mother Lacey was murdered, and now he must assume full responsibility for her care.

Deacon pulls Willow out of school when he learns that she is in danger. A long-term enemy of the club is out of prison, and is the person responsible for Lacey's death (the only woman Deacon has ever loved). After missing too much school, and repeatedly trying to get a hold of Deacon, Miss Alexandra Evans, Willow's Kindergarten teacher, decides to visit Willow's home to check on her. Imagine Alexandra's surprise when she meets Deacon, a dangerous, rough around the edges, outlaw biker.

Deacon let's her know that Willow is in danger and will not be returning to school. Alexandra and Deacon come to an arrangement that includes Miss Evans teaching Willow at home. As these two begin to interact on a daily basis, Deacon becomes hot for teacher, and Alexandra can't resist the sexy bad boy. However, danger lurks around every corner, and Alexandra has to learn how to function in the MC club world if her and Deacon are to be together.

There were aspects of Vicious Cycle that did not work for me as well as aspects that I enjoyed. I had a difficult time liking Deacon, and found it extremely difficult to relate or be attracted to his character. I love a bad boy, but he must have a good heart. This isn't to say that Deacon didn't have a good heart, but he came off as extremely harsh, cold at times, and even when layers where peeled back, there just wasn't enough warmth in his character to win me over. At the beginning of the story, he left a bad taste in my mouth, when he said some truly despicable things to a man he was torturing. I understand that he was bluffing, but what he said was so abhorrent, twisted, and truly made me sick to my stomach.

I loved Alexandra at the beginning of the story. She came off as very sweet, nurturing, compassionate, and patient with little Willow. However, her personality changed drastically as the story went on. I didn't recognize the character that I had once loved. She revealed a secret that made me look at her differently, and some of her actions in the story didn't match up. It was like she was two different characters.

The story itself was extremely fast-paced. I was entertained, and there was a lot of action and suspense. I loved the secondary characters in the story. Willow was a doll, and I felt so badly for all that this little girl had to endure. I liked Deacon's adoptive brothers Rev and Bishop. Rev stole the show for me! He was sexy and sweet, protective and nurturing. This big man had an even bigger heart, and I can't wait to get his story! I want him to find a good woman to love.

My Rating:

I give, Vicious Cycle, by Katie Ashley, 3.5 MC Club Life, Dangerous Enemies, Passionate, Learning to Love Filled Stars! I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Redemption Road, because it is Rev's story, and I already love his character so much!

Review - VICIOUS CYCLE by Katie Ashley ***** 5 Stars *****

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, for an honest review on behalf of THE BOOK NUTS REVIEWERS.

I've never been a fan of the MC genre but Katie Ashley has completely changed my view.

Each character is crafted so well that you feel like you are part of the Raiders Motor Cycle Club. She can make you truly love or totally hate each of the characters.

The prologue of the story sets in motion the series of events which lead to Hells Raiders MC Sergeant at Arms, Deacon Malloy discovering the existence of his 5 year old daughter Willow.

Willows teacher, Alexandra Evans is dedicated and caring and when Willow is absent from school she makes it her business to find a way to keep the special little girl on track with her education.

Alexandra is hiding her own traumatic past, having lost both parents and almost her younger brother in a tragic car accident ten years ago. She is strong willed, feisty and very stubborn. All things that Deacon finds incredibly sexy but needing Alex to teach Willow has to take priority over his libido.

The mix of incredible loyalty, bravery and frustrating pig headedness by the MC members including Deacons brothers, Bishop and Rev is balanced with the sweet and gentle kindness of their Mama Beth. The matriarch of the family uses her motherly talents to keep her boys in line and hold close the special ladies in their lives.

Vicious Cycle takes the reader on a high speed ride of emotions which will leave you wanting more.

Vicious Cycle, Vicious Cycle #1, by Katie Ashley
Grade: C

As a reader who has hopped on the MC Club Book bandwagon I was very excited to read Vicious Cycle. This book starts off very strong with a bad boy biker, his young daughter and the good girl school teacher. Duncan's whole life is the Raiders MC and he would do anything for his club and his brothers. What Duncan never expected was to realize he has a five year old daughter, who witnessed her mother’s murder by the hands of Raiders enemy.

Alexandra loves her job as a teacher and has formed a special bond with one of her students Willow. As she learns more about Willow, Alex finds herself drawn to the little girl and her very scary but sexy father. Alex finds herself unable to resist Duncan but not sure if she is cut out for the MC lifestyle. As Duncan’s past comes back to haunt him it puts Willow and Alex in danger and he just might lose them both after finally finding them.

Right from the beginning I really enjoyed this book and found myself getting lost in the MC world that Katie Ashley created. I really loved Willow and Alex and found their relationship to be very sweet and one of the best parts of the book. There is also a lot of action and adventure which kept me on my toes and I really didn’t know what to expect from one page to the next.

While I loved Willow and ALex I really disliked Duncan for the majority of the book. I found him to be such a jerk and his actions and attitude were such a turn off. There is a fine line between sexy-bossy-alpha and just plain-jerk and unfortunately Duncan fell into the second category. Towards the end of the book Duncan did turn his attitude around but it was a little too late for me.

While I didn’t love this book I did enjoy it and do plan on continuing with the series. I think the series has a lot of progress and the next book looks really good!

Gifted from Netgalley for an honest review – 3 stars
I think this might be my first read of Katie Ashley. I always love a good MC book that I can sink my teeth into, I love raw and gritty and I’m always interested in reading a new to me author. This one is a bit up and down for me; it’s not the best I’ve read but definitely not the worst. It’s a little bit tame in all honesty and some parts of it I found a little silly. I think the prologue was extremely well done and it truly pulled on my heart strings, I thought it would set the tone for the rest of the book but unfortunately it didn’t quite live up to that first chapter. Whilst all the emotion was present with Willow and her scene at the start that emotion seemed to fall flat throughout, with perhaps one or two peaks. A reader, I think, really needs that emotion especially with a book like this. One that involves crap histories and children.
The characters weren’t all that great for me either. I liked Deacon but I couldn’t get on board with him. And Alexandra was a bit of a push over. I found parts of the plot very unbelievable and while I understand this is fiction I do need a sense of realism in order to enjoy my books. I think in terms of characters Rev and Willow stole the show. Yes, there’s some violence in this, but I didn’t find it turning my stomach or anything.
So yeah, bit disappointed with this in all honesty. The Prologue and the Epilogue stood out the most but all the in between was just ok I guess. Recommend it? Hmmm, not sure, I mean I enjoyed it so so but didn’t really love it or engage all that much with it. I would read more though.

This was also my first Katie Ashley book and when I saw the review opportunity arise, I couldn't pass it up. Motorcycle clubs intrigue me and I loved the premise behind this one. I will say this book isn't for the faint of heart, though. It's definitely a rougher and tougher book and while I didn't jive with everything that was going on, I did still really enjoy it. I liked the romance between Deacon and Alex, even though there were a couple of physical instances between them that made me cringe. Deacon could be very hot-headed and he is definitely an act first, think later kind of guy. He is fiercely loyal and protective of his own though and once Alex joins that inner circle, things definitely heat up between them.

I loved Willow too. She is too cute for words and has been through so much in just 5 years. Her attachment to Alex was really sweet and it really melted my heart to see her open up to her. I also really enjoyed Deacon's brothers, Rev and Bishop, and I am super excited for both of their books. Rev has a softer, tender side and I really liked seeing that contrast between him and Deacon. Bishop is the playboy and isn't taken very seriously, which bothers him a bit. I am looking forward to seeing where Ashley takes both of their stories.

Overall, I did enjoy this one, even though some of the content was a bit hard to swallow. The Raiders do not tolerate disloyalty or other rival clubs encroaching on their territory, which has caused some serious animosity and tension. Amidst that tension, we see the bonds that tie these people together and they are not ones to be reckoned with.

Narrated by Vanessa Edwin and Jay Crow (with Jameson Adams in Epilogue)

While Katie Ashley is pretty well known in the contemporary romance world, Vicious Cycle is Ms. Ashley’s first foray into MC Romance. Being a big MC Romance fan, I decided to give the first book in the Vicious Cycle series a chance, and I have to say that overall I was quite pleased with the result. Although not as gritty or overly erotic or dark as the more typical MC romances, Vicious Cycle still bore enough grit and a semblance to the typical outlaw biker world to come off as convincing, while at the same time combining compelling characters and an opposites attract romance trope to entertain the more mainstream romance fans.

See the full review at AudioGals.

Review: Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 3.5 Stars

I liked this book, but I didn't love it the way I thought I would. I put off writing the review because I'm not sure how to explain that it's a good book, but there were parts I just did not like. I'm a huge fan of biker romances, but this one just didn't meet my expectations. I think the next book will be better because I loved Reverend in this book. He was more likeable than Deacon, the hero in this book. I will say I think some of you will still love "Vicious Cycle". I'm rating it 3.5 Stars because it held my interest, there were parts I enjoyed and I'm looking forward to the next book. I won't get into the parts that I didn't like because it would give away some of the story. Overall I liked it, I didn't love it, but I think some of you will. Not my usual kind of review, but I was conflicted about this one.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

This is another great series by Katie Ashley! I have always enjoyed MC novels, and she did a great job of keeping with motorcycle life but at the same time created an original story. The heroine Alex is a teacher and she becomes very concerned when one of her students suddenly stops showing up for school. She decides to check up on her, and see why she has not been coming to school. Let me just say that she never imagined how much her life was going to change by showing up at the Raiders motorcycle club compound! Don't want to give away anymore of the story so you need to just read the novel for yourselves to find out the whole story and what all goes down. I can't wait to read the other books in this series so everyone can hopefully have a happily ever after!

Wow this was quite the story, packed full of drama and suspense plus some real hot sex scenes. This story broke my heart at times but then built it back up only to break it again, it was a roller coaster of emotions. I loved and hated Deacon and in the end he was my new book boyfriend. I love Alexandra, she is feisty, strong, and so caring, and what she does to protect the ones she loves is both crazy and amazing. Willow is the most beautiful, sweet little girl and my heart broke for her and then I was so happy that she finally got to be happy. The ending was perfect and I hope we get to read more about this couple in the next books. Reverend and Bishop are great brothers and I cannot wait to read their stories.

I was enjoying this book until Alex took the matter in her own hands. although the author tried to put some dark past between two MCs, the author somehow made Deacon (the H) a mild biker how he came on to Alex. They had no sex until 2/3 of the book. interesting! I also can't understand how a kindergarten teacher can be so different to a point to carry out a revenge. I can't believe that Alex could attack Sigel, who was the rival gang president and known to be brutal, with one try without being attacked by Sigel. Unbelievable. However I want to thank the author making this book available from my library.

Vicious Cycle is the first book in what will become a series about the Hell’s Raiders MC. This is my first book by Katie Ashley and I'm in. This book was like a sweet fragrance to readers like me. It had bikers, romance, plot twist and good sex. That’s like warm vanilla pumpkin spice on a fall day to me.

Vicious Cycle is Alexandra and Deacon's story. Deacon is a biker who before finding out he had a daughter was an emotional recluse. Alex is a kindergarten teacher and…ok, wait. Now that I think about it, we don’t really get all that much background information on WHO Alex is. We get information about events that occurred in her background with her family but now that I’m trying to write about Alex I realize that there isn’t a lot to identify her as a person before her relationship with Deacon. I’m not really knocking the author for that because it didn’t take anything away from the story or my reading experience. I didn’t even realize it until just now.

I like the background set up for this story. It is emotionally wrenching in places as we find out about Willow’s pre-Deacon life but it is well done. It can’t be easy to write from a 5 year olds POV in an erotic MC romance novel but the author does it with ease and no awkwardness. Even though I know some readers might think Deacon was a A-Hole when he met Willow for the first time, I thought the telling of their interaction was completely credible given Deacon’s history. It would have seemed contrived if he had leapt into fatherhood with no problems. I felt for Deacon as he struggled with feeling like he wasn’t good enough to be a father.

I also enjoyed the action of the book. The plot was constantly moving forward and I had no problem turning the pages or paying attention. The plot is layered with information about the background of Deacon and his brothers and Alex’s parents. Of course when Alex and Deacon finally hook up, the sex scenes were good. They weren’t the best I’ve read but they were definitely better than average.

What I didn’t like that also affected my rating was Alex's behavior after getting with Deacon. Ok there are like two versions of Alex in this book. The pre-Deacon Alex was strong, assertive and confident. She was able to help Deacon become a better person and a better parent before she ever started a romantic relationship with him. The post-Deacon Alex was just terribly insecure. If Deacon did anything she didn’t like, she was threatening to huff and puff and blow the relationship down. I especially did not like a particular scene in the strip club. First, Alex’s reaction to the strip club was just soo over the top. Second, her plan to get back at him or whatever that was came off as just being so ridiculous. The more the relationship with Deacon progressed the more brain cells Alex seemed to lose. When Alex actually ASKED Deacon about marriage before he was contemplating it, I was just about done with her.

The other thing I didn’t love was the plan that Alex hatches in the end of the book. I'm sort of ambivalent about what she did. On the one hand, it was brave and I like that in heroines but it was also stupid which is not something that I like.

So all in all I thought this was a well written, fast paced MC romance with some good sex scenes. And although I generally really liked the characters in this book, Alex found my one bad nerve and stepped all over it. I still recommend this book, particularly for you MC romance fans and I will read more books by this author.

ARC provided by publisher

I love Katie Ashley's books and this one definitely did not disappoint its very different to what she has written before but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Vicious Cycle is book 1 in this MC Series but this book can be read as a standalone. In this book we meet Deacon, Sergent in Arms of the MC who suddenly out of the blue finds himself with a five year old daughter, Willow to care for. Alexandra Evans is Willow's new kindergarten teacher and knows nothing about the MC life but when Willow takes a shine to her things change. A great read with twist and turns throughout I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

Vicious Cycle is eerily similar to Kristen Ashley's Chaos Series . Change the characters and this, book one, could be the (prequel) untold story of circumstances leading Kirsten's Chaos Motorcycle Club's decision to change its business practices. Like many of Kirsten Ashley's books, Vicious Cycle is an engrossing read from beginning to end. It whets the appetite for more. When there are no more Kirsten Ashley books to read, Katie Ashley is good enough.
(I thought this was a Kristen Ashley novel until writing this review)

Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2015/06/02/new-release-vicious-cycle-by-katie-ashley-review/

Rating: 4.5 stars

Vicious (adjective): deliberately cruel or violent. Katie throws us into the "vicious" from the Prologue as you witness a vicious act from a rival club through the eyes of Willow. This is Deacon's story, the Sergeant of Arms of the Hells Raisers MC. Along with Alexandra's, a kindergarten teacher who has turned her life around from the grief of losing ones she loved. Deacon is hard-edged and we witness him becoming more of a caregiver, softer, more compassionate as his world begins to encompass more of a familial perspective. We're introduced to the members of the club, their roles, their personalities, and their "old lady's". You witness where the clubs loyalties and priorities lie and you welcome them as your own. The "cycle" kicked in for me when the characters have to make difficult decisions based on their safety and retribution for those they love where the answer is revenge, an eye for an eye. Sweet, innocent and precious Willow has lived a life of mean men being in her life and now it's time to protect and comfort her. This is a different spin on the MC world than I've read previously and I loved every chapter, every sentence. I didn't want to put Vicious Cycle down and was sad when it was over. Trust, outlaws, guns, knifes, innocence broken, bonds and friendships built and nourished all within one story had me hooked. I can't wait for Rev's story, which appears to be next in the series. Give Deacon a try and find your next book crush!!

I love Katie Ashley's books and this one definitely did not disappoint its very different to what she has written before but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Vicious Cycle is book 1 in this MC Series but this book can be read as a standalone. In this book we meet Deacon, Sergent in Arms of the MC who suddenly out of the blue finds himself with a five year old daughter, Willow to care for. Alexandra Evans is Willow's new kindergarten teacher and knows nothing about the MC life but when Willow takes a shine to her things change. A great read with twist and turns throughout I can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

Vicious Cycle is eerily similar to Kristen Ashley's Chaos Series . Change the characters and this, book one, could be the (prequel) untold story of circumstances leading Kirsten's Chaos Motorcycle Club's decision to change its business practices. Like many of Kirsten Ashley's books, Vicious Cycle is an engrossing read from beginning to end. It whets the appetite for more. When there are no more Kirsten Ashley books to read, Katie Ashley is good enough.
(I thought this was a Kristen Ashley novel until writing this review)

Katie Ashley writes a sexy, gritty motorcycle club (MC) romance, and I loved it. Who doesn't like a bad boy who falls hard for a good girl? Who doesn't like an adorable five year old little girl who teaches a bad boy to be a sensitive dad? Uhhhhh.... no one. Vicious Cycle is dark and dirty and everything just right in a MC romance. Don't miss it! I borrowed this Kindle book from my library.

Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2015/06/02/new-release-vicious-cycle-by-katie-ashley-review/

Rating: 4.5 stars

Vicious (adjective): deliberately cruel or violent. Katie throws us into the "vicious" from the Prologue as you witness a vicious act from a rival club through the eyes of Willow. This is Deacon's story, the Sergeant of Arms of the Hells Raisers MC. Along with Alexandra's, a kindergarten teacher who has turned her life around from the grief of losing ones she loved. Deacon is hard-edged and we witness him becoming more of a caregiver, softer, more compassionate as his world begins to encompass more of a familial perspective. We're introduced to the members of the club, their roles, their personalities, and their "old lady's". You witness where the clubs loyalties and priorities lie and you welcome them as your own. The "cycle" kicked in for me when the characters have to make difficult decisions based on their safety and retribution for those they love where the answer is revenge, an eye for an eye. Sweet, innocent and precious Willow has lived a life of mean men being in her life and now it's time to protect and comfort her. This is a different spin on the MC world than I've read previously and I loved every chapter, every sentence. I didn't want to put Vicious Cycle down and was sad when it was over. Trust, outlaws, guns, knifes, innocence broken, bonds and friendships built and nourished all within one story had me hooked. I can't wait for Rev's story, which appears to be next in the series. Give Deacon a try and find your next book crush!!

Heart pounding chaos throughout this book will keep you reading. The insight into two messed up childhoods collide into one large showdown to bring down one horrible person.
While the overall premise of this book was great, I could only give it 4 stars because of insta-love. For a biker themed book, I had a hard time grasping how quickly love was thrown into the mix!

This book was pretty good overall. The story was decent even though I had some had scratching over logic at parts. This is the first book I've read by her so I don't have a lot to compare but I have read other MC books and it compares fairly decently. The characters were good and likable. I will certainly want to read more by this author in the future.

David “Deacon” Malloy grew up rough, but found a home with the Hell’s Raiders MC and his adopted family. He is unapologetic, brash, and alpha to the core. But he quickly must find a softer side of himself when he learns he is a father, and his former love is dead.

Alex knows loss and lives her life grateful for the people she loves and the opportunity she has. As a kindergarten teacher, she watches out for her students and is immediately drawn to quiet, intelligent Willow.

When Willow’s absences from class begin to worry Alex, she makes a home visit to check up on her favorite student and finds herself quickly pulled in to tutor Willow at home.

Deacon and Alex spend much of the book traveling new territory for each of them. Alex has never spent time in or around a motorcycle club, and Deacon has not been in a relationship in a very long time, nor has he ever tried to parent. The battle of wills they often find themselves fighting did a great job of showing the differences of their personalities while giving them a chance to learn compromise and teamwork.

I loved the bridge that Willow became between Deacon and Alex. While Alex had an instant connection to the traumatized child, Deacon was overwhelmed and out of his league when it came to caring for his daughter. Willow’s prologue drew me into the story faster than I would have imagined, and waiting for events foreshadowed so early to take place made for great tension.

Vicious Cycle was a great balance between a rough MC and something softer. It is definitely a gritty MC book, with danger, rivalries, and a brash lifestyle. But there is also a sweetness brought by Willow’s healing, Alex’s influence, and Mama Beth.

This was a great intro to a new series. It is a departure from Katie Ashley’s norm, but hits many of the aspects I expect from her books: great, dynamic characters, a great humorous bits. There is enough of the side characters that I’m tied in for future books, but not too much to distract from the focal point of this story.

This has the elements that I love from Katie Ashley, but a new side to her writing. There are still intriguing characters with strong connections and humor, and an interesting story line with depth. She gives us both points of view allowing us a window into their thoughts and feelings even when they are not sharing them with each other. But this series is definitely darker and edgier. The heroes are rough alphas who are foul-mouthed, formidable, and not easily tamed. The situations are gritty, dire, and not at all sugar coated. But I found myself totally immersed in their world and relationships and riveted by the story. It was suspenseful, dramatic, tension filled, heartbreaking, and violent. But it was also funny, passionate, and at times even sweet.

Deacon is abrasive, damaged, foul-mouthed, and dangerous. But underneath he does have love for his family and brothers. His past has tortured him, loss and grief have strongly marked him, and revenge consumes him.

Alexandra seems to be his opposite: timid, caring, sweet, and good. But she also has a tough steak. She was shaped by her own past and has her own demons and pain. She is strong willed and pushes back when she needs to. And will fight for what she believes in.

I loved the interactions between the brothers Deacon, Rev, and Bishop. Rev is more logical, philosophical, and tender while still managing to be alpha too. Bishop is the flirty, charismatic playboy with a bad boy edge. And Deacon is the crude, rougher, tough as nails one who tries to keep his emotions in check. But the more attached he gets to the new ladies in his life, the more human, protective,and emotional he becomes. His complicated attraction to Alex is hard to resist and control, volatile, passionate, and terrifying. I loved seeing Deacon pushed out of his comfort zone. His journey of trying to learn to be a Dad is funny and heartfelt. Willow was such a doll and I loved her inquisitiveness and sweet personality. She had been through so much darkness, but was still managed to be such a delight.

Underlying the developing personal relationships is the MC Club business which is dirty, dangerous, and causes significant tension and worry. There is a real threat that looming in the background waiting to take out his revenge on Deacon and those close to him. They all have to be on their guard against their revenge bound enemies and it is a fight to keep those they care about safe. It is precarious, unstable, nerve-wracking, and could not only end a relationship before it really has a chance, but it has the potential to end one or both of their lives.

I will admit that sometimes I have a hard time liking MC club heroes, but it was not the case with this one. Even though Deacon could be an ass and had strong opinions and actions, I still was not repulsed by him. I liked him even when he was a jerk, and even more as I saw under his layers a bit. I think part of it was his underlying sense of humor. But he was also still as treacherous and unyielding as he needed to be due to his business and circumstances. And the side characters especially his brothers, Rev and Bishop are equally interesting, magnetic, and likable despite their rough exteriors. I am looking forward to more from them in this series.

Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley
Deacon & Alexandra
INTENSE, GRIPPING, AND EXTREMELY HOT READ!

Lemme start out by saying that I've read my fair share of MC books... some good, some great, and some... eh.. not so good! I'm always leery of new MC books/series as I'm not sure how they're compare or match up to what I've liked. Enter Vicious Cycle. I was asked by Katie and Berkley Publishing to read it and give it an honest review.... I could have declined, but I totally would have missed out on one of the best new MC series to grace my kindle in a long time!

This book has so much more to it than some roughnecks and club whores! It has heart, it has humor, and most of all... it has Deacon Malloy! Well, and his sexy as sin brothers and friends!

Deacon is the Sergeant At Arms for the Hell's Raiders Motorcycle Club. He's lean, he's mean, and he's got some serious crap coming down the pike! A lifetime vendetta has brought Deacon the surprise of his life... I'd say it's a cute surprise, but I'm sure if you asked Deacon he'd say it was more scarier than facing down the barrel of a gun. LOL! When Willow, a little 5 year old is basically dumped on his doorstep, what will he do? Get his "Mama Beth" of course *rolls eyes! Just wait till the Teacher pays him a visit, I think his brain just might explode!

Alexandra "Alex" Evans is Northern Georgia's best elementary teacher. Alex has taken on the teaching responsibility of Deacon's newly acquired tax deduction. When Willow doesn't show up for school four days in a row, "Miss Alex" takes it upon herself to make a house call... to a MC! Holy heck! When she's mistaken by Deacon for an undercover cop or informant the poop really hits the fan... translation: the sparks start to fly! Alex is truly a remarkably strong person! Perfect match up for Deacon!

Great supporting character cast. That little sucker Willow... I could barely keep myself from bawling my eyes out at the horrifying ordeal that child went through at such a young age. She seemed to open up for Miss Alex which just melted my heart! Deacon's brothers, Rev and Bishop are so damn funny... in a controlling hot MC guy kinda way! I loved that there was more to this story than just your basic running guns, strip joints, club whores, and fighting! This story even has a "Mother Hubbard" type of character in Mama Beth. Someone who's silent until they need to be and then gives amazing advise!

This wonderful new book by Katie Ashley is a front-runner in world! The story line is so compelling that I found myself skipping sleepy time to finish it *yawn! The characters are very powerful and I could totally relate to them on many levels. Vicious Cycle deals with some very sinister subjects, it's not for the faint of heart. The writing style was superb and it was effortless to read. The pacing flowed with efficiency and the highs and lows leading up to the climax were incredibly gripping.
5 Stars

VICIOUS CYCLE (VICIOUS CYCLE 1) by KATIE ASHLEY

I have been dying to read this book ever since I read its synopsis and I am soooooo glad it’s now live. Vicious Cycle is my fave books of Katie Ashley so far. I knew when I read the synopsis that I would love the story but after reading it I looooooved it even more! Every chapter, every scene was exhilarating. There is no dull moments in this book and you will love every character in it. But let me warn you that there are some scenes that may not be acceptable to some readers, that some may not like it but personally I understand that it’s part of the story and I may or may not do the same thing if given the same situation but I totally understand why it was done. And I personally think Katie Ashley did an amazing job in writing those sensitive situations justifiable & respectable in a way that I as a reader have no problems about it.

This is a MC story that is now in one of my fave MC stories of all time. I just love how finesse it was written and I love the characters and their differences and I admit that Willow’s character is one of the reasons why I love this book. She is funny, very smart and witty. She is indeed and old soul and I would love for KA to write her own story. That would be so much fun to read given there’s Deacon. I can only imagine what that guy would say and do. *fingers crossed

I am looking forward for more from this series. I hope there’s book 1.5 in the works and then some. ;) And yes, for me this is KA’s BEST work yet.

P.S.

The wait is sooooooooo worth it.

** Also posted on my TUMBLR & GR account

This had me hooked from the first page. There was never a dull moment. The main characters (Deacon and alex) are complex and they keep things interesting. The supporting characters are great too. I will absolutely continue this series.