Babe, It Ain't Me

Totally enjoyed this story. My 1st MC book and it's left me wanting more. Definitely looking forward to the 2nd book and 3rd and...you get the picture :-)

Styx -a.k.a River- and Mae -a.k.a Salome- are fantastic. Both strong characters with whom you just fall in love with and wish for their HEA.
I just loved it! Ky is the Best BFF anyone can have I loved him too. He was straight forward, funny I-have-your-back type of guy (Great)

Rider - Yes I really like him. Yes he was wrong but he also is a victim of the circumstances. I just felt soo bad for him. I want a HEA for Rider!!!

My second review because I fought with the first one to physically copy, post it and email it to Tillie Cole. Anyway, I read a sample to this book back when making its way to my TBR list. This book was really good. The main charcters coming from entirely different lifestyles come together like it's fate. The intimate scenes are hot! I was reading thinking, "I know what's going happen.... I know the conflict.." but did not. All the twists and turns kept me up all night reading!!! The story was awesome. It was obvious the author took her time to research and write a MC story several steps above the rest!! I found each character to be crazier than the next. I think Styx and Flame were in competition for the crazy title. This story should get more than 5 stars!!!!! I will be reading more by Ms. Cole.

Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 3.5
Plot: 4
Steam Factor: 3
Would I buy in print: Yes

First off let me say the title for his book and the cover should be torched. Just...ew. Next let me say the story itself is FABULOUS. If you can get over those two hurdles to start it, then you got it made.

I was impressed with this book in that one is usually given the formula for biker books as bad ass (Styx) meets wide eyed innocent (Salome=Mae) equals dead bodies and a female Terminator 2 output. Imagine my intrigue when it turns out the bad ass in this book uses American Sign Language due to a speech impediment and that the club sometimes doubts his sanity. The female not only is NOT a Linda Hamilton wanna be but she is a wide eyed innocent that overcomes EXTREME psychological and sexual abuse going on for decades! I am not saying that she becomes Sally Secretary either. She is still naive about the world mostly having been in a cult all her life and not knowing what the majority of things in the world are. I was down right happy to see this turn.

So often books of this genre employ the classic formula that they forget the thirst of their readers. Yes, we love to drink the water but soon I am wanting some Kool-aid. Change up my flavor! Give me something different to delight and surprise me. Tillie Cole pulled this off.

I loved the secondary characters in this book. The fellow bikers were very circular around the hero/antihero of the story. The supported him but often wondered if the girl involved was really good for him or bad for the club. Yet, you never saw them waiver from having his back.

Now let's talk villain.(Rubbing hands together with evil laugh). Oh Ryder/Cain. How I adored your two faced back stabbing self! A villain that had me guessing. I was thrown for a loop with the skeleton in his closet. He reminded me of drinking a Long Island Iced Tea. So nice at first, then when you go to stand up for yourself he nailed your ass. Kudos Tillie.

If I had to do some shame shame moments I would have to say that the adultery in this novel was a cringe worthy moment for me. However, I must admit it seems to go with the fictional biker lifestyle formula. So to say I didn't expect it would be a lie. Another thing was murder of Pig. Their fellow biker who was framed as a rat was murdered by their club. When it was discovered that this was so not ONE of the members said ANYTHING of remorse, guilt, or apology. For a club that is so "brotherly" I was a little taken aback. I mean, they held a service for a club prostitute who died during a drive by but they murdered their own brother for something he didn't do and they don't even whisper an I'm sorry??? A little hard to take in.

So to finish my review I would have to say that I really hope that Tillie Cole decides to expand her series of this book to include the Cursed Ones (Mae's sisters) and the other members of the club. What I really mean to say is I WANT FLAME'S BOOK WRITTEN. Who would not want to read about a psychotic, blood letting, self harming, homicidal biker who loathes being touched falling in love with a Snow White look a like after she is tortured both psychologically and sexually for years?

I will wait impatiently Tillie for your decision and for your next release. Until then, Bravo and thanks for the ride.

What an amazing book from start to finish. When River meet The girl with the wolf eyes it was like they were connected. River tried to find the girl again but couldn't. Salome had to run from The Order and when she had she was taking by a stranger and stooped by the club. Never thinking he would see the girl with the wolf eyes again, until there she was almost dead by the club shed. Feeling protective of her, he wanted her but was told he couldn't. With having to leave her, he had Rider watch over her but Rider grew to care for her. With a hit on the club and Mae being targeted sends a rage from Styx. With there being a rat and Mae taken Styx will do anything to get her back. I can't believe I waited this long to read this series. Can't wait to read the next book

I love the chance encounter that sets this series into motion. I like the added layers that the couple's issues adds to the suspense of this story. Styx - got on my nerves for a while because he is outrageously stubborn. Yah, I know the characters usually are - but maybe its because he was so complex. I wanted him to get with it faster. Mae is a sweet character who despite everything in her past is a fighter - whether she knows it or not, at first.

This is a good story with plenty going on to make you want to check out the next book.

Sinning never felt so good…

A fortuitous encounter.

A meeting that should never have happened.

Many years ago, two children from completely different worlds forged a connection, a fateful connection, an unbreakable bond that would change their lives forever…

It Ain't Me Babe...what can I say? I loved it! We meet River and Salome as children. River a curious biker brat. Salome an innocent child forced into unspeakable things. He saved her that day in the forest. Little did they know he would continue to save her throughout their life.
Fast forward 15 years later. We now have Styx and Mae. Styx, a no bulls*** tough as nails, mute, yea, MUTE! And also the President of a MC, Hades Hangmen. Now you know this dude is bad ass. But he never forgot about the little girl in the forest with the wolf eyes.
Mae escaped her living hell ending up at Styx's compound. She never forgot her silent River.
The story intrigued me. Not only because I love MC stories, but also because we got a glimpse inside of a cult religion. Some scenes were exaggerated, but for the most part the account of abuse and neglect were true. I was captivated by the first page until the last. I couldn't put it down. Some scenes were hard to read. Hard to imagine someone going through hell and making it out. They rescued each other in different ways.
One thing that stuck in the back of my mind though was how similar this book was to another MC book. Not the cult aspect, but the bikers themselves. The characters and situations they were put in were reminiscent of another one of my favorite MC books. I felt like parts of my favorite book were added to this one with a little change. It still didn't stop me from reading though. I still enjoyed every page.
If abuse, violence, death, cults, and rape don't bother you, read it!

It Ain't Me, Babe (Hades Hangmen Book 1
IBy Tillie Cole
Be Warned this is dark, but having said that, be prepared for a phenomenal read. This is the story of Styx (mute, a killer and the pres of the Hades Hangmen). Salome (Mae) belongs to a commune (a disturbing commune and she is thought of as evil) Styx and Mae met once when very young and both had an attraction to one another. Styx has a problem with talking, his throat closes up so he usually signs, however with Mae he can talk.
Years later Mae escapes and lands up at the MC door. This is a journey like no other.
I do not want to give too much away, but this one really was one hell of a read and I cannot wait for the 2nd book. It can be read as a standalone, but book two is out and I will definitely be reading it.

Styx stumbles across a huge fence in the middle of the forest when he's a young boy. He sees a heartbroken girl with wolf eyes and long black hair. Styx has a terrible speech impediment and cannot speak to many people. He finds he can speak to her however.

Years later the girl with the wolf eyes, Mae, escapes from the cult compound from behind the fence and finds herself at the home of the Hades Hangmen. The motorcycle club where ironically Styx has become the leader.

This was a nice story. The love between Styx and Mae was strong but I felt after such a horrible childhood of rape and abuse she fell into bed with him way too fast and easily. I also found the language to be distracting. I know it's a motorcycle club book but I wished he spoke nicer to Mae at times.

First off, I thought the author did an awesome job with the story in both its execution, development, and the research that she must have done. Coming from a state where such a commune existed (and when it fell we all heard horror stories about it) people just have no idea. It is the White Slavery of the US, these communes.

But back to the story itself. A really great ride- so to speak. I loved how the author developed a young woman venturing out into the 'real world' after being buried in such misery for so long. And to find that it was an MC club that helped with her awakening made it even more interesting. I won't go into too much detail because better reviews than I have said exactly what I thought, so read them and know that I agree as well.

Now, we HAVE to read about the Psycho Trio (Flame, Viking, and Ty). I hope that Ms. Cole is writing even now about her MC bunch!

Wonderful job, Ms. Cole, and thanks so much for not only all your hard work and effort, but the sensitivity that you showed as well.

IT AIN'T ME, BABE

OMG... how to begin describing this book!
it was beyond amazing!!
I came across this author by sheer luck AND I cannot explain my excitement at finding her!
I am stalking her NOW lol

This book is by far one of the complete BEST books I have read (I'll admit I'm an addict at reading...more than 4 books a week)
My emotions where everywhere in this book... River and Mae... ♥ so sweet! perfect! beginning to end everything was perfect... and I knew it couldn't have finished! so I began stalking Tillie Cole... hehe...
found the next book came out a couple of days ago! Though I am excited the book is out, I am ANXIOUSLY waiting for Flame and Maddie's story... I need it like 30 mins ago!

This MC book is definitely different from the others out there. I do like how each member is described in detail and how you can almost get a "feel" for their personalities. What I don't like is that the seem almost unredeemable except for the "one" special someone who comes into their lives to change everything. While it's great in fantasy it is not rooted in reality. Other than that the plot is well developed. It is gritty, dark and has some brutal themes. If you like a normal HEA this is not the book for you. If you like dark, gritty romances with "dark" hero and an innocent almost angelic heroine this is the novel for you. I enjoyed the writing style, the theme. I wanted to finish all in one sitting. I am reading all the books in the series currently published.

Overall I thought this was a great Biker Romance book. It deals with not only an emotionally damaged H, that uses women to forget his issues, but also a "physically damaged" one. Not just scars either. This H can't speak. Well....not well anyway. So he uses sign language. That's right! The first ever ASL communicative 1% motorcycle club President.
I enjoyed the story line of how the H and h met. It's a nice change up combined with the above mentioned.
The H in this book was very possessive and the h was very much in love with the H, but that did not make her his doormat.
Its almost an unrequited love on the H's side, because he won't allow himself to have her, no matter how the h tell the H she feels. So he pushes her away, but still finds ways to be possessive. The h lets it be known that she wants the H.
The smex is smokin hot and the story leads to what will most definitely be interesting and entertaining 2nd and 3rd books in the series.

Totally recommend this read.

Styx and Mae!!! This book hit so many emotions for me! I love this whole series so far but for this book. Meeting at such a young age by chance and then for Styx to hold on to that for so long and Mae oh man I hurt for her so much!!! This book is amazing and if you don’t have the stomach to listen to some things and imagine then move on because there is some hard things to swallow but it makes this book so much more

Just when I thought all the possible plots for an MC book had been written about already, just when I was starting to give up on MC story lines because it felt as though some just kept being repeated, out comes Tillie Cole with "It Ain't Me, Babe".... I loved this book. Styx is such a hot biker and he has so much to offer but thinks he isn't serving of Salome, or Mae as he liked to call her. They meet as children under, well, very unusual circumstances and I just could not understand how the author was going to possibly bring them together again years later. But she did, and she did an amazing job with their love story. I will admit that I really liked Rider and hoped there was redemption for him somehow. That is all I will say since I hate reading spoilers in the reviews. Buy this book, Styx and Mae's story is a must read, the plot is awesome and you'll get sucked in to the story immediately. Now, Tillie, if you are reading this..... Please please please announce when you'll be releasing Flame and Ky's story!!!! I can't wait for the next book!

I found this to be a completely intriguing change to the usual rough read of the MC world.

There are many aspects that are very difficult to read including rape and death . . . and while I see some reader or to be reader are upset about that, if you buy the book, the author tells you in the beginning about where that subject matter comes from . . . to me, it seems part of the story becasue you get to understand why Mae fled.

The book is totally dark and part are scary - and some are downright gross but it is a work of fiction and I enjoyed the subject matter.

I also found a powerful character that was mute to be - a change, I mean he isn't deaf but has the inability to speak except to only 2 people in his life until Mae comes around.

So while the MC world can be addicting to read . . . the is also a book of survival.

Where to begin? I started this book last night and didn't make it to bed until 4am this morning. I ABSOLUTELY loved this book. The two worlds colliding and the connection was amazing.

Styx was such a rough and gritty character and Mae was beautiful and delicate. Her past was so horrific.

Rider....Oh poor Rider. I so badly wanted to hate him at the end, but I can't. I love him and part of wishes maybe she would've chosen him, but that's the struggle in a love triangle.

I really truly hope the author will do spin offs with Flame and Ky. I am especially eager to see Flame and Maggie's story.

This is a must read. I can't stop thinking about this book!

Side note: I had never heard of this author. I just happened to stumble across this book on my kindle and the title drew me in because it's from Johnny Cash song. But there is no mention of JC even though music is prominent through out. Just saying, where's the JC??

If you like sweet and romantic stories: Then babe, this book ain’t for you!
Tillie Cole’s, It Ain’t Me, Babe is a gritty and rough depiction of love. For those familiar with Greek mythology: Imagine if Hades and Persephone’s love story were set in Austin, TX and that their love had a motorcycle club theme.
It ain’t me, babe flows flawlessly, and from the first effin page: Tillie Cole had me hooked! It Ain’t Me, Babe became my drug and I constantly itched for more.
I experienced a range of emotions--from amusement to anger and everything in between.
This book deserves more than five stars and should be moved to the top of any TBR list. If you seek a thrilling ride of a story: Then one-click-buy--It Ain’t Me, Babe.

I thought long and hard before I bought this, the first book of the series "A Hades Hangmen Novel." My husband is a biker and I get tired of the inaccurate or unbelievable representation of their characters. The characters were entrancing. I loved their growth and steadfastness throughout the story. The story is well written with literally no grammatical errors (a BIG turn off for me). In fact, I liked this book so much, I bought the rest! It is a Dark Contemporary Romance so there are some triggers so read the book synopsis first.

Unusual storyline. Not something I usually read but Tillie pulled me in with the cult vs. MC storyline. She painted a very cruel strokes on both organizations. She wasn't damning the religious side as the cult was following a seriously bastarized version of the bible. The MC had a bastardized version of Greek mythology with which they placed their credo. The romantic hero was flawed in contrast to the damaged heroine, together they were perfectly imperfect.

I'm on to book 2.

Beautifully written. But - VERY dark. Like, whoa, dark. And there are things in this story that will make ppl uncomfortable. I haven't read reviews of this yet, so I don't know if that has been shared previously. But I think it's a fair warning to give, especially if those looking at this are doing so because they love Tillie's Sweet Home series.

I enjoyed and yet did not enjoy this story. Mae & River/Styx both come from similar yet seemingly opposite abusive childhoods. They both manage to keep their hearts intact, despite all the cracks. The way they find each other and the life they build together is amazing, very well written and very, very good.

I'm glad I read this, but it will not be something I'm able to re-read, and I think I'll likely skip the next in the series, even tho it appears it'll be about a character I hoped would have their own story! And I'm glad they will!! : )

This book is a page turner. It is very unconventional. It is not like the day to day romance books we read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be one clicking Hearts Recaptured after this review. I like to read to take my mind from my daily activities. Tillie Cole's writing allows me to escape to read about something not so mundane. This story is one of a motorcycle club and its President Styx. Styx is definitely hit alpha male bad boy but so sweet and protective of the heroine Mae. Mae has been raised al her life in a commune and has never experienced the outside world. This book is their story of trying to find love when they are polar opposites. Once Mae escapes the Commune, they come looking for her and the motorcycle club has a rat. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat.

4 stars

Interesting plot of a young woman who after years of physical and mental torture escapes the only home she knows in a religious cult. She does not fall into society, but rather into another strange family -- a motorcycle gang. These rough guys and gals become her protectors and friends. One becomes the love of her life.

Interesting read if you're looking for that bad-boy who underneath the rough exterior is really good.

This book had absolutely EVERYTHING packed into it. It was filled with murder and mayhem, mystery and intrigue, sweetness and light. It's an MC book, but it's also a book about a religious cult and includes a mute, nazis, mafia, drug & gun deals, violence and rape. It is harsh and gritty, but realistic and believable too.

It is also a beautiful tale of destiny and romance, of finding yourself and the beauty within. It's about hope, fighting for your life, second chances and trusting your instincts. It's sexy hot too!

This is the kind of book that really cannot be pigeon-holed into one genre - it is unique and needs its own. It's the kind of book you can truly escape to and just when you think you know what happens next there's another twist. It blew me away! Highly recommend it!

This was a seriously dark book that broached taboo cults and all the sinister aspects that we most commonly associate with them. Add to the mix a beautifully strong woman and an MC that gives us the alpha male that is a beautiful wreck. Mae and Styx make an awesome couple and Rider just broke my heart. I can't wait to see how the story plays out in the next book. Warning though, this book is not for the faint hearted and many scenes can be though to get through. Tillie does a great job in not glorifying the brutal aspects of Mae's childhood and warned you numerous times as to the darker parts of the book. Great job love your books and can't wait for the next in the saga.

One of the best MC stories around!!! WOW! I just finished and I'm still breathless. Tillie wove such a wonderful web in this story that I read it in one day, staying up late to do so. The twists and turns were so shocking that I had to go back and read them again to make sure I read it right. Styx and Mae are the ultimate couple. Both trouble pasts, both love hard and love their "families". I really don't want to put any spoilers in the review because I think EVERYONE should read this marvelous story but I will say this...who you think is the Rat is not and who is will make you go "WHAT!" YES, THAT GOOD!

I've NEVER read a more fast paced, action packed, emotionally charged book EVER. It flowed perfectly! This is the first book of Tillie Cole's I've read and will put her in my top 5 authors and this may even knock off my favorite Black Box, by Cassia Leo, for my #1 favorite book ever. It's just that darn fantastic. Be sure to read the author's notes at the beginning of the book, because her research included talks with actual female cult survivors. The reality of that, plus the love story between a Cursed Snow White of a beauty and a mute MC prez in this book makes it sad, yet totally kick ass. You'll get a totally satisfying HEA with somewhat of a cliffhanger. I am anxious to read the 2nd in the series.

So I must admit after reading some of these reviews I was not sure if I wanted to even read this book. Well, everyone has an opinion and for me...This book was fabulous. The emotional aspect alone kept me reading practically non-stop. Page after page I wanted to know, what happens next. The connection and chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable. Throw in a couple of curveballs and it makes a great story. Sadly some of it does touch on a few subjects that we as a civilized society would like to think does not happen. However, in many places what is described is a reality. I encourage you to read it, it might surprise you. Well done Tillie Cole!

REVIEW

River ‘Styx’ Nash has only known one life: club life. Born and raised into the club he has seen the good and the bad side of it. He rises through the ranks and ends up becoming the club president. Even with his speech impediment, he has become one of the most feared and respected members.

Salome has known one life: confinement. She has been confined behind fences and walls ever since she was deemed as a “sin for being able to tempt men” because her beauty. She and her sisters have to endure years of sexual and physical abuse. She manages to flee after she find one of her sisters dying.

Styx and Salome manage to cross paths and everything changes for the both of them.

For all of you who love Sons of Anarchy as much as i do, i am definitely recommending you read this book immediately. It was hard reading about the abuse that Salome and her sisters went through, but it was necessary in order to understand exactly what goes on, in real life, in some of these cults. It was also nice to read about a guy who was this strong and scary figure but also suffered from a speech impediment that made him feel self conscious and more real instead of a fictional character. Both of the characters went through such traumatic events in their lives that you can’t help but rooting for them, throughout the whole book, that they have a happily ever after. Also, the secondary characters are just as amazing as the main ones.

I recommend you read this book on the weekend or just when you have any abundance of time because once you start it, you won’t want to put it down.

FAVOURITE QUOTE

You stole my heart fifteen yes ago and you still haven’t given it back.

RATING

★★★★/5

Good story, good characters, however, the Rough language seems forced and over used. It is a biker club but it read like a Sons of Anarchy episode with extreme violence (I love SOA, but it was different to read than to watch).
Also, anatomy needs to be researched. The womb is not in a location that can be touched during physical acts of anything. The cervix, maybe.
Also other inaccurate aspects in the story.
I really like Tillie Cole's writing, but this isn't one of her finest.
I do ,maybe, want to read the next book just because the characters are good and I want to know what happens.

this is the story of Styx & Mae
A chance encounter years ago when they were children Styx first met Mae or as she was called back then Salome. Salome is living in a personal hell that she manages to escape from leading her by chance straight into the arms of Styx. Now that Styx has her back, he is willing to do everything he can to keep her safe and in his arms. So many challenges for Styx and Mae to face, it's love at first site from when they were children not knowing any better, that picks right up again when they are adults.

I really liked this book because it was long, about the MC and it brought to light the kind of stuff that happens in the real world. I mean many brain Washing cults are really out there?it is a real eye opener. I like how the author wrote the lead female character. How she stood up for herself even though what she went through in the cult.
I have to say though, the reason I did not give this book a full five star review is how the MC men referred to their women. Always calling them b*tch. I know this happens in a real MC. I have to finish by saying I can't wait to read the next in this series.

I loved this story. I loved the relationship between Styx and Mae. I don't want to give too much of the book away but be prepared for a wild ride. The way he protects her, the way he loves her...Amazing. The way she prevails, the way she shows strength and determination.....Inspiring.
This book is dark and talks about taboo subject and has difficult situations that will be hard for some to read.

Confession...I have hundreds of unread eBooks due to my one-click addiction causing so many incredible books like It Ain't Me, Babe to get lost in the mass sea of eBooks. A definite 'why did I wait so long to read?', this book captured my full attention from the very beginning both with the lives of those living inside the cult and the MC.

Can't wait to read the rest of this series!

This book is different than the others, but holy hell is that ever a good thing. Mae grew up a little different than the rest of us....no I take that back. Styx grew up slightly different than us with a future in a bike gang and a speech impediment. Mae grew up in the pit of hell. She is the sweetest and most innocent girl to have had to live the life she did. She first spots Styx through a fence and doesn't see him for years. When she does finally meet him does the book take off. Styx denies his feelings for Mae due to the club. Mae grows closer to Rider, who I admit is pretty sweet!! There a major twist to the story that makes you look closer to the characters and think what the heck just happened? I can't say anymore or it will spoil the book..must read!!!!!!!!!!

After having this book sitting in my shelf for months and a whole lot of insisting from a friend, I finally picked it up and gave it a shot. Wow !! Can't believe I've waited this long to read this story. Not only did it take me out of a nasty book funk I've had but it had me biting my nails and unable to move from the same spot for 8 hours until I finally finished this piece of art. Thank Betül for insisting that I pick this book up and thanks to Tillie for providing such an amazing read. I'm off to read the next one in the series ;)

Holy beautiful batman, what a beautiful, raw and intense story, duel pov, suspense that has you on the edge of your seat and an absolutely shocking and heart-breaking and heart-melting beautiful love story of all times. a story line that will keep you in a complete memorizing trance from beginning to end. this was simply beautiful with a hardship & a shocking twist that will take you on a journey of a life time. A 5 star story that you will fall in love with it's raw beauty and sympathize at other times with it's harshness, A story that I extremely and highly recommend as a must read <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

This book was so different from anything I've read before. A religious commune up against an MC! I went in sceptical but soon lost myself in the pages. Styx and Mae just jumped off the pages and I turned the pages faster and faster. Never before have I been on a roller coaster ride of emotions,rooting for the hero to rescue his woman! Can't wait to read the next installment.

Wow Great read!! This was my 1st Tillie Cole book and it was awesome ?? 5 emotionally charged stars. Mae’s story was so gut wrenching goodness I cried and cried the awful things she endured ?. But then in walks Styx I love this guy!!! I could read their story over and over. Beautiful love story, Thanks Tillie Cole

Tillie Cole holds no punches — literally — with It Ain't Me, Babe. Many of the books I read skim over the gory and violent activities of the bad guys, but not here. We read it all in this book: the good, the bad, and the disturbing. I enjoyed reading about Mae and Styx's story and being introduced to the Hades Hangmen, the most hardcore of all motorcycle clubs. And then there's Styx's mouth. That. Mouth. I stand up and applaud the talent of that mouth. I absolutely recommend It Ain't Me, Babe, and I'll definitely pick up Heart Recaptured when I recover from the darkness of the Hades Hangmen. [4-1/2 stars]